Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding illegal immigration and sanctuary cities. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

 At a time when our borders are used as gateways for terrorists [emphasis added], drug cartels, and human smuggling, we need to send a clear message that illegal immigration will not be tolerated. One large part of this problem are the cities that have passed laws that protect illegal immigrants in what amount to sanctuary cities. We must repeal the policies that have created sanctuary cities because when immigration status is not checked, individuals who have been held in custody could go free once again into our communities, even if they have been ordered for deportation or are on a terrorist watch list.

 To confront this issue, I am a proud original co-sponsor of H.R. 3531, the Accountability in Enforcing Immigration Laws Act introduced on September 18, 2007, by Representative Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL). This bill has several important provisions. First, the bill would revoke 25 percent of non-emergency Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funds from sanctuary cities and give the Secretary of DHS the discretionary authority to revoke an additional 25 percent of those funds based on continued non-compliance. Second, it would expand the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program that provides funds for states and localities to incarcerate illegal immigrants. Third, it would clarify that state law enforcement has the inherent authority to investigate, arrest or transfer to federal authorities any illegal immigrant apprehended in the course of routine duties.

Each of these provisions is vital in our quest for true enforcement of our immigration laws. The first provision attacks the hypocrisy of sanctuary cities that request DHS funds for national security while actively harboring illegal immigrants. The second provision provides federal funds to support the costs of incarceration for illegal immigrants so that states and localities no longer have to pay the entire bill for the federal prerogative of immigration enforcement. The third provision finally criminalizes illegal immigration. As it stands now, illegal immigration is only a civil infraction and by raising the offense level to a felony, it sends a strong message that illegal immigration will not be tolerated in our country.

As Chairman of the Immigration Reform Caucus, I pledge to continue to fight for the enforcement of our immigration laws and for a comprehensive immigration reform plan that will end illegal immigration. Thank you for your steadfast support, efforts and passion in our fight against illegal immigration. Our victories in the past and in the future would not have been possible without your tremendous contributions.

Again, thank you for contacting me, and if you have any further questions please call me or my office at (202) 225-0508.