Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10) voted yesterday for the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005 (H.R. 4437). This legislation strengthens border security and limits illegal immigration.

“Illegal immigration threatens our national security and strains our healthcare facilities, schools, and social services,” said Congressman McHenry. “The solution to the illegal immigration problem begins with securing our borders. I support this legislation because it is a good first step toward stopping the illegal immigration problem.”


Congressman McHenry is leading the charge to secure our borders and stop the flow of illegal immigrants into our communities. Last week, the Congressman stood with over 20 conservative members of Congress and called for reforms to America’s immigration policies during a press conference titled “Real Reform Now.” Congressman McHenry introduced legislation in November entitled Comprehensive Immigration Data and Technology Accountability Act of 2005 (Comprehensive Immigration D.A.T.A. Act). This bill creates a comprehensive computerized database to more effectively and efficiently track immigrants applying for visas or U.S. citizenship.


“After securing our borders,” said Congressman McHenry during the Real Reform Now press conference, “one of the most pressing matters in the immigration reform debate is America’s outdated system for processing immigration case files.” “The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services processes over 7 million applications using Windows 95 and paper printouts – this system is flawed and inefficient. The Comprehensive Immigration D.A.T.A. Act modernizes the process at a time when immigration reform is vital to the security and safety of our communities.”


H.R. 4437 authorizes the U.S to build a fence along part of the U.S.-Mexico border and enables all employers to verify Social Security numbers and the legal status of workers. The bill strengthens border security with the help of local law enforcement and military technology, imposes tougher penalties for smuggling and re-entry, and ends the "catch and release" policy. It makes drunken driving convictions a deportable offense.


The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4437 yesterday by a vote of 239 to 182. The Senate is expected to take up action on the bill in February 2006.