Immigration
Immigration issues impact all of us and are important to my work in Congress.
Arizona faces a serious illegal immigration problem. Our border with Mexico remains extremely porous. There aren't enough resources at the border to halt the flow of illegal crossings. We don't have the manpower at the border to stop illegal immigrants from crossing over. In short, Arizona citizens are being put at risk due to the Federal government's complete lack of willingness to adhere to, and enforce existing immigration laws.
Immigration is, quite simple, a national security issue, first and foremost. We live in a day and age in which terrorists are openly attempting to acquire weapons of mass destruction to use against the United States of America. There is precious little standing between a terrorist and a trip across the border with a suitcase explosive device (or with plans to assist someone already within the country in assembling a similar device). Our borders must be secured, and every illegal immigrant in the United States must be accounted for.
I remain committed to supporting immigration reform legislation that places border security -- and national security -- first and foremost. However, we must also realize that we are both a nation of immigrants and a nation formed on the rule of law. America has a great tradition of welcoming immigrants of all ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds, though there have always been limitations on immigration and especially on achieving the desired status of American citizenship. Citizenship should be given only to those who treasure the United States and that means those who have upheld American law, and the United States Constitution.
