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Press Releases

June 25, 2009

Amnesty Summit Excludes Immigration Enforcement Supporters

Ranking Member on Immigration Subcommittee Not Invited to White House Immigration Meeting

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Steve King, the ranking member on the House Immigration Subcommittee, today reacted to this afternoon’s White House immigration summit. Despite serving as the top Republican on the House subcommittee that deals with immigration issues, Congressman King - along with other Republican enforcement first leaders - was not invited to attend the summit.

“The American people want this Administration to enforce existing immigration laws and secure our borders. A recent Washington Post-ABC News poll revealed that 74 percent of Americans believe the government is not doing enough to keep illegal immigrants from entering the country.

“The balance of the views inside the room at today’s White House immigration summit does not reflect the views of the American public. Despite overwhelming opposition to amnesty within the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Lamar Smith of Texas will be the lone House Republican invited who opposes comprehensive amnesty.  The White House stacked the deck and packed today’s summit with amnesty advocates. President Obama wants an amnesty bill, and while cynically creating a false perception of inclusiveness and bipartisanship, brought in a group that, almost without exception, supports his vision of rewarding law breakers.

“In our current economic crisis, Americans cannot afford to lose more jobs to illegal workers. There are currently 14.5 million unemployed Americans and another six million Americans looking for a job. This is the time for the Obama administration to accelerate enforcement of immigration law to make room for unemployed Americans. For every illegal working in America, there are two Americans who need a job. American workers are depending on President Obama to protect their jobs from those illegally in America, and the majority of the American public does not support amnesty.

“By not engaging with those who disagree with his pro-amnesty views, President Obama is holding an immigration summit that gives a cold shoulder to millions of Americans. As for me, I would much rather be on the outside of the White House speaking up for the Rule of Law than on the inside going through the motions.”

Note: A Washington Post-ABC News poll showed 74 percent of Americans believe “that the government is not doing enough to keep illegal immigrants from entering the country.” (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/30/AR2009043001640.html?popup=false)