Graves Introduces Immigration Legislation

Press Release

Today, Congressman Sam Graves introduced the Border Security and Employee Verification Improvement Act of 2010. Graves released the following statement upon introduction:

"It's no secret illegal immigration is an ongoing problem in the United States and that the federal government has thus far failed to stem the tide of illegal aliens entering our country," Graves said. "The so-called "virtual fence' has not worked. It is now clearer than ever that we cannot hope to stop individuals from entering this country illegally until we finish building a physical fence on our southern border. In addition, we must give the U.S. Border Patrol the materials and manpower it needs to enforce our immigration laws. Businesses also need to know they are hiring law-abiding citizens when they have an open position.

"It is for these reasons I have introduced the Border Security and Employee Verification Act of 2010. My bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to immediately begin building an additional 150 miles of fence on the southern border. The Department must also report to Congress on their plan and timeframe for finishing a fence along our entire border. Along with the additional fencing, the bill increases the number of Border Patrol agents on our southern border by 6,000. It also provides them with the facilities and vehicles they need to carry out their mission.

"My legislation would require Homeland Security to make certain the E-Verify program -- which allows employers to check possible employees against databases to ensure they aren't undocumented -- is working as well as it can for the businesses that rely on it. We need to make sure the E-Verify system is as current and accurate as possible so companies know they are hiring legal citizens.

"Our country's founding was based on the rule of law. Those who enter this country without going through the proper naturalization process have violated one of our most basic principles. By circumventing the immigration system, they disadvantage the millions of new Americans who have spent the time, energy and money to come here legally. Many illegal aliens take jobs legal immigrants want and others live off taxpaying Americans. My bill will make sure we are taking positive steps to seal our southern border, properly patrol it and give businesses a vital resource they need to operate within the letter of the law."

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