Illegal Immigration

Immigration is a complicated matter which, ultimately, is under federal jurisdiction. This greatly limits what a city or state can do. Unfortunately, our federal government has bordered on malfeasance in its inability to deal with this issue.

Our current and antiquated immigration policies fail to consider both our countries’ need for a migrant workforce, as well as, the indomitable human spirit’s desire to improve one’s own life and that of one’s family. Our current immigration policies would be like posting a speed limit of 45 MPH on an open freeway. They simply are unrealistic for the times in which we live.

In the absence of workable legislation from the federal government, cities and states across this land have been forced to enact their own legislation, such as Utah’s SB81, to deal with some of the issues arising out of illegal immigration.

When I take the oath of office, I will raise my arm to the square and swear to “. . . uphold the Constitution of the United States and the laws of the State of Utah.” An oath is a promise and goes to the heart of a person’s integrity. If I am capricious in how I keep that oath and in which laws I will enforce, then, by extension, my word and my integrity become capricious. It is essential that a people be able to trust the word of its elected officials, even if they disagree with them, in order to maintain trust in our system of government. I will do my best to garner the faith and trust of all people who reside in our great city by striving with all diligence to “. . . uphold the Constitution of the United States and the laws of the state of Utah.” At the same time, I will do all that is within my power to support and encourage legitimate immigration reform. This reform must meld the current needs of our country with the desire of those outside our country to safely and legally enter this country and pursue certain unalienable rights, endowed to all men by their Creator, among these being Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

Inherent in my oath of office is ensuring that all laws are being upheld, including safeguarding the civil rights of all people who live in our city. I will ensure that our police officers are adequately trained regarding immigration policy so that they understand clearly what they can do and what they cannot do. I will tolerate no racial profiling or other violations of civil rights.

I believe we need to bring every resource available to assist legal immigrants in our community including helping them learn English, helping them learn how to be successful in their businesses, and, most importantly, helping their children excel in our schools. I will give all support possible to private groups and charitable organizations who help us accomplish these goals.

They say a rising tide lifts all ships. I believe that to be true. Helping this segment of our population to be prosperous will increase all of our prosperity. elpingHConversely, if we fail this segment of our population we fail as a city. We must all prosper together.