Use biometric data to better track foreign travelers
Ensuring the integrity of our borders is vital to ensuring the safety of our citizens. We must know the identity of all visitors who enter the US, and we must know when they leave. The US-VISIT system, which uses biometric data to better track the entry
and exit of foreign travelers, has been implemented at more than 115 airports and is presently being implemented at land border crossings. Reconnaissance cameras, border patrol agents, and unmanned aerial flights have all been increased at our borders.
We must strengthen our Border Patrol to stop illegal crossings, and we will equip the Border Patrol with the tools, technologies, structures, and sufficient force necessary to secure the border. We will seek stiff penalties for those who
smuggle illegal aliens into the country and for those who sell fraudulent documents. We urge continued support for state, local, and federal law enforcement to work in a cohesive manner in securing our borders to prevent illegal entry.
Only legal immigrants, through tightly controlled borders
The Republican Party supports reforming the immigration system to ensure that it is legal, safe, orderly and humane. It also supports measures to ensure that the immigration system is structured to address the needs of national security.
To better ensure that immigrants enter the United States only through legal means that allow for verification of their identity, reconnaissance cameras, border patrol agents, and unmanned aerial flights have all been increased at the border.
In addition, Border Patrol agents now have sweeping new powers to deport illegal aliens without having first to go through the cumbersome process of allowing the illegal alien to have a hearing before an immigration judge.
We support these efforts to enforce the law while welcoming immigrants who enter America through legal avenues.
A growing economy requires a growing number of workers, and President Bush has proposed a new temporary worker program that applies when no Americans can be found to fill the jobs. This new program would allow workers who currently hold jobs to come out
of the shadows and to participate legally in America's economy. It would allow men and women who enter the program to apply for citizenship in the same manner as those who apply from outside the United States.
There must be strong workplace enforcement with tough penalties against employees and employers who violate immigration laws.
We oppose amnesty because it would have the effect of encouraging illegal immigration and would give an unfair advantage to those who have broken our laws.
Reform & toughen immigration system to emphasize family
Overhaul the immigration system:
Devote resources to border control.
Give priority to spouses and children.
Emphasize needed skills in determining eligibility for admission.
Overhaul Labor Certification Program to match qualified workers
with urgent work.
Reform the Immigration and Naturalization Service by splitting its functions into two agencies, one focusing on enforcement and one exclusively devoted to service.
Source: Republican Platform adopted at GOP National Convention
Aug 12, 2000
Focus immigration on needed skills
We support increasing the number of H-1B visas to ensure high-tech workers in specialized positions, and we will
expand the H-2A program for temporary agricultural workers.
Source: Republican Platform adopted at GOP National Convention
Aug 12, 2000
Click here for definitions & background information on Immigration.
