Senator Mikulski responded to my letter on Immigration and illegal aliens. See if her response makes you feel like me that we will never see any real reform.
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for contacting me about immigration and the current debate about immigration reform. I appreciate hearing from you about this issue.
I absolutely agree with you that our nation's immigration system is broken and must be repaired. I believe that comprehensive immigration reform must protect our borders, protect American jobs and not penalize those who have played by the rules. It is important that we adopt a sensible approach to dealing with the illegal immigrants who are currently in the country.
As Congress continues to work on immigration reform, I will continue to work on finding sensible, bipartisan solutions to fix the immigration system. I appreciate hearing your views on immigration reform and want you to know that they will be useful to me as the Senate continues to debate this issue.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
Showing posts with label Illegal Aliens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Illegal Aliens. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Monday, April 27, 2009
Senator Cardin on Illegal Aliens
Senator Ben Cardin - Democrat Maryland - sent the following response to my letter dealing with illegal aliens getting driver licenses in Maryland.
I am surprised that he is actually showing a semi-tough approach. Of course this is talk, we'll see if his actions speak as loud as his words.
Its Common Sense!
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for writing to me regarding our country's immigration system.
Our nation's immigration and border security system is broken and must be fixed. We must require illegal immigrants to step forward and become legal and we must better secure our borders. We must restore the rule of law and enhance security at our borders. The Congress and the President must work together to reform our laws . We also must use the full force of the law against employers who hire illegal immigrants.
I support changes to the law that will require illegal immigrants to become legal. They must pay taxes, learn English, and pass criminal background checks. This process won't be easy or quick, but it will be fair and practical. Individuals who came to this country illegally will be bumped to the back of the line behind those who waited to come to this country legally. And illegal immigrants with a criminal record would be deported. Those who refuse to register and meet these con ditions also should be deported.
To secure our borders, the government should require the use of a biometric entry-exit system for all land borders, so that we have an accurate record of who is entering and leaving the United States . We should create a "smart" enforcement regime which will produce more efficient inspections and screenings, and allow us to target and tailor our limited resources to combat illegal smuggling of people and contraband. I supported recent appropriations that provided $1.6 billion for border security fencing, infrastructure and technology, and facility construction, as well as the hiring of 3,000 new Border Patrol agents.
To meet the needs of our workforce and promote family reunification, we should set in place realistic immigration numbers and policies, and clear the backlog of legal visas, green card legal permit resident and citizenship applications. In the last Congress, Senator Feinstein has introduced the "Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits and Security Act" , S. 340, in order to provide for new blue card visas and modify the H-2A program. This year, Senator Mikulski has introduced the "Save our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act" , S. 3 88, to extend the annual cap exemption for returning H-2B workers. While these two bills address key issues in the immigration debate, a comprehensive approach is the only way to adequately deal with this issue.
We can no longer ignore corporations who are hiring and exploiting illegal workers. This practice takes jobs away from Americans and depresses wages for everyone. These unlawful companies must be prosecuted and face stiff criminal and civil penalties. We need smart policies like improved border patrols, full enforcement of our laws, and requiring illegal immigrants to become legal.
The status quo is not working. Allowing 12 million to hide in the shadows and live in this country illegally is unacceptable. Our system must be fixed. Again, thank you for writing to me regarding this important issue. If I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me in the future.
Please visit my website at http://cardin.senate.gov to sign up for my e-newsletter
I am surprised that he is actually showing a semi-tough approach. Of course this is talk, we'll see if his actions speak as loud as his words.
Its Common Sense!
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for writing to me regarding our country's immigration system.
Our nation's immigration and border security system is broken and must be fixed. We must require illegal immigrants to step forward and become legal and we must better secure our borders. We must restore the rule of law and enhance security at our borders. The Congress and the President must work together to reform our laws . We also must use the full force of the law against employers who hire illegal immigrants.
I support changes to the law that will require illegal immigrants to become legal. They must pay taxes, learn English, and pass criminal background checks. This process won't be easy or quick, but it will be fair and practical. Individuals who came to this country illegally will be bumped to the back of the line behind those who waited to come to this country legally. And illegal immigrants with a criminal record would be deported. Those who refuse to register and meet these con ditions also should be deported.
To secure our borders, the government should require the use of a biometric entry-exit system for all land borders, so that we have an accurate record of who is entering and leaving the United States . We should create a "smart" enforcement regime which will produce more efficient inspections and screenings, and allow us to target and tailor our limited resources to combat illegal smuggling of people and contraband. I supported recent appropriations that provided $1.6 billion for border security fencing, infrastructure and technology, and facility construction, as well as the hiring of 3,000 new Border Patrol agents.
To meet the needs of our workforce and promote family reunification, we should set in place realistic immigration numbers and policies, and clear the backlog of legal visas, green card legal permit resident and citizenship applications. In the last Congress, Senator Feinstein has introduced the "Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits and Security Act" , S. 340, in order to provide for new blue card visas and modify the H-2A program. This year, Senator Mikulski has introduced the "Save our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act" , S. 3 88, to extend the annual cap exemption for returning H-2B workers. While these two bills address key issues in the immigration debate, a comprehensive approach is the only way to adequately deal with this issue.
We can no longer ignore corporations who are hiring and exploiting illegal workers. This practice takes jobs away from Americans and depresses wages for everyone. These unlawful companies must be prosecuted and face stiff criminal and civil penalties. We need smart policies like improved border patrols, full enforcement of our laws, and requiring illegal immigrants to become legal.
The status quo is not working. Allowing 12 million to hide in the shadows and live in this country illegally is unacceptable. Our system must be fixed. Again, thank you for writing to me regarding this important issue. If I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me in the future.
Please visit my website at http://cardin.senate.gov to sign up for my e-newsletter
Monday, April 20, 2009
Illegal Driver's Licenses
Here is a response from my local delegate regarding illegal aliens and driver licenses in Maryland. Does this make sense?
Dear Mr. Wolfe, Thank you for your e-mail. You are correct in your understanding of the bill's provisions. Maryland (unfortunately) has been one of five states that allows individuals to get driver's licenses without proof that they are here legally. If there had been more yes votes, that would have stopped effective April 19. As to your insurance question - as far as I know, an applicant for insurance doesn't have to provide proof of income. You are correct that an illegal immigrant who has a license can renew his license through 2015. Though since there weren't enough yes votes for the bill, an illegal immigrant could go to MVA before June 1 and get his license renewed for another five years anyway.
Sincerely, Del. Dana Stein
Dear Mr. Wolfe, Thank you for your e-mail. You are correct in your understanding of the bill's provisions. Maryland (unfortunately) has been one of five states that allows individuals to get driver's licenses without proof that they are here legally. If there had been more yes votes, that would have stopped effective April 19. As to your insurance question - as far as I know, an applicant for insurance doesn't have to provide proof of income. You are correct that an illegal immigrant who has a license can renew his license through 2015. Though since there weren't enough yes votes for the bill, an illegal immigrant could go to MVA before June 1 and get his license renewed for another five years anyway.
Sincerely, Del. Dana Stein
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Driver Licenses for Illegal Aliens in Maryland
Here is the first response I received from one of my local delegates discussing Maryland's law on driver licenses for illegal aliens. Notice he doesn't say how it began, only that it has to stop to be in compliance with Federal law. Except for those who already have licenses.
Please read and let me know what you think.
It doesn't make Common Sense to me!
Thank you for your note on HB 387. The bill passed the House and Senate. The bill is not perfect but was a necessary compromise to bring the State into compliance with Federal requirements under the Real ID Act and the regulations promulgated by the Department of Homeland Security.
HB 387 halts the issuance of new licenses to individuals that cannot prove lawful presence in the US and who cannot provide a valid social security number as of April 19, 2009. It also directs the MVA to establish a security plan to protect licensing materials and licensees' information; require criminal history background checks for certain MVA employees; and training for employees in fraudulent document recognition and security awareness.
Finally, and most controversially, HB 387 does allow current licensees who cannot prove lawful presence or show a valid social security number to renew their MVA license, permit or ID card for a non-Federally compliant document. They must prove their identity and Maryland residency and their license, permit or ID must not be suspended or revoked for other reasons. After July 1, 2015 these licenses will no longer be valid.
You may read the bill at http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/bills/hb/hb0387e.pdf .
I value constituent input and hope you will continue to share your thoughts and concerns with me. Please feel free to contact me or my legislative director, Mary Lou Cole, regarding this or any other issue.
Sincerely,
Dan K. Morhaim, M.D.
Delegate, District 11
Please read and let me know what you think.
It doesn't make Common Sense to me!
Thank you for your note on HB 387. The bill passed the House and Senate. The bill is not perfect but was a necessary compromise to bring the State into compliance with Federal requirements under the Real ID Act and the regulations promulgated by the Department of Homeland Security.
HB 387 halts the issuance of new licenses to individuals that cannot prove lawful presence in the US and who cannot provide a valid social security number as of April 19, 2009. It also directs the MVA to establish a security plan to protect licensing materials and licensees' information; require criminal history background checks for certain MVA employees; and training for employees in fraudulent document recognition and security awareness.
Finally, and most controversially, HB 387 does allow current licensees who cannot prove lawful presence or show a valid social security number to renew their MVA license, permit or ID card for a non-Federally compliant document. They must prove their identity and Maryland residency and their license, permit or ID must not be suspended or revoked for other reasons. After July 1, 2015 these licenses will no longer be valid.
You may read the bill at http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/bills/hb/hb0387e.pdf .
I value constituent input and hope you will continue to share your thoughts and concerns with me. Please feel free to contact me or my legislative director, Mary Lou Cole, regarding this or any other issue.
Sincerely,
Dan K. Morhaim, M.D.
Delegate, District 11
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Driver License for Illegal Immigrants
The legislature of the State of Maryland (my state) voted to continue issuing valid driver licenses to illegal aliens until June 1, 2009. They will also renew licenses for those illegals who already obtained a license.
I sent the following letters to my senators in DC and my representatives in Annaplois. As you will see, I find the whole business rather frightening. I think we are giving too much away trying to be "nice".
Please read and make your own decision.
After all - Its Common sense!
Dear Senator
Below is the message I sent to my representatives in Annapolis when I learned the state of Maryland is going to continue the practice of giving valid driver licenses to illegal aliens until June 1. What is Homeland Security's view of providing valid documents to illegals? Is the state of Maryland in violation of Federal law by providing legal documents to illegals who are not only migrant workers, but also criminals and terrorists?I find the situation very distrubing from a security point of view, especially with the problems currently on the USA/Mexico border. I appreciate your response.The message I sent to Annapolis follows.
Dear Representative
I just read that the State of Maryland passed the following legislation.
The bill bans anyone who cannot prove they are in the United States legally from obtaining a driver's license starting June 1. Had the bill passed by a three-fifth majority that ban on new licenses would have taken effect this Sunday.The bill will allow the estimated 350,000 illegal immigrants who currently have driver's licenses to renew them, until July 1, 2015, when they would expire, unless the immigrant obtained legal status.The renewed license would be labeled "not federal complaint" and could not be used as ID to board a plane.
How are illegal aliens currently able to obtain a valid Maryland driver's license? What documentation do they have to present? How does the state differentiate between illegal worker and illegal terrorist?So until June 1 any illegal alien in the country can come to Maryland and get a valid driver's license which will be a legal document and allow them access to air travel as citizens. Is that correct?Just what insurance companies are insuring these illegal aliens? After all, they do not have valid visas, Social Security Numbers, Tax IDs or anything else to show they have an income. So how are they getting insurance?The real kicker, besides from the insult of actually giving licenses, is that the state plans to renew them. Sure, they have "not federal complaint" but who cares? I find it shocking that our legislature is so worried about money that they have opted to put national security on the back burner and allow anyone who can provide the fee a driver's license with no questions asked.No wonder guns are headed to Mexico, illegal aliens can use a valid Maryland license to go to gun shows in Virginia and buy as many weapons as they want with no background check. (I saw 60 Minutes this week - National Security is a wonderful thing that all state governments seem to be supporting.)Needless to say, I like many others are sadly disappointed with the legislature's decision to give rights to illegal aliens that legal citizens in Maryland are not entitled to. I wonder whose interests the representatives in Annapolis are representing, we the taxpayers who have to fund the state and keep things going, or the lobby for illegals, who evidently have campaign funds available, even though their "constituents" do not pay taxes, Social Security or Medicare and who are draining the resources of state because no one is holding them accountable or enforcing the law.I for one will be reviewing voting records before the next election and giving serious thought to who I want as my representative in Annapolis. Your job is to look out for the legals not the illegals. We'll review your record and make our decision.YoursMichael Wolfe
I sent the following letters to my senators in DC and my representatives in Annaplois. As you will see, I find the whole business rather frightening. I think we are giving too much away trying to be "nice".
Please read and make your own decision.
After all - Its Common sense!
Dear Senator
Below is the message I sent to my representatives in Annapolis when I learned the state of Maryland is going to continue the practice of giving valid driver licenses to illegal aliens until June 1. What is Homeland Security's view of providing valid documents to illegals? Is the state of Maryland in violation of Federal law by providing legal documents to illegals who are not only migrant workers, but also criminals and terrorists?I find the situation very distrubing from a security point of view, especially with the problems currently on the USA/Mexico border. I appreciate your response.The message I sent to Annapolis follows.
Dear Representative
I just read that the State of Maryland passed the following legislation.
The bill bans anyone who cannot prove they are in the United States legally from obtaining a driver's license starting June 1. Had the bill passed by a three-fifth majority that ban on new licenses would have taken effect this Sunday.The bill will allow the estimated 350,000 illegal immigrants who currently have driver's licenses to renew them, until July 1, 2015, when they would expire, unless the immigrant obtained legal status.The renewed license would be labeled "not federal complaint" and could not be used as ID to board a plane.
How are illegal aliens currently able to obtain a valid Maryland driver's license? What documentation do they have to present? How does the state differentiate between illegal worker and illegal terrorist?So until June 1 any illegal alien in the country can come to Maryland and get a valid driver's license which will be a legal document and allow them access to air travel as citizens. Is that correct?Just what insurance companies are insuring these illegal aliens? After all, they do not have valid visas, Social Security Numbers, Tax IDs or anything else to show they have an income. So how are they getting insurance?The real kicker, besides from the insult of actually giving licenses, is that the state plans to renew them. Sure, they have "not federal complaint" but who cares? I find it shocking that our legislature is so worried about money that they have opted to put national security on the back burner and allow anyone who can provide the fee a driver's license with no questions asked.No wonder guns are headed to Mexico, illegal aliens can use a valid Maryland license to go to gun shows in Virginia and buy as many weapons as they want with no background check. (I saw 60 Minutes this week - National Security is a wonderful thing that all state governments seem to be supporting.)Needless to say, I like many others are sadly disappointed with the legislature's decision to give rights to illegal aliens that legal citizens in Maryland are not entitled to. I wonder whose interests the representatives in Annapolis are representing, we the taxpayers who have to fund the state and keep things going, or the lobby for illegals, who evidently have campaign funds available, even though their "constituents" do not pay taxes, Social Security or Medicare and who are draining the resources of state because no one is holding them accountable or enforcing the law.I for one will be reviewing voting records before the next election and giving serious thought to who I want as my representative in Annapolis. Your job is to look out for the legals not the illegals. We'll review your record and make our decision.YoursMichael Wolfe
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