Open letter to Congressman Westmoreland:
As a lifetime conservative Republican, I am writing to question your actions and those of the majority House about illegal immigration.
As you are aware, Americans across the political spectrum have plainly rejected the idea of amnesty for illegals going back to 2007. This strong majority opinion remains as high or higher now than in 2007.
My question to you, sir, is, “Why is immigration reform (which is badly needed), tied to U.S. border security?”
They are two completely separate issues which should be handled independently.
Our national security depends on secure borders as a sovereign nation. Illegal immigrants in this country result from failure to execute and enforce our existing immigration laws. If Congress and the White House continue to tie border security with immigration reform, it will fail.
Americans want their border secured first and that means absolute security utilizing any and all means necessary, including federalizing select National Guard units to guard the border (as a temporary measure), while appropriate fencing and electronic security are developed and delivered into place along our borders.
Once these actions are complete, the American people will entertain reasonable solutions to the immigration laws and what needs to be done to resolve the dilemma we now face.
However, I will caution that Americans do not want to bear the financial burden of paying for a myriad of social welfare benefits and entitlements that illegals are now using and abusing in our country.
My final question is, “Why won’t you and the House Republican caucus introduce a separate bill to secure our borders, period?
This would bring into clear view to the American people that their government is performing it’s most important task under the Constitution, which is to protect and secure our sovereign nation.
Roger Casale
Peachtree City, Ga.
