American Legion releases new report to battle illegal immigration

INDIANAPOLIS (January 12, 2009) - The American Legion has updated its 2007 booklet "A Strategy to Address Illegal Immigration in the United States."

In the new edition, The American Legion highlights the most critical aspects of illegal immigration and offers distinct steps to be taken by government in order to curtail illegal immigration and eliminate it in the future.

"America is a nation built by immigrants and The American Legion recognizes and celebrates that," said National Commander David K. Rehbein. "We do take strong issue, however, with illegal immigration. It's a matter of national security. The 9/11 hijackers and three of the men who plotted to kill innocent Americans at Ft. Dix were perfect examples of terrorists exploiting our weak immigration laws and our lack of enforcement. This booklet is a good reminder that America has a serious problem that needs to be addressed."

The booklet addresses topics such as overstays, crime, terrorism, education and the effects illegal aliens have on employment and wages. An electronic version of the 30-page booklet is available for download at www.legion.org/bulletins. Hard copies may be requested by calling (317) 630-1212 or mailing The American Legion, National Americanism Commission, 700 N. Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

With a current membership of 2.6-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and patriotic youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.