Temple – State Rep. Dianne White Delisi announced today that she has had five pieces of legislation drafted to address Texas' border security issues. This comprehensive package of legislation will introduce a variety of improvements to the state's border security.


"National security considerations and common sense both tell us it is bad policy to have what amounts to an open southern border," Delisi stated. "We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to hundreds of thousands of illegal entries into our nation each year while waiting for the federal government to act. The State of Texas must step in to address these critical border security issues."


Rep. Delisi's proposed legislation covers five distinct aspects of border security. First on the list is establishing a common-sense requirement that all state agencies calculate a cost estimate for the services they provide to those who are in our nation illegally.


"It can only help us spur federal action if we can show exactly how many billions of dollars their inaction is costing us," Delisi stated." We also need to know if there are American citizens waiting for services in Texas while non-citizens are obtaining them. Our own citizens have to come first."


Next, Rep. Delisi wants to crack down on the illegal document mills that produce large quantities of fake government records and documents.


"We must assure that the documents used in Texas to establish residency, citizenship, and the ability to operate a motor vehicle are genuine," Delisi said. "The production and sale of faked official documents has now become a large-scale criminal industry across the nation. My legislation will add tampering with a governmental record to the list of crimes subject to the enhanced penalties fund under Texas' organized crime statutes."


Rep. Delisi also has legislation to address the topic of "sanctuary cities."


"We shouldn't have barriers within our state, at any level of government, to cooperation with federal law enforcement officials regarding the enforcement of immigration laws," Delisi stated. "This is an issue that goes beyond the city limits of any one community. It impacts the entire state and nation."


Another piece of legislation proposed by Rep. Delisi would undo a policy enacted in 2001 that grants in-state college tuition rates to certain students who are in the state illegally. Rep. Delisi believes this policy may pose a conflict with federal law, and that it is unfair to American citizens from other states who attend Texas institutions and pay higher tuition than someone in the nation illegally.


Rep. Delisi would also require vendors seeking state business to disclose if they have been convicted of employing illegal immigrants.


"Compliance with the immigration laws when doing business on behalf of the State of Texas is something reputable companies already do," Delisi explained. "We must assure these responsible businesses are never at an economic disadvantage for state contracts through being undercut by others using illegal employees."


Rep. Delisi also supports the border law enforcement initiatives now underway through the governor's office and believes their continued funding is justified.


"Central Texans strongly favor a more secure national border," Delisi concluded. "I agree, and have written five pieces of proposed legislation to help accomplish this mission. The State of Texas cannot patiently bide its time anymore. We would much rather lead a concerted effort regarding border security than wait for one."

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