Rep. Hopson Signs Compact to Secure Texas Borders Pledges to Fight for Tougher Laws Against Illegal Immigration
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JACKSONVILLE — State Representative Chuck Hopson (D-Jacksonville) announced that he has signed The Compact for Immigration Reform and Border Security. The Compact, which is sponsored by the group Texans for Immigration Reform and Border Security, calls for tougher laws to secure our borders and end the problems created by illegal immigration in Texas.
“We must do everything possible to secure our borders and protect the national and economic security of all Texans,” Rep. Hopson said. “I believe America is the land of opportunity, but illegal immigration has created problems we can no longer ignore.”
During the recently finished special session, Rep. Hopson authored HCR 30, urging Congress to pass tougher illegal immigration laws to protect our national and economic security. Rep. Hopson has also pledged support for the current proposal by the state of Texas to invest $20 million in stronger border security. He also supports verification of citizenship and proof of identity for those people applying for or receiving Medicaid.
Rep. Hopson is the first Democrat in Texas to sign the Compact.
“It takes experience to get things done and independence to do what’s right,” Rep. Hopson said. “Unfortunately, too many partisan politicians lack those qualities. They’d rather win an argument on CNN than do something to help people. We can’t sit back and wait on Congress to act any more. We need help now, and I’m doing everything I can to get the job done.”
To read the full text of the Compact, go to www.securetexasborders.com.
The Compact for Immigration Reform & Border Security
1. Put more law enforcement and military resources on the border and vulnerable coastal areas, and encourage Congress to use federal resources to secure Texas borders and ports.
2. End city and county sanctuary policies and programs that provide a ‘safe-haven’ for illegal immigrants as they hide from law-enforcement and train local law enforcement in handling illegal immigration.
3. Enact tough anti-human smuggling legislation to eliminate human trafficking across the border.
4. Deter employment of illegal immigrants.
5. Prevent the issuance of driver’s licenses and other taxpayer funded identity cards to illegal immigrants.
6. Ban the use of foreign identification not certified by the Texas or federal government.
7. End in-state tuition and state financial aid for illegal immigrants to attend Texas public colleges or universities.
8. End taxpayer benefits to illegal immigrants, unless required by federal law, or part of emergency or humanitarian services.
9. Require state and local government to gather accurate data on taxpayer dollars spent on illegal immigrants.
10. Demand full federal reimbursement for state and local tax dollars spent on hospitals, prisons, social services and law enforcement activities for illegal immigrants.
