I sometimes email my elected representatives about issuses I am concerned about.  I did it in a major way when eminent domain was abused by the then agenda oriented, liberal minded "supreme" court.  I did it again recently in regards to illegal immigration.  Thought you might like to read what Sen. Frist said and what is going on in the Senate.

Dear Friend:

Thank you for contacting me regarding comprehensive immigration reform. It is an honor to serve you as the Majority Leader of the United States Senate and a privilege to respond to your concerns.

Our nation's borders are broken and, as a result, there are 10 to 12 million undocumented aliens living in the United States -- most in the shadows of society. This is unacceptable, and Congress must act immediately and aggressively to stop this national disgrace. As a nation of immigrants who honor the rule of law, I believe we must first secure our borders as a part of any effort to reform our immigration policies.

As you know, the Senate recently approved a comprehensive immigration plan that will dramatically strengthen our borders. I am pleased to say that this legislation contains provisions that will begin construction of 370 miles of triple-layered fence and 500 miles of vehicle barrier at strategic locations along the southwest border. In addition, the bill authorizes the President's plan to use the National Guard for temporary, stopgap assistance for border patrol activities, and it declares English to be our national language.

While these are crucial steps in the right direction, much more work needs to be done. Congress must, and will, continue to increase funding for border security. Since 2000, Congress has increased funding for border security by 60 percent, including enough additional money to increase border patrol by 30 percent. And in the last 8 months, the Senate has approved nearly $12 billion to bolster security along the southern border, hire additional border patrol agents, and increase the number of detention beds.

In addition to securing our borders, our homeland security needs demand that we find a way to get those who are here illegally to come out of the shadows so we can know who they are, what they are doing and what their intentions are. Most of these illegal immigrants came here simply here to work -- not to do our country harm. But until we get everyone out of the shadows, we cannot be sure. This prevents our law enforcement resources from being focused on those few bad actors who wish us harm.

The Senate legislation addresses this issue by creating a temporary worker program which allows immigrants, who meet strict criteria, to stay and help our economy meet its labor needs. I do not support amnesty in any form. In fact, under the Senate plan, illegal immigrants who want to become legal residents must pass a national security and criminal background check, have worked in the U.S. 3 of the last 5 years, pay a $2,000 fine, demonstrate knowledge of the English language, register for Selective Service, and pay all federal and state taxes. If legal status is granted and the applicant eventually requests a green card, he or she is placed at the end of the line behind those who have played by the rules and waited their turn. I believe this approach honors our heritage as a nation of immigrants while maintaining the equally important principle of respect for the rule of law.

In the coming months ahead, it is my hope that the House and Senate will begin negotiations to craft a final immigration plan that can win passage in both chambers and be sent to the President for his approval. As Majority Leader, I will continue to work with my colleagues to address this critical problem. On the basis of sound immigration policy, we can protect our borders, strengthen our national security and provide the vital labor needed to help our economy grow.

Sincerely,


William H. Frist, M.D.
Majority Leader
United States Senate