Rockford Sun

Jerry Evans, the Republican nominee for Illinois’ 11th Congressional District, recently expressed his views on immigration, highlighting it as a paramount issue for voters. Evans, who is set to challenge incumbent Democrat Bill Foster in the general election, also referenced a Wall Street Journal article that aligns with his stance.

"Immigration is the new #1 issue with voters - and for good reason," said Evans, Candidate, according to Facebook. "There is a better way than what we are experiencing, and it is time for change. Illegal immigration at the Southern border needs to be stopped, along with the human & drug trafficking that occurs along side it. I believe we can find common ground to create a legal immigration system that is fair, compassionate, and stops the illegal immigration that undermines our national sovereignty & security."

Evans drew attention to a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) article published on April 5, which underscores why immigration is a primary concern for voters in the upcoming presidential election. According to the WSJ, the article cites a national poll conducted in late February revealing that 20% of voters consider immigration their top issue. This represents a 7% increase since December.

Screenshot of Jerry Evans for Congress April 5 Facebook post | Jerry Evans for Congress Facebook page

The WSJ piece also refers to a March 17-24 poll of voters in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. It states that 72% of respondents from each state believe that immigration policy and border security are "headed in the wrong direction." The Journal interviewed Garfield Cousins, a 65-year-old immigrant from Jamaica who voted for Donald Trump in 2020. Cousins told the paper that Trump "would do a better job managing the border than Biden," according to the article.

This isn't Evans' first commentary on immigration issues. On March 27, he referenced an article from the New York Post discussing an incident in El Paso where migrants breached barriers and confronted border patrol agents. "This is absolutely unacceptable. Our border is being overrun by illegal immigrants. Human trafficking and drugs are pouring through the border. The Joe Biden & Bill Foster agenda is not solving this crisis," Evans wrote on Facebook. He continued: "It’s time for a change, and there is a better way. I am ready and willing to bring leadership to US Congress to secure the border and create a legal & compassionate immigration system that works."

Evans has built his campaign around education and community service within Chicago's suburbs. As a small businessman and founder of a suburban music school, Evans is deeply involved in mentoring, missionary training, and participating in missions to India, Mexico, and South Africa. A Wheaton College graduate with a degree in music, Evans currently resides in Warrenville with his wife and sons. His website states that he and his four siblings were instilled with "the Midwestern values of hard work and the importance of helping those around you" by their parents.