Immigration is a critical part of our national heritage and economy.  With the exception of Native Americans, America is a nation of immigrants.  America is a welcoming nation, but one that is based upon the rule of law.  Tolerating illegal immigration serves only to undermine the law and threatens our national security.

Across America, illegal immigration is placing a tremendous burden on local, state, and federal budgets.  Today, there are an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants living in the United States.  Tolerating illegal immigration also displaces American workers and causes wage depression for American workers.

Legislation Dr. Coburn has proposed

• Amendment JEN07C76 – To make all records on undocumented aliens obtained by the National Instant Criminal Background Check system available to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
• In the 109th Congress, S. 557.
• Legislation to repeal Executive Order 13166.  This Clinton Executive Order requires all federal agencies and recipients of federal funds provide translation services, at tax payer expense, in whatever language a person speaks.
• In 2005 and 2006, Dr. Coburn co-introduced legislation to enforce our borders, strengthen employer verification systems to make sure that only citizens and those eligible to work in the U.S. are employed, and to increase the ability to deport people found guilty of violating our laws. In 2005 the bill number was S. 2061 and in 2006 it was S. 2368 and the title was Border Security and Interior Enforcement Act. Neither of these bills contained an amnesty program.

• Click here for additional information on co-sponsored legislation.

Other Important Principles

• Dr. Coburn also strongly supports a measure designating English as our national language.
• Dr. Coburn also is opposed to birthright citizenship, often referred to as “anchor babies” or “chain migration.”  He believes Congress must apply the standards our forefathers intended for the 14th Amendment.  The Founders understood only those children born to naturalized immigrants or current citizens would automatically get citizenship when born.  This would take away a huge incentive for illegal immigrants to come here to have children who become their legal anchor in the United States.

There still is much work to be done, and as a member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I am working to ensure the agencies charged with protecting our nation do not overlook securing our borders.