Thread: Illegal immigration is federal, not a state priority

http://www.enidnews.com/opinion/local_s ... d=topstory

Published: September 15, 2006 09:59 pm

Illegal immigration is federal, not a state priority

What’s the top issue facing Oklahoma at this time?

Is it illegal immigration? The economy? Something else?

Republican gubernatorial candidate Ernest Istook said it’s illegal immigration. He said during his campaign trips across the state that has been the main topic people have mentioned to him.

They also have mentioned the economy, Istook said.

In our opinion, the economy is the top issue. The economy drives everything else in our state, and we need to continually focus on expanding our economic base by bringing in good jobs.

Rightly or wrongly, people always have — and always will — vote their pocketbook. If things seem to be going well, they tend to credit the incumbent. If things aren’t going well, they blame the incumbent.

That’s the problem Istook has when it comes to pointing to Gov. Brad Henry’s record on the economy.

Things are going well for the state. Whether it’s solely because of high energy prices, as Istook says, or a combination of high energy prices and other factors, as Henry says, the state has plenty money. This past legislative session, funding for education was increased and tax cuts were approved.

It’s hard for people to look at the situation and say things aren’t going well.

On immigration, though, Istook has more ammunition. Henry did sign legislation allowing children of illegal immigrants to receive tuition assistance for college.

That being said, illegal immigration is in our opinion mainly a federal issue. The federal government is responsible for protecting our country’s borders, and until something happens at the federal level, people are going to cross the border to seek work.

Illegal immigration is an issue to be considered at the state level, but the main responsibility falls to the federal government. Oklahoma’s economy, however, is a state issue and should be a priority for all of our elected officials.

The Federal Government is NOT ENFORCING the LAWS, so NOW ITS A STATE ISSUE........#@!#! IDIOT LIB...

HAZELTON


IDIOT LIB