Political Quotes

“it is no secret that for decades, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has been beleaguered with complaints of mismanagement, ineffective border control and a growing backlog of immigrant applications and petitions. The events of September 11th underscored the need for an immigration overhaul. H.R. 3231 is a step in the right direction to improve this institution. However, unless Congress and the Administration make immigration a priority and are willing to adequately fund its mission, then this structural division of INS will not make a difference. In order for immigration to be successful, the Administration must support: The front end of the State Department. From Mexico City to Manila the consular corps are understaffed and overburdened. As people apply for entry in the U.S. abroad, we cannot strengthen INS without commensurate support for the State Dept. Adequate funding for services and law enforcement measures. Far too often, INS employees are being asked to do more and more without sufficient resources. The Federal Government must make it a priority to provide them with the tools they need to do their jobs effectively and efficiently. Only when the several agencies involved in immigration--from the State Dept. to INS--can cooperate and implement a clear, concise, and consistent mission will immigration control redeem itself from a history of mismanagement and ineffective border control. I support the passage of H.R. 3231.”