Ed Cocchiola, Republican Candidate for Legislative District 1 for the Arizona House of Representatives:
Let’s Talk About Immigration
Today I am going to talk about immigration in Arizona, which is a topic that has many aspects and deals with many issues. Let’s take them one at a time.
A Border Wall
Do we need a wall separating us from the country of Mexico? Absolutely! We need to defend our borders from very real and ongoing threats, such as the flow of narcotics, human trafficking, ruthless gangs who commit crimes against humanity, and terrorists from other nations who penetrate our borders through Mexico. It is a matter of national security. We also need more border control agents, and better communications between border control agents and our sheriff’s departments.
Immigration Assimilation
I am all for immigrants coming into our nation through due process of law, with a goal toward citizenship. Our great nation was formed by immigrants.
In 1915, my father came into the United States of America from Italy. Then years later Mussolini, the father of fascism rose to power in Italy. In the meantime, my father fought the Germans in France for the U.S. in WWI. When he returned, he went to night school to study to be able to pass the test for U.S. citizenship. The class was taught by a man named O’Reilly, who knew my dad during the war. He knew my dad would know all the answers, so, being authorized to do so, he gave my father his papers of citizenship on the spot.
So I invite with enthusiasm those who love our country enough to do what due process requires for citizenship. They become part of the core our citizens who will defend and protect the greatest nation the world has ever known.
Immigration Ban
For the present, a ban on immigrants crossing our borders must be enforced until we have COVID-19 under control. It is a matter of national security and the protection of our citizens.
Children of Illegal Immigrants
Unfortunately, women come into our nation for the very purpose of bypassing the intent of the law. They find a loophole by which they stay in our nation through special privilege not due process. This needs to be stopped.
Detention of Illegal Immigrants
In conclusion, if you are illegal, you are illegal. There is no middle ground. Detention is the only possible solution. It is all about the protection of American citizens!
Boarder Wall how will this prevent illegal immigration considering the majority of illegal immigrants come in through legal means through the airports? It also does nothing to prevent the cartels from digging more tunnels into the U.S. or continue to out spending our government to still get into America. We need immigration reform that works to help with immigrants coming into America through legal means.
I was told by your campaign that you were different. I see no difference you are bringing the same tired and tried ideas.
What makes you different.
What makes me different is I listen to what the people want. By listening, I can do something about their concerns and make a difference. It will be an honor and privilege to serve the people, and work for the people.