As thousands of Central American migrants continue to make their way toward the U.S. southern border, immigration reform took center stage at a debate last night between the two 9th District candidates.
Incumbent Republican Morgan Griffith is clear where he stands…
“We need to keep out people who don’t respect our laws, who decide that they can just come forward – and we need to build the wall," he says. "Because this particular band that is marching forward on our country is coming here because they disrespect our laws. It’s not about asylum. They are looking to come here because we are the wealthiest country.”
Griffith went on to say that the wall could incorporate things other than just brick and mortar – like drones and other technologies. He also believes that the legal immigration system needs an overhaul.
Anthony Flaccavento, Griffith’s Democratic opponent, actually agreed that the current system is too complicated for authorized immigrants. However, Flaccavento believes the current administration’s tactics are immoral:
“When I hear of children being separated, when I hear the president talk about these people who are fleeing violence as if they are almost subhuman – I mean my moral tradition says whatever we do to the least is how we are judged. And I just don’t think that’s right.”
The candidates touched on many other topics during their third and final debate – including gun control, the loss of jobs within the coal industry and Interstate 81.
