Cliff Stearns: “I rise today to address a problem that should be at the forefront of our agenda as we move into the 108th Congress. Our…”

“I rise today to address a problem that should be at the forefront of our agenda as we move into the 108th Congress. Our immigration system today needs improvement. Unfortunately, it took a tragedy to remind us about this. This country, of course, was based upon immigration. It was what has made us strong and all Americans recognize its importance. But this system needs improvement. We must continue to facilitate the entry of those men and women who make productive citizens, yet continue to filter those who are not eligible and those who could bring harm to our way of life. As a body, we recently moved the INS to the Department of Homeland Security, a measure that signals a return to our security. This administration has realized the fact that reorganization must take place before we can take steps to reform our immigration system. At no other time in our Nation's history have we faced more of a threat to our domestic security; but as we make strides towards improved security measures, I am deeply concerned that countries, even those who are considered allies, are lining up to compromise our work. Every day, Mr. Speaker, thousands of illegal immigrants stream across our sieve-like borders and into our country. Once they are inside, the grim reality stands that they are totally, totally untrackable. Yet our neighbor to the south does nothing to help us.…”