I love the new legal immigrants; they want their kids to be safe just like I do.

In a city that is barely getting by with its small budget, something like illegal immigration can be the difference from being able to provide the level of public service that people expect.

I saw my city gripped by fear. Because of violent acts committed by illegal aliens, my residents were afraid to shop - or even drive - on certain streets.

Thousands of cities in America are crying out for relief from the burden of illegal immigration. Small towns like mine can no longer wait for Washington.

The federal government has failed us, so we, the elected officials of small-town America, are getting tough with illegal immigration.

I'm Lou Barletta, and I'm a small town defender.