Illegal immigration is driven by two rewards that compound each other: a paycheck and, since the Supreme Court’s June 30 birthright ruling, a U.S.-citizen child who can anchor a family here. The citizenship side can no longer be changed quickly, but the jobs side can be shut off — and that is the fastest way to reduce the illegal entries that trigger both.

Mandatory E-Verify would require every employer to confirm that new hires are authorized to work, drying up the jobs magnet at its source and protecting American workers from having to compete with illegal labor. It is the centerpiece of H.R. 2, which would also end catch-and-release, close the asylum and parole loopholes, and criminalize visa overstays. Writing these reforms into law would keep them beyond the reach of a future administration that could otherwise undo today’s progress with the stroke of a pen. Please keep E-Verify in the bill and pass it.

Greg Raven, Apple Valley, CA

Sent to:
Jay Obernolte