Max Fisher's Policy Statement on Immigration
**Introduction**
As your candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates, I believe that immigration is a vital aspect of our nation’s identity and strength. Legal immigration should always be encouraged and celebrated, as it enriches our communities and contributes to our economy. However, it is imperative that we address the challenges posed by undocumented immigration, especially as they impact the safety and well-being of our residents in Virginia.
**The Importance of Legal Immigration**
Legal immigrants have always played a crucial role in building our communities and driving innovation. Their contributions should be recognized and supported. We must foster an environment that welcomes those who come to our country lawfully, seeking a better life, and who wish to contribute positively to our society.
**Current Challenges**
While immigration is primarily a federal issue, the consequences of failed federal policies significantly affect our state and local communities. Recent incidents, such as the tragic assault on a woman in Herndon on the W&OD trail, highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to immigration policy. The alleged attacker, an undocumented individual with a history of legal issues, underscores the risks posed by lax enforcement of immigration laws and the failure of local leadership to address these challenges effectively.
As Police Chief Maggie DeBoard indicated in her press conference on November 20, 2025, this situation is indicative of broader systemic issues that we must confront. The lack of accountability and prosecution from leaders like Commonwealth Attorney Steve Decano has left residents of Fairfax County and the 8th District vulnerable to crime.
**Our Commitment to Safety**
To address these concerns, I propose the following measures at the state level to enhance public safety and discourage undocumented immigration while supporting legal immigration:
1. **Strengthening Collaboration with Law Enforcement**
- Encourage local law enforcement agencies to work more closely with federal immigration authorities while respecting the rights of all individuals.
- Provide training for police officers on the complexities of immigration laws to better handle situations involving undocumented individuals.
2. **Supporting Victims of Crime**
- Establish resources and support systems for victims of crime, ensuring they receive the help they need without fear of deportation for reporting incidents to law enforcement.
3. **Promoting Public Safety Initiatives**
- Increase funding for community policing programs that foster trust between law enforcement and residents, ensuring that all community members feel safe reporting crimes.
4. **Advocating for Accountability in Prosecution**
- Encourage the prosecution of all crimes, regardless of the immigration status of the perpetrator, to ensure that individuals who commit offenses are held accountable.
5. **Community Awareness Campaigns**
- Launch public awareness campaigns about the importance of legal immigration and the risks associated with undocumented immigration, fostering a culture of respect and understanding.
6. **Legislative Support for Local Law Enforcement**
- Support legislation that empowers local law enforcement to act on immigration violations when necessary, ensuring that our communities are safe.
7. **Engaging with Community Organizations**
- Work alongside local organizations to provide resources for legal immigrants and support pathways to citizenship for those who wish to fully integrate into our society.
**Conclusion**
As your representative, I will prioritize the safety and well-being of our communities while advocating for a fair and just immigration system. Together, we can create a Virginia that celebrates legal immigration, protects its residents, and addresses the challenges of undocumented immigration responsibly.
Join me in working towards a safer, more prosperous Virginia for all.
**Introduction**
As your candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates, I believe that immigration is a vital aspect of our nation’s identity and strength. Legal immigration should always be encouraged and celebrated, as it enriches our communities and contributes to our economy. However, it is imperative that we address the challenges posed by undocumented immigration, especially as they impact the safety and well-being of our residents in Virginia.
**The Importance of Legal Immigration**
Legal immigrants have always played a crucial role in building our communities and driving innovation. Their contributions should be recognized and supported. We must foster an environment that welcomes those who come to our country lawfully, seeking a better life, and who wish to contribute positively to our society.
**Current Challenges**
While immigration is primarily a federal issue, the consequences of failed federal policies significantly affect our state and local communities. Recent incidents, such as the tragic assault on a woman in Herndon on the W&OD trail, highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to immigration policy. The alleged attacker, an undocumented individual with a history of legal issues, underscores the risks posed by lax enforcement of immigration laws and the failure of local leadership to address these challenges effectively.
As Police Chief Maggie DeBoard indicated in her press conference on November 20, 2025, this situation is indicative of broader systemic issues that we must confront. The lack of accountability and prosecution from leaders like Commonwealth Attorney Steve Decano has left residents of Fairfax County and the 8th District vulnerable to crime.
**Our Commitment to Safety**
To address these concerns, I propose the following measures at the state level to enhance public safety and discourage undocumented immigration while supporting legal immigration:
1. **Strengthening Collaboration with Law Enforcement**
- Encourage local law enforcement agencies to work more closely with federal immigration authorities while respecting the rights of all individuals.
- Provide training for police officers on the complexities of immigration laws to better handle situations involving undocumented individuals.
2. **Supporting Victims of Crime**
- Establish resources and support systems for victims of crime, ensuring they receive the help they need without fear of deportation for reporting incidents to law enforcement.
3. **Promoting Public Safety Initiatives**
- Increase funding for community policing programs that foster trust between law enforcement and residents, ensuring that all community members feel safe reporting crimes.
4. **Advocating for Accountability in Prosecution**
- Encourage the prosecution of all crimes, regardless of the immigration status of the perpetrator, to ensure that individuals who commit offenses are held accountable.
5. **Community Awareness Campaigns**
- Launch public awareness campaigns about the importance of legal immigration and the risks associated with undocumented immigration, fostering a culture of respect and understanding.
6. **Legislative Support for Local Law Enforcement**
- Support legislation that empowers local law enforcement to act on immigration violations when necessary, ensuring that our communities are safe.
7. **Engaging with Community Organizations**
- Work alongside local organizations to provide resources for legal immigrants and support pathways to citizenship for those who wish to fully integrate into our society.
**Conclusion**
As your representative, I will prioritize the safety and well-being of our communities while advocating for a fair and just immigration system. Together, we can create a Virginia that celebrates legal immigration, protects its residents, and addresses the challenges of undocumented immigration responsibly.
Join me in working towards a safer, more prosperous Virginia for all.