Looking ahead at the issues: immigration

Not only does amnesty contradict the very core principles of our country, it punishes those trying to immigrate legally. For example, during this campaign I spoke with a Russian woman who has come into the country legally and is waiting for her daughter to be approved to come to the United States. She told me how her daughter has been in the system for almost eight years, but is committed to becoming a legal citizen by following the rules. How a nation of laws justify re warding those who have ignored our laws and thereby disadvantage people like this woman and her daughter?

We are absolutely in need of real immigration reform, and we feel the impact of illegal immigration in Nevada. The solution however is simple if we are willing to take a stand: remove the incentives. First, if you are in this country illegally you should not be entitled to taxpayer-funded education. Nevadans spend over $400 million annually on education costs for illegal immigrants, a cost that the state cannot afford while facing its highest unemployment rate in history and ranking as the one of the top states in the country in foreclosures and bankruptcies. Second, if you are in this country illegally then you should not be entitled to taxpayer-funded healthcare. Nevadans spend over $85 million, uncompensated, annually on health care costs, after the federal aid that is required under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act has been applied.

These restrictions on health care and education are prime examples of what must be done, but the bottom line is that If you are in this country illegally, then you are not entitled to taxpayer funded benefits – period. Harry Reid once led a vote in opposition to restricting illegal immigrants access to our troubled Social Security system, proof that he is simply out of touch with the real problem.

As we approach the primary date, it is important to remain focused on the issues that lie ahead of our country and turn to those who have real solutions. The real solution to illegal immigration is to remove the incentives. We can restore America, but we must take a firm stand on this issue.