Temporary-worker program: “I propose a new temporary-worker program to match willing foreign workers with willing employers when no Americans can be found to fill the job. This reform will be good for our economy, because employers will find needed workers in an honest and orderly system. A temporary-worker program will help protect our homeland, allowing border patrol and law enforcement to focus on true threats to our national security.” (2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress, 1/20/04).
On amnesty: “I oppose amnesty, because it would encourage further illegal immigration and unfairly reward those who break our laws. My temporary-worker program will preserve the citizenship path for those who respect the law, while bringing millions of hardworking men and women out from the shadows of American life.” (2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress 1/20/04).
General: “We will bring to the INS a new standard of service and a culture of respect.’’ (Paul Shepard, Associated Press, in Boston Globe, page A12, 7/6/00).
By Presidential Proclamation, suspended entry into the U.S. by immigrants and non-immigrants “certain persons who have committed, participated in, or are beneficiaries of corruption in the performance of public functions” (Proclamation, 1/12/04).
Increased border patrol by 11% since 9/11/01.
Established Student and Exchanged Visitor Information System to provide monitoring and tracking of student and exchange visitors into the U.S. Over 870,000 students registered.