THE ISSUES
Immigration
Immigration is personal to me.
I am an American because of immigration. My great-grandparents came to this country from Sweden through Ellis Island, looking for the same thing millions of families have sought throughout our nation's history: opportunity, freedom, and the chance to build a better life.
My husband's family shares that story as well. My mother-in-law immigrated from Mexico and is now an American citizen. My husband vividly remembers her swearing in ceremony when he was child. Like so many immigrants before her, she worked hard, raised a family, and contributed to her community. Without immigration, neither my husband nor I would be American's today.
America has always been a nation of immigrants. It is part of our identity. We are a country built by people from every corner of the world who came here seeking a better future. Recognizing that history does not mean ignoring our laws. It means honoring both our heritage and our responsibilities.
I believe we are a nation of laws. That principle applies to everyone. Individuals are expected to obey the law, and so is the government. We need secure borders, an orderly immigration system, and laws that are enforced fairly and consistently. But enforcing the law also means following the law. Our Constitution does not become optional because an issue is politically difficult. The government has an obligation to respect due process, provide fair hearings, and uphold the rights guaranteed under our Constitution.
My experience working in our court system reinforced that belief. I saw firsthand how important due process is to ensuring justice is based on facts and the law rather than politics or public opinion. Those protections exist for a reason. They prevent government overreach and ensure fairness for everyone. If an individual violates the law, they should be held accountable. If a government agency exceeds its legal authority or fails to follow the law, it should also be held accountable. The rule of law only has meaning if it applies equally to everyone.
That is why I reject the idea that we must choose between border security and constitutional rights. We can have both. We should expect our immigration laws to be enforced, and we should expect every government agency responsible for enforcing those laws to do so within the limits of the Constitution. That is not being soft on immigration. That is being faithful to the rule of law.
The immigration debate has become one of the most divisive issues in our country because too often people are forced to choose between compassion and accountability. I reject that choice. We can secure our borders, maintain an orderly legal immigration system, protect due process, and uphold the Constitution at the same time. Those principles are not in conflict. They are what make America, America.
