Today’s mail brought an oversize postcard from my un-duly elected Congressman, Vern Buchanan, of Florida’s unlucky 13th District. It stated in all caps and in bold print: THIS MAILING WAS PREPARED, PUBLISHED AND MAILED AT TAXPAYER EXPENSE.
And in italics: IT IS PROVIDED AS A SERVICE TO 13TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CONSTITUENTS.
It then began with a statement that "The U.S. Senate is considering immigration legislation that includes granting amnesty to the estimated 12 to 15 million illegal immigrants within our nation."It further states that "Congressman Buchanan has repeatedly called for no amnesty provisions in any illegal immigration legislation and he will work to oppose the Senate bill as long as it includes amnesty". The Problem we are told is that:
"An estimated 800,000 to 950,000 illegal immigrants live in Florida
850,000 illegal immigrants cross our borders each year, this number includes terrorists, gang members, human traffickers, and drug smugglers.
The illegal population is estimated to cost Florida more than $ 1.7 billion a year in public education, healthcare, and incarceration costs.
Unfortunately this statement of the problem leaves out any and all offsets such as the value of the tomato crop, strawberry crop, and the value of the hospitality industry none of which could exist at anywhere near current levels without what is now illegal immigration.
The Solution we are told is to:
First secure our borders-Congress should fully fund the Secure Our Border Act to construct 700 miles of border fencing, build a "virtual fence" with cameras and sensors, and hire 18,000 new Border Patrol Officers.
Improve Verification For Workers-WE must develop an instant verification system for employers to check the legal status of workers. Businesses that willfully violate immigration laws must be held accountable.
Unfortunately this statement of the solution leaves out the cost of any and all proposals nor does it identify the source of funds.
Next we come to Congressman Vern Buchanan’s IMPORTANT IMMIGRATION SURVEY
1. Do you support granting amnesty to the estimated 12 to 15 illegal aliens now living In the U.S.?
2. Do you support requiring that immigration reform begin with securing our borders?
3. Should English be the official language of the United States?
Finally there is a space for comments and a place to give your email address so that you might Receive News and Updates from Congressman Buchanan.
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