Former Republican Representative (AZ-1, 1995-2001)
I believe in strong borders and an Arizona-first agenda
Salmon is a staunch Republican, labeling himself a "proven and committed conservative fighter" on his website. "I'm 100% pro-life. I was A-rated by the NRA. And I believe in strong borders and an Arizona-first agenda," Salmon said in a video announcing
his campaign. "But today, the Arizona values we cherish, they're under attack from Washington and from liberals here at home." He added that Arizonans "can't allow liberal politicians to turn Arizona into California."
Source: ASU State Press on 2022 Arizona Gubernatorial race
, Jun 17, 2021
Voted YES on more immigrant visas for skilled workers.
Vote to pass a bill to increase the number of temporary visas granted to highly skilled workers from 65,000 to 115,000 by the year 2000.
Reference: Bill introduced by Smith, R-TX.;
Bill HR 3736
; vote number 1998-460
on Sep 24, 1998
Stop releasing low-risk illegal immigrants.
Salmon wrote Letter to DHS on illegal immigrant release
Letter from office of Rep. Matt Salmon (R-AZ-5) signed by 37 Members of Congress
Dear Secretary Napolitano,
We are deeply concerned that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is using sequestration as a vehicle to further the Administration's disregard for enforcing our immigration laws. Specifically, we are troubled by recent reports that DHS has released hundreds of illegal immigrants, rather than finding cost savings elsewhere in the agency.
Your agency's decision to release "low-risk" illegal immigrants back into the public under the guise of saving money is unprecedented and dangerous. The inability of DHS to prioritize resources for potential cuts suggests this decision was either politically motivated to further the Administration's amnesty goals or, at best, demonstrates agency incompetence.
Given the public safety and national security concerns this decision raises, we respectfully request you halt any further action to release detained
illegal immigrants. Also, please respond to the following questions, regarding individuals already released, pending release, or anticipated to be released:
The number of detainees released and the geographic location of where the releases took place;
Any plans for future releases, and the geographic location of where those releases will take place;
The name of the DHS official who authorized the review of detained illegal immigrants for release;
The criteria used to determine who is eligible for release;
The number of reviewed detainees denied release and the specific reasons for such denials;
A list identifying cuts to the DHS budget implemented prior to the release of the detainees, the budget savings achieved, and why these savings were insufficient;
How DHS is tracking illegal immigrants released under this plan, and whether they will be ordered back to detention centers if funding becomes available.
Source: Letter from 37 Members of Congress 14_Lt_Imm on Mar 1, 2013
Voted YES to ban DREAMer immigrants from military service.
Salmon voted YEA Gosar Anti-DACA Amendment to H.R. 5293
Congressional Summary: The House voted on an amendment by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) to H.R. 5293, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2017. The amendment would prohibit funds from being used to extend the expiration of, or reissue a new expiration date to, the Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) program.
Recommendation by Heritage Foundation to vote YES:(6/16/2016): The MAVNI program is a pilot program authorizing "military services to recruit certain legal immigrants whose skills are considered to be vital to the national interest." However, a DoD memo has made it clear that DACA/DAPA recipients are eligible under this program, essentially opening up a pathway to amnesty for illegal aliens who enlist. By ensuring that this guidance ends, DOD will no longer be able to enlist illegal immigrants through MAVNI.
Recommendation by the ACLU to vote NO: (6/28/2011):
The DREAM Act promotes fundamental fairness for young people by allowing access to affordable post-secondary education and military service opportunities, regardless of immigration status, and would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children, have lived here for at least five years and have graduated from high school. The DREAM Act could result in billions of dollars in additional tax revenue from tapping the potential of DREAM-eligible students and future service personnel. Since September 11, 2001, more than 69,000 immigrants have earned citizenship while serving, and more than 125 who entered military service after that date have made the ultimate sacrifice in war by giving their lives for this nation.
Legislative outcome: Failed House 210 to 211 (no Senate vote)
Source: Congressional vote 16-H5293 on Jun 16, 2016
Analyze terrorism and criminal threats on southwest border.
Salmon co-sponsored H.R.4482
This bill calls for a southwest border threat analysis that includes an assessment of:
terrorism and criminal threats posed by individuals and organized groups seeking to unlawfully enter the US through the southwest border
improvements needed at and between ports of entry along such border to prevent terrorists and instruments of terror from entering the US
gaps in law, policy, law enforcement, or international agreements that hinder effective and efficient border security, counterterrorism, anti-human smuggling and trafficking efforts, and the flow of legitimate trade along such border; and
the current percentage of situational awareness and of operational control of US borders achieved by DHS of the international land and maritime borders of the US.
The bill requires, every five years, a Border Patrol Strategic Plan that includes consideration of the southwest border threat analysis and an assessment of principal border security threats.
Source: Southwest Border Security Threat Assessment Act 16-HR4482 on Feb 4, 2016
Declared English the official language of the US.
Salmon co-sponsored declaring English the official language of the US
OFFICIAL CONGRESSIONAL SUMMARY:
Amends Federal law to declare English to be the official language of the US Government.
Representatives of the Federal Government have an affirmative obligation to preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language of the Federal Government.
Requires such representatives to conduct official business in English.
Prohibits anyone from being denied Government services because he or she communicates in English.
Requires that all officials conduct all naturalization ceremonies entirely in English.
Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the preservation or use of Native Alaskan or Native American languages.
EXCERPTS FROM BILL:
The Congress finds and declares the following:
The US is comprised of individuals and groups from diverse ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds.
The US has benefited and continues to benefit from this rich diversity.
The common thread binding individuals of differing backgrounds has been a common language.
The Federal Government should maintain a language common to all people.
English has historically been the common language and the language of opportunity in the US.
The purpose of this title is to help immigrants better assimilate and take full advantage of opportunities in the US.
By learning the English language, immigrants will be empowered with the language skills and literacy necessary to become responsible citizens and productive workers in the US.
The use of a single common language in conducting official business of the Federal Government will promote efficiency and fairness.
English should be recognized in law as the language of official business of the Federal Government.
Any monetary savings derived from the enactment of this title should be used for the teaching of the English language to non-English-speaking immigrants.
Source: English Language Empowerment Act (H.R.123) 99-HR0123 on Jan 6, 1999