Immigration

We need a sensible, reasonable approach to immigration. Washington and John McCain have failed us. For 28 years, McCain has taken all sides of the immigration debate while the problems have only gotten worse. In the meantime, Arizonans have been searching for answers. SB1070 is not the answer; it is a rash attempt to score political points. As a former Vice Mayor for the City of Tucson, I understand the importance of safety in our communities. SB1070 is an unfunded mandate and additional burden on local law enforcement at a time when every municipality in Arizona is struggling with budget cuts.

We must hire and train the appropriate number of border patrol agents and utilize technology to secure and monitor the border. Additionally, we must have a system in place for those who would like to come to our country legally, work, pay taxes, and return home to do so in order for our economy to function properly.

Those who are in our country illegally must be held accountable for breaking the law, but it would cost billions of taxpayer dollars to arrest or deport them all. We need a realistic solution so that those who work hard, pay back taxes, and contribute to society can pay a fine and get in the back of the line to become U.S. citizens. Those who refuse to obey our laws should be deported immediately.