Scotch Plains, NJ – Mayor Martin Marks, Republican candidate for Congress in the Seventh District, announces his support for the Secure America through Verification and Enforcement (SAVE) Act of 2007 (H.R. 4088), reducing the presence of illegal immigrants in the U.S. through increased border enforcement and by bolstering several existing interior enforcement measures.

“If we stop the inflow of illegal immigrants, Congress can start to address the problems created by illegal immigrants already here. However, if we fail then no reform measure will truly be effective,” explained Marks.  

“Reform must begin at our border. Prevention could easily lead to the solution. This is why I am also supporting the full implementation of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, which when fully implemented will double our nation’s border patrol agents from 11,000 to 21,000 by 2010,” said Marks.  

“I am committed to legal immigration; after all, legal immigrants have made America the great nation it is over the many decades.  Those who obey the law and follow the process should be rewarded with the gift of becoming an American citizen. However, illegal immigrants should not be entitled to the benefits of American citizens.  They should also not receive any fast tracks toward citizenship over those living abroad, willing to follow our rules,” said Marks.  

“It’s time to treat America’s laws like laws – not like guidelines to be followed or ignored depending on one’s choice or country of birth. There is a right way and a wrong way to enter this country. If you do it the wrong way, there should be consequences. In America, when you break the law, you should be held accountable for your behavior. This is why I support the immediate deportation for any and all illegal immigrants who commit crimes in the United States.”

 “Additionally, those who harbor illegal immigrants should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. If that means punishing businesses for their hiring practices then so be it. There are plenty of Americans who will work an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work.” 

“We are all accountable for illegal immigration. Those who flaunt immigration law, those who enter this country illegally, those who hire undocumented workers, and those who claim there is no illegal immigration problem - are all accountable.”  

 “Thwarting illegal immigration must be a national priority as it unduly burdens our health care system, our institution of public education, and perhaps most importantly our national security,” concluded Marks.

Martin Marks is a lifelong resident of the 7th Congressional District who shares the concerns and values of families and taxpayers. He is the only true conservative in the field for the Republican primary, and will bring core Republican principles on taxing, spending, national security and more back to Washington. For more information on Martin Marks, please visit www.MarksforCongress2008.com 

Paid for by Marks for Congress