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Congressman Calvert Views On California Immigration Bill

IMMIGRATION:  Enforcement, Strength and Consistency
 
Calvert Basic Pilot Program integral part of H.R. 4437 Immigration Reform Bill
 
Immigration has been in the news lately and I want to be sure my position on immigration policy is clear.  We are a nation of laws and laws must be obeyed.  The rule of law should apply to those who seek to enter the United States and to those who exercise their right to demonstrate in public on this issue.
 
I am categorically opposed to giving amnesty to illegal immigrants and support enforcement efforts to gain control of our borders.  In December the House passed H.R. 4437 with my support, by a vote of 239-182, which increases enforcement of our border, (including a border fence), mandates that employers verify that their workforce is legal, and increases resources for interior enforcement efforts.
 
My legislation was the basis for the provision in H.R. 4437 which requires all employers to use an automatic employment verification program that would check all employees’ names and Social Security Numbers.  Currently, a voluntary program which I authored, called the Basic Pilot Program, is in use in all 50 states and has run successfully for a decade.  I support making this program mandatory because I believe it is one way to turn off the “job magnet” and stem the tide of illegal immigration.
 
I support a number of other proposals to enforce immigration laws which include extending the U.S.-Mexico border fence for the entire length of the border, eliminating the diversity visa lottery, and increasing penalties for illegal immigrants and those who encourage illegal migration.  Only after these issues are addressed can we enact a realistic guest worker program.
 
The Senate has begun to consider an immigration reform package as well.  After the Senate passes an immigration reform bill, the two versions must be reconciled so that a final bill is voted on by each chamber before being sent to the President for signature.
I will continue to support immigration legislation that focuses on an enforcement-first approach and will encourage my colleagues to do the same.

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