8TH DISTRICT ARIZONA
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the Rest of the Arizona DelegationPRESS RELEASE
Arizona Republican Delegation Expresses Concern About Immigration Initiative
(Washington, DC - July 17, 2003) -- The Republican members of the Arizona delegation today released the following statement regarding the Arizona Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act initiative:
"As Republican members of the Arizona Congressional Delegation we share the concern that many Arizonans have about the sanctity of the ballot and the negative effects of illegal immigration, including the burden imposed on our social service network. We understand the desire of members of Protect Arizona Now 2004 to find a solution to these problems. However, after careful consideration, we have concluded that the initiative entitled the Arizona Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act will not solve the problems it seeks to address, and we are concerned that it may, in fact, do harm.
We agree that more must be done to secure our borders and to ensure that Arizonans do not bear the burden of an ineffective immigration policy. However, guarding the border is, and should remain, the responsibility of the federal government.
We are working, along with many other members of the U.S. Congress, on new methods to help secure our nation's borders. We are also trying to make the federal government live up to its responsibilities and reimburse border states for the cost of activities related to illegal immigration. This is a federal issue that must be dealt with on a federal level.
Other states have tried measures similar to the one being proposed by Protect Arizona Now 2004. Unfortunately, courts have consistently found these measures unconstitutional and, therefore, ineffective in combating immigration problems. Arizona should stand out as a leader in immigration strategies and reform. It should not pursue efforts that will not achieve results or will repeat the mistakes made by others.
We pledge to continue to work to find workable, effective and innovative solutions to the difficulties associated with illegal immigration, and we encourage all Arizonans to join us in this effort."
