Border Security and Immigration Reform

The loose talk must stop. We must secure our borders now. A nation without secure borders is no nation at all. It does not make sense to fight terrorists abroad when our own front door is left unlocked. Ron Paul's six-point plan consists of the following:

• Physically secure our borders and coastlines. We must take necessary measures to control entry into our country before we undertake complicated immigration reform proposals.

• Enforce visa rules. Immigration officials must track visa holders and deport anyone who overstays their visa or otherwise violates U.S. law. This is especially important when we recall that a number of 9/11 terrorists possessed expired visas.

• No amnesty. Estimates suggest that 10 to 20 million people illegally reside in our country. Essentially, we are rewarding millions of illegal inhabitants for breaking our laws.

• No welfare for illegal aliens. Americans have historically welcomed immigrants who seek opportunity, work diligently, and adhere to our laws. However, taxpayers should not pay for illegal immigrants to use hospitals, clinics, schools, roads, and social services.

• End birthright citizenship. As long as illegal immigrants know their children born here will be citizens, the incentive to enter the U.S. illegally will remain strong.

• Pass true immigration reform. The current system is incongruous and unfair. However, according to the Heritage Foundation, the current reform proposal would allow up to 60 million more immigrants into our country. This is insanity. Legal immigrants from all countries should face uniform rules and waiting periods.