Rep. Lamar Smith Calls Out Administration’s Immigration Enforcement Efforts

The House Judiciary Committee’s Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R-Texas) wrote an op-ed for the Washington Times today slamming the Obama administration’s immigration enforcement efforts. While illegal immigration advocates criticize Obama for too much enforcement, Rep. Smith says it’s quite the opposite.

Rep. Smith pointed out several measures taken by the administration that weaken enforcement:

Rescinding of the “no-match” rule that prevents the Social Security Administration from contacting employers when a new hire’s name and social security number don’t match their records. “Without this protection, many employers will continue to employ individuals they know are illegal and are taking jobs that should go to citizens and legal residents,” Smith said.
Repeal of REAL ID in lieu of PASS ID, which makes it easier for illegal aliens to obtain a driver’s license. “This makes it easier for illegal immigrants to stay in the country. And it can provide terrorists with a legitimate ID – as we saw with the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists, who between them obtained 30 driver’s licenses and ID cards,” Smith said.
Lack of funding for an airport biometric exit system that is part of a DHS proposal to monitor when foreign visitors leave the country. “40 percent of all 12 million to 20 million illegal immigrants in the United States entered the country legally but overstayed their visas. This program will show who did not leave the country when they should have,” Smith said.
Restricted the 287(g) program by limiting the ways local law enforcement officials can help federal immigration enforcement officials.
No funding for border fence, which was required by the Secure Fence Act of 2006.
Signing the CHIP bill making it easier for illegal aliens to get health care.
Reduced worksite enforcement by shifting the focus away from the illegal workers and onto the businesses that hire them.
Allow states to provide in-state tuition to illegal aliens even though it violate federal law.

You can read Rep. Smith’s full article at the Washington Times.