Rupp: Long-term solution to immigration problem needed

(From Sen. Scott Rupp, candidate for GOP nomination for secretary of state)

Senator Scott Rupp (R-Wentzville) today commented on the US Supreme Court’s ruling on Arizona’s illegal immigration laws.

“We led the way forward on this issue in Missouri by passing some of the most stringent laws in the country in 2008 because of the inaction of the federal government,” Sen. Rupp said, “The ruling today reiterates the fact that we are in need of a long-term solution to this problem.”

Today the Supreme Court rejected three of four provisions of the Arizona bill, but let stand the most controversial provision which requires law enforcement authorities to question suspected illegal immigrants about their citizenship status.

“These laws will continue to be challenged in courts throughout the country,” Sen. Rupp said, “In the meantime I would suggest that other states follow Missouri’s model for legislation that can withstand potential challenges.”

In 2008, Senator Rupp led the fight against illegal immigration by writing and passing Missouri’s strong illegal immigration laws, which have been called as some of the best in the country. The abdication of duties by the Federal Government led him to seek action. 

In the 2008 reforms, Senator Rupp provided the Missouri Secretary of State with authority to enforce the new laws. Since then, he has been featured on numerous national news outlets promoting strong illegal immigration reform.