One thing we can all agree on is that every sovereign nation must secure its borders. National security is a paramount concern for our future and our children's future, particularly in a world where our enemies are no longer identifiable, national armies. Single individuals illegally crossing our border can deliver a devastating blow to our nation, as we witnessed on 9/11. That's why leaving our borders unprotected is an unacceptable risk.
 
Not everyone who illegally enters the U.S. is a terrorist of course. Many people cross simply to find a job, and many are illegally trafficked across. We need to vigorously enforce our existing workplace laws to remove some of the incentives that contribute to the influx of illegal workers, who are often mistreated and forced  into dangerous conditions. Many U.S. businesses are guilty of hiring illegal immigrant workers because they work for less pay than Americans and do not require paperwork, tax payments or social security fees. This is unfair to the American worker, to taxpayers and legal immigrants who want to play by the rules. The illegal hiring further encourages people to illegally cross the border every day. That's why businesses that knowingly break immigration laws and hire illegal workers must be fined.
 
America is and always has been a nation of immigrants, and we should allow people who want to work, pay their taxes and contribute to society the ability to become citizens. These people should not have to be separated from their families just because they want to work. We already have immigration laws to guide people on this process, and we should encourage and expect everyone who wants to live in America permanently to follow those laws.