National TV Ad Campaign Features Local Sheriffs Urging End to Open Borders

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A multi-week TV ad campaign featuring local sheriffs warning of the dangers posed by uncontrolled immigration and urging Congress and the president to enforce federal immigration laws was launched today. The ads, sponsored by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), will air more than 40 times nationally and in key markets in Wisconsin and North Carolina.

"This ad campaign brings the perspective of law enforcement professionals who see firsthand the impact that uncontrolled immigration, sanctuary cities and criminal aliens have on our citizens and communities," said FAIR President Dan Stein. "The Obama administration's refusal to enforce immigration laws results in tens of thousands of criminal aliens being returned to communities all across the nation each year. Sheriffs, who are elected directly by the people, must deal with the crimes perpetrated by criminal aliens who are allowed to remain in the U.S. under Obama administration policies."

The ad features sheriffs from across the country explaining why they think it's urgent for the president to enforce U.S. immigration laws and for Congress to hold him accountable for his refusal to carry out his constitutional obligation to protect the security of the American people. Featured Sheriffs include Donald Smith from Putnam County, New York; Sam Page from Rockingham County, North Carolina; Mike Chapman from Loudoun County, Virginia, and Ana Franklin from Morgan County, Alabama. The ad says:

"America needs to enforce its immigration laws.
Nobody understands that better than your local sheriffs.
We see the impact of illegal immigration every day.
We see firsthand the dangers of open borders, sanctuary cities and criminal aliens released back onto the streets.
We are your local sheriffs, charged with keeping America safe.
But we need the president and Congress to do their part and start enforcing immigration laws.  Lives are depending on it."

Sheriff Smith said he was compelled to speak out on immigration because the American public needs to know that law enforcement officials are increasingly concerned about our lack of border control. "Illegal immigration is an issue that has stayed in the 'too hard to handle' category for far too long. To have millions of people in this country who are here illegally and have no identity, while at the same time, law enforcement works so hard to keep our citizens safe from both criminal activity and the threat of terrorism is mind boggling."

Sheriff Page noted that one of the key issues that motivated him to action on the immigration issue was witnessing the spread of sanctuary policies and how they were jeopardizing public safety. "Municipalities that support sanctuary city concepts create safe zones for criminal illegal aliens and those who choose to violate the laws of the United States of America," he said.

Sheriff Franklin noted that in Alabama, the federal government's unwillingness to enforce immigration laws was being paid for by state and local taxpayers. "Illegal immigration is a huge drain on the services of the communities in which large groups of undocumented aliens reside," she said.

To view the TV commercial, click here.

ABOUT FAIR          
Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With over 250,000 members nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

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