John Jacob's responses to News candidate questionnaire
1. The House recently passed a bill to crack down on illegal immigration through tighter border security and tougher enforcement. Do you think this bill alone would be effective? Why or why not?
Although this bill is a first step, it alone does not solve the problem of illegal immigration. The key problem we've witnessed over the last 10 years has without a doubt been enforcement of the laws we already have in place. This bill has the potential to be very promising but regardless of how impressive a piece of legislation may seem, if we don't have elected officials who will provide the tools and resources to enforce it, we cannot expect it to solve the overwhelming problem of illegal immigration.
2. The Senate recently passed a bill that, along with enforcement, would grant many of the nation's estimated 12 million illegal immigrants an eventual path to citizenship, along with creating new pathways for immigration. Do you think this bill alone would be effective? Why?
This bill is ineffective and insufficient at best. It would automatically grant amnesty to over 12 million illegal immigrants while law-abiding applicants wait in their home countries for years before entering the United States. We cannot reward those who break the law. The bill fails to address the root problems associated with the illegal immigration crisis and underhandedly tries to appease both the lawful and unlawful immigrant. A much more assertive, principled approach must be taken.
3. What are the top three elements needed for an effective immigration reform?
First and foremost, secure our borders. You can't expect to fix a leaky boat without first stopping up the hole. Second, although some may be fighting to create an expedited pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants, we must obey the laws that are already in place until we establish new laws. Third, we must provide tools that allow and require businesses to hire legal, documented workers. Businesses should not be unduly burdened to enforce the laws but they should be expected to obey them.
4. President Bush has added National Guard troops to patrol the border with Mexico. What will be the most effective tools for securing the border, troops, walls, technology, and what should be done first?
Because border security is such a crucial element in the effort to manage illegal immigration, a combination of all three will be essential in sufficiently securing our borders. The first troops that were called to protect our southern border were from the Utah National Guard. Since then, many have volunteered to the cause. This speaks to the valor and the honor of our troops. Our soldiers are engaged in a just cause and deserve adequate resources and proper funding.
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