Arizona's Immigration Law

The recent law passed in Arizona raises some tough questions. How does one respond to a state law that enforces federal law? Our President said it was “misguided.” Many state and city politicians in California have said it is time to boycott Arizona for its “harsh” immigration policy. One Los Angeles Councilmen said that Arizona is acting like it is its own country. One Texas Congressman said that the law is something he wants in his state. A city councilman in Costa Mesa, CA said that the city is going to copy it and make it an ordinance. Many activist groups have now filed legal suits against Arizona’s newest law, but many experts say that the law will stand.

Having grown up the son of an immigrant, I know firsthand the hardship of having no roots and being in a strange place. I was born in New York and moved to the San Fernando Valley. My father struggled to put food on the table, and I had to work as a young man. I had my own paper route and worked hard. When I graduated high school, I received a scholarship to USC. This is the dream that most immigrants have for their children.

California became the place where dreams came true for my parents and me. My father taught me that to be a good citizen you have to follow the laws. I believe that still today. I am successful because I have followed the laws of this great nation. I believe, to find success in this country it must first start there. I have driven past Home Depots, like many of you. I think about the lives those men are living and my heart hurts for them. I know they struggle to put food on the table just like my father did. I know they came here seeking a better life for their children. I understand their plight, but their method in achieving that goal is what I cannot understand.

Our current system has moved beyond common sense. Our President has failed to uphold the laws set out by Congress and states are not allowed to enforce the federal laws. Immigration and Customs Enforcement lack funding and staff to handle the current situation. We have judges and district attorneys that are more dedicated to sentencing ICE agents then to enforcing our immigration laws.

This issue is no longer one which we can sit idly by and hope for a solution. We have solutions. First, we need to secure our borders. Second, we need to remove all financial incentives for illegal immigrants. And third, we need to demonstrate the clear and responsible pathway to legal immigration.

Arizona passed legislation allowing local law enforcement agencies to work with federal agents. We have laws in this country for a reason and they need to be enforced. The American dream is something that I believe in, but a vital part of that dream is honoring the laws that we have established. If I am elected to the 42nd Congressional district in California I will stand in the way of any amnesty bill or pathway to citizenship that does not honor those that have sought to come here legally. I fight daily to uphold and defend the Constitution and the values that hold it in place. We need responsible common sense immigration policies. As the son of an immigrant, I am pro-immigration but oppose the recent wave of illegal aliens. John Adams said “Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people…” We stand at a pivotal moment; to create and protect opportunity and call upon our leaders to ensure the will and protection of the people of the United States of America.