Action Alert
(October 29, 1999)
We need your action NOW to save border entry-exit system
We need your quick action to stop Big Business's efforts to destroy recently enacted immigration reforms that are vital to American security interests. Special interest groups are trying to convince Congress to scrap Section 110 of the 1996 immigration reform law. Section 110 will create an automated entry-exit system to stop drug traffickers, foreign terrorists, and illegal aliens from entering the United States and causing harm. The Senate has passed legislation (S. 886) that essentially kills the entry-exit system by preventing the INS from implementing it at land borders and seaports. The House version of this bill (H.R. 2415) does not contain this provision.
We need you to call, write, and fax Congressmen Ben Gilman (R-NY) and Chris Smith (R-NJ) and ask them not to let the Senate kill Section 110 during final negotiations on H.R. 2415 and S. 886, the State Department authorization bills. Congressmen Gilman and Smith will play key roles in deciding Section 110's fate.
Tell Congressman Gilman and Smith Congress should
not weaken Section 110 because:
- Exempting land borders and seaports from Section 110's record-keeping requirements would eviscerate the entire system. Exempting land border crossers would fatally weaken the system because most terrorists, drug traffickers, and illegal aliens enter the U.S. at land border points of entry.
- The entry exit system will reduce threats to national security. Drug smugglers and terrorists exploit lax immigration laws to infiltrate the country. Killing the entry-exit system would send a signal to the rest of the world that the United States is unwilling to control illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and foreign terrorism.
- Congress already ensured the system would not disrupt legitimate border traffic. Last year, Congress amended Section 110 to ensure that the system "not significantly disrupt trade, tourism, or other legitimate cross-border traffic."
Congressman Ben Gilman
2449 Rayburn Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-3776
(202) 225-2541 (fax)
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Congressman Chris Smith
2370 Rayburn Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-3765
(202) 225-7768 (fax)
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FAIR, 10/99.
