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I am glad that the President is finally speaking to the nation about this urgent issue.  Constituents from all parts of my district continue to share their concerns with illegal immigration with me.

Before we address the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in the U.S, we must secure the porous border between the U.S. and Mexico.  I agree with the President that additional security is needed at the border, including the use of the National Guard. 

However, this is only a temporary solution.  There are 1,000 fewer Border Patrol Agents than were proposed in the 9/11 Act.  In fact, the Border Patrol participated in the jobs fair that I hosted this past Friday.  I believe that Congress should fully fund the Border Patrol, increase surveillance technology and erect fencing where needed to strengthen the border. Once that is done, we can begin to deal with the immigrants currently in the country.