It seems that cracking down on illegal immigration ACTUALLY decreases illegal immigration. 

U.S. authorities attribute the drop to tighter security and a new program in the Tucson sector that has prosecuted more than 3,000 migrants for crossing illegally since it started in January. They face jail sentences from a few days to six months.

But none of the migrants interviewed by The Associated Press knew about the new prosecution program. Those on their way home said the main deterrents were tougher security and the dangers of the desert, including bandits who rob and even rape migrants on both sides of the border.

No one wants to see a fellow human being harmed, and the border partrol should do all it can to prevent robbery, rape, or any other crime against any person inside the United States. 

But what this story shows is that the border fence (which I voted for), the hiring of more border agents (which I voted for), the authorization for states to enforce immigration law (which I voted for), and ending catch and release (which I voted for), are all taking a serious bite out of illegal immigration.

The U.S. Border Patrol has added 200 officers since last year to the Tucson sector, and a total of 3,000 agents now search the vast desert for illegal migrants by truck, horse, ATV and helicopter. They now have four drones scanning for drug and migrant smugglers, as well as two newly built 12-foot walls with steel posts near Nogales and in Sasabe.

All these measures I supported, voted for, and have spoken on. (contrary to popular belief or the false charges of some of my opponents).   We must solve the border problem BEFORE we can talk about how many workers we need as a nation. 

That is where I stand.  Always have, always will.