Cliff Stearns: “With our Nation's dedication to homeland security after the horrors of September 11, most citizens believe today that it…”

“With our Nation's dedication to homeland security after the horrors of September 11, most citizens believe today that it is time to strengthen, secure our borders and reform our immigration policies. It appears that some type of reforms are on the horizon. And reforms are needed. Many of us on this floor believe that above all else, we should enforce our immigration laws that are currently on the books. It is the men and women who stand on our borders today, enforcing these laws every day, but they may be confused. Unsure of their relevance, border agents are now questioning why they must fight each day to secure our borders in light of the proposed 'guest worker' program. This program was to help Mexico's President Fox as part of a large amnesty plan that has been in the works since September 11 after the terrorist attacks. But, Mr. Speaker, a question could be asked, why are we rewarding a country that has been opposed to our war on terror? According to the Subcommittee on Social Security of the House Committee on Ways and Means, benefits paid to retirees will exceed revenues in just 15 years.”