RUTHERFORD COUNTY – State Representative Joe Carr (R-Lascassas), conservative candidate for State House District 48, said today Tennessee must be bold in crafting legislation in light of the federal government’s lawsuit targeting Arizona’s new illegal immigration law. Carr has been a staunch advocate and leader on illegal immigration, working on several pieces of legislation and passing a resolution in support of the new Arizona law.
“Washington has showed us time and time again they are not capable of producing a solution to the illegal immigration problem in this country. Indeed the Obama Administration has shown a total disregard for the enforcement of existing federal law with regard to the growing problem associated with illegal immigration. It is going to take state leaders taking a stand, and I applaud Arizona for standing on principle as the federal government once again tramples on states’ rights,” stated Representative Carr.
Representative Carr introduced and passed a resolution through the State House in May commending Arizona for passing a law that allows law enforcement officials to require citizenship documentation on those individuals who may be stopped for a violation of another offense. The issue gained national attention, and just this week the Obama Administration has announced it will sue Arizona to block them from enforcing it.
“It is outrageous that the Obama Administration is suing Arizona for attempting to enforce a federal law that the Justice Department refuses to acknowledge is even relevant,” said Representative Carr. “The irony with regard to the Obama Administration lawsuit is that the Arizona law only codifies at the state level the existing federal law with regard to illegal immigrants being in the country unlawfully. Furthermore, the hypocrisy of the Obama Administration is appalling given that they have failed to enforce the federal law allowing cities to have sanctuary policies with regard to illegal immigrants in their respective communities. Arizona should not be sued, or boycotted; Arizona should be commended for doing the honorable thing.”
Additionally, Carr has led the fight on other immigration bills. In 2009, Carr passed the “Sanctuary Cities” legislation, prohibiting local governments from creating laws and regulations that shield illegal immigrants. The law aims to keep Tennessee from becoming a magnet for illegal immigrants.
He also co-sponsored and supported a bill that would require jailers to check the citizenship status of those arrested and detained in a city or county jail. If found to be illegal, the local government must coordinate with federal officials to arrange deportation.
“I have always been outspoken on the illegal immigration issue, and I will continue the fight in the State House,” said Representative Carr. “We cannot rely on the federal government to enforce these laws; we must do it ourselves. I am in the process of crafting legislation to introduce in the next General Assembly that is similar to the Arizona legislation that will assist Tennessee law enforcement agencies in dealing with the growing problem of illegal immigration. The citizens of Rutherford County can count on me to be a tireless advocate for the rights of Tennesseans and the rule of law,” he concluded.
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