House Border Bill a Solid Start

By Michael Cutler

A Washington Times article today encourages me because an enforcement-only bill the House of Representatives passed finally deals with helping to secure our nation's border with Mexico. Clearly far more than that needs to be done to really get the immigration crisis under control, but this bill demonstrates that more members of Congress are yielding to the demands of their constituents by making the security of our nation's borders their priority. It is also interesting that because of this growing awareness, members who just one year ago would not have supported such legislation have come on board, regardless of party affiliation. The article makes note of Democrats who oppose the legislation, but it is clear that some Democrats are no longer marching in lock-step with their party, demonstrating an apparent understanding that their political careers are on the line. Rep. Loretta Sanchez is right in noting that the bill does not address the northern border and that situation also needs to be effectively addressed, as does the issue of the enforcement of the immigration laws from within the interior of the United States that I have been advocating at every opportunity.

I find the argument that the fence would force illegal aliens and terrorists to take a more dangerous path in attempting to enter the United States illegally to be utterly outrageous! It is the equivalent argument that someone might make about a home owner who secures his home against intruders with stronger doors and stronger locks because then a burglar might have to climb through a back window, thereby endangering the burglar's safety! Those politicians, and open border advocates, make it sound as though any alien who wishes to enter the United States should be able to do so regardless of the fact that every nation is defined by its borders and has the absolute right to securing its borders against illegal intruders. To say that this legislation represents hostility towards immigrants is another one of those outrageous statements that cannot go unchallenged. This is not about stopping immigrants but about stopping illegal aliens and terrorists. It is time to be honest with our language where immigration is concerned. Immigrants who have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence have the right to petition the government to permit their spouses and minor children to join them in the United States. They have the right to work at virtually any job they are qualified to do. They are able to travel freely around our country and across our nation's borders. They are, in fact, on the path to become naturalized citizens of the United States. As I have said on many other occasions, the difference between an immigrant and an illegal alien is the difference between a houseguest and a burglar.

The ridiculous comparison of the border fence with the Berlin Wall also needs to be addressed. Communist Germany erected that infamous wall in an effort to keep its own citizens from fleeing the oppressive government under which they suffered. In effect they converted their nation into a huge prison. Their citizens who fled across that infamous wall often paid for their efforts to flee that totalitarian regime with their lives. America does not prevent anyone from leaving. We simply have the right to make certain we can control who enters our country. The barbed wire fence that surrounds a prison is not designed to keep people out but rather prisoners from escaping. Just as the citizens of East Germany risked everything to flee their home country, Mexicans and others are doing much the same thing today.

Much work remains to be done. As I have often said, immigration is a system and the entire system, including the bureaucracy at USCIS that adjudicates applications for various immigration benefits. That needs to be given an 'extreme makeover' including a massive infusion of resources and leadership to deal with the rampant fraud and lack of security that plagues that component of the administration and enforcement of the immigration laws.. The Visa Waiver Program that enables aliens from some 27 nations to apply for admission into the United States needs to be terminated. I could go on about all of these issues that this legislation does not address, but it is important that the tide seems to be changing. I have made the comparison that the immigration system is not unlike a boat with many holes in its bottom. Only patching one or two holes will not keep the boat afloat. However, I am encouraged that the House passed the Border Fence Bill that represents a good first step in plugging one of the big holes. I am also encouraged that 64 Democrats voted for that bill. Border security and the effective administration and enforcement of our nation's immigration laws are neither a Republican issue nor a Democrat issue, it is an American issue.

I commend the members of the House of Representatives who, by voting for the border fence, have demonstrated a willingness to listen to their constituents. That is how democracy is supposed to work! I hope that the members of the United States Senate are paying attention to this practical lesson in civics! Now it is their turn to follow the initiative taken by the House of Representatives and vote for a similar bill to get the process of securing our nation's borders rolling and ultimately taking the other steps that will help protect our nation and our citizens. There is a breeze blowing, I hope it is the beginnings of the 'wind of change' blowing across the political landscape!

Lead, follow or get out of the way!

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