Bush Border Approach-Step Forward, Step Back

Illegal immigration threatens our national security and strains our healthcare facilities, schools and social services. President Bush made one step forward and one step backward during tonight’s address. I am encouraged by his plan to increase our security by positioning National Guard troops on the border. This will provide essential – but temporary – security along our porous and vulnerable borders. The better alternative is to enact a comprehensive border security program to our immigration policies by constructing fences, bolstering our border patrols and escalating our surveillance capabilities.

I strongly disagree with the President’s call for a guest worker program. A guest worker program is nothing more than amnesty wearing make-up – it’s easier to look at, but just as ugly underneath. The simple truth is that if you break the law to come to this country, you will not respect it once you’re here.