State Rep. Joseph Fox (R-Fremont) last week cast a key vote on a package to prohibit sanctuary cities. House Bills 4338, 4339, and 4342 would prohibit municipalities from enacting sanctuary policies and would freeze revenue-sharing payments to any jurisdiction that refuses to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Fox is a co-sponsor on all three bills in the package.

“It’s important we align Michigan with the new administration’s enforcement of illegal immigration,” Fox said. “Our communities thrive when we prioritize people, not lawlessness. The last four years of an open border has caused irreparable harm to Michigan and the entire country. I’m glad my fellow Republicans are joining me in pushing back.”

In February, Fox and House Republicans also voted to adopt House Resolution 19, which would prevent sanctuary municipalities and universities from receiving earmarks in the state budget. Those cities, townships, counties, and universities would only be eligible to receive state funding if they were able to demonstrate to the House of Representatives that they no longer had a sanctuary policy in place and are now cooperating with immigration authorities.

“State tax dollars come from the hard-earned paychecks of working Michigan families,” Rep. Fox said. “My constituents should be able to trust that we’re utilizing their funds for the betterment of their community and enforcing the common good, not sheltering criminality.”

“I am sure that many of these folks coming across the border are kind-hearted people of good will, but they have to follow the law and come in correctly” Fox said. “We ought to love the sinner but hate the sin, which in this case is defying laws designed to protect our country and its legal citizens.” Fox further pointed out that “The Trump Administration has given those in our country illegally a deadline that they may self-deport and return the right way. This repentance and forgiveness system really highlights the well-meaning intentions of President Trump and my fellow Republicans on this issue. We just want a return to law, order, and civility.”

Fox noted that he has always been a firm supporter of immigration, if done legally and at a sustainable rate. Particularly, Fox supports the H2A visa, which allows limited numbers of temporary agricultural workers into the U.S. seasonally. The system allows U.S. businesses, especially hard-working farmers, to employ these visa workers when they cannot find enough qualified U.S. citizens for the role.

“I’ll always support forms of legal immigration, particularly the H2A visa, which is very important in Northern Michigan,” Fox said. “During the peak season, demand is high and available labor is typically low. Many of our farms in Northern Michigan employ visa workers, and they are great, law-abiding men and women who work hard and come into the land of opportunity, the correct way.”

Fox said he will continue introducing, supporting, and voting in favor of policies which promote law, order, and stability.

“It’s important that as lawmakers, we prioritize stability in our communities and ensure our constituents’ tax dollars are only being spent on programs which respect the law,” Fox said. “It’s also important that we show mercy and treat visitors with respect, but we also have to ensure the safety of Michigan residents who already live here.”

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