Immigration and Border Security

I have always drawn a clear distinction between legal and illegal immigration, those people who come to our country legally should be welcomed. At the same time, the defense of our nation begins with securing our borders and ending the opportunity for illegal entry. I support a comprehensive border security plan to combat illegal immigration, drug and alien smuggling and violent activity on the southwest border. I do not believe in offering amnesty or any special pathway to citizenship for individuals who are here illegally, and I believe that immigrants should pursue citizenship by getting in line and complying with the same rules that are already in place for any other immigrants.

I have been working hard to address one of the most important domestic issues in the United States. Earlier this year, I supported legislation that would have increased the number of National Guard troops at the border, fully funded immigration law enforcement, and provided new security equipment and technology for the border. Unfortunately, all of these efforts were rejected by Senate Democrats. I will continue my efforts because I believe it is absolutely critical to our state and to this nation that we secure the borders and restore credibility to our immigration system.