I am a strong believe in legal Immigration. This country has a great deal to offer those that wish to come here, work hard, and enjoy the fruits of their labor. The natural attraction of a free society to pursue individual happiness can serve to make other countries better in an attempt to retain the best, brightest, and most productive of their societies.

The debate in our country for several decades has centered on Illegal Immigration. Let me be very clear as I restate my attitude on Legal Immigrants, “I am a strong believer”.  I support bold decisive statements that encourage honest actions by all those that would come and live in this country.

I do not espouse hatred, violence or any of the such; but I do defend the rule of law and justice.

I believe myself to be a compassionate and merciful person, as I encourage others to be as well. I believe that as members of a society we should show mercy to others; but I also know that mercy cannot rob justice. If we as individuals within a society show mercy to those that harm us, it is needful that the government that we established enforces justice.  And yes, the punishment needs to fit the crime.

My heart is full of compassion for all of those trying to escape the horrific conditions of their home country, and are willing to risk the penalty of our laws to come here under any conditions possible. But to openly encourage people to disregard our laws and to come here by any possible means, only serves to encourage the worst of those coming, and the worst action from them once here.

When as a society and through our government we encourage bad behavior, we have to expect more of it.  I firmly believe that our government should not be providing any type of social welfare to people living in this country illegally. I also believe that individuals, private and religious charities should provide aid to any they see fit.

I know that immigration is the proper role of the Federal Government, but the Federal government continues to do little to nothing. In fact, under this administration, thousands of Illegal aliens that were incarcerated for committed serious crimes where recently released. We as a Party need to take a stand for the rule of law.

I have long supported the notion of a much quicker and streamlined immigration process; one that encourages people to immigrate legally. Estimates say we have over 10 million Illegal Aliens here already. What of the many more that are trying to come here legally? I have to ask, ‘Who is being discriminated against’?

I know that as a party we need to stand firm on proper morals and not waver to misguided pleas for compassion.  Opponents to our party are doing a better job painting a picture of what we are not, than we are painting the picture of what we are. It makes it easy for them when we allow our principles to waiver at every misguided cry. As we stand firm, and plainly articulate who and what we are, others will see the wisdom in our stated principles.

Please stand with me in supporting a strong party platform.