We Are a Nation of Immigrants
But Also a Nation of Laws
As a descendent of Czech, Polish, English and Irish ancestors, I recognize that we are a nation of immigrants. As a prosecutor, I believe firmly that we are also a nation of laws. For that reason, any discussion of illegal immigration needs to begin with an unwavering commitment to enforce the laws we have on the books and not reward illegal behavior.
Our immigration system is broken. Even those employers who want to play by the rules can’t do so because the processes for employee verification and visa applications are so flawed. This is of particular concern here on the Eastern Shore where our seafood and poultry industries occasionally have a need for temporary workers. We need to overhaul the system so that those employers who want to play by the rules can do so.
But employers that continue to break the law even after we streamline the process clearly need to be punished, and mild slaps on the wrist aren’t going to get the job done. As a prosecutor, I’ve seen firsthand how the federal government’s failure to enforce its laws has unfairly burdened local law enforcement. County governments are even forced to pick up the tab for the incarceration of illegal immigrants convicted of serious crimes. In Congress, I’ll fight for the resources to secure our borders and relieve the burden on local government.
