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By Stephani Ruiz
From: 1011now
U.S. Senator Ben Nelson paid a visit to Central Nebraska. He spoke about immigration reform and other hot political issues.
"We need to get that border secured, then we can deal with the people who are here," Nelson said.
When it comes to immigration reform, U.S. Senator Ben Nelson said there is no easy solution.
"This isn't just about people coming here to wanna work, we're talking about gang members, we're talking about drug trade, the weapons trade," Nelson said.
Trades that Nelson said threaten safety in the United States. That's why he said border security should be a top priority.
And adding other reform ideas, such as the Dream Act, which was re-introduced to Congress this month, distracts lawmakers from the bigger issue at hand.
"Any talk about dream act or any kind of other program only encourages people to get across the border to get here while they can to be a part of it," Nelson said.
According to Nelson, that's what happened with the amnesty of 1986. It did not add enforcement to the border and the number of undocumented immigrants more than tripled.
"It's a long process, and important one, but we have to have the border secured first," Nelson said.
And border security is also on Nelson's mind when it comes to the troops in Afghanistan. He said bringing some of them home is understandable, but pulling out completely will put the U.S. in a tough spot.
"We'll be right where we were ten years ago with Pakistan right on the border with Afghanistan, becoming a safe haven for Al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations, including the Taliban," Nelson said.
And this conflict around the world affects oil supply and prices, which is why Nelson wants to continue working towards using oil produced here at home.
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