Source: US Rep, Walter B. Jones (NC-3rd), 4/23/18


America’s immigration laws must be enforced, and illegal immigration must be stopped. These principles are common sense. You and I understand them, but I am constantly amazed by how many of my colleagues in Congress do not. I am working to secure our borders and stop illegal immigration, and I would like to update you on what I am doing on this front.  

   For far too long, the Washington establishment has refused to tackle this problem. One of the best things about the election of President Trump is the renewed focus on illegal immigration. My belief is simple – let’s enforce the laws on our books, stop rewarding illegal immigration, and look out for America first! I am supporting a number of bills in Congress to do just that. A small sample of those bills includes:  

. H.R. 1149, the Nuclear Family Priority Act, which would end chain migration, where immigrants are able to easily sponsor non-nuclear family members.  
. H.R. 3711, the Legal Workforce Act, which would mandate the use of e-verify by employers to ensure their employees are legally in the country.  
. H.R. 1178, the SAFE for America Act, which would terminate the visa lottery, which allows immigrants to receive visas by pure luck instead of merit.  
. H.R. 140, the Birthright Citizenship Act, which would end the process of “anchor babies”, where babies born to illegal aliens are granted automatic citizenship.  
.H.R. 2458, the Jamiel Shaw, II Act, a bill that I personally introduced to require the FBI to report statistics of crimes committed by illegal aliens.  
. H.R. 1502, legislation to terminate the EB-1 visa program, where wealthy and politically connected foreigners can purchase their legal status.  
. H.R. 997, the English Language Unity Act, which would declare English as the official language of the United States.  
. H.R. 3003, the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, which would restrict federal funding from going to jurisdictions that refuse to enforce immigration law.  
. H.R. 3004, Kate’s Law, which would increase the penalties for illegal alien felons who illegal re-enter the country.  

  I am also working to crack down on sanctuary cities, which provide safe havens for illegal alien criminals. Just last month, I joined Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) in calling on House appropriators to defund sanctuary cities. The concept of sanctuary city policies is in direct opposition to the Rule of Law. A nation of laws must enforce established law, not seek ways to skirt enforcement.  

   In addition to defunding sanctuary cities through the appropriations process, I am supporting and cosponsoring numerous bills to crack down on sanctuary jurisdictions. A small sample of these bills includes:  

. H.R. 83, the Mobilizing Against Sanctuary Cities Act, and H.R. 400, the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act, both of which would prohibit any federal funds from going to sanctuary jurisdictions;  
. H.R. 483, the No Funding for Sanctuary Campuses Act, which would prohibit federal funding from going to any college campus that does not enforce immigration laws; and  
. H.R. 824, the No Transportation Funds for Sanctuary Cities Act, which would withhold federal transportation funding from sanctuary jurisdictions.  

   In this country, no city, state, or person is above the law. If a foreigner breaks the law to get into America, they forfeit the right to the benefits of our country. When sanctuary cities defy U.S. immigration laws, they endanger our citizens and burden taxpayers. That cannot stand, and it should definitely not be rewarded. Please rest assured that I will continue to do everything I can to ensure that law-breaking sanctuary cities receive no more of your tax dollars.  

   In addition to the bills listed above, I am supporting the Trump administration’s initiatives to stop illegal immigration. Those include adding more Border Patrol agents and giving them more resources to do their jobs, enhancing physical barriers along the border, ending the failed “catch and release” policy of prior administrations, stepping up interior enforcement, and sending National Guard troops to the border.  

   A nation of laws must enforce its laws or it will cease to be a nation as we know it. The cost of illegal immigration is staggering and unacceptable! This is a jobs issue, a spending issue, a safety issue, and a culture issue. Please know that fighting illegal immigration and supporting common-sense immigration laws will always be a top priority of mine.  

   Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to update you on this important issue. It is an honor and a privilege to serve you. If I can ever be of assistance to you on any federal matter, please do not hesitate to let me know. May God bless you, and may He continue to bless America.

Sincerely,

Walter B. Jones
Member of Congress