Shirley Maia-Cusick

Shirley Maia-Cusick was born in Brazil and lives in New Jersey. She is a retired law enforcement officer.[1]

U.S. Senate

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Brazil to a traditional Christian family. I am a wife, mother, and proud grandmother of six. After arriving to the United States I became an American citizen and in 2003, I moved to New Jersey where I met the love of my life, my husband Bob. I am a successful business owner. I have 25 years’ experience as an immigration consultant. I help people realize OUR American Dream every day! I am the wife of a retired law enforcement officer. I have a deep appreciation for the hard work and sacrifice that first responders make every day to keep our communities safe. I am the grandmother of a United States Marine! I have a personal respect and love for all the strong, courageous, selfless men and women in uniform, putting their lives on the line to protect our country and defend our freedom. I am Christian. I am grateful for the values and principles that my faith has given me, like compassion, empathy, and a strong sense of community. The God-given right, enshrined in our constitution, to practice our faith freely, is something I hold dear. As an immigrant, I faced many challenges and obstacles, but I persevered. I know the American Dream is alive and well because I am living proof!

My unique background will enable me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of people in my state and across the country. I am excited to make history as the first female (and Latina) to represent New Jersey in the United States Senate!

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

The border is not a political issue. It is a human rights issue. The heinous crimes happening at our border violate the most basic human rights and are a threat to our national security!We empower America by empowering the family. We need fighters that will keep Washington out of our wallets and out of the classrooms!America is EXCEPTIONAL! We must fight against those dragging us further and further into socialism and reclaim OUR American dream!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I have spent the better part of my adult life entrenched in the immigration system. Being an immigrant myself, I have experienced the process firsthand. I know what works and what is broken. Most politicians in Washington DC talk a lot about immigration reform but do nothing to move us toward a system that works. This ends the day I get elected! The immigration crisis touches every facet of American life. It is a human rights issue, a national security issue, and it deserves more than lip service from do-nothing politicians.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

The founding fathers never envisioned a ruling class in Washington. Unfortunately, the power of incumbency has created exactly that. Our government was never intended to be dominated by career politicians who remain in power for decades at a time. We have gone from a government by the people and for the people, to a government by the few, for the few.

That is why I support term limits for members of Congress of three House terms and two Senate terms. We need to filter the cesspool of Washington and replace it with fresh ideas and fresh faces. Term limits is the best way to accomplish this!

What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Equal Representation: Unlike the House, the Senate provides equal representation to each state regardless of population size. This gives smaller states equal voice in the legislative process.

Confirmation Authority: The power to confirm presidential nominations for the executive and judiciary gives the Senate a significant influence and is a vital check on presidential powers.

Advise and Consent: The Senate's responsibility to providing advice and consent on treaties negotiated by the president is an important factor in our nation's foreign policy.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Is there benefit? Sure, but let me ask you, why are more and more political outsiders running...and winning? The congressional approval rating hovers at an abysmal 28%! Experience doesn't equal effectiveness. The American people recognize this. With all of their "experience" the political beltway has not produced the solutions the American people deserve. It is time for a change, and the people are voicing this sentiment at the voting booth each election cycle!

U.S. House

Shirley Maia-Cusick did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Maia-Cusick’s campaign website stated the following:

Reclaim the American Dream

Shirley is a firm believer in the American dream. Reclaiming that dream for our grandchildren is why she’s running for Congress. The policies that enable the American dream are lower taxes, fewer regulations, and investments in our workforce. These create an environment of freedom for entrepreneurship and businesses. New Jerseyans are struggling under the weight of the highest business tax rate and highest income tax rate in the country, and as a result, our grandchildren are leaving to build their futures elsewhere. Shirley loves the state of New Jersey, and says “it gave me everything and allowed me to achieve my American dream.” She will fight against tax increases and support policies that lower rather than increase the burden of taxes, inflation, and rising costs on New Jersey families.

Empower Parents

Shirley believes children belong to parents and families, not the government. “The government is not our co-parent,” Shirley often says. She’s heartbroken to see how the government continues to interfere in the decisions of parents from teaching non-academic deeply personal topics in the classroom without parental knowledge to pushing life-altering gender transitions for minors without parental consent. As a mother of three and grandmother of six, Shirley will support the right of parents to direct their children’s health, education, and life. Parents have a God-given responsibility to raise their children. Families should be empowered to educate their children and parents are best equipped to teach moral decision-making in the home. “Empower the family and the parents, and we will have our society back.”

Elevate Education

The next generation will lead our country, run our businesses, care for our health, entertain us, and invent our technology. How is our education system preparing them for life? It is failing badly – even in top-ranked New Jersey. Shirley believes a successful education policy will do three things: 1) Refocus on academic basics and get controversial topics out of the classroom so students can focus on acquiring the tools they’ll need for the future, 2) Offer education options to students outside of the public system so that every student can thrive in the right educational environment, and 3) Empower parents and families to make education decisions.

Repair our Immigration System

As an immigrant and an immigration consultant, Shirley has a front-row seat to America’s broken immigration system and how it is hurting everyone involved. Shirley legally immigrated to the United States from Brazil in the early 1990’s. She’s a strong believer in legal immigration and the benefits, work ethic, and love of America immigrants bring to our country. But today, illegal immigration is costing both the Federal and local governments millions, draining resources, and fueling trafficking, crime, and the flow of fentanyl over the southern border. She believes it is important to acknowledge the wrong done. “It’s like you entered my home without asking permission.” She opposes an open border, catch-and-release, and forcing Americans to foot the bill for the resulting health care, shelter, schooling, and law enforcement. She also believes it’s time to stop the rhetoric and start solving the problem. Shirley will introduce and support solutions that provide avenues for immigrants to come legally, pay taxes, and contribute, and paths to restoration for those who’ve been self-sufficient and proven their contribution to their community over time.

Address Crime

New Jersey is feeling the crime wave and feel less safe in their neighborhoods. As the wife of a retired law enforcement and corrections officer, Shirley is grateful for law enforcement and the daily sacrifices they make. We must be vigilant to defend and support our law enforcement and stay tough on crime. Shirley is focused on a two-fold approach of cracking down on crime while rehabilitating minor offenders quickly so we aren’t growing better criminals in our taxpayer-funded prisons.

Prioritize American Interests

As your Congresswoman, Shirley will always put America’s interests at home first. When it comes to foreign policy, Shirley believes in committing American resources after American needs have been met. “Take care of your own house first,” Shirley says. This mindset will guide her decisions when it comes to America’s engagement in conflicts abroad. And as the grandmother of a Marine, she takes personally the sacrifice of sending our men and women in uniform into harm’s way.

[2]

—Shirley Maia-Cusick’s campaign website (2024)[3]