Immigration
Illegal immigration to the United States refers to the act of foreign nationals voluntarily resettling in the United States in violation of U.S. immigration and nationality law. Unsanctioned entry into the United States is a crime under the Immigration and Nationality Act, and those who have entered unlawfully are subject to deportation. Crossing the United States border without US Government authorization or failing to honor the terms of authorized forms of entry, such as tourist visas, represent the most common means of violation. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act illegal entry into the US constitutes a misdemeanor for first-time offenders, while persons who have been shown to repeatedly enter the US can be charged as felony's. Entering the US for seasonal employment without proper government authorization is also normally classified as illegal immigration, even when the individual plans to return to their country of origin when their employment ends. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a bureau of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is the primary federal agency tasked with enforcing the Immigration and Nationality Act. In March 2006 the Pew Hispanic Center estimated the undocumented population ranged from 11.5 to 12 million individuals, a number supported by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO). Pew estimated that 57% of this population comes from Mexico; 24% from Central America and, to a lesser extent, South America; 9% from Asia; 6% from Europe, and the remaining 4% from elsewhere. There have been many proposals as to how to deal with illegal immigration. They range from open borders to a complete border fence between the U.S. and Mexico, and giving amnesty to current illegal immigrant to deporting them.
Joseph Biden on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Increase border security; make it unlawful to hire an illegal alien; establish a guest worker program; allow illegal aliens to participate in social security; give guest workers a path to citizenship; allow more foreign workers into the U.S for farm work. |
| Description: |
Voted Yes in the Senate on... * Increases border security and enforcement * Make it unlawful to knowingly hire an unauthorized alien. * Establishes a temporary guest worker program (H-2C visa) with a three-year admission and one additional three-year extension * Provides permanent resident status adjustment for a qualifying illegal aliens who have been employed for five years. * Immigrants may participate in Social Security. * Supporting a path to citizenship for guest workers. * Create a national registry of workers who want to do temporary or seasonal agricultural work Voted No in the Senate on... * Visas for skilled workers. * Limiting welfare for immigrants. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
The Presidential Candidates on Immigration (9/10/07)
Quotes by him about immigration. |
| 2. |
Immigration Reform Bill Voting Summary (7/13/07)
The vote summary for the immigration reform bill. |
| 3. |
Illegal Aliens and Social Security (7/13/07)
A voting summary on a bill to reduce document fraud, prevent identity theft, and preserve the integrity of the Social Security system, by ensuring that persons who receive an adjustment of status under this bill are not able to receive Social Security benefits as a result of unlawful activity. |
| 4. |
Illegal Aliens Adjusting to Lawful Residents (7/13/07)
Vote Summary for Biden on the path to citizenship |
| 5. |
Establish Registry of Temporary Workers (7/13/07)
Vote Summary to establish a system of registries of temporary agricultural workers to provide for a sufficient supply of such workers and to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to streamline procedures for the admission and extension of stay of nonimmigrant agricultural workers, and for other purposes. |
| 6. |
Visa for Skilled Workers Bill (7/13/07)
A vote summary on a bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to assist the United States to remain competitive by increasing the access of the United States firms and institutions of higher education to skilled personnel and by expanding educational and training opportunities for American students and workers. |
| 7. |
Limiting Welfare to Immigrants (7/13/07)
Vote summary to strike the provision relating to the imposition of a copayment for part B home health services. |
Michael Bloomberg on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Amnesty and open borders |
| Description: | Bloomberg is a supporter of immigration reform to secure the rights of illegal immigrants, who comprise a large part of the population of New York City. He argues that deportation breaks up families and scares illegal immigrants away from cooperating with law enforcement or accessing vital social services; as such, he supports proposals like those put forth by U.S. Senators Ted Kennedy and John McCain, which would normalize the status of otherwise law-abiding illegal immigrants already present. Bloomberg also believes that border enforcement is somewhat futile. He told the US Senate Judiciary Committee Field Hearing on Federal Immigration Legislation on 5 July 2006: "It is as if we expect border control agents to do what a century of communism could not: Defeat the natural forces of supply and demand and defeat the natural human instinct for freedom and opportunity. You might as well sit on the beach and tell the tide not to come in." |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Bloomberg Testifies on Immigration Legislation (7/24/07)
Bloomberg talks about what must be done for immigration. |
| 2. |
Policy and Amendment Concerining Immigrant Access to City Services (7/24/07)
A new policy sent out by Bloomberg's office about what can and cannot be done to Immigrants. |
| 3. |
Bloomberg's Executive Order 41 Protects All New Yorkers (7/24/07)
A summary of how Mayor Bloomberg's order affects Immigrants and what they can and cannot do. |
Sam Brownback on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Secure borders and give amnesty to current illegal residents. |
| Description: | Brownback was cosponsor of a 2005 bill of Kennedy and John McCain's which would secure borders and give amnesty to illegal immigrants already present. Brownback says that politicians "must protect our borders, enforce the law, provide legal means for people to work in the United States, and fix a broken system." On June 26, 2007, Brownback voted in favor of S. 1639, the Bush-Kennedy Immigration Amnesty Act of 2007 (officially "A bill to provide for comprehensive immigration reform and for other purposes."). |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Presidential Candidates on Immigration (9/10/07)
a collection of quotes on immigration |
| 2. |
Democrats are flocking to McCain's immigration bill (7/24/07)
Talks about Brownback co-sponsoring a bill to give amnesty. |
| 3. |
U.S. Senate Vote on the Cloture Motion (7/24/07)
Brownback votes yea on amnesty. |
Hillary Clinton on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Supports a path to earn citizenship for illegal immigrants |
| Description: | On every area of immigration outside of border control and interior enforcement, Clinton has supported loose immigration policies-especially in the area of guest worker visas. She strongly criticized H.R. 4437, a bill passed by the House of Representatives in December 2005 and sent to the Senate, that would impose harsher penalties for undocumented workers. Clinton called the measure "a rebuke to what America stands for" and said it would be "an unworkable scheme to try to deport 11 million people, which you have to have a police state to try to do." She believed the solution to the illegal immigration problem was to make "a path to earned citizenship for those who are here, working hard, paying taxes, respecting the law, and willing to meet a high bar for becoming a citizen." In September 2006, Clinton voted for the Secure Fence Act, authorizing the construction of 700 miles of fencing along the United States' Mexico border. In May and June 2007, Clinton cast preliminary votes (in terms of amendments and cloture) in support of the high-profile, compromise-based but very controversial, comprehensive immigration reform bill known as the Secure Borders, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Reform Act of 2007. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Presidential Candidates on Immigration (9/10/07)
A collection of quotes by hill dog on immigration |
| 2. |
Sen. Clinton slams GOP immigration bill (7/5/07)
Hillary speaks about how the solution to the illegal immigration problem is to make "a path to earned citizenship for those who are here, working hard, paying taxes, respecting the law, and willing to meet a high bar for becoming a citizen." |
| 3. |
Senator Clinton says immigration bill would make her a criminal (7/5/07)
On April 5, speaking to the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Clinton said her work for her New York constituents could fall afoul of the bill since some of her constituents are illegal immigrants. "I realize I would be a criminal, too. My staff would be criminal. We help people with all kinds of problems." |
| 4. |
U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes (7/5/07)
Clinton's vote on the Secure Borders, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Reform Act of 2007. |
| 5. |
Immigration Debate Is Shaped by '08 Election (7/2/07)
And after weeks of sitting on the sidelines, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) jumped into the immigration debate Wednesday. She declared that Republican efforts to criminalize undocumented workers and their support networks "I would literally criminalize the good Samaritan and probably even Jesus himself." |
Stephen Colbert on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Build a 20 ft high wall, 2000 miles long that you can see from space |
| Description: | While talking to Jim Gilchrist of the Minuteman Project on the Colbert Report, Stephen said "I want a 20 foot high wall, 2000 miles long that you can see from space. Because in front of it there is a mote full of fire, with fire-proof crocodiles... too expensive? What about an underground electrical wire like we use for dogs, and we get ... shock collars?" - Stephen Colbert |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Interview with Jim Gilchrist (10/18/07)
While discussing immigration with Jim Gilchrist, Colbert lays out his ideal immigration solution. |
John Cox on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Against amnesty and guest worker programs; Protect borders, penalties for business that hire illegal immigrants, enforce current laws |
| Description: | Illegal immigration hurts our economy and strains our public services. Amnesty is not the answer, nor are "guest workers." We need Citizens who want to become part of our nation, learn English and contribute to the economy. I will crack down on businesses that hire - and exploit - illegal labor. We must protect our borders and enforce our laws. - John Cox |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Illegal Immigration Crisis (9/9/07)
While legal immigration is good for America, illegal immigration hurts our economy and strains our public services. Amnesty is not the answer, nor are "guest workers." We need Citizens who want to become part of our nation, learn English and contribute to the economy. I will crack down on businesses that hire - and exploit - illegal labor. We must protect our borders and enforce our laws. |
Christopher Dodd on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Supports better border security, greater cooperation with Mexico, and stiffer penalties on employers that hire illegal aliens. Opposes a guest worker program. |
| Description: | Supports better border security, greater cooperation with Mexico, and stiffer penalties on employers that hire illegal aliens. Opposes a guest worker program. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Presidential Candidates on Immigration (9/10/07)
a collection of quotes about him on immigration |
| 2. |
Dodd Speaks in Portsmouth, NH (7/24/07)
Speaks about several topics including immigration. |
John Edwards on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Secure borders, get tougher on employers of illegal immigrants, Allow illegal immigrants to earn citizenship which includes fining illegal immigrants and making them learn english. |
| Description: | Edwards believes that the root of the problem lies in the border, which we need to secure first and foremost. He wants there to be tougher penalties for employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants. He also supports a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants but wants them to have to earn it by paying fines and learning english. Edwards has also voted to expand the number of work visas to immigrants by voting in favor of the expansion of the H-1B visa program. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Presidential Candidates on Immigration (9/10/07)
a collection of quotes on immigration |
| 2. |
On The Issues: Immigration (7/7/07)
A brief summary of candidates and their views on immigration. |
| 3. |
A Letter By Edwards about H-1B visa program (7/24/07)
A letter he wrote speaking for the expansion of the H-1B visa program. |
| 4. |
JRE on Immigration (7/24/07)
Edwards answering a question about immigration and his plan on immigration. |
Newt Gingrich on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Supports a guest worker program and demands anyone here illegally should go home and apply for the worker visa program. Also supports total border control. |
| Description: | From Gingrich's five challenges: "No serious nation in the age of terror can afford to have wide-open borders with millions of illegal aliens crossing at will." Although a source of friction in the conservative wing of the GOP (and some pro-union "blue dog" democrats), Gingrich supports a "guest workers program" for Mexican citizens, meaning that an undetermined number of Mexican citizens would be allowed to come to the United States and work for a period of time, then return to Mexico. Gingrich also supports the idea of allowing some of these guest workers to become citizens. In his book Winning the Future, he says: "Along with total border control, we must make it easier for people who enter the United States legally, to work for a set period of time, obey the law, and return home. The requirements for participation in a worker visa program should be tough and uncompromising. The first is essential: Everyone currently working in the United States illegal must return to their home country to apply for the worker visa program. Anything less than requiring those who are here illegally to return home to apply for legal status is amnesty, plain and simple." |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
No to McCain-Kennedy, Yes to Border Security (7/24/07)
A PSA by Gingrich about the McCain-Kennedy bill. |
| 2. |
Border Security and Illegal Immigration (7/24/07)
Newt comments on Immigration at American Enterprise Institute on 4/26/06. |
Rudolph Giuliani on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Tamper proof id cards for everyone in the U.S. from a foreign country, build a fence, and have strong border patrol, provide a path to citizenship. |
| Description: | In April 2006, Giuliani went on the record as favoring the US Senate's comprehensive immigration plan which includes a path to citizenship and a guest worker plan. In February 2007, in a meeting with California Republicans, Giuliani was quoted as saying "We need a [border] fence, and a highly technological one." Giuliani also reiterated his support for some sort of path to citizenship for certain illegal immigrants after a process to be determined, but added that at the end of the process the immigrants should "display the ability to read and write English" and must assimilate into American society. He does not believe in deportation of illegal immigrants and advocates a "tamper-proof" national ID card and database for illegal immigrants. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Republican Presidential Debate, June 5, 2007 (8/5/07)
"The problem with this immigration plan is it has no real unifying purpose. It's a typical Washington mess. It's everybody compromises -- four or five compromises. And the compromises leave you with the following conclusion: The litmus test you should have for legislation is, is it going to make things better? And when you look at these compromises, it is quite possible it will make things worse. The organizing purpose should be that our immigration laws should allow us to identify everyone who is in this country that comes here from a foreign country. They should have a tamper-proof I.D. card. It should be in a database that allows you to figure out who they are, why they're here, make sure they're not illegal immigrants coming here for a bad purpose, and then to be able to throw out the ones who are not in that database." |
| 2. |
Republican Debate Transcript, South Carolina (8/4/07)
"The reality is, the focus on immigration should be to know everyone who's in the United States. We should have a tamper-proof ID card; we should have a database in which we can identify the people who are in this country. I know something about security. I think I've had more experience at having to secure a city, having to deal with security in the Justice Department, than, I would say, anyone on this stage. And the reality is, we've got to be sensible about immigration. If we do the kinds of things that some of the people here are talking about, this country's going to be in greater danger; it is going to be more insecure; we're going to face a situation in which terrorists like the Fort Dix people, three of whom were illegal, can find a big underground to hide in. So we need a fence. We need a technological fence; we need a tamper-proof ID card. And we need a way that people who are working in this country can come forward, sign up for the tamper-proof ID card, get in the database and start paying their way." |
| 3. |
Here's how to fix America's immigration problems (8/27/07)
Rudy Giuliani outlines his plan for immigrants. |
| 4. |
Rudy Giuliani says immigration is good (7/24/07)
Giuliani says immigration is vital. |
| 5. |
Rudy Giuliani wants more immigration (7/24/07)
Giuliani wants more immigrants and wants to implement a visa lottery |
| 6. |
New York Officials Welcome Immigrants, Legal or Illegal (7/24/07)
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuiliani gave an even more spirited defense of illegal immigrants, virtually urging them to settle in New York City. Standing before television cameras, he criticized the growing hostility toward illegal immigrants across the country as simplistic and unsophisticated. |
| 7. |
Giuliani Touts Senate's 'Comprehensive' Approach to Immigration Policy (7/24/07)
Giuliani criticizes the President's immigration plan and likes the compromise the Senate was looking at where immigrants were identified through new fingerprint and photograph technology or special identification cards so they could become taxpayers and so terrorists couldn't hide as easily. |
| 8. |
Rudy Giuliani On Gun Control, Immigration & 9/11 (7/24/07)
Giuliani talks about a tamper proof id card to weed out bad immigrants. |
Al Gore on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | supports border protection in order to reduce illegal immigration, supports legal immigration |
| Description: | As part of the Clinton Administration, Al Gore fought to pass the landmark 1994 Crime Bill, which included $1.2 billion toward the protection of our borders and the vast reduction of illegal immigration Gore feels that bringing and keeping immigrant families together is a priority, and his record stands up to this. He has already been supporting legal immigration by trying to improve services and fighting for family reunification laws. He has also worked against prejudice, to make sure that all immigrants are counted and well represented by government, as well as better assimilated into American culture. He worked hard on a Census initiative, to this end. Al Gore denounced Proposition 187, which was a California ballot initiative posed to "deny all social services, including medical and educational programs for children, to illegal aliens residing in California. Gore encouraged a crowd of 1,800 Hispanics attending a 1994 Voter Registration Project to organize and defeat the proposition, calling it a 'nuevo [new] apartheid.'" Al Gore supports the Amnesty proposal, which would allow certain long-term illegal immigrants to become legal residents. Gore supports medical and nutritional assistance for immigrants, as well as protection for legal immigrants who become disabled. He also supports welfare for legal immigrants. He has also worked extremely hard to improve educational opportunities for immigrants. Both Al Gore and the Republican Congress are in favor of simplifying and bettering the temporary work visa programs. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
President Gore & A Republican Congress: What would this mean for immigration issues... (7/23/07)
Regarding the 2000 election, Immigration issues are discussed as, first as if Gore were elected and then as if Bush were elected. |
Mike Gravel on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Make English the national language, opposes wholesale deportation of illegal aliens, supports procedures for illegal immigrants to obtain legal status |
| Description: | Senator Gravel has said that he disfavors wholesale or widespread deportation of illegal immigrants found residing in the United States. The campaign website declares that he favors a guest worker program and 'setting up naturalization procedures that would fairly bring existing illegal immigrants into legal status'. He has described the North American Free Trade Agreement as 'a disaster for the working class of both the U.S .and Mexico' which 'has led to a wave of immigrant workers looking for work in the US job market'. His position statement speaks in favor of 'major structural changes... to NAFTA... [and] reforming unfair trade policies'. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Presidential Candidates on Immigration (9/10/07)
a collection of quotes about immigration |
Chuck Hagel on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Protect our workforce, tighten border security and enforcement, and bring accountability to illegal immigrants. |
| Description: | "America cannot continue to defer making tough choices about its immigration policy. It is not in our national security interests to have 12 million undocumented individuals living inside our borders. Last year, after meeting with many Nebraska law enforcement officials, community leaders, business owners and immigration lawyers, I re-introduced a comprehensive package of immigration reform bills. My legislation will enhance America's national security, protect our workforce, and bring accountability to those living in America illegally. This month, as the Senate begins work on legislation to provide comprehensive immigration reform, I plan to be a part of that debate with my legislation." - Chuck Hagel |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Immigration Reform (7/24/07)
Talks about Hagel's immigration reform bill. |
Mike Huckabee on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Secure borders, opposes amnesty, supports path to citizenship for illegal immigrants. |
| Description: | Huckabee wants to secure border U.S. border and reform the immigration policy because "we are allowing too many people across the border." Huckabee wants more well trained border agents and cooperation with local officials for better border patrol. He has also said illegal immigrants who commit crime must be prosecuted and/or deported. He does not support amnesty and wants to allow a path for illegal immigrants to become citizens by requiring them to register, pay financial penalties, and have the choice to be deported or begin process of legal citizenship. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Presidential Candidates on Immigration (9/10/07)
A collection of quotes by him. |
| 2. |
Immigration (7/24/07)
Huckabee argues for his position on Immigration. |
Duncan Hunter on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Build a border fence |
| Description: | In 1994, Hunter legislatively mandated the construction of 14 miles of security fencing on the international land border separating San Diego County and Tijuana, Mexico. Subsequently, San Diego's crime rate decreased 53% from 1994 to 2006 and the smuggling of illegal immigrants and narcotics decreased by over 90%, according to the FBI. Pointing to the success of the San Diego Border Fence, Hunter introduced legislation calling for the construction of a reinforced fence along the entire U.S.-Mexico border. After successfully adding an amendment to a House-passed bill that ultimately stalled in House-Senate negotiations, Hunter's amendment was later incorporated into H.R. 6061, the Secure Fence Act, introduced by New York Congressman Peter King. He has said that if he becomes President, the 754 mile double layer border fence will be built in less than 12 months. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Presidential Candidates on Immigration (9/10/07)
a collection of quotes |
| 2. |
Hunter on the Senate Immigration Bill (7/24/07)
Talks down about the immigration bill. |
| 3. |
Lou Dobbs Tonight - Duncan Hunter Interview (7/24/07)
An interview with Hunter about border control and immigration. |
| 4. |
Duncan Hunter on the Border Fence (7/24/07)
Duncan Hunter shows his support for the border fence. |
| 5. |
Why we need a Border Fence (7/24/07)
Duncan Hunter speaks about the need for a border fence |
| 6. |
Lou Dobbs Tonight 03.29.07 - Duncan Hunter Interview (10/9/07)
Hunter interview where he wants Truckers coming from Mexico to be checked. |
| 7. |
Duncan Hunter Speech (10/22/07)
He talks about his commitment to build the border fence in Texas (6th minute). |
Dennis Kucinich on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Road to citizenship, protecting rights of immigrants |
| Description: | Supports legalization and a road to citizenship for all immigrant workers in this country, the right of immigrant workers to re-unite their families, protecting the rights of immigrants in the workplace, and protecting the civil rights and civil liberties of all. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Presidential Candidates on Immigration (9/10/07)
a collection of quotes about him |
| 2. |
Questioning the Bush Immigration Plan (7/9/07)
A blurb that Dennis Kucinich said in response to a Bush comment on immigration. |
| 3. |
ALL of Dennis Kucinich's replies @ 11-15-07 Dem. debate (11/16/07)
He wants to give undocumented workers a path to citizenship. |
John McCain on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Secure borders but do not offer amnesty |
| Description: | At the republican debate in South Carolina, Senator John McCain said "I have never supported amnesty and never would." He explains his co-Sponsorship of a which offers an amnesty to illegal immigrants as a bipartisan compromise to benefit U.S. citizen. He has argued that a temporary worker program is needed and that measures must be taken to put the undocumented workers already in the US on a path to citizenship. The borders must also be secured to ensure national security. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Presidential Candidates on Immigration (9/10/07)
a collection of quotes about him |
| 2. |
Republican Debate Transcript, South Carolina (8/4/07)
"Well, of course. I have never supported amnesty and never would. But the point is that what the American people expect us to do is to sit down and work this issue out together. That's what I've been doing for a couple of years now. We are very close to an agreement, led by our president and his Cabinet members -- Chertoff and Gutierrez. We are very close to an agreement that will first secure our borders. Then we would have a temporary worker program that could only be valid through a tamper-proof biometric document. And then we would address the issue of the 12 million people who are already here. My friend, the people that came -- that almost attacked us at Fort Dix -- thank God they did not -- those people didn't come here across our borders, they came with visas that were expired. So we've got to enforce our border. That's our first and foremost priority. But we also have to have a comprehensive solution and it has to be bipartisan. And I believe we're close to reaching that, and that's what the American people expect us to do." |
| 3. |
2008 election: Key Issues (7/5/07)
A comparitive look at several candidates views on several issues. |
Barack Obama on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Tougher Borders and Earned Citizenship |
| Description: | Barack Obama supports strengthening the borders of the US and has proposed an eleven year path for current illegal aliens to earn citizenship. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Presidential Candidates on Immigration (9/10/07)
a collection of quotes on him |
| 2. |
Latinos Upset Obama Voted For Border Fence (7/5/07)
This article discusses Senator Obama's vote for the 700 mile border fence between Mexico and the United States. |
| 3. |
Floor Statement of Senator Barack Obama on Immigration Reform (7/5/07)
This is a statement Senator Obama read on the senate floor detailing his support of tougher borders and earned citizenship for current illegal aliens. |
Ron Paul on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Protect our Borders. Anti Amnesty. Children born in US to illegal immigrants should not be citizens. |
| Description: | Ron Paul believes that the federal government has been neglecting its constitutional responsibility to protect its own borders and concentrating instead on unconstitutionally policing foreign countries. He opposes illegal immigration because of the toll illegal immigrants take on the welfare rolls and Social Security. He has expressed concerns that welfare and other aid programs have made the US a magnet for illegal aliens, and that uncontrolled immigration is increasing welfare payments and exacerbating the strain on an already highly unbalanced federal budget. Paul believes that all immigrants should be treated fairly and equally under the law through a "coherent immigration policy." He has spoken strongly against amnesty for illegal immigrants because it undermines the rule of law and grants pardons to lawbreakers. He has also said that by granting amnesty, it is being subsidized, which will only result in more illegal immigration. Paul voted "yes" on the Secure Fence Act of 2006, which authorizes the construction of an additional 700 miles of double-layered fencing between the U.S and Mexico. He believes that it is a folly to spend so much money policing the borders of other countries, such as the border of Iraq and Syria, when the border between the United States and Mexico can be crossed by anyone, including potential terrorists. Paul also believes that children born in the United States to illegal aliens should not be granted automatic citizenship. He has called for a Constitutional amendment to revise the Fourteenth Amendment, to "end automatic birthright citizenship" in order to address welfare issues. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Presidential Candidates on Immigration (9/10/07)
a collection of quotes |
| 2. |
Crazed Foreign Aid (7/5/07)
Ron Paul believes that the federal government has been neglecting its constitutional responsibility to protect its own borders and concentrating instead on unconstitutionally policing foreign countries. |
| 3. |
Immigration and the Welfare State (7/5/07)
Paul opposes illegal immigration because of the toll illegal immigrants take on the welfare rolls and Social Security. He has expressed concerns that welfare and other aid programs have made the US a magnet for illegal aliens, and that uncontrolled immigration is increasing welfare payments and exacerbating the strain on an already highly unbalanced federal budget. |
| 4. |
Amnesty and Culture (7/5/07)
Paul has spoken strongly against amnesty for illegal immigrants because it undermines the rule of law and grants pardons to lawbreakers. |
| 5. |
Republican Debate on Immigration Reform (7/5/07)
Paul has also said that by granting amnesty, it is being subsidized, which will only result in more illegal immigration. |
Bill Richardson on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Stop new illegal immigrants, punish employers of illegal immigrants, work with the Mexican government, and have a legalization plan for illegal immigrants to earn their citizenship. |
| Description: |
Has a 5 step plan to deal with immigration. 1. Secure the border but not build a wall. 2. Punish those who knowingly hire illegal workers. 3. Foreign Policy. Be frank with the Mexican government. 4. Raise the legal immigration quotas. 5. Legalization plan. Don't deport 12 million people but instead set up an "earn legalization plan" which includes learning english, paying taxes, having a background check, and pay fines for coming illegally. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Presidential Candidates on Immigration (9/10/07)
a collection of quotes on immigration |
| 2. |
Bill Richardson - On Illegal Immigration (7/24/07)
An interview with Richardson on illegal immigration. |
| 3. |
Bill Richardson: I Will Not Separate Families (7/24/07)
A debate where he talks about immigration. |
Mitt Romney on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Against amnesty for illegal aliens. Wants them to register with the government, pay taxes, and apply for citizenship. |
| Description: | Romney is against amnesty for illegal aliens, but also said, "I don't believe in rounding up 11 million people and forcing them at gunpoint from our country." He would like to see illegal immigrants register with the government, pay taxes, and apply for citizenship, but that they should not be given any priority or special treatment over immigrants who have applied for citizenship legally. Romney also said, "We need to make America more attractive for legal immigrants -- for citizens -- and less attractive for illegal immigrants. I want to see more immigration in our country, but more legal immigration and less illegal immigration." In his last month as Governor of Massachusetts, Romney signed an order which would allow thirty state police officers to be trained in determining if someone is an illegal alien and to allow those police officers the power to arrest illegal aliens. Romney was against the recent (6/2007) Senate immigration bill. After it failed, Romney released the following statement: "The immigration bill failed because the politicians in Washington are out of touch with the American people. The voice of the people is loud and clear - secure the border, enforce the law and no special deal for permanent residency or citizenship for illegals. America will always welcome legal immigration, but as a nation we also insist on the rule of law." |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Republican Presidential Debate, June 5, 2007 (8/6/07)
"Let me make it real clear: I'm not anti-immigrant. I love immigrants. I love legal immigrants coming to our country. I'm happy to communicate to them. And I hope they vote for me. And I'm happy to have people all over the country, and I'm going to reach out to them in any language I can to have them vote for me and understand why I'm going to support making this a great land. I'll tell you as well, I very firmly believe that we have to make sure that we enforce our borders, that we have an employment verification system, and that those people who've come here illegally do not get an advantage to become permanent residents. They do not get a special pathway. That's a mistake. That's the problem I have with the bill -- the Kennedy-McCain bill. That's a mistake in my view. Now, let me tell you what I think about the broader issue. We talked tonight about all of the issues as they relate to the problems that we have, and I understand that. But we have extraordinary opportunities. What the Republican Party has to stand for is more than solving problems. In the 19th century, the new frontier for us was the American West. In the 20th century, it was Europe -- selling products to Europe and North America. Now, Asia has come out of poverty. A billion people who are steeped in poverty are coming out of poverty. They're consumers. We can sell products to them: medicines, technology, energy. We are the party of the future, and we have to stop worrying about the problems and thinking we can't deal with those. We have to focus on the future and our opportunity to make America a great place for our kids and grandkids." |
| 2. |
Republican Presidential Debate, June 5, 2007 (8/6/07)
"Let me make it real clear: I'm not anti-immigrant. I love immigrants. I love legal immigrants coming to our country. I'm happy to communicate to them. And I hope they vote for me. And I'm happy to have people all over the country, and I'm going to reach out to them in any language I can to have them vote for me and understand why I'm going to support making this a great land. I'll tell you as well, I very firmly believe that we have to make sure that we enforce our borders, that we have an employment verification system, and that those people who've come here illegally do not get an advantage to become permanent residents. They do not get a special pathway. That's a mistake. That's the problem I have with the bill -- the Kennedy-McCain bill. That's a mistake in my view. Now, let me tell you what I think about the broader issue. We talked tonight about all of the issues as they relate to the problems that we have, and I understand that. But we have extraordinary opportunities. What the Republican Party has to stand for is more than solving problems. In the 19th century, the new frontier for us was the American West. In the 20th century, it was Europe -- selling products to Europe and North America. Now, Asia has come out of poverty. A billion people who are steeped in poverty are coming out of poverty. They're consumers. We can sell products to them: medicines, technology, energy. We are the party of the future, and we have to stop worrying about the problems and thinking we can't deal with those. We have to focus on the future and our opportunity to make America a great place for our kids and grandkids." |
| 3. |
Republican Presidential Debate, June 5, 2007 (8/5/07)
"Well, he's my friend. He campaigned for me two times. I consider him a friend. I'm not going to make this a matter of personal politics. It's an issue that's way too important for that. My view is that we should enforce our immigration laws. And this bill, unfortunately, has at least one provision that's a real problem. It's the Z visa. And what it allows is people who have come here illegally to stay here for the rest of their lives -- not necessarily as citizens; they have to wait 13 years to become citizens. That's not the point. The point is: Every illegal alien, almost every one, under this bill, gets to stay here. That's not fair to the millions and millions of people around the world that would love to come here, join with family members, bring skill and education that we need. It's simply not fair to say those people get put ahead in the line of all the people who've been waiting legally to come to this country." |
| 4. |
Republican Debate Transcript, South Carolina (8/4/07)
"My view, you have to secure the border, number one, have an employment verification system, number two, and number three, say to those that are there illegally, get in line with everybody else; you're not going to have a special doorway, any particular advantage, by having come here illegally, to become a permanent resident." |
| 5. |
Romney declines to take stand on Senate immigration bill (7/19/07)
Talks about how he opposes the bill because he doesnt want to encourage illegal activity. |
| 6. |
Getting Immigration Right (7/19/07)
Mitt talks about the flaws in the current immigration bill. |
| 7. |
Dealing With Current Illegal Residents (10/25/07)
Romney talks about how he won't give amnesty to current illegal immigrants but will make them apply, get a card, and wait in line. |
Tom Tancredo on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Opposes amnesty, supports securing borders and eliminating benefits and jobs for illegal immigrants. |
| Description: | "Illegal aliens threaten our economy and undermine our culture. While our brave soldiers risk their lives to protect us overseas, our political elites lack the courage to defend us at home. I am 100% opposed to amnesty. As President, I will secure our borders so illegal aliens do not come, and I will eliminate benefits and job prospects so they do not stay." - Tom Tancredo |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Republican Presidential Debate, June 5, 2007 (8/5/07)
"[If the immigration reform compromise passes, the consequences for the country] are incredible, and they are disastrous. And that is exactly why I have said what I've said, and that is why I have consistently tried to impress upon the American public the seriousness of this issue. We're not just talking about the number of jobs that we may be losing or the number of kids that are in our schools and impacting our school system or the number of people that are abusing our hospital system and taking advantage of the welfare system in this country. We're not just talking about that. We're talking about something that goes to the very heart of this nation: whether or not we will actually survive as a nation. And here's what I mean by that. What we're doing here in this immigration battle is testing our willingness to actually hold together as a nation or split apart into a lot of balkanized pieces. We are testing our willingness to actually hold on to something called the English language, something that is the glue that is supposed to hold us together as a nation. We are becoming a bilingual nation. And that is not good. And that is the fearful part of this. The ramifications are much, much more significant than any that we've been discussing so far. And so, yes, I have said dramatic things. And, yes, I am willing to do whatever is necessary to try to stop this piece of legislation. And that includes go after any Republican that votes for it, because the Republicans can stop this." |
| 2. |
Immigration Reform (7/25/07)
Tancredo speaks to congress about immigration reform. |
| 3. |
Immigration Issue Yanked Off GOP Agenda (7/25/07)
Tancredo is upset at the way the GOP is handling immigration |
| 4. |
Tom Tancredo - Immigration and "Cultural Assimilation" (7/25/07)
Tancredo talks about the need for assimilation |
| 5. |
Tom stands for America (7/25/07)
A quote summarizing his stance on immigration. |
| 6. |
Tancredo says, "Stop All Legal Immigration" (7/24/07)
Tancredo talks about how we need to stop immigration until we have united. |
| 7. |
A Border War (7/24/07)
Tancredo talks about how bad it is to do nothing about immigration. |
| 8. |
Tancredo Accused of Hiring Illegal Workers (7/24/07)
Illegal immigrants did work on Tancredo's house. |
| 9. |
Tom Tancredo - Tancredo on the Border Fence (10/25/07)
The fence itself won't stop people, but it will work combined with other methods of security. |
| 10. |
Tom Tancredo Speaks at CPAC 2007 (Part 1) (10/22/07)
(Part 1 of 3) Tom Tancredo's speech at the American Conservative Union's 2007 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). |
| 11. |
Tom Tancredo Speaks at CPAC 2007 (Part 2) (10/22/07)
(Part 2 of 3) Tom Tancredo's speech at the American Conservative Union's 2007 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). |
| 12. |
Tom Tancredo Speaks at CPAC 2007 (Part 3) (10/22/07)
(Part 3 of 3) Tom Tancredo's speech at the American Conservative Union's 2007 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). |
Tommy Thompson on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Opposes amnesty, supports deportation |
| Description: | Governor Thompson opposes amnesty and believes that America must enforce its immigration policies to the fullest extent of the law. People who are found to be in the country illegally should be returned to their home countries and should have to wait at the end of the line, behind people who are seeking to enter the country or become citizens legally. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Republican Presidential Debate, June 5, 2007 (8/5/07)
"...the first thing you have to do is you've got to secure the border. Securing the border is going to allow everything else to follow. But unless you secure the border, it is not right to give 12 million individuals who have illegal rights in this country status before that border is protected. There should be no amnesty. And this bill, no matter how you cover it, is an amnesty bill. And the people in this country do not believe in that bill. And they believe very much that the best hope for us to have a secure border, just like Congressman Hunter has been talking about and every other Republican up here. Have a secure border, then move on. But don't do it the other way. " |
| 2. |
Tommy Thompson On The Issues (7/25/07)
His stance on immigration. |
Fred Thompson on Immigration
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Secure borders, Work with the Mexican government, Finish the Border Fence, Opposes amnesty |
| Description: | Fred Thompson said, "We solve the security problem first, and then we'll talk about what to do with regard to other things & certainly no amnesty or nothing blanket like that." He also stated, "You're going to have to, in some way, work out a deal where they can have some aspirations of citizenship but not make it so easy that it's unfair to the people waiting in line and abiding by the law." |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Fred Thompson On Illegal Immigration (7/24/07)
Thompson criticizes the lack of action and criticizes the Mexican government as well out outlines his plan. |
| 2. |
Thompson on 'FOX News Sunday' (7/24/07)
A transcript from an interview with Fred Thompson from fox news which includes talk on immigration. |
| 3. |
Ask Fred - Building the Border Fence (10/26/07)
Joel Anderson of Mesa, AZ asks Fred about completing the border fence along our southern border and Fred answers. |
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