The initiatives are the result of nationwide hearings held in August on the matter.
"And feedback from members like me," added Campbell, co-sponsor of the Secure Fence Act, the first item on the border agenda passed Thursday by the House of Representatives. The fence act, part of the 10 proposals, includes a 700-mile border fence and improved surveillance along the southwestern U.S.-Mexico border.
Three of the proposals on the agenda complement Costa Mesa Mayor Allan Mansoor's plan to train police to enforce immigration laws in the city. One reaffirms the authority of state and local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws. Another — the Alien Gang Removal Act — prohibits illegal immigrant gang members from entering the country, and deports the ones already in the country. And lastly, the Criminal Alien Removal Act would speed up the deportation process of illegal immigrant criminals.
Mansoor said he supports those three proposals.
"I fully support upholding our federal immigration laws," he said regarding the agenda.
Among other proposals included in the House Republican agenda are funding for more border patrol agents; an increase in prosecution of illegal immigrant smugglers; the creation of criminal penalties of up to 20 years in prison for constructing underground tunnels at the border used to smuggle people, terrorists and other illegal contraband; and the detention of dangerous illegal immigrants.
