The Secure America Pledge
The Background:
Frank Gaffney, Jr., president of the Center for Security Policy recently wrote about the immigration-related "Secure America" pledge that his organization has proposed. Finding myself in agreement with the pledge, I wanted to help show our elected representatives in Congress and the White House that many people are behind the ideas presented. This is my own initiative, and bRight & Early Blog is not associated in any way with The Center for Security Policy. All those who sign the petition do so freely and without consideration of any kind.The Goal:
The goal is to collect as many signatures as possible while Congress is in recess. After allowing sufficient time for those who are interested to sign, The petition will be delivered to members of Congress who have had constituents sign the petition, House and Senate key leadership, and President Bush. If you have any question you can email me at lakelandjim AT gmail DOT com.The Petition:
We the undersigned support The "Secure America" Pledge, and ask that you, our elected representatives, do the same. We believe that a sound, rational immigration policy is key to our national security and safety. To that end, we ask that you consider the following pledge as you debate future immigration legislation.The Pledge:
- The purpose of U.S. immigration policy is to benefit the citizens of the United States.
- Since immigration policy can profoundly shape a country, it should be set by deliberate actions, not by accident or acquiescence, with careful consideration to ensure it does not adversely affect the quality of life of American citizens and their communities.
- Immigration policy should be based on and adhere to the rule of law. Immigration laws must be enforced consistently and uniformly throughout the United States.
- Noncitizens enter the United States as guests and must obey the rules governing their entry. The U.S. government must track the entry, stay and departure of all visa-holders to ensure they comply fully with the terms of their visas, or to remove them if they fail to comply.
- The borders of the U.S. must be physically secured at the earliest possible time. An effective barrier to illegal entry of both aliens and contraband is vital to U.S. security.
- Those responsible for facilitating illegal immigration shall be sought, arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law and shall forfeit any profits from such activity. This applies to smugglers and traffickers of people, as well as to those involved in the production, procurement, distribution or use of fraudulent or counterfeit documents.
- U.S. employers shall be given a simple and streamlined process to determine whether employees are legally eligible to work. Employers who obey the law shall be protected both from liability and from unfair competition by those who violate immigration law. The violators shall be subject to fines and taxes in excess of what they would have paid to employ U.S. citizens and legal residents for the same work.
- Those who enter or remain in the United States in violation of the law shall be detained and removed expeditiously. Illegal aliens shall not accrue any benefit, including U.S. citizenship, as a result of their illegal entry or presence in the United States.
- No federal, state or local entity shall reward individuals for violating immigration laws by granting public benefits or services, or by issuing or accepting any form of identification, or by providing any other assistance that facilitates unlawful presence or employment in this country. All federal and law enforcement agencies shall cooperate fully with federal immigration authorities, and shall report to such authorities any information they receive indicating an individual may have violated immigration laws.
- Illegal aliens currently in the United States may be afforded a one-time opportunity to leave the United States without penalty and seek permission to re-enter legally if they qualify under existing law. Those who do not take advantage of this opportunity will be removed and permanently barred from returning.