Tupper's statement to the Arizona Capitol Times regarding illegal immigration:

On Friday, November 4, I attended the Maricopa County Attorney’s immigration conference and to see the other side, that Saturday I attended a No More Deaths at the border rally. I have driven down to the border cities and talked to policemen, border patrol officers, and residents at the border as well as in Maricopa County.  On the border, I have heard complaints associated with migrants and a few associated with increased border patrol. I continue to learn about the crime and the financial burden that is attributed to a portion of the illegal population. I have talked with militia members and continue to speak with leaders in the Hispanic community as well as other minorities that feel that they may not be represented fairly.

I have considered the causes of this illegal problem that we have allowed to happen and the benefits that we have received from it. Rarely does a day go by that I do not hear from or of a business person who does not have enough workers. Yet as this debate goes on, more and more American jobs are being out-sourced to countries like India, the Philippines, and South Africa. This topic can be highly charged with emotions from many sides and unfortunately, I sense a growing division in our society.

Illegal immigration is a complex problem that has developed over the years and common sense suggests that an immediate solution will not properly control it. Three primary issues that need to be addressed: some form of registration or guest worker program, increased enforcement, and increased diplomatic relations with Mexico primarily. Certainly, we can no longer turn our backs and allow immigrants to reside in the United States illegally; however, we must accept some blame for turning our backs at the problem in the first place. The reality is that we need some foreign workers and that is why they are here. Legislation did not meet the demand in the workplace; a guest worker program, not amnesty but a short-term, renewal registration that would be issued on the intent of no citizenship, would allow us to start to control the illegal population.  Workers with an established history of verifiable employment could pay a fine and continue to contribute to our economic growth. This position would align most closely with that of Senator McCain.

Having driven across border areas, I have found that the Border Patrol maintains a strong presence and their vehicles seem to be everywhere throughout the day. Still, migrants persist and evade them and will continue to do so. Ultimately, the problem lies in Mexico in growing poverty and corruption which does not seem to be adequately addressed.

As governor, I would work to build a consensus and common ground between all sides of this issue and bring people back together. I would work with our federal lawmakers to expedite workable legislation, create a better efficiency in our own state system, and work with Mexico to develop stronger relations by increasing economic development on both sides of the border. Mexico needs to be held accountable for its contribution to this problem and we need to address solutions to the corruption and poverty in Mexico that has exacerbated this problem of illegal immigration.

Gary Tupper

November 15, 2005

<<Previous Page                    Next Page >>