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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michael Frohlich
202-225-2071

U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx (NC-05), a member of the Government Reform Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources participated in a hearing this morning in Gastonia, North Carolina. The hearing was scheduled to investigate and explore the legislative options before Congress in combating illegal immigration and the burden it places on American citizens.

“Illegal immigration is having a tremendous negative impact on our state and local governments,” said Foxx. “The first step in immigration reform must be securing our borders, but we must also streamline the processes for deporting illegal aliens who commit crimes. Federal staff is inadequate to do all that it is tasked to do, and that is why we must empower local, state and federal officials to do their jobs more effectively.” Foxx added.

Foxx proposed two new solutions at the hearing: 1) to evaluate the current effectiveness of the 287(g) program in order to streamline deportation of illegals; and 2) to develop a program that would allow community colleges to offer the 287(g) program to their students.

“In less than three weeks, our nation will remember the fifth anniversary of 9/11, the most horrendous terrorist attack in our nation’s history. This hearing has helped us fulfill our responsibility to listen and become informed on how to shape the policies which can defend American sovereignty, the rule of law and prevent any future attacks on our homeland.” Foxx concluded.

Note: The 287(g) cross-designation program allows the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency personnel to train local law enforcement officials on immigration law, civil rights, intercultural relations, and other legalities. With certification from this program, local law enforcement can enforce certain immigration laws, under ICE supervision.

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