I am proud to be an American, and proud that such beliefs are at the core of our country and its citizens.

The voters in my district, and around the country, have demanded that Congress get a hold on the influx of illegal immigrants and tighten the security around our borders.

If we are to believe that our immigration laws simply have no value, as our current policies would have us believe, should we then simply throw them all out, the entire lot of immigration law? I hope not.

Mexico takes a hard line on immigration, demanding that visitors to her shores enter lawfully, and show her respect during their stay.

In just three years, Iraq has achieved immense progress. It has had three successful elections in which 80% of their citizens voted, even while being threatened with death.

In fact, things are moving along rather well in Iraq. Nothing is perfect, of course, and freedom is messy work. The cooperation of the three major interests in Iraq has been remarkable.

I am proud to be an American, and proud that such beliefs are at the core of our country and its citizens.