Lou Barletta Discusses Illegal Immigration and Small Cities on 'Wilkow!

Eight Senators kicked off the week of news in Washington Monday with the announcement of a bipartisan framework for Immigration reform that would address border security, guest worker and employer verification, and include a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million illegal immigrants already in this country. At the center of the debate surrounding Immigration reform for many conservatives comes respect for the rule of law; how can we strengthen border security and address illegal immigrants already living in the country. For many communities across the country an influx of illegal immigration can bring not only economic disruption, but also social unease and crime.

A 2012 report from the Republican-controlled House Judiciary Committee and nonpartisan Congressional Research Service found that roughly one in six illegal immigrants is re-arrested on criminal charges within three years of release. In 2011, 188, 382 criminal illegal immigrants were deported. 

Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Lou Barletta came to national prominence before coming to Washington D.C. when he was Mayor of Hazelton during an influx of legal immigration that pushed the city's small budget to its limit, and saw several instances of violent crime involving illegal immigrants. Rep. Barletta joined "Wilkow!" Wednesday to discuss his experiences and how illegal immigration can effect small cities: