HAYHURST SPEAKS OUT ON BORDER SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION ISSUES, TACKLES OPPONENT’S DISTORTIONS

Fort Wayne, Indiana – Third District Congressional candidate Dr. Tom Hayhurst today put forward his positions on the key issues of border security and immigration. He also challenged his opponent’s deceptive practices and misrepresentation of the facts.

"The security of our borders is crucial to the security of the United States," declared Hayhurst. "Recent legislation to build a 700-mile fence along our southern border is one tangible step, but it is about five years too late. Already the likelihood of its funding is in jeopardy due to election year sleights of hand. The security of our borders and ports is an issue that should have been dealt with immediately after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Americans deserve concrete action, not be told to cross their fingers and hope for the best because our leaders have refused to enact swift and comprehensive measures to protect their safety."
Hayhurst’s platform frames the issue of border security as an integral part of the greater national security issue. It also underscores the importance of addressing the long-ignored issue of immigration.

"Our country needs commonsense solutions to the immigration issue," noted Hayhurst. "For much too long, our elected representatives have failed to act, fostering unfairness to both hardworking American citizens and the 12 million undocumented individuals who are toiling and contributing to the nation’s economy."

Hayhurst’s immigration platform includes:

• Championing the security of our ports and borders as a national priority;
• Advocating for increases in our legal immigration quotas from throughout the world, including Mexico, Central America and South America;
• Giving undocumented individuals living in the United States the opportunity to become citizens following the same citizenship process required for any immigrant;
• Making sure that everything possible is done to defend the citizens of this great country from any threats – whether external or internal;
• Standing firm in our war against terrorism and extremism; and
• Actively promoting the adoption and implementation of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations, the most concrete way we can make our nation more secure – a nation left vulnerable by five years of wrangling and inaction.

“My immigration position is based on fairness, legality and equal treatment – the hallmarks of our democracy,” stated Hayhurst. “I do not support amnesty for illegal aliens. Period. According to my opponent, undocumented individuals should be denied any method to work toward citizenship legally.”

The Republican National Congressional Committee has been conducting opinion research that mischaracterizes Hayhurst’s position on the immigration issue. His opponent has also been stating this distortion publicly.

“I support only giving the opportunity, as any foreign national currently has under the law, to seek citizenship in the United States through the official, multiyear, multipart process that every immigrant must follow,” underscored Hayhurst. “I support no special privileges, no ducking the law, no cutting corners, no twisting of the process for personal benefit, nothing but following the letter of the law in an open, legal way. My opponent would not even allow the 12 million people who are benefiting the American economy the chance to apply. He would slam the door on hope. Mark Souder fails: He ignores a huge problem; he espouses selective application of the law; and he denies the economic reality we live in.”

Hayhurst’s issues positions are posted on the campaign Web site at www.TomHayhurstforCongress.com.

“From day one, my campaign has been about two things: drawing people together and transforming our hard work, hope and hometown values into a fresh start for the 3rd District,” added Hayhurst. “I’ve focused my energies on the issues that matter the most to working families: affordable health care, good jobs, energy independence, a secure America and fair treatment for our veterans. With the Iraq war costing us dearly, congressional leaders failing to protect the children within their care and more Hoosiers being hurt every day by the harsh policies of this administration, it is time to for a full discussion of the issues and a representative who will work for real solutions. It is time to change our 3rd District voice in Congress.”

Dr. Tom Hayhurst is the Democratic candidate for Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District. He is a medical doctor, United States Air Force veteran and currently serves on the Fort Wayne City Council.