William F. Smith: “This bill is the first step back on the long road to real homeland security. First, this bill prevents terrorists and…”

“This bill is the first step back on the long road to real homeland security. First, this bill prevents terrorists and others from getting driver's licenses by requiring applicants to prove that they are in the country legally. Driver's licenses can be used to board an aircraft, open a bank account and get a job. To preserve our security, we must deny terrorists the ability to obtain this form of identification. In addition, this legislation makes it harder for terrorists to exploit our asylum system. It also requires the completion of the 14-mile San Diego border fence, which Congress approved in 1996. Finally, this legislation strengthens our ability to deport terrorists. Current law makes terrorists inadmissible for certain offenses but not deportable for those same offenses. Congress can improve homeland security by passing this legislation. But if the administration wants to continue to protect the lives of Americans, it can also take immediate steps to change policies that have encouraged illegal immigration.”