As House Republicans prepare to meet Thursday to discuss various options on immigration reform, they should remember one of the things that makes America such an attractive place for immigrants from all over the world, which is our dedication to the rule of law, and the shared commitment to the belief that what makes the rule of law work is our determination to apply the law equally, without fear or favor.

Seen in that light, it is odd, to say the least, that some Republicans in Congress would “solve” the “immigration problem” by advocating for “solutions” that take our current failure to enforce the laws on the books and, instead of reversing course and enforcing them, find ways to change the law to legalize breaking of the law.

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Millions of my fellow patriots take the view that the law is the law, that laws on the books should be enforced equally, and that the law should not be changed to accommodate those who have come to America, or stay in America, in violation of the law. Instead, those who have violated the law should take actions to conform their behavior to the requirements of the law. There are several underlying reasons why we take this position.

First, either we are a society where the rule of law matters, or we are not. Members of Congress and their staffs do not live under ObamaCare as it was written and enacted, yet they refuse to repeal it or give us the same exemption they get. Bureaucrats in government agencies weaponize their agencies against American citizens, suppressing rights and causing damage to their political opposition with little to no accountability, while at the same time providing special privileges to their political allies.

President Clinton lied under oath and was given a slap on the wrist, while Martha Stewart lied to federal investigators and went to jail. Many immigrants waited in line and came to this country lawfully and paid thousands of dollars to attorneys to stay here legally, while others entered illegally or overstayed their visas with little to no negative consequences.

Are we truly a country where laws are written and enacted, and then all are equal under that law, or are we a country where your position and status give you special license to break the law? The fact is that our rule of law is part of what separates us from banana republics that others want to flee. Yet, it is a slippery slope when we disregard that which makes us unique. If we continue the precedents where some are above the law and others are not, we may lose the ability to protect those who need a safe haven from the banana republics in this world.

Second, Americans do not trust most of the people in the Washington swamp to keep their promises. Beltway politicians all too often promise to do what we want later, in exchange for what they want now. They spend today and save tomorrow. “Give us the majority, and we will repeal ObamaCare. Grant amnesty today, and we will secure the border in the future” is what they tell us.

The future comes, and their promises go out the window. We simply do not trust that they will eventually secure the border, enforce the current immigration law, or build a wall. While amnesty is a bad idea that never seems to go out of style with some politicians in the Washington swamp, these politicians should step back and consider the legacy they wish to leave from their time in Congress.

Instead of granting amnesty now and promising some future enforcement of the law, our representatives should try reversing that order by securing the border, enforcing the current immigration law, and building a wall now. Then, after proving they can keep their promises and be trusted, they can ask us to give them what they want in the future.

Prove to us — your constituents, your voters, the American people — that you will do what you say. Leave a legacy that puts America first. In doing do our country and and its citizens will be able to continue to provide safe harbor to those in need, and America will continue to provide opportunity for those who seek freedom and respect our values.

Jenny Beth Martin is chairman of Tea Party Patriots Citizens Fund.