The Problems:

• Years after 9-11 our borders remain porous. We still lack enough border agents for effective monitoring. Much of the Canadian and Mexican borders are completely unmonitored.

• Currently, our border agents can examine only a small fraction of the goods coming into U.S. ports. Despite this, the present administration has proposed eliminating some port and rail security programs, and has cut security grants for states and cities.

• A steadily increasing infusion of exploited labor undercuts middle and working class wages. Since 2000, the number of undocumented immigrants has increased more than 40 percent. On the other hand would-be immigrants who follow the legal route often wait years before their cases are even considered.

• The existing international trade policies do not respect the rights of our work force or support the retention of industry within our own borders. Further, there is an increasing demand for specialized guest workers to perform work previously done by our own capable workforce.

Secure Borders. We must regain control of our borders. I will lead efforts to build a physical barrier combined with high-tech, electronic monitoring. I will fight to expand the number of border agents to better patrol the Mexican and Canadian borders, and to increase the quality and quantity of cargo inspections at our harbors and airports. It`s time for a change!

Sensible Immigration Policy. Mass deportation of millions of illegal immigrants is a simplistic and unrealistic attempt at a solution. Instead, it is in our national and local interest to provide a monitored path toward legal status for illegal immigrants who are already employed, paying taxes, and without criminal records. All others must be returned to their home country immediately. It`s time for a change!

Protection of Labor. We must increase and enforce sanctions against employers who flout American labor laws. Our government cannot continue allowing unscrupulous employers to hire illegal workers rather than pay livable salaries to American citizens and legal residents. It`s time for a change!

Investment in Education. We must ramp-up investment in the education of our own citizens. Making college truly affordable for middle-class families, one of our most neglected constituencies, best does this. Investing in the education and training of our citizens will insure that our economic future will remain in our own hands. It`s time for a change!