Press Release

Today U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (3^rd Dist.-Texas) delivered the following statement on immigration reform on the floor of the House.  Tomorrow the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on strict border security measures. 

“You know….if you’re here legally, you ought to be rewarded.  If you’re here illegally, you ought to be deported.

“My constituents constantly complain to me that illegal immigration is a huge problem.

“In some instances, local officials have to use the so-called ‘catch-and-release’ policy when they apprehend an illegal immigrant.  That person should be sent home or put in jail. 

“Why would we want someone -- who was just picked up by police – and is here illegally - - still out in the community… and potentially free to flee?  That just doesn’t make any sense. 

“It’s time America ends the catch-and-release policy when it comes to illegal immigration.

Texans – and Americans - want, need and deserve real immigration reform.”

This week Johnson will support the three get-tough initiatives on illegal immigration. 

First, he’ll vote for the Border Tunnel Prevention Act of 2006, which punishes those who make tunnels for smuggling illegal immigrants into America.

He’ll also vote for the Illegal Immigrant Deterrence and Public Safety Act.  This bill promotes detaining dangerous illegal immigrants.  The bill allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain beyond six months dangerous illegal immigrants if their release would threaten national security, threaten the safety of the community, or have serious adverse foreign policy consequences.  It also enhances state and local law enforcement authority.  

Last, he’ll vote for the Effective Immigration Enforcement and Community Protection Act.  This measure ends the catch-and-release policy and allows DHS to detain and deport illegal immigrants who are members of a gang and bar them from receiving asylum or temporary protected status.