Reforme

2006 · 73506 — Washington DC: U. S. Government Printing Office 2006. Presumed First Edition First printing. Wraps. Good. iii 1 95 1 pages. Rear cover has some creasing. In his opening remarks the Chairman in part stated "Porous borders exact a high price. Ineffective immigration enforcement undermines respect for law. It threatens national security. The steady flow of illegal immigration also passes unpredictable and largely unreimbursed costs on to States and counties already struggling to maintain safe healthy and prosperous communities. That de facto unfunded mandate is draining local law enforcement health care and education budgets. Today we're convening in San Diego to learn more about the intergovernmental impact of illegal immigration and to discuss the urgent need for enhanced border security. We particularly want to hear local assessments of efforts to strengthen enforcement in what is called the internal border where undocumented aliens apply for work official documents and public benefits. As the people of this area know only too well no effort to harden or patrol the international boundary will ever be 100 percent effective. And those who enter legally but subsequently violate the terms of their visa should be detected and detained by vigilant internal enforcement systems. So we asked our witnesses this morning to give us the benefit of their experience and their guidance regarding the costs of illegal immigration and effective ways to limit those costs. The current failure of enforcement is being felt throughout the Nation as the tide of undocumented aliens swells well beyond the six traditional settlement States of California New York Texas Florida Illinois and New Jersey. As of last April legislatures in 43 States considered bills on immigration issues. Attempting to fill the vacuum left by earnest but hopelessly understaffed Federal efforts States sought to control access to education and other public benefits strengthen employment verification punish human trafficking strengthen eligibility requirements for identifying documents and voting and coordinating law enforcement. County governments and mayors have similarly taken steps to regain some control over their fiscal fate. Obviously when Washington fails to exercise sovereign control over what is pouring into the national melting pot States counties and cities feel the heat. Although difficult to quantify precisely the impact of illegal immigration on State county and city budgets is undeniably growing. According to one estimate those without a legal right to be here generate net fiscal costs approaching $10 billion nationally. The State of California is reported to have spent almost $3 billion in a single year providing services to illegal immigrants. By one estimate the county of San Diego spends more than $50 million a year to arrest jail prosecute and defend illegal immigrants. Of that Federal reimbursement covers only about $2 million. U. S. Government Printing Office paperback