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Gov. Rick Perry: If You Don't Secure the Border, Can't Have a Legitimate Conversation about Immigration

By KGNS News

Story Created: Jul 31, 2010

Story Updated: Jul 31, 2010

Governor Rick Perry is now awaiting a visit from President Barack Obama, who is set to arrive in Austin on August 9th. In the meantime, Perry has been very outspoken about what he says will help in the fight to secure the Texas/Mexico border; and, he says, wasting time over Arizona's immigration law is not on his list. Our Annette Garcia explains.
"Faulting the Obama and previous Washington administrations, Texas governor Rick Perry is speaking out in Laredo on the dangerous situation brewing along the border. During his trip to the Gateway City, the governor listed what he says would actually help secure the Texas/Mexico border. 'Three thousand additional border patrol agents, I think, is required. While those agents are trained, one thousand National Guard troops could come have presence on the border,' says Governor Rick Perry. Night vision technology and predator drones, also on his wish list. 'That real time information is extremely helpful with sending the message,' he says. But wasting time on arguing against Arizona's immigration law is not. Perry says it shows Washington just doesn't get it. 'If you do not secure the border you cannot have a legitimate conversation about immigration,' Perry says. Other Texas leaders don't agree. Representative Ryan Guillen says a conversation about immigration could solve many problems on the border. 'Until we have a real way for people here to work and live, then you're always gonna have this problem,' says Texas Representative Ryan Guillen. But, he says, those disagreements shouldn't keep leaders from making a move."
City officials we spoke to yesterday--including Mayor Raul Salinas--say they hope to see more action toward securing the border. They're looking forward to the president's visit to Austin and additional aid the visit may bring.