Immigration
Throughout our history, the United States has drawn immigrants searching for opportunity and a share in the American Dream. But just as we are a nation built largely and impressively by immigrants, America is also a nation of laws that must be obeyed and properly enforced to maintain order and ensure the safety of all citizens.
Unfortunately, our current immigration system is broken and desperately needs comprehensive reform that puts America first by strengthening security at the southern border, addressing the flood of illegal immigrants, improving enforcement of existing law and making the system fairer and more just for all. I applaud President Trump for proposing real solutions to deal with the nation’s broken immigration system and to preserve America’s great standing and leadership in the world.
However, for any successful reforms to become law in divided government, bipartisanship is critical. As Congress considers reforms to update our immigration system, I will be guided by three basic principles: we must secure the border first; we must have tough sanctions for employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants; and we must not reward those who broke our laws by providing them with amnesty. I also support elimination of the diversity lottery. In the days ahead, I look forward to working with the president to solve the urgent issues related to reform of and enforcement within our current immigration system.
More on Immigration
NewsOK - Chris Casteel
Members of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation said Monday they don’t want Fort Sill, the U.S. Army artillery post near Lawton, used to house unaccompanied alien children past the October deadline.
The delegation’s comments came after Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel approved a request from the Health and Human Services Department to house up to 5,000 more minors on military bases. Hagel had previously approved housing for up to 3,600 children. Hagel also approved a request that bases be used until the end of January.
Roll Call - Emma Dumain
The Oklahoma congressional delegation is proud of its Fort Sill Army Base, but that doesn’t mean it wants to play host to thousands more unaccompanied child migrants awaiting deportation proceedings.
Over the last several weeks, we’ve watched a growing crisis at our borders resulting in a flood of unaccompanied illegal juveniles—all fueled by the Administration’s immigration policy failure and refusal to enforce current immigration law. Because of the president’s failure to send these minors home quickly or at all, he has now incentivized thousands more to come at the hands and usually at the high profit of criminal cartels.
The Oklahoman - By Senator James Inhofe and Congressman Tom Cole
As one of America’s premier military installations, Fort Sill continuously accepts and trains hundreds of new U.S. Army recruits. After graduating from Fort Sill’s 10-week basic training course, these soldiers go on to help keep the nation safe and freedoms secure — all with skills they learned in Oklahoma. But in June, new neighbors arrived on the post.