State Sen. Deevers comments on controversial visa task force recommendations

State Sen. Dusty Deevers joins State Rep. Justin Humphrey in criticizing a report from Gov. Stitt's task force on work permits and visas for non-citizens, with concerns over how the task force recommendations may apply to illegal immigrants.

Deevers Comments on Controversial Visa Task Force Recommendations

OKLAHOMA CITY (September 4th) – Last week, the Oklahoma State Work Permits and Visas Task Force published their report, making several recommendations to the legislature for immigration-related bills. Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, spoke forthrightly against the recommendations and encouraged his fellow legislators to do likewise.

“As legislators, we must look out first and foremost for the well-being of Oklahomans,” Deevers said. “I’m afraid these recommendations fail to do that.”

The Task Force’s first recommendation was an Office of New Oklahomans, pointing to Utah’s Center for New Americans as a good example.

State Rep. Humphrey opposes 'Oklahoma State Work Permits & Visas Task Force'

State Rep. Justin Humphrey is hot over recommendations from a governor's task force that seem diametrically opposed to recent legislative efforts to curb illegal immigration and associated crimes in Oklahoma. Read on:

Humphrey Opposes Oklahoma State Work Permits and Visas Task Force

OKLAHOMA CITY (September 3rd) – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, today issued the following statements about the recommendations of the Oklahoma State Work Permits and Visas Task Force, which was created by Gov. Kevin Stitt via an executive order signed April 30.

"I recently was notified about the work of Governor Stitt's Oklahoma State Work Permits and Visas Task Force, which was charged with evaluating and making recommendations to allow immigrants to have visas, permits and documentation to pursue the American dream, contribute to our workforce, and for Oklahoma universities and industries to recruit and legally retain global talent without fear of unnecessary deportation or separation from family safely and legally.

"I lack the vocabulary skills to properly express my anger on this order. The American dream is swiftly being stripped from our children by our own U.S. and state governments. The Oklahoma State Work Permits and Visas Task Force plan appears to do just that: steal Oklahomans’ American dream and give it to illegals.

Legislature concludes action, adjourns session

The legislature adjourned sine die this evening, ending legislative action for the year (though given recent years, a special session is not out of the question at some point).

Here are some session summaries from Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat and House Speaker Charles McCall (both are term limited).

Drummond praises Gov. Stitt for signing crime-fighting bills, urges signing of HB 4156

Drummond praises Gov. Stitt for signing crime-fighting bills, urges signing of HB 4156

OKLAOMA CITY (April 24, 2024) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond today praised Gov. Stitt for signing two bills into law that are critical for cracking down on crime. Drummond also urged the Governor to take swift action in signing House Bill 4156, the immigration reform legislation Drummond called for weeks ago. 

Lankford defends border proposal in op-ed

There's been a lot of consternation among conservatives regarding Sen. Lankford's role in the new border "security" proposal. Here he is, in his own words, defending the measure.

Biden's border chaos can be controlled and the time is now

By US Senator James Lankford (R-OK)

Enough is enough. In less than three years of President Biden’s term, we had more people illegally cross the border than in the previous 12 years combined. Millions of people have come into the US under this president with thousands from nations like China, Iran, Mauritania, Senegal, and many more.

For three years, we have all said the border is a crisis, and it needs to stop. This week, the Senate has an opportunity to stop the chaos and put powerful new tools in the border security toolbox for the next administration. 

OKGOP turmoil over State Committee meeting legitimacy, Lankford criticism

There is another divide going on in the Oklahoma Republican Party, again centered around the leading figures in the party: State Chair (and State Senator) Nathan Dahm, and State Vice Chair Wayne Hill. I'm a little out of the loop, this latest spat appears to center around a canceled State Committee meeting, followed by a new meeting called under a rarely-used party rule (Hill's version here).

OCPA supports drivers licenses for illegals because they're "already driving on our roads"

I admit to being somewhat baffled about the state of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs in recent years.

I was troubled by the antagonism and outright hostility they displayed toward valid concerns by the homeschool community last year when OCPA was pushing a "school choice" bill by Sen. Greg Treat. This was followed by the stunning announcement that OCPA supports expanding the sales tax to include services in Oklahoma, a multi-billion dollar tax hike primarily on the backs of small businesses.

Now? OCPA is seemingly abandoning all good sense and advocating in favor of giving drivers licenses to illegal immigrants because... "these people are already driving on our roads" and pay taxes?

There's been some serious compromise on their espoused conservative principles, and my bet is that it's likely driven by the folks with the purse strings that keep their lights on (for example, they've received millions over the years from groups like the Walton Family Foundation, which advocates liberal views of immigration).

Tremendously disappointing.

Read on for to see the serious disconnect in OCPA's logic for yourself:

Hofmeister says she supports Sanctuary Cities

From the Daily Caller:

Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Says She Supports Sanctuary Cities
SARAH WEAVER
October 26, 2022  --  4:25 PM ET

Democratic Oklahoma governor candidate Joy Hofmeister said she supports sanctuary cities during a campaign event Saturday.

State Rep. Pfeiffer to revive bill directing law enforcement to work with ICE

Pfeiffer to Revive Legislation on ICE

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. John Pfeiffer, R-Orlando, today said he intends to refile legislation that would require Oklahoma law enforcement to comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requests.

During the 2020 legislative session, Pfeiffer authored House Bill 3195, which directed all sheriffs, jailers and deputies to comply with any request made in an immigration retainer request provided by the federal government, and would have required the person identified in the detainer to be informed they were being held pursuant to the request. Compliance would not be required if the person has provided proof of American citizenship.

Dahm files bill to prohibit sanctuary cities in Oklahoma

Sen. Dahm files legislation prohibiting sanctuary cities in Oklahoma

Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, wants to crack down on the state’s sanctuary city policies.

Dahm recently filed Senate Bill 1459, which prohibits any municipality in Oklahoma to adopt a sanctuary policy. Under the bill, any city or town that enacts such a policy would be ineligible for state funding through agencies and grants.

“In the past, we have had cities say they would willingly violate federal immigration laws by declaring their cities a sanctuary for those law-breaking foreigners,” Dahm said. “Senate Bill 1459 says no such sanctuary policy can be implemented in our state, and any government entity that violates these laws would be subject to loss of funds until they uphold the law.”

Sanctuary policies include prohibiting municipality officers from verifying or reporting the immigration status of any alien within the municipality to federal agencies or officials; granting illegal aliens the right to a lawful status within the municipality that is a violation of federal law; preventing law enforcement officers from asking any individual his or her citizenship or immigration status; or knowingly providing special benefits, privileges or support to illegal aliens.

SB 1459 would allow legislators to request a legal opinion from the Attorney General’s office upon receiving a complaint that a municipality is violating federal immigration laws. If funding is revoked for a city under this bill, the Attorney General would have to certify the municipality is in compliance with the law to restore funding. 

“Every government entity in Oklahoma has an obligation to uphold the Constitution and federal laws in conformity with the Constitution,” Dahm said.

Texas Governor becomes first to pass on refugee resettlement

From the Daily Caller:

Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday that his state will not accept refugees in a letter obtained by the Daily Caller. The Trump administration has given states the option to opt out of a refugee resettlement program, but Texas is the first state to announce they will not participate in the program. 18 Republican governors have already opted into the program.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
[Photo Credit: Daily Caller]

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt is one of the 18 Republican governors who have accepted the resettlement program, which has provoked consternation among some activists in the Republican Party, represented in some respects by the column I ran earlier this week by 4th Congressional District GOP chairman Steve Fair.

While Abbott's letter marks a rejection of current refugee resettlement, it does not close the door on opening it up in the future.

Fair: Is Oklahoma now a sanctuary state?

IS OKLAHOMA NOW A SANCTUARY STATE?

by Steve Fair

A sanctuary is a jurisdiction that has an ordinance, law or executive order that interferes with U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) ability to enforce United States illegal immigration laws.

The Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit research organization founded in 1985. It is the nation's only think tank devoted exclusively to research and policy analysis of the economic, social, demographic, fiscal, and other impacts of immigration on the United States.  CIS maintains a comprehensive list of sanctuary states, cities and counties.  In spite of Oklahoma not being a sanctuary according to the U.S. Department of State, over 3,000 refugees have resettled in Oklahoma since 2010. As of April 2019, CIS shows no Oklahoma city, or county as a sanctuary for immigrates, but after last week, perhaps CIS needs to update their map.

Last week, Governor Kevin Stitt sent a three sentence letter to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stating Oklahoma would continue to allow refugees to come to the Sooner state.  This comes after President Trump signed an executive order which allows cities and states to bar refugees.  Governor Stitt said 48 faith leaders in Oklahoma reached out and requested the State to continue to accept refugees. "As part of their relocation, these refugees undergo a thorough legal vetting process and are often reunited with family already living in the States. I appreciate Oklahoma churches who have assisted these individuals, and stand ready to continue to do so, to ensure the success of refugees in our communities,” Stitt said.  In their letter to Stitt, the faith leaders said: “Refugees play an important role in Oklahoma's economy. Refugees are employment authorized from the day they arrive and are eager to embrace the dignity of work, a right that was generally denied them in the countries from which they came." Three thoughts:

First, Stitt’s position on immigration has changed.  In 2018, Stitt said at a Muskogee County GOP event: “First off, I support President Trump. We've got to have strong borders in our state. We've got to know who's coming into our country.   I do not believe in sanctuary cities. We have to be a state of laws. And as governor I will enforce laws. I will enforce the immigration laws. We will not have sanctuary cities. We'll have to tell our law enforcement that they're going to have to enforce the laws." By Stitt allowing the refugees (who are illegals) to continue to come to Oklahoma, it has become a de- facto sanctuary state.  That is not what he campaigned on in 2018.

Second, not all people of faith agree with Stitt’s position.  Perhaps those faith leaders who have the largest congregations and influence key donors want Oklahoma to be open to allowing illegals to come to the state, but many faith leaders across the state want immigration laws to be enforced.   While they have compassion for the refugee’s political and economic situation, they understand that illegal means illegal and until the refugee has adhered to the law, they should be barred from resettling in Oklahoma.

Third, enforcing the law is not easy.  The law is the law is the law.  While having personal compassion for the refugee’s situation is admirable, allowing refugees (illegal immigrants) to enter the state is not enforcing the law.  The governor should have taken Trump’s out and barred the refugees from resettling in Oklahoma until they had fulfilled all legal requirements for immigrating to the U.S.

Steve Fair is Chairman of the 4th district of the Oklahoma Republican Party.  He can be reached by phone at 580.252.6284 or by email at okgop@aol.com. His blog is stevefair.blogspot.com.

Rep. Hern and Sen. Inhofe introduce asylum relief bill

REP. HERN AND SEN. INHOFE INTRODUCE ASYLUM RELIEF BILL

WASHINGTON, DC – This afternoon, Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) introduced the Asylum Abuse Reduction Act in the House of Representatives. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Jim Inhofe.

Both Sen. Inhofe and Rep. Hern have visited the Southern border to see firsthand the state of the crisis that Customs and Border Patrol are dealing with. The uptick in asylum applicants is causing a backlog at the border and in our immigration courts.

“I’ve seen for myself the backlog at our Southern border,” said Rep. Hern. “Our border agents are over-worked, and the immigration courts are weighed down with too many cases to possibly keep up with the new arrivals. The Asylum Abuse Reduction Act will provide relief and get us back on the path to order. I’m proud to be the sponsor of this bill and introduce it to the House today, I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues for this legislation and hope to see it pass the House soon.”

“The asylum process should be for those who truly need it—not individuals using it after they are caught illegally crossing the border in an attempt to avoid deportation,” Sen. Inhofe said. “That’s why I’m reintroducing my Asylum Abuse Reduction Act. By reforming our asylum process, we can minimize false asylum claims, ease the backlog on our immigration courts and end ‘catch and release’—all while improving the process for those who truly need it. The border is in a serious crisis. President Trump gets that—he really does—and he is changing it. I am proud of the administration’s continued work to build the wall, increase support for ICE and Customs and Border Protection agents and eliminate sanctuary cities. With the addition of the Asylum Abuse Reduction Act, we can make real reform to our broken immigration system and secure the southern border.”

The Asylum Abuse Reduction Act aims to reduce the amount of people abusing the asylum process by requiring migrants to declare asylum at an embassy or consulate in Mexico or Canada before entering the United States. Migrants who cross the border illegally and claim asylum at ports of entry rarely show up for the legal proceedings to complete the asylum process, disappearing into our country. This new requirement will prevent migrants seeking asylum from entering our country before the asylum process.

The bill also creates a criminal bench warrant for immigrants that have failed to show up for immigration court. As of now, when an illegal immigrant does not show up for their asylum hearing, their information is not entered into police databases. With this bill, that will be amended. If an immigrant who did not attend their court date is stopped for an unrelated offense, like speeding, there will be a warrant in the system for violating immigration law.

This legislation creates a pilot program for detention alternatives. The Flores decision says that we can’t detain illegal immigrants with children or families for more than 20 days. With the backlog in immigration court, most families are released before their hearing day and consequently never show up to court. Under the Asylum Abuse Reduction Act, pilot programs will be authorized, allowing families to be released to a qualified organization that contracts with the federal government to ensure migrants comply with immigration proceedings.

The last pillar of the Asylum Abuse Reduction Act is to codify President Trump’s Third Country Asylum Rule. This rule prohibits migrants from claiming asylum unless he or she has applied for protection from persecution or torture in at least one country outside the migrant’s country of citizenship and was denied asylum by that country. There is an exception for migrants that are victims of human trafficking.

Background:
Previous administrations have operated under a policy of “catch and release,” where many illegal immigrants caught crossing the border illegally are given citations for appearing in court, but then released into the United States. Recent data from Department of Justice makes it clear: 44% of immigrants accused of illegal border crossings simply never appear for their court proceedings.

The asylum process has also been abused in the past, with immigrants entering the country after declaring asylum, but never completing the process by attending court dates or necessary interview with immigration officials, thereby never receiving proper documentation. We’ve also experienced a dramatic increase in the number of individuals claiming asylum.

OK County Commish Maughan responds to calls to suspend ICE cooperation

Some in the Oklahoma County area are agitating for the removal of two Immigration and Custom & Enforcement (ICE) agents stationed at the Oklahoma County jail in cooperation with the county sheriff's office.

STATEMENT BY DISTRICT TWO COUNTY COMMISSIONER BRIAN MAUGHAN

July 23, 2019

I am deeply concerned with calls made yesterday at the Jail Trust meeting to suspend the cooperative arrangement between the Sheriff’s Office and the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

ICE performs essential functions in both of its enforcement areas, immigration and customs. Among other duties, it seeks to identify and prevent the entry of potential terrorists or criminals and to block importation of drugs. ICE agents at the jail have assisted in identifying and successfully prosecuting individuals for serious crimes committed in Oklahoma County, including major felonies that endangered the lives and property of Oklahomans. It is simply irresponsible to suggest that local law enforcement give up that relationship.

The ICE agents working with the Sheriff’s Office are not there to nab jaywalkers for immigration violations. They are a valuable adjunct to local law enforcement in assuring the public safety. Where they initiate deportation action, it is linked to crimes committed here by illegal immigrants. Do these protestors really think it makes sense to allow burglars, robbers and others who pose a danger to our community to remain here with impunity?

I am also concerned with the ongoing effort by some on the extreme political left to demonize ICE and with their calls for its abolition, which would result in an irresponsible and costly open borders policy. ICE agents are charged with enforcing federal laws. Like those of us in local government who have taken an oath to apply all laws equally, they have little discretion in this matter. Those who object to current immigration laws should petition Congress to change them, not lobby for the suspension of enforcement. Nor should they attack the character and motivations of federal law enforcement officers who are working under great pressure and difficult circumstances.

Every nation has rules and laws governing immigration; without such laws it is no longer a nation. America has always welcomed legal immigrants and shown compassion for those who entered outside legal channels. Suggestions that we are operating “concentration camps” and attacks on officials who are forced to cope with a massive flood of illegal immigrants are simply childish and irresponsible. It is equally irresponsible to suggest that Oklahoma County should ignore federal law. I would urge the Jail Trust to reject this call to end cooperation between local and federal law enforcement agencies.

Lucas comments on Trump Agreement with Mexico

Lucas Statement on Trump Agreement with Mexico

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement regarding President Trump’s announcement of an agreement with Mexico and their commitment to address the humanitarian and security crisis at the United States’ Southern border:

“The agreement between President Trump and Mexico is fantastic news for the American economy, American security, and America’s producers. Tonight, we witnessed the President’s ability to negotiate bring a change to the United States.

Instead of imposing a tariff on one of our country’s largest trading partners, President Trump has assured the American people that Mexico will take a much tougher stance on illegal immigration currently migrating through their country. The outcome of this agreement is a win for both Oklahoma and America. I hope this agreement will lead to the passage of the U.S.M.C.A. and I strongly urge my colleagues to move for its immediate adoption.”

OCPA's Small: The Right Path

The Right Path

By OCPA President Jonathan Small

While Americans have different views about what’s to be done with those who have come to our country illegally, most are open to some form of leniency for those brought here as children. Oklahoma’s U.S. Sen. James Lankford has offered a sensible proposal to address that issue.

Sen. Lankford’s SUCCEED Act would declare that children brought here before June 15, 2012, under the age of 16 could be granted conditional residency. If they attend school, work or serve in the military, and avoid criminal acts, they’d receive permanent status after 10 years and then be eligible for full citizenship in an additional five years.

This is a sensible compromise for those young people granted an open-ended, but legally dubious, deferment from the enforcement of immigration laws by former President Obama’s 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) executive order.

Significantly, that action followed several years of debate in Congress over how to handle youthful illegal aliens. Several versions of legislation had failed to pass, in most cases because the rules were seen as too lenient. The DACA rules were criticized for the same reason; it was estimated at the time the Obama administration implemented them that up to 1.8 million people could qualify.

The Trump administration has since canceled the DACA rules, which covered an estimated 800,000 illegal aliens. The SUCCEED Act would replace those rules with clear legislation that allows these children and young adults who follow the rules to remain while making it clear that we’ll continue to enforce existing immigration laws. As Sen. Lankford has noted, “the vision of the Statue of Liberty is still true, but the law also still stands.”

As you might expect, his proposal has already been attacked from both extremes on the immigration issue. Hard-liners think it’s too soft, while those demanding open borders also object. Some D.C. interests seem more interested in prolonging the debate rather than fixing the problem.

It’s hard to see how expecting these young people to graduate from high school, hold jobs, pay taxes, and obey the law is cruel; it’s also hard to see how hard-working young people who hope to become productive members of American society and ultimately citizens are a threat. A fundamental part of our American belief system is striving to operate by the rule of law while mitigating the impact of bad actions by adults on their children.

Our current immigration enforcement is broken; to do nothing is a de facto amnesty. By implementing Sen. Lankford’s legislation, we’ll move closer to addressing the government’s failure on immigration policy and ensuring the rule of law.

Oklahoma should be proud of Sen. Lankford for taking on such a tough issue and working toward a constructive solution.

Jonathan Small serves as president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (www.ocpathink.org).

Public Insight Network seeks input on immigration terminology

Which term best describes immigrants living in the U.S. illegally?

from Public Insight Network

The Associated Press Stylebook and several newsrooms have dropped the term "illegal immigrant." On the AP website, a top editor clarified, "The Stylebook no longer sanctions the term 'illegal immigrant' or the use of 'illegal' to describe a person. Instead, it tells users that 'illegal' should describe only an action, such as living in or immigrating to a country illegally."

The decision has been applauded by Latino and immigration advocates. For years, many protested the AP and other journalism organizations, including The New York Times, over usage of what they believed to be an offensive term. But journalists are left wondering, what is the proper terminology for an immigrant in the country illegally?

Do you use a specific term to describe someone with a certain immigration status? What do you think of the AP's new stance?

Public Insight Network journalists have launched a collaboration to see which terms people across the United States prefer to use. Everything you share will be read by journalists only, and your responses are confidential unless you tell us we may publish them.

Thanks to Ben Allen of KOSU for making me aware of this project.

Submit your take at this link, and view a map of responses from across the country.

Supreme Court ruling should help HB1804's case

Earlier this week, the United States Supreme Court ruled portions of Arizona's controversial immigration law relating to employer sanctions as constitutional.

These sections were similar to those found in Oklahoma's House Bill 1804, which was passed by the state legislature in 2007, but has been locked up in court ever since, mainly over provisions that punished employers for hiring illegals, and set up safeguards to prevent the hiring of illegal immigrants.

I would expect that, given the Supreme Court's ruling on the similar Arizona legislation, HB1804 might finally get out of the legal logjam it has been in for years.

Legislative Leaders Form Joint Immigration Reform Committee

 

Legislative Leaders Form Joint Immigration Reform Committee 

OKLAHOMA CITY – State House and Senate leaders today announced the formation of a special joint committee to develop immigration reform proposals.

The group will include four members each from the House and Senate, as well as Attorney General Scott Pruitt.

“There must be consequences for those who intentionally break the law, particularly for those who endanger public safety or divert taxpayer resources,” said House Speaker Kris Steele, R-Shawnee. “The committee members will carefully consider proposals and develop a comprehensive reform package that truly meets the needs of Oklahoma.”

“We must remain committed to the will of our constituents who rightly believe that we are not finished with immigration reform,” stated President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa.  “It is important that we do what we said we would do and find solutions to Oklahoma’s problems.”

“I believe that we must respond to Washington’s failure to secure the border,” Pruitt said. “As the state’s attorney and top law enforcement office, we witness firsthand the consequences of Washington’s failure to do their job.  I look forward to contributing to the committee’s efforts toward finding sound solutions.”

The group’s members include the following:

• Rep. George Faught, R-Muskogee, co-chair
• Sen. Ron Justice, R-Chickasha, co-chair
• Sen. Roger Ballenger, D-Okmulgee
• Sen. Dan Newberry, R-Sand Springs
• Rep. Charles Ortega, R-Altus
• Rep. Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa
• Rep. Ben Sherrer, D-Pryor
• Sen. Ralph Shortey, R-Oklahoma City
• Attorney General Scott Pruitt

Among other things, the committee will develop a reform package that addresses public safety issues and targets crimes associated with illegal immigration.

As part of the effort, the group will also consider proposals to better protect taxpayer money from subsidizing illegal immigration.

Throughout the process, the special committee will seek input from private citizens and organizations.

The Conservative View: When In Rome

This week's Conservative View, by Adair County Commissioner Russell Turner (R-Stilwell).

The Conservative View
by Russell Turner

When In Rome

I have often heard the old expression, “when in Rome do as the Romans do”. I believe that statement to be one of respect. When I visit someone and observe how they conduct their business, I often remind myself that how they do things is their business and not mine. Unless asked, I don’t try to convert them to fit into my personal belief system. Most countries would take a very dim view at someone from another country protesting and carrying the flag of another country within their borders. We Americans are a tolerant people to other people’s values and beliefs. I recently read some comments from our founding fathers concerning the allowing of other people from different cultures into our country.

In 1820 Alexander Hamilton wrote, "The United States have already felt the evils of incorporating a large number of foreigners into their national mass; by promoting in different classes different predilections in favor of particular foreign nations, and antipathies against others, it has served very much to divide the community and to distract our councils. It has been often likely to compromise the interests of our own country in favor of another. The permanent effect of such a policy will be, that in times of great public danger there will be always a numerous body of men, of whom there may be just grounds of distrust; the suspicion alone will weaken the strength of the nation, but their force may be actually employed in assisting an invader."

While we Americans can be tolerant, we need to remember that the values our country was founded upon are just as important as those of any other country. It is strange that no other country in the world is as tolerant to other people’s beliefs to the extent that it degrades our own heritage.

If the people in Rome were so tolerant of other cultures and allowed their values to be replaced, their city would no longer be Rome. Whenever you hear of blanket amnesty we need to remember the words of Alexander Hamilton, "To admit foreigners indiscriminately to the rights of citizens the moment they put foot in our country would be nothing less than to admit the Grecian horse into the citadel of our liberty and sovereignty." Over the past weeks the state of Arizona has taken much abuse for merely wanting to know who is coming into their house, maybe the current administration needs to read the words of the men who actually founded this country.

If you wish to contact Russell Turner, or want to subscribe to his email loop, email him at rdrepublican@windstream.net.