Burns: Immigration Reforms Must Not Include Amnesty
March-30, 2006
Burns: Immigration Reforms Must Not Include Amnesty
(SAVANNAH, GA) - As the United States Senate begins day two of debate on reforming America's immigration laws, Max Burns, former Congressman running to represent Georgia's new 12th District, today released the following statement reiterating his long-held position concerning immigration reforms to secure our boarders:
"The terrorist attacks of September 11th struck at the very core of our nation and made us realize that there is nothing more important than the security of the American people. Since those attacks, the United States has enacted many reforms, at home and abroad, to secure our homeland, but unfortunately we've failed to meet the challenge in dealing with the illegal immigration crisis. America's immigration system is badly in need of repair, and Congress must find a solution to the illegal immigration problem and protect our borders to ensure the safety of our citizens.
"First, America must immediately deport illegal immigrants who are criminals, restrict government benefits for illegal aliens and substantially increase the penalties for committing document and benefit fraud. We will not be secure until Congress secures our borders and the administration enforces our current laws. I support strengthening our borders and providing more resources, technology and training to the Department of Homeland Security and the Border Patrol to keep illegals out of our country.
"Then we must create an effective legal guest worker program that does not include amnesty in any form. All across the 12th District Georgians are telling me they oppose any efforts from those who want to disregard our current immigration laws and grant amnesty to individuals who've illegally enter the United States. We cannot reward illegal behavior with legal status.
"Finally, illegal immigrants must return to their home countries and apply for legal access to our country through the new guest worker program. Georgians tell me the Senate's version (the Kennedy-McCain plan) to grant legal status and a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants is wrong and these individuals who have broken our laws must not be elevated to the front of the line.
"I welcome the benefits that legal immigrants bring to the United States. The agriculture community desperately needs legal workers to fill those jobs when Americans cannot be found to do the work, but Georgians have told me they want a responsible solution to our immigration crisis."
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