Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky) continues to separate himself from the pack, this time with several common-sense proposals involving immigration policy.
Yesterday he introduced the “Secure the Vote” amendment to the immigration reform bill—S. 744—which ensures that individuals on work visas or who are given legal status under the bill are not allowed to vote in federal elections until they become citizens. It also provides new procedures to enable states to protect against voter fraud committed by these individuals.
Paul is offering other amendments to the “Gang of Eight’s” immigration bill:
“Trust But Verify” Amendment
The “Trust but Verify” amendment requires Congress to write and enforce a border security blueprint instead of relying on federal bureaucracies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, to come up with a plan. The amendment also would provide new national security safeguards to track the holders of student visas and those with asylum and refugee status.
“No New Pathway to Citizenship” Amendment
Sen. Paul’s “No New Pathway to Citizenship” amendment removes the new and exclusive visa category and pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants, and expands existing work visa categories instead of creating a new Registered Provisional Immigrant status. This updated work visa will not give any individual a new pathway to citizenship; rather they will be treated as if they are in line in their home country. No preference will be given to those on a work visa over those who are in line and outside the borders of the United States.
‘Secure the Treasury’ Taxpayer Protection Amendment
Sen. Paul’s “Secure the Treasury” amendment will provide further protections for taxpayers against individuals in a new immigration status becoming dependent on the welfare state, by preventing them from getting access to Obamacare and welfare.
By highlighting the need for ballot integrity and border security, Sen. Paul is applying the right pressure points on a difficult question.