We chose to focus much of that report on measures to control illegal immigration because growing frustration about it undermines our first commitment to legal immigration in the national interest. Worksite enforcement, the subject of today's hearing, is particularly important to restoring the credibility of our commitment to the national interest in immigration. The Commission's recommendations for reducing the pull of the employment magnet are crucial to success in deterring illegal immigration. Let me sum up the Commission's reasons for proposing that we develop a better system for worksite verification. Reducing the employment magnet is the linchpin of a comprehensive strategy to reduce illegal immigration.
Illegal aliens are here for jobs.
That is the attraction. So the only effective way to deter illegal immigration must include the worksite. Better border enforcement is necessary, but not sufficient. No amount of border enforcement can solve that half of the problem-the people who enter legally and then do not leave when they should. We simply must develop a better system for verifying work authorization.