Conservative Hispanics Voice Support for Arizona’s Immigration Enforcement Bill

Latino National Republican Coalition national Chairman Richard Rios issued the following statement regarding Arizona’s Senate Bill 1070. 

“I was in Arizona during the signing of the recent immigration bill and saw some of the protests in opposition of it.  I have reviewed the Bill and commend Arizona’s legislature for adhering and not overstepping existing federal law.  American Latino’s are proud of their heritage and we equally honor the country that has offered so much to so many people.  While there may be groups who oppose the Arizona Bill, it is not as rigid nor does it have the requirements of other state immigration laws such as those found in California.  It is also important to recognize that Congress is given the power over regulating immigration and as long as state does not overstep that boundary, it is within their rights to enforce any law that is not unconstitutional within their borders.”

The Latino National Republican Coalition’s partner and recognized state chapter affiliate, the Arizona Latino Republican Association, issued the following statement through its state Chairman Jesse Hernandez.

“The longstanding presence of undocumented residents, increasing public safety incidents involving brazen criminal behavior such as the human smuggling of illegal immigrants and drug trafficking, as well as growing frustration with the lack of a comprehensive federal solution to address security and international crossings at Arizona’s border with Mexico, came to a head in the Senate’s passage and Governor Brewer’s signing of Senate Bill 1070. 

As imperfect as Senate Bill 1070 may be, 60% of Americans support Arizona’s position highlighting the need to address and rebuild America’s immigration policy. Through its many attempts to secure Arizona’s border with fences, border patrol agents and other sophisticated resources, the federal government has only offered short term, largely ineffective and expensive solutions. The desire to cross the border is relentless - to the point of the discovery of underground tunnel passages. To effectively secure Arizona’s border will require increasing the federal government’s formal presence along the border states in the form of robust border security that 1) Extinguishes the demand for a black market  2) Addresses high volume of entry, 3) Identifies appropriate avenues of documentation 4) Distinguishes between temporary workers and those interested in a path to full citizenship.

Arizona is a state rich in cultural history and like the rest of America welcomes legal immigrants.  It has become increasingly tired of the illegal entry of those crossing its southern border without appropriate documentation and expects the federal government to enforce its laws based on equal justice.  Serious immigrants desire to live/work in the United States and many become citizens to escape their countries’ corrupt oppression.  The rule of law makes America special.  Let’s respect it for the sake of our citizens, legal immigrants and future immigrants.

“I am honored to be working with such principled and dedicated leaders and volunteers throughout the country.  Together we will work to elect conservative Latino candidates as well as promote legislation that supports our family values, economic freedom, and opportunities for future generations.” Chairman Rios concluded.

About ALRA

The mission of the Arizona Republican Latino Association (ALRA) is to foster the principles of the Republican Party in Arizona's Latino community creating an empowered network of Republican Latino leaders and grassroots activists.