I served the United States of America for 21 years in our Air Force, protecting this nation from threats and preserving our way of life. I can assure you from my personal experiences abroad -- our way of life is the envy of most everyone in the world. So, it is no wonder that many will want to share in that experience.
Our community has a rich history of immigration, and the cultural vibrancy and opportunity it creates. But immigration must happen in an orderly fashion. Illegal immigration creates discord in communities and strains local government and tax-based services. I had the opportunity to walk through the immigration process with my daughter-in-law recently and I was personally confused in the process. I want to work at making the process understandable yet, retain and enforce the rigorous standards to establish legal residency.
Nebraska immigrants must be here legally. I will support sensible state policies and work to ensure Nebraska enforces its laws protecting legal residents. My grandfather came to this country and became an American, a Nebraskan and a proud participant in our Democracy. Then, as now, we need logical conventions to facilitate and reinforce the orderly immigration of which Americans are so proud and stop the increase in the number of those who are here illegally.