Washington, May 21, 2007 -

Congressman John Carter (R, Round Rock), House Republican Conference Secretary, announced today that he has cosponsored H. Res. 351, a House resolution proposed to toughen and more stringently enforce our nation’s immigration laws.

“This resolution would help maintain the integrity of our immigration system and the sovereignty of the nation,” said Congressman Carter. “As a former judge for 20 years, enforcing our country’s laws is of the highest importance to me. Until we comply with the federal immigration laws already on the books, it is irresponsible for Congress to consider any legislation that would grant amnesty to the millions of illegal aliens currently residing in the United States.”

Introduced by U.S. Rep. John Sullivan (R-OK), H. Res. 351 “expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that federal authorities should strengthen and vigorously enforce all existing immigration laws,” and calls on Congress to reject consideration of any legislation which would grant amnesty to illegal aliens currently residing in the United States until all existing laws are enforced.

Additional provisions also express concern regarding asylum policies that encourage illegal immigration; calls on state and local law enforcement officials to report all immigration violation to the Department of Homeland Security; and calls for increased cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in enforcing existing immigration laws. The text of the resolution is attached.