Dear Friends,
Since
Arizona is the main recipient of the problems of illegal immigration,
let me be clear. My citizens demand a secure border and I demand a
secure border. It's as simple as that.
I
understand there is anticipation for me to take a position either
endorsing or opposing the "Gang of Eight" immigration reform bill. I
have not endorsed or opposed the bill because I know it remains a work
in progress. I have faith that House Republicans will improve the bill
by making securing our border the top priority.
Recent
additions to the Senate plan are encouraging. For example, I have long
advocated for additional Border Patrol agents, completion of the border
fence and further use of unmanned aircraft and other technology, as well
as workplace enforcement. However, supporting these provisions does not
equate to an endorsement of the overall legislation. There are still
too many unknowns. Specifically, Congress must require that the
border-security provisions are mandated on the front end rather than
forgotten on the back end.
Our
nation's immigration system is broken and has been for decades.
Congress must get it right this time. America cannot again repeat the
failure of the 1986 immigration reform. The federal government must
begin keeping its promises when it comes to border security.
We've
been down this path before, and the federal government has failed to
keep its promises - whether in 1986 or as recently as 2006, when the
federal government promised to build a border fence and then failed to
fund it. We need assurances of a secured border that is fully funded.
Also, the federal government needs to do its job and allow States to
work in partnership - through the existing 287g program - to address
illegal immigration.
I
know there is skepticism regarding this latest attempt by Congress to
fix our immigration system. The federal government has a multi-decade
record of failure on immigration and has passed along the costs to
states like Arizona. The Obama administration, especially, does not
instill faith among conservatives like myself. However, conservatives
must remain in the conversation to ensure that the security provisions
are as strong as possible. We cannot address our priorities if we walk
away from the debate.
Thank you for your time.
Best,
Jan
