Dreier Bill Is Key Component of House GOP Border Security Bill

Bill Mandating Counterfeit Proof Social Security Cards Included in Legislation

July 12, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA), Rules Committee Ranking Republican, announced his support today for the Secure Borders First Act, H.R. 2954, the border security bill being championed by House Republicans. The new bill includes as a key component Dreier’s legislation to create a counterfeit-proof Social Security card and an employment eligibility database. Dreier is an original co-sponsor of H.R. 2954.

"Securing the borders before we do anything else is imperative," Dreier said. "Including a requirement for a counterfeit-proof Social Security card means this legislation will be attacking the problem from two angles - the supply and the demand sides of the immigration equation. An updated Social Security card is critical to our homeland security and will make hiring decisions clearer for employers. Between enhancing physical border protections, giving law enforcement more tools to remove immigrants here illegally, and creating a counterfeit-proof Social Security card, this legislation is a comprehensive approach to solving the illegal immigration problem."

H.R. 2954, the Secure Borders First (for Integrity, Reform, Safety and anti-Terrorism) Act contains five specific sections. The first section deals with Border Security and directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to achieve operational control of the borders. The second section deal with Public Safety and specifically identifies who can be removed and when, and how, and by whom. The third section mandates the creation of the counterfeit-proof Social Security card and the employment eligibility database. It also establishes civil penalties for employers who fail to comply with the requirements of the bill. The fourth section of the bill modifies the current temporary worker program for agricultural families. The fifth section of the bill requires that the federal government conduct official business in English.