Replies

Thanks for the correction. Here is an email I received yesterday from Shaddeg to give you an idea of where he stands on this issue:

Thursday, January 23, 2003 9:47 AM

Subject: Responding to your message

     Thank you for contacting me with your concerns about amnesty for
illegal aliens. I appreciate the opportunity to respond.

     I am strongly opposed to granting blanket amnesty to illegal
immigrants living in the United States. As we learned from the 1986
amnesty, the "Immigration Act of 1985," such amnesty does not end our
illegal immigration problem. Rather, it actually precipitates even more
illegal immigration. Individuals are encouraged in the belief that if
they can elude the Border Patrol and stay underground for a few years,
they will eventually get amnesty themselves. A large-scale amnesty would
lead to further violations of U.S. law instead of encouraging and
rewarding legal immigration.

     As you know, the Bush administration is considering several proposals
as part of a joint effort between the U.S. and Mexico to solve chronic
problems along the border. They include the possibility of more U.S.
visas for Mexican citizens and more and better cooperation along the
U.S.-Mexico border to reduce crossings at dangerous, isolated areas. The
plan would also explore more joint investments to create jobs in Mexico
and the development of a guest worker program to allow Mexicans to
temporarily live and work in the United States, and return to Mexico upon
completion of their work.

     While I do not believe in granting amnesty to illegal aliens, I do
support legal immigration through such programs as the guest worker
compromise. The farming, agriculture and nursery industries in Arizona
are a vital part of the state’s economy. A great deal of the labor for
this industry is supplied by immigrant workers. The truth is that if
immigrants do not hold these positions, the agriculture industry will
suffer. Therefore, I believe a compromise between our two countries will
offer a solution to allow seasonal immigrant workers an opportunity to
legally fill the positions in Arizona and across the country.

     Once again, thank you for sharing your concerns. I look forward to
hearing about issues of importance to you in the future. In the meantime,
I encourage you to visit my web site at