Message to participants in the Phoenix Rising Rally

Message to participants in the Phoenix Rising Rally

Washington, DC – Ranking Member Lamar Smith (TX-21) and 15 other Members of Congress will show their support with a welcome message to participants in the Phoenix Rising Rally to be held on Saturday, June 5 from 3-6 PM in Phoenix, Ariz.  The rally is being held in support of Arizona’s new immigration enforcement law. 

Ranking Member Smith was joined in the message by Representatives Steve King (R-Iowa), Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), Sue Myrick (R-N.C.), Walter Jones (R-N.C.), Gary Miller (R-Calif.), Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), Gresham Barrett (R-S.C.), Jeff Miller (R-Fla.), Edward Royce (R-Calif.), Howard Coble (R-N.C.), Ted Poe (R-Texas), Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.), Paul Broun (R-Ga.), Mike Coffman (R-Colo.), and Louie Gohmert (R-Texas).

The message, read to rally participants, said:

“Today, you have gathered here from all over the United States simply as Americans.   You have come together, native-born and legal immigrant alike, to support the rule of law and the state of Arizona’s efforts to safeguard its communities.  This is truly democracy at its best.  We commend you.

“America has a wonderful tradition of welcoming newcomers.  We admit more than one million legal immigrants most every year.  Given that we have the most generous immigration system in the world, Americans simply ask that our laws, our borders, and our sovereignty be respected and enforced. For no nation can survive without respect for its laws and without secure borders.

“Arizona has been left in the lurch by the federal government’s inability -- even unwillingness -- to enforce our immigration laws.  Arizona’s border with Mexico sees more illegal entries than any other state.  Arizona’s communities have fallen prey to alien criminals. Arizona’s workers must compete against illegal labor for scarce jobs.  In fact, there are almost as many illegal immigrants in the Arizona labor force as there are unemployed workers in the state. 

“Arizona has simply decided to do what the federal government has not – enforce America’s immigration laws.  Believe us, we can use the help – we welcome it.  Arizona provides a beacon of hope to people all over the country who have had enough of sanctuary cities and officials looking the other way. 

“We thank you for your dedication and your participation today.  Be safe and continue to let your voices be heard.”