Rep. Bob Beauprez, R-Arvada, is looking beyond the government to address illegal immigration. He said the issue involves the private sector as well, including one Lakewood company.
The congressman and gubernatorial candidate spoke last week at BSI2000’s Lakewood headquarters and recognized the company’s products, including a device that would match fingerprints on an encoded, high-tech green card to the holder’s scanned fingerprint. BSI2000 designs builds and sells a variety of high-end, security-related products.
BSI2000 officials displayed the VERUS2000 Green Card Authentication Device, which cost about $1,000 each when government agencies purchase them in bulk, said company president Jack Harper.
The Verus2000 is on field trial in Amsterdam and at a Department of Motor Vehicles office in Tennessee to authenticate green cards used by resident aliens. Also, the company has delivered six machines to the Department of Homeland Security for consideration.
“I see a really good future for this,” said Jack Harper, BSI2000 president.
Beauprez said the federal government needs to enforce existing immigration laws, but states could also take the lead.
“Why do states have to wait for the federal government to get its act together?” he said.
The congressman also talked about companies he contacted who said they constantly come across illegal immigrants. The company told him they report individuals to the federal government, but nothing happens. He said the situation is unacceptable and dangerous.
“This isn’t about hating anyone, disliking anyone,” he said. “But this is about enforcing the law.”