Thread by @CIS_org

Our conversation with Rep, Lamar Smith will be starting shortly.

Watch it here:
facebook.com/CenterforImmig…

On the 1990 Immigration Act "It didn't work out the way I expected. It did raise the cap several hundred thousand, which went the wrong way as far as I'm concerned. If I had opposed it actively, we could've possibly defeated it. I was young and naive." -Lamar Smith

#CISNewsmaker

"If it hadn't been for activist group pressure, we would've passed the entire 1986 immigration bill as originally introduced. It would've cut chain migration, as Barbara Jordan recommended... Instead, the Clinton administration gave in to the pressure" - Lamar Smith
#CISNewsmaker

Krikorian: Why have Democrats gotten so radical on immigration?

Lamar Smith: "Honestly, one component is that they realize if they achieve their goals to increase immigration and give amnesty to many illegals, it's likely those folks will vote Democrat."

#CISNewsmaker

"E-Verify is over 99% effective. It shuts off the attraction of the jobs magnet. If in fact, most people come for a job...they won't have much of an incentive to come. It will also save jobs for underemployed Americans... I don't know how anyone can oppose it" -@LamarSmithTX21

Any prospect of the Goodlatte bill being brought to the floor as a standalone bill?

@LamarSmithTX21: "I think so...It had something for everybody and we were just 20-odd votes short. I think we could get those 20 votes if we brought it up again and tried hard."

#CISNewsmaker

"I think the GAO determined only 6% of the border is fully under control. That is just astounding for a sovereign nation...If we want to bring illegal immigration close to zero, we can do so. They did it in San Diego. Structures make it easier." @LamarSmithTX21

'Some people say if we build a 15-foot wall, they'll bring a 16-foot ladder. Let's just say that's an exaggeration. You absolutely can stop people with physical structures. Securing the border is a matter of will, of determination, and of coming up with the funds."

#CISNewsmaker

On why the Gang of 8 amnesty bill failed:

"It was close enough that those of us opposed were really worried! But it was just too much amnesty for a lot of us to swallow. It reminded us of the '86 bill where we got the amnesty but never got the border security." -@LamarSmithTX21

"I almost never see an accurate immigration story. There are a few reporters who present both sides. Most of the time, it's more of an editorial than news. It's generally pro-amnesty, pro-open borders. I really worry about how the coverage affects public opinion." -Lamar Smith