Dear Eric: Thank you for contacting me to share your concerns about illegal immigration. As you know, members of Congress have been debating various proposals and a number of Senators have negotiated an agreement on immigration reform. I believe it is important to closely scrutinize their plan and I value your input as this bill comes under consideration.
As you know, the issue of immigration is one that is extremely controversial in Washington. The United States of America is a nation of immigrants. But we are also a nation of laws. The people of South Dakota hold a wide range of views on immigration, but one thing that we all seem to agree on is that the current system is broken. The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate passed separate immigration reform bills during the last Congress. On December 16, 2005, the House approved the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act (H.R. 4437) by a vote of 239 -182. I supported this legislation because it is designed to prevent illegal immigration and reestablish respect for our immigration laws. I was disappointed, however, that the House bill was limited to border security and relied on law enforcement to combat illegal immigration, while doing nothing to address the broader issues one would desire in an inclusive immigration package.
I am pleased to let you know the House bill included an amendment I introduced to eliminate the visa lottery program from the Immigration and Nationality Act, in order to make the administration of our immigration laws more consistent and fair. National security is too important to allow institutional randomness in our immigration policy. The visa lottery injects a level of unnecessary and irresponsible uncertainty into the immigration process. My amendment is a practical provision that will make our nation safer, while preserving the existing procedures for qualified immigrants with ties to an employer or family member lawfully residing in the United States. These relationships ensure new immigrants have a stake in our nation's future and continued success. The Senate passed the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act (S. 2611) by a vote of 62 - 36 on May 25, 2006. The last Congress did not reconcile the differences between the House and Senate immigration reform bills in a conference committee.
In September 2006, however, the Congress enacted legislation that I supported that adds criminal penalties for the construction of illegal tunnels under the U.S. border and increases penalties for using such tunnels for human smuggling. I also supported legislation the Congress passed to construct a 700-mile fence along the U.S.-Mexico border and enhance technological surveillance of the border. Because of the importance of keeping our nation safe, I am optimistic that broader immigration reform is possible. I will keep your comments in mind as this immigration legislation progresses through both houses of Congress. Thanks again for contacting me. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to let me know.
Sincerely, Stephanie Herseth Sandlin
As you know, the issue of immigration is one that is extremely controversial in Washington. The United States of America is a nation of immigrants. But we are also a nation of laws. The people of South Dakota hold a wide range of views on immigration, but one thing that we all seem to agree on is that the current system is broken. The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate passed separate immigration reform bills during the last Congress. On December 16, 2005, the House approved the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act (H.R. 4437) by a vote of 239 -182. I supported this legislation because it is designed to prevent illegal immigration and reestablish respect for our immigration laws. I was disappointed, however, that the House bill was limited to border security and relied on law enforcement to combat illegal immigration, while doing nothing to address the broader issues one would desire in an inclusive immigration package.
I am pleased to let you know the House bill included an amendment I introduced to eliminate the visa lottery program from the Immigration and Nationality Act, in order to make the administration of our immigration laws more consistent and fair. National security is too important to allow institutional randomness in our immigration policy. The visa lottery injects a level of unnecessary and irresponsible uncertainty into the immigration process. My amendment is a practical provision that will make our nation safer, while preserving the existing procedures for qualified immigrants with ties to an employer or family member lawfully residing in the United States. These relationships ensure new immigrants have a stake in our nation's future and continued success. The Senate passed the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act (S. 2611) by a vote of 62 - 36 on May 25, 2006. The last Congress did not reconcile the differences between the House and Senate immigration reform bills in a conference committee.
In September 2006, however, the Congress enacted legislation that I supported that adds criminal penalties for the construction of illegal tunnels under the U.S. border and increases penalties for using such tunnels for human smuggling. I also supported legislation the Congress passed to construct a 700-mile fence along the U.S.-Mexico border and enhance technological surveillance of the border. Because of the importance of keeping our nation safe, I am optimistic that broader immigration reform is possible. I will keep your comments in mind as this immigration legislation progresses through both houses of Congress. Thanks again for contacting me. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to let me know.
Sincerely, Stephanie Herseth Sandlin