Rep. Barletta Raises Illegal Immigration Questions at Homeland Security Hearing

WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today raised important questions about U.S. policy toward illegal immigration and how it affects national security and employment concerns for American workers.  During a subcommittee hearing of the Homeland Security Committee, Barletta pointed out that promises made in the 1986 amnesty program have borne out to be hollow.

“Our immigration laws are meant for two reasons,” Barletta said during the hearing.  “To protect the American worker and to protect our national security.”

In response to testimony from a witness who argued that most migrant workers who cross the border illegally do not present a threat to America, Barletta replied that, in fact, they do.

“If most of the illegal immigrants who are sneaking across our land, borders or ports, or overstaying their visas are just looking for work, then I would argue that they do present a threat,” Barletta said.  “They present a threat to the millions of Americans who are out of work and looking for a job.”

Barletta pointed out that approximately 40 percent of illegal aliens currently in the country are here as a result of expired visas.  The Congressman said the visa overstay problem presents a grave national security threat, and noted that one man responsible for the World Trade Center bombing of 1993 is a prime example.

“Mahmud Abouhalima overstayed a tourist visa and was in the country illegally,” Barletta said.  “He received amnesty in 1986 by falsely claiming to be a seasonal agricultural worker even though he was a cab driver.”

Barletta also expressed concern about border security.  In addition to thinking about traditional borders – northern, southern or coastal – he said America should be worried about the interior.

“In my home city, Hazleton, Pennsylvania, it is estimated that 10-percent of our population is there illegally.  We are 2,000 miles away from the nearest southern border,” Barletta said.  “Many of the 11 million illegal immigrants came in through airports, whether it is El Paso International Airport or Philadelphia International Airport in my home state.  I believe that anywhere there is an international airport, you are a border state.”

Barletta criticized current proposals by the White House and members of the Senate and House to grant eventual amnesty to millions illegal immigrants currently here, or who may be drawn to the country by promises of legal residency.  He likened today’s situation to that of 1986, when Americans were promised that amnesty offered to approximately 1.5 million illegal aliens would be a solution to the problem.  In fact, history shows that about 3 million came forward for legalized residency.

“What makes this promise to the American people any different from the one in 1986?” Barletta asked.

Note: Rep. Barletta’s questioning can be viewed here and here.