California’s U.S. Rep. Jeff Denham Pushing Amnesty Harder than Ever

For the last three weeks, U.S. Representative Jeff Denham, representing Modesto, Calif., has been the subject of CAPS radio ads (listen here) urging him to consider the plight of 20 million unemployed Americans instead of relentlessly pressing ahead for an amnesty that would further undermine their efforts to get jobs.

Denham’s website makes multiple references to his commitment to the unemployed, especially recent returning veterans. A member of the bicameral Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus, Denham’s motto is: “If you want to help a vet, hire a vet.”

Unfortunately, Denham’s actions are at odds with his words. As the first Republican to co-sign House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's immigration bill, H.R. 15, Denham has signaled that he’s anti-U.S. worker. The instant that Congress passes a comprehensive immigration amnesty bill, between 11 and 20 million illegal aliens would receive work authorization that will allow them to compete with unemployed Americans and possibly undercut working Americans' wages. Denham, and other congressional amnesty advocates, purposely ignore the indisputable relationship between amnesty and American worker displacement.

Earlier this week, Denham ratcheted up his amnesty commitment. With Majority Leader Boehner’s blessing, Denham, along with like-minded pro-amnesty Representatives David Valadao (CA-21) and Mark Amodei (NV-2), distributed a letter to fellow House members asking for support on comprehensive immigration reform.

Denham’s request came in the form of an internal “Dear Colleagues” memo and is not available online. But well-placed Capitol Hill sources forwarded me the text’s crucial portion:

As Republican Members of the House of Representatives we respectfully request that immigration reform be considered on the floor during the 113th Congress. The issue of immigration reform affects American families, national security, and every sector of the economy. As the majority party in the House of Representatives, we have the opportunity to address this important issue and provide a long-term solution for the American people.

As members of the majority in the House of Representatives, we believe that our chamber can unite behind a transparent, effective, and common sense approach. We are prepared to stand with you in this effort to guide reform to the floor. With your leadership, we can deliver true immigration reform for the American people.

Denham purposely ignores the devastating effect amnesty would have on Modesto’s 12 percent unemployed as well as other unemployed Americans in California and nationwide.

Please go to the CAPS Action Alert Page to FAX your representative and urge opposition to H.R. 15.