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Allen Jackson NOW

Allen Jackson: Sanctuary Lawsuit | Allen Jackson Now

May 25, 2026 | 22:6

Allen Jackson: Sanctuary Lawsuit | Allen Jackson Now
Cooper Smith joins Allen Jackson to discuss current events.
#News #Law #Government #Leaders #Nations #Leadership #Politics #HumanTrafficking #Media #SocialMedia #Crime #AllenJackson

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Allen Jackson NOW | Allen Jackson: Sanctuary Lawsuit | Allen Jackson Now | May 25, 2026
  • Well, good evening and welcome to nashville.
  • 00:00:17.576 --> 00:00:19.578
  • I'm alan jackson.
  • 00:00:19.578 --> 00:00:21.079
  • Washington may have avoided a shutdown
  • 00:00:21.079 --> 00:00:23.181
  • Fight at the department of homeland security.
  • 00:00:23.181 --> 00:00:25.584
  • But the larger battle over ice and immigration enforcement
  • 00:00:25.584 --> 00:00:28.553
  • In america. well, it's far from over.
  • 00:00:28.553 --> 00:00:31.123
  • For years, we've heard phrases
  • 00:00:31.123 --> 00:00:32.591
  • Like sanctuary city and sanctuary state.
  • 00:00:32.591 --> 00:00:35.627
  • But what do those terms actually mean?
  • 00:00:35.627 --> 00:00:38.296
  • Well, increasingly, they mean local governments
  • 00:00:38.296 --> 00:00:40.332
  • Refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
  • 00:00:40.332 --> 00:00:44.169
  • And instead of violent individuals
  • 00:00:44.169 --> 00:00:45.871
  • Who are here illegally being led away in handcuffs.
  • 00:00:45.871 --> 00:00:48.707
  • Members of law enforcement are instead handcuffed
  • 00:00:48.707 --> 00:00:51.309
  • From being able to enforce the law in el cajon, california.
  • 00:00:51.309 --> 00:00:55.247
  • Federal authorities reportedly alerted
  • 00:00:55.247 --> 00:00:57.382
  • Local officials about more than 50 unaccompanied children
  • 00:00:57.382 --> 00:01:01.153
  • Who may have been in unsafe living situations amongst
  • 00:01:01.153 --> 00:01:04.256
  • Adult individuals who were here illegally.
  • 00:01:04.256 --> 00:01:07.325
  • But local police, they hesitated because they feared violating
  • 00:01:07.325 --> 00:01:10.896
  • California's sanctuary law.
  • 00:01:10.896 --> 00:01:12.998
  • Well, that should concern
  • 00:01:12.998 --> 00:01:13.932
  • Every american, regardless of politics.
  • 00:01:13.932 --> 00:01:17.135
  • See, this debate is no longer just about illegal immigration.
  • 00:01:17.135 --> 00:01:20.172
  • It's becoming a larger question about law enforcement,
  • 00:01:20.172 --> 00:01:22.974
  • Public safety,
  • 00:01:22.974 --> 00:01:24.176
  • And whether officials will be able to enforce existing laws.
  • 00:01:24.176 --> 00:01:28.413
  • Imagine federal agents attempting to investigate human
  • 00:01:28.413 --> 00:01:31.483
  • Trafficking networks, cartel activity, or violent offenders.
  • 00:01:31.483 --> 00:01:35.153
  • Well, state and local governments
  • 00:01:35.153 --> 00:01:36.655
  • Refuse to share information or to cooperate with them.
  • 00:01:36.655 --> 00:01:40.192
  • What happens when elected officials begin treating
  • 00:01:40.192 --> 00:01:42.627
  • Federal immigration enforcement as the enemy?
  • 00:01:42.627 --> 00:01:46.031
  • Underneath all of this
  • 00:01:46.031 --> 00:01:47.098
  • Is a much bigger issue that reaches beyond politics.
  • 00:01:47.098 --> 00:01:50.502
  • Can a nation function effectively when laws
  • 00:01:50.502 --> 00:01:53.371
  • Are not only openly disregarded, but openly resisted?
  • 00:01:53.371 --> 00:01:57.742
  • See, our nation is a unique
  • 00:01:58.343 --> 00:01:59.644
  • Experiment in human civilization.
  • 00:01:59.644 --> 00:02:01.580
  • There's never been anything quite like it.
  • 00:02:01.580 --> 00:02:03.882
  • But that experiment came under attack
  • 00:02:03.882 --> 00:02:05.750
  • During the biden administration, where we witnessed
  • 00:02:05.750 --> 00:02:08.220
  • An intentional dismantling of both boundaries and borders.
  • 00:02:08.220 --> 00:02:12.190
  • It was all wrapped in a great deal of language
  • 00:02:12.190 --> 00:02:14.226
  • That suggests that an open border
  • 00:02:14.226 --> 00:02:15.860
  • Is the ultimate expression of compassion.
  • 00:02:15.860 --> 00:02:18.797
  • And unfortunately, too many churches picked up that mantra.
  • 00:02:18.797 --> 00:02:22.033
  • You know,
  • 00:02:22.334 --> 00:02:23.435
  • I don't think what we witnessed was compassion at all.
  • 00:02:23.435 --> 00:02:26.037
  • The biden administration coined a word for illegal immigrants.
  • 00:02:26.037 --> 00:02:29.374
  • They called them newcomers.
  • 00:02:29.374 --> 00:02:31.676
  • This little word game suggests
  • 00:02:31.676 --> 00:02:33.111
  • That those persons who have come to our country
  • 00:02:33.111 --> 00:02:34.813
  • Illegally have equal standing with citizens.
  • 00:02:34.813 --> 00:02:37.782
  • It's deceptive.
  • 00:02:37.782 --> 00:02:39.551
  • I'd like to remind you that anything that begins with
  • 00:02:39.551 --> 00:02:41.720
  • Illegal typically does not lead to a good outcome.
  • 00:02:41.720 --> 00:02:45.490
  • The changes that an open
  • 00:02:46.024 --> 00:02:47.259
  • Border have already made in our country are staggering.
  • 00:02:47.259 --> 00:02:50.996
  • Our health care system has fundamentally changed.
  • 00:02:50.996 --> 00:02:54.032
  • Emergency rooms don't provide the same function
  • 00:02:54.032 --> 00:02:56.234
  • They did a decade ago.
  • 00:02:56.234 --> 00:02:57.836
  • And that's changed primarily to accommodate
  • 00:02:57.836 --> 00:03:00.138
  • The tens of millions of people
  • 00:03:00.138 --> 00:03:01.506
  • Who are here without citizenship.
  • 00:03:01.506 --> 00:03:03.908
  • We can't live in complete defiance of the law.
  • 00:03:03.908 --> 00:03:06.778
  • And then imagine that that will bring good things to us.
  • 00:03:06.778 --> 00:03:10.148
  • And it's not just liberals that have been involved in
  • 00:03:10.148 --> 00:03:12.417
  • Creating an atmosphere of chaos.
  • 00:03:12.417 --> 00:03:14.386
  • We as christians, we have some complicity
  • 00:03:14.386 --> 00:03:16.855
  • Because we don't want to talk about a biblical worldview.
  • 00:03:16.855 --> 00:03:19.824
  • We don't want to talk about
  • 00:03:19.824 --> 00:03:20.892
  • The biblical definition of marriage.
  • 00:03:20.892 --> 00:03:22.794
  • We don't want to talk about gender roles in the home.
  • 00:03:22.794 --> 00:03:25.530
  • We act as if the ten commandments.
  • 00:03:25.530 --> 00:03:27.232
  • They've just become a handful
  • 00:03:27.232 --> 00:03:28.300
  • Of really good ideas for consideration.
  • 00:03:28.300 --> 00:03:31.603
  • The way we've gotten to a culture
  • 00:03:31.603 --> 00:03:33.004
  • That's embracing all of this
  • 00:03:33.004 --> 00:03:34.506
  • Is that we,
  • 00:03:34.506 --> 00:03:35.373
  • As the church, have concerned ourselves
  • 00:03:35.373 --> 00:03:36.808
  • With remaining popular to a secular world.
  • 00:03:36.808 --> 00:03:39.444
  • We're focused on tolerance and inclusivity.
  • 00:03:39.444 --> 00:03:42.580
  • We've turned our backs on the uniqueness of jesus,
  • 00:03:42.580 --> 00:03:45.283
  • The necessity of redemption.
  • 00:03:45.283 --> 00:03:47.319
  • We act as if sin is just an inconvenient idea.
  • 00:03:47.319 --> 00:03:50.488
  • Author robert bork wrote a bestselling book
  • 00:03:51.423 --> 00:03:53.892
  • Some time ago titled slouching towards gomorrah.
  • 00:03:53.892 --> 00:03:56.995
  • Seems impossible.
  • 00:03:56.995 --> 00:03:57.796
  • It's been 20 years,
  • 00:03:57.796 --> 00:03:58.930
  • But the author provided a view of a culture in decline.
  • 00:03:58.930 --> 00:04:02.000
  • He was sounding the alarm
  • 00:04:02.567 --> 00:04:03.902
  • On the erosion of moral values in america.
  • 00:04:03.902 --> 00:04:06.371
  • That it's a very foundation was crumbling.
  • 00:04:06.371 --> 00:04:08.807
  • It was a nation slouching towards gomorrah.
  • 00:04:08.807 --> 00:04:12.143
  • Well, today
  • 00:04:12.143 --> 00:04:13.345
  • It feels to me more like we're sprinting in that direction.
  • 00:04:13.345 --> 00:04:16.281
  • But we can change.
  • 00:04:16.715 --> 00:04:18.049
  • We can make a difference.
  • 00:04:18.049 --> 00:04:19.284
  • God is moving in the earth.
  • 00:04:19.284 --> 00:04:21.553
  • I've been to d.c. many times.
  • 00:04:21.553 --> 00:04:23.421
  • It's a city that for years has been steeped in chaos
  • 00:04:23.421 --> 00:04:26.157
  • And violence.
  • 00:04:26.157 --> 00:04:27.258
  • City officials even acknowledged that
  • 00:04:27.258 --> 00:04:28.993
  • They had reclassified crimes to make them seem less violent,
  • 00:04:28.993 --> 00:04:32.764
  • So they could pretend the city was safe.
  • 00:04:32.764 --> 00:04:35.467
  • Well, the trump administration took action last year.
  • 00:04:35.467 --> 00:04:37.869
  • They sent in the national guard reinforcements
  • 00:04:37.869 --> 00:04:39.704
  • To combat the lawlessness in d.c..
  • 00:04:39.704 --> 00:04:42.540
  • The administration made public safety a national priority
  • 00:04:42.540 --> 00:04:45.910
  • Instead of treating crime as politically inconvenient.
  • 00:04:45.910 --> 00:04:49.047
  • And we've seen the positive change in the nation's capital.
  • 00:04:49.047 --> 00:04:52.283
  • Washington, d.c., has gone from a symbol of rising crime
  • 00:04:52.283 --> 00:04:55.787
  • To an example of how a city can recover.
  • 00:04:55.787 --> 00:04:58.857
  • Federal and local coordination increased,
  • 00:04:58.857 --> 00:05:01.226
  • Bringing more manpower,
  • 00:05:01.226 --> 00:05:02.460
  • More prosecutions, more pressure on violent offenders.
  • 00:05:02.460 --> 00:05:05.997
  • Homicides dropped dramatically.
  • 00:05:05.997 --> 00:05:07.499
  • Robberies fell sharply,
  • 00:05:07.499 --> 00:05:09.100
  • And all because laws were being enforced, not ignored.
  • 00:05:09.100 --> 00:05:12.504
  • That's how law and order is supposed to work.
  • 00:05:12.504 --> 00:05:15.573
  • Well, people
  • 00:05:15.573 --> 00:05:16.775
  • Who travel from across america for the rededicate 250 event
  • 00:05:16.775 --> 00:05:19.377
  • Were able to gather
  • 00:05:19.377 --> 00:05:20.512
  • Peacefully in the heart of the nation's capital.
  • 00:05:20.512 --> 00:05:23.648
  • I'm thankful for the administration's efforts
  • 00:05:23.648 --> 00:05:25.583
  • To correct some wrongs,
  • 00:05:25.583 --> 00:05:26.951
  • But all progress can be undone
  • 00:05:26.951 --> 00:05:28.620
  • In just a matter of a couple of elections.
  • 00:05:28.620 --> 00:05:30.722
  • Lasting change.
  • 00:05:30.722 --> 00:05:31.723
  • It begins with us, not politicians.
  • 00:05:31.723 --> 00:05:34.125
  • We cannot abandon the places
  • 00:05:34.125 --> 00:05:35.727
  • We live in to destructive influences.
  • 00:05:35.727 --> 00:05:37.962
  • As christ followers,
  • 00:05:37.962 --> 00:05:39.063
  • We can't be silent and stay out of the public square.
  • 00:05:39.063 --> 00:05:42.133
  • If our nation really is to ever regain strength,
  • 00:05:42.133 --> 00:05:44.803
  • It will be
  • 00:05:44.803 --> 00:05:45.303
  • Because the church
  • 00:05:45.303 --> 00:05:46.404
  • Has the courage to bring our bib
  • 00:05:46.404 --> 00:05:50.775
  • With all that on the table.
  • 00:05:51.376 --> 00:05:52.577
  • In a moment, we'll speak with a man
  • 00:05:52.577 --> 00:05:53.912
  • Who knows all about the law, our safety, and our country.
  • 00:05:53.912 --> 00:05:57.515
  • Stay tuned next for the director of homeland security
  • 00:05:57.515 --> 00:06:00.118
  • And immigration at the america first policy institute.
  • 00:06:00.118 --> 00:06:03.755
  • Coopersmith.
  • 00:06:03.755 --> 00:06:05.156
  • I'll be right back.
  • 00:06:05.156 --> 00:06:12.006
  • I'll be right back.
  • 00:06:12.006 --> 00:06:16.569
  • Well, joining us tonight is the director
  • 00:06:17.403 --> 00:06:18.904
  • Of homeland security and immigration
  • 00:06:18.904 --> 00:06:20.940
  • At the america first policy institute.
  • 00:06:20.940 --> 00:06:22.975
  • Coopersmith. welcome back. sir.
  • 00:06:22.975 --> 00:06:26.011
  • Thank you.
  • 00:06:26.312 --> 00:06:27.580
  • In a recent op ed, you explained why america first policy
  • 00:06:27.580 --> 00:06:31.250
  • Institute filed a lawsuit last month
  • 00:06:31.250 --> 00:06:33.552
  • Against california attorney general rob bonta
  • 00:06:33.552 --> 00:06:36.522
  • On behalf of the city of el cajon.
  • 00:06:36.522 --> 00:06:38.991
  • There were some things happening in there
  • 00:06:38.991 --> 00:06:40.459
  • That you thought needed brought to the attention of the courts.
  • 00:06:40.459 --> 00:06:42.428
  • Can you tell us a bit about it and why you filed the suit?
  • 00:06:42.428 --> 00:06:46.499
  • Yeah, absolutely.
  • 00:06:46.932 --> 00:06:47.933
  • Look, i think across the country we're seeing,
  • 00:06:47.933 --> 00:06:50.503
  • You know, the rise of sanctuary cities, not just cities.
  • 00:06:50.503 --> 00:06:54.406
  • You know, i think, you know, people say sanctuary
  • 00:06:54.406 --> 00:06:56.308
  • Cities are really talking about states
  • 00:06:56.308 --> 00:06:58.177
  • And entire jurisdictions.
  • 00:06:58.177 --> 00:06:59.512
  • So this is a problem that's metastasizing.
  • 00:06:59.512 --> 00:07:02.314
  • And president trump's second term,
  • 00:07:02.314 --> 00:07:03.949
  • Of course, it started actually,
  • 00:07:03.949 --> 00:07:05.718
  • The sanctuary city movement really started in the 70s.
  • 00:07:05.718 --> 00:07:08.387
  • So this has been around for decades.
  • 00:07:08.387 --> 00:07:10.322
  • And i think that the america first policy institute,
  • 00:07:10.322 --> 00:07:12.391
  • We didn't want to just talk about this issue
  • 00:07:12.391 --> 00:07:14.793
  • Of sanctuary cities.
  • 00:07:14.793 --> 00:07:15.794
  • We wanted to do something about it.
  • 00:07:15.794 --> 00:07:17.796
  • And so we are working with, the city of el cajon,
  • 00:07:17.796 --> 00:07:21.300
  • To file suit against the attorney general
  • 00:07:21.300 --> 00:07:23.636
  • Of california for an our view, basically being making
  • 00:07:23.636 --> 00:07:28.240
  • An unconstitutional rule with sb 40 us 54, rather,
  • 00:07:28.240 --> 00:07:32.545
  • Because going back a couple of months,
  • 00:07:33.312 --> 00:07:35.314
  • They had a, a local police officer
  • 00:07:35.314 --> 00:07:38.851
  • Who was going to conduct a wellness check
  • 00:07:38.851 --> 00:07:41.253
  • On a migrant child,
  • 00:07:41.253 --> 00:07:42.755
  • And the state actually prevented them from doing so,
  • 00:07:42.755 --> 00:07:46.225
  • Which actually puts the state police,
  • 00:07:46.225 --> 00:07:48.327
  • Local police, rather in a weird predicament
  • 00:07:48.327 --> 00:07:50.229
  • Where they're either going to be violating federal law
  • 00:07:50.229 --> 00:07:52.865
  • Or state law.
  • 00:07:52.865 --> 00:07:54.066
  • So in our view that that is basically sanctuary cities,
  • 00:07:54.066 --> 00:07:57.570
  • You know, to an extreme,
  • 00:07:58.103 --> 00:07:59.738
  • And we want to fight them in the courts
  • 00:07:59.738 --> 00:08:01.240
  • And we want this to happen nationwide.
  • 00:08:01.240 --> 00:08:02.908
  • We we don't want california to be the last stop.
  • 00:08:02.908 --> 00:08:05.411
  • It should be the first stop.
  • 00:08:05.411 --> 00:08:06.812
  • And this should be happening everywhere in the country.
  • 00:08:06.812 --> 00:08:09.715
  • Cooper, i thought your point is important
  • 00:08:09.715 --> 00:08:11.483
  • That we've lived
  • 00:08:11.483 --> 00:08:12.618
  • With sanctuary cities for a long time, for decades.
  • 00:08:12.618 --> 00:08:15.087
  • So they've become a part of our vernacular.
  • 00:08:15.087 --> 00:08:18.057
  • But it's a description of major american cities refusing
  • 00:08:18.057 --> 00:08:21.660
  • To recognize federal law while they demand federal funds.
  • 00:08:21.660 --> 00:08:26.465
  • That seems fundamentally wrong to me.
  • 00:08:26.465 --> 00:08:29.234
  • So how do we present at the american people
  • 00:08:29.234 --> 00:08:31.036
  • To wake them up to what we've accepted?
  • 00:08:31.036 --> 00:08:34.807
  • Yeah.
  • 00:08:35.040 --> 00:08:35.841
  • I mean, you're absolutely correct.
  • 00:08:35.841 --> 00:08:37.209
  • Sanctuary jurisdictions,
  • 00:08:37.209 --> 00:08:38.344
  • Like i said, have been around for decades.
  • 00:08:38.344 --> 00:08:39.912
  • And and what they will claim is that they're not preventing ice
  • 00:08:39.912 --> 00:08:43.782
  • Or dhs from conducting lawful immigration enforcement.
  • 00:08:43.782 --> 00:08:47.252
  • They are simply refusing to comply or rather,
  • 00:08:47.252 --> 00:08:50.389
  • Refusing to assist with federal immigration enforcement.
  • 00:08:50.389 --> 00:08:53.559
  • But if you listen to borders, our tom homan, it's like, look,
  • 00:08:53.559 --> 00:08:56.795
  • We don't need your assistance.
  • 00:08:56.795 --> 00:08:57.963
  • We just need you to get out of the way, right?
  • 00:08:57.963 --> 00:09:00.332
  • We need access to your courts.
  • 00:09:00.332 --> 00:09:01.900
  • We need access to your jail settings
  • 00:09:01.900 --> 00:09:04.069
  • Because ultimately, it's safer for the migrant.
  • 00:09:04.069 --> 00:09:05.971
  • It's safer for the, the officer.
  • 00:09:05.971 --> 00:09:08.007
  • It's safer for local citizens and protesters.
  • 00:09:08.007 --> 00:09:10.909
  • If the federal government and the state government work
  • 00:09:10.909 --> 00:09:12.811
  • Together on immigration enforcement,
  • 00:09:12.811 --> 00:09:14.880
  • Just like they would on any other federal crime, right?
  • 00:09:14.880 --> 00:09:17.750
  • It would be unconscionable
  • 00:09:17.750 --> 00:09:19.251
  • If los angeles or chicago or la or d.c.
  • 00:09:19.251 --> 00:09:22.788
  • Would refuse to work with, say, the dea on a drug enforcement
  • 00:09:22.788 --> 00:09:25.958
  • Operation or the fbi on a human trafficking investigation.
  • 00:09:25.958 --> 00:09:29.928
  • But for some reason,
  • 00:09:29.928 --> 00:09:31.463
  • The left in this country, the democratic party
  • 00:09:31.463 --> 00:09:33.732
  • And many of their allies in the media
  • 00:09:33.732 --> 00:09:36.001
  • Do not believe that immigration enforcement
  • 00:09:36.001 --> 00:09:38.003
  • Is a legitimate use of power.
  • 00:09:38.003 --> 00:09:39.605
  • They do not believe that being here illegally is a crime.
  • 00:09:39.605 --> 00:09:43.909
  • And in my view, what they want.
  • 00:09:43.909 --> 00:09:45.678
  • And if our lawsuit is successful,
  • 00:09:45.678 --> 00:09:47.513
  • Then this will we will be beginning the process
  • 00:09:47.513 --> 00:09:49.748
  • Of stopping this.
  • 00:09:49.748 --> 00:09:50.683
  • What they want is a sanctuary nation.
  • 00:09:50.683 --> 00:09:53.185
  • They don't want to stop at sanctuary
  • 00:09:53.185 --> 00:09:54.420
  • Cities and sanctuary states.
  • 00:09:54.420 --> 00:09:55.954
  • They want a nation that is largely free from border
  • 00:09:55.954 --> 00:09:58.757
  • Security,
  • 00:09:58.757 --> 00:09:59.958
  • Largely free from deportation and interior enforcement.
  • 00:09:59.958 --> 00:10:03.028
  • And, you know, just look at what's happening
  • 00:10:03.028 --> 00:10:04.396
  • In virginia, in fairfax county,
  • 00:10:04.396 --> 00:10:06.465
  • Where you have half the murders
  • 00:10:06.465 --> 00:10:07.633
  • That are being committed by illegal aliens.
  • 00:10:07.633 --> 00:10:09.935
  • And the left in this country right now
  • 00:10:09.935 --> 00:10:11.670
  • Says we would rather prioritize those than the american people
  • 00:10:11.670 --> 00:10:15.541
  • Who voted us into power and america first policy institute.
  • 00:10:15.541 --> 00:10:18.277
  • We think that's crazy,
  • 00:10:18.277 --> 00:10:19.712
  • And we're actually willing to do something about it.
  • 00:10:19.712 --> 00:10:21.780
  • Well, it seems to me that the $64,000 question
  • 00:10:22.681 --> 00:10:25.651
  • Is really centered in illegal immigrants
  • 00:10:25.651 --> 00:10:27.419
  • And what we're going to do about this issue.
  • 00:10:27.419 --> 00:10:29.822
  • I know the bipartisan dignity act has gained some support
  • 00:10:29.822 --> 00:10:32.791
  • In congress.
  • 00:10:32.791 --> 00:10:34.426
  • Can you tell us a bit more about that, and what you
  • 00:10:34.426 --> 00:10:36.895
  • Think of that policy that they're pushing forward?
  • 00:10:36.895 --> 00:10:40.733
  • Yeah, absolutely.
  • 00:10:41.166 --> 00:10:42.101
  • Look, in my view,
  • 00:10:42.101 --> 00:10:43.135
  • Congress, of course, for decades
  • 00:10:43.135 --> 00:10:44.670
  • And any
  • 00:10:44.670 --> 00:10:45.804
  • Anybody who watches politics closely would know this.
  • 00:10:45.804 --> 00:10:48.640
  • Going back to the gang of eight and all these compromises
  • 00:10:48.640 --> 00:10:51.243
  • That were supposedly going to happen
  • 00:10:51.243 --> 00:10:53.011
  • During the obama administration and other past administrations,
  • 00:10:53.011 --> 00:10:57.049
  • Like america's illegal immigration system
  • 00:10:57.049 --> 00:10:59.651
  • Has basically been in place with some amendments
  • 00:10:59.651 --> 00:11:02.387
  • For about 60 years.
  • 00:11:02.387 --> 00:11:04.022
  • We're operating on a very outdated model going back
  • 00:11:04.022 --> 00:11:07.059
  • To 1965.
  • 00:11:07.059 --> 00:11:08.761
  • Immigration and nationality act.
  • 00:11:08.761 --> 00:11:10.796
  • And in my view,
  • 00:11:10.796 --> 00:11:11.830
  • While the media tends
  • 00:11:11.830 --> 00:11:12.898
  • To focus on illegal immigration, i think of course,
  • 00:11:12.898 --> 00:11:16.001
  • I don't think we should have that.
  • 00:11:16.001 --> 00:11:18.504
  • It's our legal immigration system that's actually caused
  • 00:11:18.504 --> 00:11:21.306
  • As much damage to our nation than illegal immigration.
  • 00:11:21.306 --> 00:11:25.310
  • What i mean when i say that is look at our workforce,
  • 00:11:25.310 --> 00:11:28.247
  • Look at our hollowed out workforce
  • 00:11:28.247 --> 00:11:29.815
  • And h-1b abuse and student visa abuse
  • 00:11:29.815 --> 00:11:32.851
  • And the vast amounts of people
  • 00:11:32.851 --> 00:11:34.153
  • That have come here and taken american jobs and opportunity,
  • 00:11:34.153 --> 00:11:38.357
  • Not to mention the cultural degradation
  • 00:11:38.357 --> 00:11:40.559
  • Of bringing in people from countries
  • 00:11:40.559 --> 00:11:42.361
  • Who largely do not share our values.
  • 00:11:42.361 --> 00:11:44.229
  • So at aspi, we believe that that any immigration,
  • 00:11:44.229 --> 00:11:47.633
  • If we're going to have it at all,
  • 00:11:47.633 --> 00:11:48.767
  • Should be based on merit
  • 00:11:48.767 --> 00:11:50.068
  • And skills and the ability to assimilate,
  • 00:11:50.068 --> 00:11:53.939
  • Rather than family connections, which is the immigration system
  • 00:11:53.939 --> 00:11:57.209
  • We're under now,
  • 00:11:57.209 --> 00:11:58.310
  • The dignity act, as well intentioned as it may be.
  • 00:11:58.310 --> 00:12:00.879
  • And the proponents of it may may believe that they're,
  • 00:12:00.879 --> 00:12:04.082
  • You know, doing
  • 00:12:04.082 --> 00:12:05.551
  • Well by the american people is just another form of amnesty.
  • 00:12:05.551 --> 00:12:09.321
  • And, and at aspi, we reject all forms of amnesty,
  • 00:12:09.321 --> 00:12:13.025
  • No matter what language they're couched in.
  • 00:12:13.025 --> 00:12:15.561
  • If you're giving people a pass for committing,
  • 00:12:15.561 --> 00:12:18.163
  • For breaking the law, rather
  • 00:12:18.163 --> 00:12:19.832
  • Than we are not going to support it.
  • 00:12:19.832 --> 00:12:21.233
  • And look, congress did this in the 80s.
  • 00:12:21.233 --> 00:12:23.936
  • They passed an amnesty bill and legalize millions of people.
  • 00:12:23.936 --> 00:12:26.972
  • And what happened after that?
  • 00:12:26.972 --> 00:12:28.473
  • Millions and millions more came.
  • 00:12:28.473 --> 00:12:30.342
  • So the incentives were wrong.
  • 00:12:30.342 --> 00:12:33.478
  • I think
  • 00:12:33.712 --> 00:12:34.580
  • Your discussion is worth highlighting
  • 00:12:34.580 --> 00:12:37.382
  • That we use immigration
  • 00:12:37.382 --> 00:12:38.717
  • As a way of strengthening our nation,
  • 00:12:38.717 --> 00:12:40.485
  • Strengthening our work force, improving our capabilities,
  • 00:12:40.485 --> 00:12:44.223
  • And not to strengthen a political party or agenda.
  • 00:12:44.223 --> 00:12:47.226
  • What a novel concept.
  • 00:12:47.726 --> 00:12:48.927
  • How do we get that message more fully
  • 00:12:48.927 --> 00:12:50.395
  • In front of the american people?
  • 00:12:50.395 --> 00:12:53.665
  • Well, honestly, i think it starts
  • 00:12:53.665 --> 00:12:55.033
  • With conversations like this.
  • 00:12:55.033 --> 00:12:56.401
  • Look, the mainstream media
  • 00:12:56.401 --> 00:12:58.303
  • Is not interested in having these conversations.
  • 00:12:58.303 --> 00:13:00.772
  • They have told the american people,
  • 00:13:00.772 --> 00:13:02.507
  • And unfortunately,
  • 00:13:02.507 --> 00:13:03.375
  • Many of them have bought this narrative
  • 00:13:03.375 --> 00:13:04.710
  • That any discussion about reforming
  • 00:13:04.710 --> 00:13:07.012
  • Our illegal immigration system, let alone
  • 00:13:07.012 --> 00:13:09.314
  • The illegal immigrants who are here,
  • 00:13:09.314 --> 00:13:11.316
  • Is fundamentally racist or it's fundamentally hateful.
  • 00:13:11.316 --> 00:13:14.686
  • And i don't think it's crazy to think.
  • 00:13:14.686 --> 00:13:16.555
  • And i would say that most americans agree
  • 00:13:16.555 --> 00:13:18.790
  • With my position that as voters, we elect representatives
  • 00:13:18.790 --> 00:13:22.794
  • That represent our values,
  • 00:13:22.794 --> 00:13:24.263
  • And then they pass policies to reflect those values.
  • 00:13:24.263 --> 00:13:26.732
  • Not very complicated system.
  • 00:13:26.732 --> 00:13:28.901
  • And in my view, most people believe that
  • 00:13:28.901 --> 00:13:31.470
  • That we should have immigration based on merit
  • 00:13:31.470 --> 00:13:33.605
  • And the ability to assimilate well into our culture.
  • 00:13:33.605 --> 00:13:36.942
  • They have the ability to not be a public charge and not be a,
  • 00:13:36.942 --> 00:13:41.013
  • You know, taking taxpayer benefits and engaging in fraud
  • 00:13:41.013 --> 00:13:44.716
  • And all the rest of it.
  • 00:13:44.716 --> 00:13:45.884
  • So we're advocates for a merit based immigration policy.
  • 00:13:45.884 --> 00:13:49.054
  • We also do believe that there needs to be moderation
  • 00:13:49.054 --> 00:13:52.324
  • In numbers.
  • 00:13:52.324 --> 00:13:53.725
  • We are we are
  • 00:13:53.725 --> 00:13:54.927
  • And have been for for decades a very generous, country.
  • 00:13:54.927 --> 00:13:58.730
  • And i think that should continue. in large parts.
  • 00:13:58.730 --> 00:14:01.533
  • But that doesn't mean that we have to open our door
  • 00:14:01.533 --> 00:14:03.902
  • To anyone, anywhere, at any time.
  • 00:14:03.902 --> 00:14:06.471
  • Cooper, we need to take a short break here.
  • 00:14:07.339 --> 00:14:09.107
  • Can you stand by for another segment?
  • 00:14:09.107 --> 00:14:11.510
  • Yes, sir.
  • 00:14:11.510 --> 00:14:12.611
  • If you happen to have your phone
  • 00:14:12.611 --> 00:14:13.578
  • In your hand, try logging on to aj now.
  • 00:14:13.578 --> 00:14:15.580
  • Dot com.
  • 00:14:15.580 --> 00:14:16.148
  • Send me an email.
  • 00:14:16.148 --> 00:14:17.349
  • You can see this easy animation.
  • 00:14:17.349 --> 00:14:19.518
  • It's easy to do.
  • 00:14:19.518 --> 00:14:20.919
  • I'll be right back.
  • 00:14:20.919 --> 00:14:28.004
  • I'll be right back.
  • 00:14:28.004 --> 00:14:32.298
  • We're back now with the director of homeland security
  • 00:14:33.333 --> 00:14:35.735
  • And immigration
  • 00:14:35.735 --> 00:14:36.869
  • At the america first policy institute, cooper smith.
  • 00:14:36.869 --> 00:14:40.173
  • You know,
  • 00:14:40.473 --> 00:14:40.974
  • One of the biggest
  • 00:14:40.974 --> 00:14:42.075
  • Political flashpoints right now is mass deportation.
  • 00:14:42.075 --> 00:14:44.510
  • Practically speaking, what would a large scale
  • 00:14:44.510 --> 00:14:46.746
  • Deportation operation actually looks like under
  • 00:14:46.746 --> 00:14:49.782
  • A second trump era immigration framework?
  • 00:14:49.782 --> 00:14:52.919
  • And is it feasible at all?
  • 00:14:52.919 --> 00:14:56.489
  • Well, look, i think we're we're seeing it right now.
  • 00:14:56.489 --> 00:14:59.158
  • Orders are.
  • 00:14:59.158 --> 00:15:00.259
  • Tom homan spoke recently in an interview and said,
  • 00:15:00.259 --> 00:15:03.596
  • You know, they are very proud of the year
  • 00:15:03.596 --> 00:15:05.465
  • That they had last year under secretary noem.
  • 00:15:05.465 --> 00:15:07.967
  • We're talking about historic numbers of deportations.
  • 00:15:07.967 --> 00:15:11.571
  • The numbers that he cited are about 800,000 deportations,
  • 00:15:11.571 --> 00:15:16.676
  • During just
  • 00:15:17.010 --> 00:15:17.977
  • One year, which is is historic by any measure.
  • 00:15:17.977 --> 00:15:20.847
  • Now, their goal was about a million.
  • 00:15:20.847 --> 00:15:22.715
  • So they were very, very close to their goal.
  • 00:15:22.715 --> 00:15:24.884
  • But if you count self
  • 00:15:24.884 --> 00:15:25.952
  • Deportations, that definitely adds to the number.
  • 00:15:25.952 --> 00:15:28.721
  • And that's a point i want to make to your audience.
  • 00:15:28.721 --> 00:15:31.524
  • For all the fear about isis immigration posture
  • 00:15:31.524 --> 00:15:34.927
  • Under president trump, remember every single illegal immigrant
  • 00:15:34.927 --> 00:15:38.631
  • In this country has the ability to peacefully self-deport
  • 00:15:38.631 --> 00:15:42.301
  • At any time using the cbp home app,
  • 00:15:42.301 --> 00:15:45.638
  • And they will give you a check, by the way, to do it.
  • 00:15:45.638 --> 00:15:48.307
  • So if you want peaceful and cheaper ways
  • 00:15:48.307 --> 00:15:52.011
  • To get deportation, i believe self-deportation
  • 00:15:52.011 --> 00:15:54.380
  • Is one of the best ways to both save taxpayer money
  • 00:15:54.380 --> 00:15:57.350
  • And then also not put officers in harm's way, not to mention,
  • 00:15:57.350 --> 00:16:00.653
  • Average citizens and protesters.
  • 00:16:01.287 --> 00:16:03.322
  • But i think we're already seeing
  • 00:16:03.322 --> 00:16:04.991
  • A historic mass deportation operation.
  • 00:16:04.991 --> 00:16:07.460
  • I expect it to continue and be grown upon.
  • 00:16:07.460 --> 00:16:10.696
  • Big beautiful bill money came in, last year.
  • 00:16:10.696 --> 00:16:13.900
  • The president's signature legislative achievement.
  • 00:16:13.900 --> 00:16:16.369
  • There are more officers on the street
  • 00:16:16.369 --> 00:16:17.837
  • Conducting immigration enforcement.
  • 00:16:17.837 --> 00:16:19.372
  • But there are, of course,
  • 00:16:19.372 --> 00:16:20.606
  • Logistical issues with with transportation and detention.
  • 00:16:20.606 --> 00:16:24.043
  • And, those will have to be ironed out.
  • 00:16:24.043 --> 00:16:26.679
  • You know, i think
  • 00:16:27.113 --> 00:16:28.347
  • It's important to remember that we are a nation of immigrants.
  • 00:16:28.347 --> 00:16:30.850
  • There is no america without a hefty immigration policy.
  • 00:16:30.850 --> 00:16:36.022
  • But i'm also an advocate for doing things legally.
  • 00:16:36.022 --> 00:16:38.391
  • So what you're suggesting
  • 00:16:38.391 --> 00:16:39.859
  • Is that we use legal immigration to strengthen our nation
  • 00:16:39.859 --> 00:16:43.963
  • And stop this cesspool of language
  • 00:16:43.963 --> 00:16:46.699
  • That's promoting something illegal.
  • 00:16:46.699 --> 00:16:48.835
  • I just want to clarify that one more time.
  • 00:16:48.835 --> 00:16:50.670
  • Am i getting it straight?
  • 00:16:50.670 --> 00:16:53.673
  • Yeah, absolutely.
  • 00:16:53.673 --> 00:16:54.707
  • I think we both agree that illegal immigration
  • 00:16:54.707 --> 00:16:57.443
  • Should be prosecuted fully to the extent
  • 00:16:57.443 --> 00:16:59.812
  • That the law permits.
  • 00:16:59.812 --> 00:17:00.980
  • And that's, i think, what we're seeing now.
  • 00:17:00.980 --> 00:17:02.782
  • We did not see that under president biden.
  • 00:17:02.782 --> 00:17:04.750
  • But the point
  • 00:17:04.750 --> 00:17:05.952
  • I was making earlier in regards to the dignity act is that
  • 00:17:05.952 --> 00:17:08.754
  • I don't think most americans deeply understand
  • 00:17:08.754 --> 00:17:11.858
  • The legal immigration system, how people come here
  • 00:17:11.858 --> 00:17:14.727
  • Through visas,
  • 00:17:14.727 --> 00:17:16.529
  • You know, getting green cards
  • 00:17:16.529 --> 00:17:17.830
  • And eventually getting naturalized.
  • 00:17:17.830 --> 00:17:19.732
  • There has been
  • 00:17:19.732 --> 00:17:20.800
  • A lot of documented fraud throughout that system.
  • 00:17:20.800 --> 00:17:23.236
  • It's grown and grown year after year.
  • 00:17:23.236 --> 00:17:25.071
  • It's gotten excessively complex and expensive, would be legal.
  • 00:17:25.071 --> 00:17:29.442
  • Immigrants often
  • 00:17:29.442 --> 00:17:30.276
  • Have to spend thousands of dollars
  • 00:17:30.276 --> 00:17:31.944
  • Hiring immigration attorneys and extraordinarily expensive
  • 00:17:31.944 --> 00:17:35.181
  • Thing to do.
  • 00:17:35.181 --> 00:17:36.349
  • So what i want is a system that is moderated, a number
  • 00:17:36.349 --> 00:17:40.052
  • That people are have the skills, education
  • 00:17:40.052 --> 00:17:42.755
  • And ability to culturally assimilate
  • 00:17:42.755 --> 00:17:44.657
  • When they get here on day one and will not be a public charge
  • 00:17:44.657 --> 00:17:48.528
  • To taxpayers.
  • 00:17:48.528 --> 00:17:49.762
  • I think that's a fair way to go about an immigration system.
  • 00:17:49.762 --> 00:17:52.431
  • And by the way, what most other countries do.
  • 00:17:52.431 --> 00:17:55.735
  • So that's
  • 00:17:55.735 --> 00:17:56.869
  • What i'm advocating for america first policy institute.
  • 00:17:56.869 --> 00:17:59.338
  • I do think there needs to be changes
  • 00:17:59.338 --> 00:18:00.773
  • To our legal immigration system while we crack down
  • 00:18:00.773 --> 00:18:03.776
  • On illegal immigration.
  • 00:18:03.776 --> 00:18:05.545
  • Well, our new dhs secretary, dhs secretary
  • 00:18:06.412 --> 00:18:08.881
  • Mark wade
  • 00:18:08.881 --> 00:18:09.815
  • Mullen, has stated that seven of the ten
  • 00:18:09.815 --> 00:18:11.450
  • Safest cities in the u.s.
  • 00:18:11.450 --> 00:18:12.685
  • Cooperate with dhs and ice.
  • 00:18:12.685 --> 00:18:16.155
  • This seems pretty straightforward to me.
  • 00:18:16.155 --> 00:18:17.723
  • Why wouldn't more cities want to cooperate
  • 00:18:17.723 --> 00:18:19.892
  • And make it safer for their citizens?
  • 00:18:19.892 --> 00:18:23.663
  • Well, i think getting back to the point
  • 00:18:23.663 --> 00:18:24.830
  • I made a little bit earlier, alan,
  • 00:18:24.830 --> 00:18:26.933
  • Unfortunately, what we have right now on the left and again,
  • 00:18:26.933 --> 00:18:30.303
  • Many of their allies in the media and here in dc,
  • 00:18:30.303 --> 00:18:34.073
  • They do not want illegal aliens removed.
  • 00:18:34.073 --> 00:18:37.176
  • They've made this very, very clear.
  • 00:18:37.176 --> 00:18:38.811
  • You've seen sitting united states senators
  • 00:18:38.811 --> 00:18:40.913
  • Fly to el salvador and have a margarita
  • 00:18:40.913 --> 00:18:43.950
  • With an illegal alien who's been,
  • 00:18:43.950 --> 00:18:46.152
  • Suspected of human trafficking.
  • 00:18:46.152 --> 00:18:48.588
  • But weirdly enough, he did not spend any time
  • 00:18:48.588 --> 00:18:51.090
  • With the family of the maryland
  • 00:18:51.090 --> 00:18:52.291
  • Mother, the state that he represents,
  • 00:18:52.291 --> 00:18:54.293
  • Whose child was killed by an illegal, killed
  • 00:18:55.194 --> 00:18:57.730
  • And raped by an illegal alien in maryland, just recently.
  • 00:18:57.730 --> 00:19:01.968
  • So i think it's it's a it's a cultural issue.
  • 00:19:01.968 --> 00:19:04.971
  • It's a moral issue.
  • 00:19:04.971 --> 00:19:06.606
  • And it's something that i think,
  • 00:19:06.606 --> 00:19:07.807
  • You know, at least here at aspi,
  • 00:19:07.807 --> 00:19:09.775
  • We are firmly on the side of law and order.
  • 00:19:09.775 --> 00:19:13.412
  • Well, cooper, thank you for your work
  • 00:19:13.412 --> 00:19:14.880
  • And thank you for your time today.
  • 00:19:14.880 --> 00:19:16.682
  • We appreciate your insight and look forward
  • 00:19:16.682 --> 00:19:18.517
  • To watching for the scotus ruling soon.
  • 00:19:18.517 --> 00:19:22.054
  • Thank you.
  • 00:19:22.355 --> 00:19:23.456
  • In a moment, we'll be back with your emails.
  • 00:19:23.456 --> 00:19:32.005
  • In a moment, we'll be back with your emails.
  • 00:19:32.005 --> 00:19:36.603
  • Thank you for spending a few moments of your day with us.
  • 00:19:37.738 --> 00:19:40.173
  • Just a reminder, if you ever missed
  • 00:19:40.173 --> 00:19:41.541
  • A live episode, you can always go to aj now.com.
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  • 00:19:49.916 --> 00:19:52.419
  • Harlan from michigan wrote
  • 00:19:52.419 --> 00:19:53.987
  • I see that the democrats are trying to force
  • 00:19:53.987 --> 00:19:55.822
  • Ending the conflict with iran.
  • 00:19:55.822 --> 00:19:57.791
  • To me,
  • 00:19:57.791 --> 00:19:58.692
  • That means the democrats want to allow
  • 00:19:58.692 --> 00:19:59.593
  • Iran to have nuclear weapons.
  • 00:19:59.593 --> 00:20:01.962
  • Ergo, the democrats want to eliminate
  • 00:20:01.962 --> 00:20:03.797
  • Jews and the jewish state.
  • 00:20:03.797 --> 00:20:06.199
  • Well, harlan, i'm not sure i disagree, but i don't think
  • 00:20:06.199 --> 00:20:08.035
  • We have to draw israel into the conversation.
  • 00:20:08.035 --> 00:20:10.370
  • The notion of a nuclear iran is a tremendous
  • 00:20:10.370 --> 00:20:13.573
  • Threat to america and our well-being.
  • 00:20:13.573 --> 00:20:16.610
  • And so i applaud our current administration
  • 00:20:16.610 --> 00:20:19.212
  • For their determination to end that threat.
  • 00:20:19.212 --> 00:20:21.481
  • We've lived with it for far too long.
  • 00:20:21.481 --> 00:20:23.817
  • I'm grateful to see the progress that's being made.
  • 00:20:23.817 --> 00:20:26.653
  • Russ from michigan wrote.
  • 00:20:26.653 --> 00:20:28.522
  • How is it that over 52% of evangelical church
  • 00:20:28.522 --> 00:20:31.325
  • Attendees calling themselves born again and saved christians
  • 00:20:31.325 --> 00:20:34.961
  • Don't believe in objective moral truth?
  • 00:20:34.961 --> 00:20:38.131
  • Can you tell an old man how this makes any sense?
  • 00:20:38.131 --> 00:20:41.101
  • Because i have to say that they are not true christians.
  • 00:20:41.101 --> 00:20:44.137
  • Please.
  • 00:20:44.137 --> 00:20:45.305
  • Your thoughts and thanks for standing for god's truth.
  • 00:20:45.305 --> 00:20:47.674
  • Well, russ,
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  • I think the simplest answer to that
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  • Is that you can't reject objective truth
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  • And imagine yourself to be an orthodox christian.
  • 00:20:53.380 --> 00:20:56.683
  • So we have to engage a dialog that includes things
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  • Like a false gospel and a false church.
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  • We don't have a designer faith.
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  • We don't get to choose commandments
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  • One, three, and seven and ignore the rest.
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  • We either submit to the lordship of jesus of nazareth
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  • And submit to the authority of scripture,
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  • Or we stand outside the gospel and his eternal kingdom.
  • 00:21:13.333 --> 00:21:17.437
  • It's not about the denomination
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  • We belong to or the type of music we prefer,
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  • Or the frequency with which we take communion.
  • 00:21:21.641 --> 00:21:25.278
  • It has to do with our willingness
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  • To submit to the authority of an eternal god.
  • 00:21:27.080 --> 00:21:30.417
  • And the church has lost that message, i'm afraid.
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  • But perhaps we will see it return.
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  • That's a reason for hope.
  • 00:21:35.922 --> 00:21:38.225
  • And then surely from colorado said watching you with jeff
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  • Clark was very informative.
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  • I want to know when people
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  • Will be held accountable for their stealing.
  • 00:21:43.263 --> 00:21:45.565
  • Well, let's just start in our own homes and our own lives.
  • 00:21:45.565 --> 00:21:47.801
  • Let's decide that we won't be a part of the looting mob
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  • That will make a difference.
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  • God's moving in the earth.
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  • I'm grateful we can be a part of that.
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  • Thank you for spending a bit of your day with us.
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  • God bless and good night.
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