Dear Mr. Lang:

Thank you for contacting me to share your concerns regarding the DREAM Act, and the Obama Administration’s memo from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that closely resembles the DREAM Act. I appreciate you taking the time to contact me and I’m honored to respond.

As you are likely aware, the DREAM Act is a bill that has been introduced for the past few years that would provide legal status to illegal aliens. Specifically, the DREAM Act would allow illegal aliens who came to the United States as minors to obtain permanent residency if they meet certain requirements such as either completing college or military service. I have long opposed the DREAM Act and have always voted against it because, very simply, it rewards illegal behavior. Although these children came to our country through no fault of their own I cannot support amnesty—we are a nation of laws. The American people have consistently voiced their opposition to this legislation.  In fact, so many voiced their concerns that the DREAM Act was not able to pass the Democrat controlled Senate in 2010.

Unfortunately, President Obama’s Administration recently overruled the will of the American people and the Congress and issued a memo that closely resembles the DREAM Act. This memo directs Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials to use discretion when deciding whether or not to deport illegal aliens if they are currently in school, have a family member serving in the military, or are pregnant or nursing. I am adamantly opposed to the DREAM Act and to the new ICE memo, and will continue to fight to ensure that our nation’s laws are enforced. You will be pleased to know that I am a cosponsor of H.R. 2497, the HALT (Hinder the Administration’s Legalization Temptation) Act– legislation that would prevent President Obama from bypassing Congress and providing any amnesty. The Constitution, in article I, clause 8, section 4, grants Congress the power to establish immigration policies and President Obama’s end run around the Constitution and the Congress must not stand.

Again, thanks for sharing your thoughts with me. Please know that I understand and agree with your concerns and will oppose any effort to provide amnesty to those who break our nation’s immigration laws. If I may be of any further assistance please feel free to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Walter B. Jones
Member of Congress