GOP State Senate Hopeful Calls for Immigration Reform

Pointing to a report earlier in the year from the Federation for American Reform, Florida state Senate hopeful Ron Rushing, who has filed to run against Senate Majority Leader Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, in the Republican primary, called for major immigration reform in the Sunshine State. The FAIR report found that 950,000 illegal aliens are costing taxpayers almost $5.5 billion.

Arguments can be made for and against reforming our state and our nations immigration system, Rushing said. We cannot discount the fact that illegal immigration is, just that, illegal. We must uphold all federal and state laws, and the lack of compliance with some laws as a matter of convenience must stop.

The concern I have with the current incumbents in the Florida Senate is that they seem to be more concerned about getting re-elected than standing up to controversial issues like illegal immigration and overall immigration reform, added Rushing. We need immigration reform that simultaneously removes the financial burden on Florida taxpayers and provides the labor force required by the agriculture and hospitality industries. The only way to achieve both goals is to establish a migrant worker program that does not include amnesty, citizenship or permanent residency, and benefits the citizens of the state of Florida.