What's the Issue?
Coming soon! Please note that under the posted candidates' stances, the vote on the most recent immigration bill earlier this year refers not to an official vote, but on a cloture vote which effectively killed the potential for a vote on the actual bill.
What are the Candidates Saying?
Joe Biden
Relative to other issues (notably Iraq), immigration is a low priority in Biden’s campaign. That said, he has spoken out against deportation and argued for a means of earned citizenship for unauthorized immigrants as well as allowing illegal immigrants to participate in Social Security. He supports the construction of a border fence, but as a means to tackle drug trafficking rather than a solution to illegal immigration. Immigration, he has argued, will persist as long as corruption remains rampant in Mexico.
He voted for the recent comprehensive immigration reform plan which would create a guest worker program and path to legalization, before the bill was effectively killed at the end of June 2007. He supports allowing more foreign workers into the U.S. for farm work (H-2A) yet voted against expanding the H1-B visa program for skilled workers.
He voted against declaring English the official language of the U.S. government.
He voted against declaring English the official language of the U.S. government.
Michael Bloomberg (not an official candidate)
Bloomberg has argued that our economy would be a “shell of itself” without illegal immigrants and is against deportation of illegal workers. Arguing that immigrants do NOT take jobs away from native-born American, he has stressed the need for expanding visa programs for both skilled and unskilled workers. However, he has also argued in favor of a federal database which would verify the citizenship of job applicants and has advocated stiffer penalties for employers of unauthorized immigrants. Continuing on these lines, he supports construction of a border fence focusing on the most traversed regions and increased security (sensors and cameras) in less-traversed segments of the border.
His stance in the current guest worker debate is that temporary worker programs will only strengthen the underground economy. Instead, he supports creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants that pay a penalty. “Instead of pointing fingers about the past,” he said, “let’s accept the present for what it is by bringing people out of the shadows." As mayor, he has strengthened policies establishing New York as a “sanctuary city” in which city employees are not required to report illegal immigrants to federal authorities.
Sam Brownback (no longer a candidate)
Border security is Brownback’s campaign priority. He voted to double the number of border patrol agents over the next five years, to deploy upgraded technology such as sensors and cameras, and to construct a 700 mile border fence. He has also argued in favor of strengthening worksite enforcement, including the creation of an electronic system that would hold employers accountable for verifying the legal status of job applicants. Convicted employers, he has argued, should be banned from receiving government contracts. Along this vein, he voted to double the number of interior enforcement investigators over the next 5 years and increase cooperation between state and local authorities. He has also emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation between the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security in order to strengthen worksite enforcement.
Yet, Brownback sees a need for immigrant labor and supports an eased visa system (particularly in agriculture) and temporary worker programs to that effect, though without social security and path to citizenship for illegal immigrants. However, he does support creating a path to citizenship for resident illegal immigrants who are employed, learn English, pay fines, and pay back-taxes
Despite initial support for cloture, Brownback voted against the comprehensive immigration bill, arguing that that the bill is ineffective.
He supports making English the official language of the U.S. government.
Yet, Brownback sees a need for immigrant labor and supports an eased visa system (particularly in agriculture) and temporary worker programs to that effect, though without social security and path to citizenship for illegal immigrants. However, he does support creating a path to citizenship for resident illegal immigrants who are employed, learn English, pay fines, and pay back-taxes
Despite initial support for cloture, Brownback voted against the comprehensive immigration bill, arguing that that the bill is ineffective.
He supports making English the official language of the U.S. government.
Hillary Clinton
Clinton has not played a major part in Congressional negotiations on immigration or border security.
She has spoken out against a points-based immigration system and in favor of immigration based on family ties. To this effect, she introduced a (failed) amendment to the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007 that would have exempted the spouses and minor children of lawful immigrants from visa caps. She also co-sponsored legislation to push back the cutoff date for family backlog reduction, facilitating visa consideration for family members of legal residents in the U.S.
In spite of the failure of these amendments, she ultimately voted in favor of the comprehensive immigration reform package.
Clinton favors the creation of a guest worker program that would create a path to legality for illegal immigrants, even though she had previously called for employees to stop employing illegal immigrants. Interestingly, she voted in favor of the Dorgan amendment which would have eliminated the temporary nonimmigrant worker program from the 2007 comprehensive immigration reform bill.
Clinton voted to build the border fence and increase funding for the Border Patrol and has also expressed support for strengthened worksite enforcement. She has voted in favor of allowing unauthorized immigrants to participate in Social Security.
On the language issue, Clinton has argued against making English our official language. Such a law, she suggested, would make it difficult for resident non-English speakers to participate in civil society and receive basic government services.
Clinton has not played a major part in Congressional negotiations on immigration or border security.
She has spoken out against a points-based immigration system and in favor of immigration based on family ties. To this effect, she introduced a (failed) amendment to the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007 that would have exempted the spouses and minor children of lawful immigrants from visa caps. She also co-sponsored legislation to push back the cutoff date for family backlog reduction, facilitating visa consideration for family members of legal residents in the U.S.
In spite of the failure of these amendments, she ultimately voted in favor of the comprehensive immigration reform package.
Clinton favors the creation of a guest worker program that would create a path to legality for illegal immigrants, even though she had previously called for employees to stop employing illegal immigrants. Interestingly, she voted in favor of the Dorgan amendment which would have eliminated the temporary nonimmigrant worker program from the 2007 comprehensive immigration reform bill.
Clinton voted to build the border fence and increase funding for the Border Patrol and has also expressed support for strengthened worksite enforcement. She has voted in favor of allowing unauthorized immigrants to participate in Social Security.
On the language issue, Clinton has argued against making English our official language. Such a law, she suggested, would make it difficult for resident non-English speakers to participate in civil society and receive basic government services.
John Cox believes that illegal immigration hurts the national economy and strains public services. He has spoken out against amnesty for illegals as well as against guest-worker programs. He has also called for increased border security and a crackdown on businesses that hire illegal workers.
He does not support deportation, but rather believes that illegal immigrants will leave if we crack down on illegal employment. He has expressed support for deportation if such future programs are ineffective.
He is vehemently against extending social benefits to illegal immigrants.
Despite his stance on illegal immigrants, Cox strongly supports increased legal immigration based on market demand.
He does not support deportation, but rather believes that illegal immigrants will leave if we crack down on illegal employment. He has expressed support for deportation if such future programs are ineffective.
He is vehemently against extending social benefits to illegal immigrants.
Despite his stance on illegal immigrants, Cox strongly supports increased legal immigration based on market demand.
Dodd's relatively liberal stance on border security and immigration has a somewhat patchy voting record. He voted for the Secure Fence Act of 2006 despite feeling “uneasy” about its construction. He also supported the Senate’s comprehensive immigration reform bill of 2006.
His concern about the effects of points-based immigration system set forth by the 2007 immigration bill on family reunification prompted him to introduce an amendment which would increase the annual cap on green cards for parents and extend the duration of parent-visitor visas and easing penalties incurred by overstaying these visas (it failed).
In the case of unskilled workers, Dodd believes that many people have been “misusing provisions of our immigration law to replace qualified American workers with workers from other countries." Along these lines, he voted against allowing more foreign worker into the U.S. under the H-2A agricultural worker program.
Conversely, he has voted to expand existing visa programs for skilled workers. Also, although he voted for the establishment of a guest worker program, he has admitted he would not be comfortable with such a program. He does believe, however, that guest workers should be offered a path to citizenship and that illegal immigrants use Social Security.
Dodd has argued against making English our official language as he believes it could negatively impact many peoples’ civic participation and upward mobility.
His concern about the effects of points-based immigration system set forth by the 2007 immigration bill on family reunification prompted him to introduce an amendment which would increase the annual cap on green cards for parents and extend the duration of parent-visitor visas and easing penalties incurred by overstaying these visas (it failed).
In the case of unskilled workers, Dodd believes that many people have been “misusing provisions of our immigration law to replace qualified American workers with workers from other countries." Along these lines, he voted against allowing more foreign worker into the U.S. under the H-2A agricultural worker program.
Conversely, he has voted to expand existing visa programs for skilled workers. Also, although he voted for the establishment of a guest worker program, he has admitted he would not be comfortable with such a program. He does believe, however, that guest workers should be offered a path to citizenship and that illegal immigrants use Social Security.
Dodd has argued against making English our official language as he believes it could negatively impact many peoples’ civic participation and upward mobility.
Immigration plays a small part in Edwards’ campaign. He favors creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants who learn English and pay a fine. He also co-sponsored the Save Summer Act of 2004, a bill that would have increased the cap on H-2B visas for seasonal nonagricultural workers. He has also emphasized the need to cooperate with Mexico in order to control the border and stop illegal trafficking.
Giuliani has argued for a “borders first” approach to immigration reform, stressing the importance of a technologically-enhanced border fence and a tamper-proof immigrant ID card complemented by a comprehensive database. Border security and illegal immigration should be prioritized over legal immigration he believes.
Giuliani’s approach has been comparatively lax with respect to worksite enforcement. As mayor of New York, he continued the "sanctuary city" policy that prevents city employees from contacting the INS about immigration violations and subsequently ordered city attorneys to defend this policy in federal court. He argued that the elimination of this policy would create problems by forcing illegal immigrants to stay in the shadows – refusing to send their children to school and failing to report serious crimes.
Although Giuliani believed the 2007 comprehensive immigration reform bill to be “fatally flawed,” he agreed with provisions establishing a guest worker program and creating a citizenship path for illegal immigrants .
He has argued strongly against House legislation which would make illegal immigration a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
From a welfare perspective, he believes that immigrants should be allowed to access Social Security, food stamps, and health care benefits.
Giuliani’s approach has been comparatively lax with respect to worksite enforcement. As mayor of New York, he continued the "sanctuary city" policy that prevents city employees from contacting the INS about immigration violations and subsequently ordered city attorneys to defend this policy in federal court. He argued that the elimination of this policy would create problems by forcing illegal immigrants to stay in the shadows – refusing to send their children to school and failing to report serious crimes.
Although Giuliani believed the 2007 comprehensive immigration reform bill to be “fatally flawed,” he agreed with provisions establishing a guest worker program and creating a citizenship path for illegal immigrants .
He has argued strongly against House legislation which would make illegal immigration a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
From a welfare perspective, he believes that immigrants should be allowed to access Social Security, food stamps, and health care benefits.
Gravel favors increased monitoring the flow of illegal immigrants into the U.S. He also favors the establishment of a guest worker program as well as naturalization procedures which would bring illegal immigrants out of the shadows. Likewise, he has spoken out against deporting illegal immigrants.
He has linked our illegal immigration problem to NAFTA, which he claims has been disastrous for the working classes of both the U.S. and Mexico. Unemployment caused by NAFTA, he claims, led to waves of immigrant workers looking for jobs in the U.S (link to trade policy). Hence, he advocates reforming NAFTA in order to restore lost jobs and stimulate job growth on both sides of the border.
Additionally, he believes that English should be made the official language of the U.S.
He has linked our illegal immigration problem to NAFTA, which he claims has been disastrous for the working classes of both the U.S. and Mexico. Unemployment caused by NAFTA, he claims, led to waves of immigrant workers looking for jobs in the U.S (link to trade policy). Hence, he advocates reforming NAFTA in order to restore lost jobs and stimulate job growth on both sides of the border.
Additionally, he believes that English should be made the official language of the U.S.
Hagel has been an important player on immigration and border security, co-authoring legislation which would add 14,000 new border patrol agents, quadruple border fencing, require aliens to procure a tamper-resistant ID card for work authorization, and increase employers’ fines for hiring unauthorized workers.
He also introduced several pieces of legislation to deal with the problem of illegal immigrants living in the United States (His most recent bill was the Immigrant Accountability Act of 2007 although he also introduced similar bills in 2004 and 2005). This legislation would create a merit-based point system under which eligible illegal immigrants would be put on the path to citizenship after 13 years. Under this system, immigrants who have been in the U.S. since before January 2004 would have to pass a criminal background check, pay state and federal taxes, demonstrate proficiency in English and U.S. history, register for the selective service, and pay a $2000 fine. In addition to meeting these criteria, immigrants hoping to earn citizenship must earn a certain number of points divided among categories such as military service, advanced English, home/business ownership, education, civic engagement, length of time in the U.S., and family connections in the U.S. Under his plan, those not eligible for citizenship under these criteria should be deported.
Additionally, he was instrumental in facilitating the passage of the Senate Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act in 2006.
Hagel has also introduced legislation to increase the annual allotment of H-1B visas (The Skilled Worker Immigration and Fairness Act of 2007 which has not made it to vote). This would provide U.S. employers with access to foreign professionals in specialty occupations. This bill would increase the cap from 65,000 visas to 115,000 in 2007 and would include a flexible adjustment mechanism which would raise the cap in accordance with market conditions. This bill also includes provisions intended to fight visa fraud and abuse.
He has also supported the expansion of the H2-A visa program for temporary farm workers.
Hagel voted yes on the comprehensive immigration reform bill. He supports the establishment of a guest worker program with a path to citizenship and believes that illegal immigrants should have access to social security.
He supports the institution of English as our official language.
He also introduced several pieces of legislation to deal with the problem of illegal immigrants living in the United States (His most recent bill was the Immigrant Accountability Act of 2007 although he also introduced similar bills in 2004 and 2005). This legislation would create a merit-based point system under which eligible illegal immigrants would be put on the path to citizenship after 13 years. Under this system, immigrants who have been in the U.S. since before January 2004 would have to pass a criminal background check, pay state and federal taxes, demonstrate proficiency in English and U.S. history, register for the selective service, and pay a $2000 fine. In addition to meeting these criteria, immigrants hoping to earn citizenship must earn a certain number of points divided among categories such as military service, advanced English, home/business ownership, education, civic engagement, length of time in the U.S., and family connections in the U.S. Under his plan, those not eligible for citizenship under these criteria should be deported.
Additionally, he was instrumental in facilitating the passage of the Senate Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act in 2006.
Hagel has also introduced legislation to increase the annual allotment of H-1B visas (The Skilled Worker Immigration and Fairness Act of 2007 which has not made it to vote). This would provide U.S. employers with access to foreign professionals in specialty occupations. This bill would increase the cap from 65,000 visas to 115,000 in 2007 and would include a flexible adjustment mechanism which would raise the cap in accordance with market conditions. This bill also includes provisions intended to fight visa fraud and abuse.
He has also supported the expansion of the H2-A visa program for temporary farm workers.
Hagel voted yes on the comprehensive immigration reform bill. He supports the establishment of a guest worker program with a path to citizenship and believes that illegal immigrants should have access to social security.
He supports the institution of English as our official language.
Huckabee has claimed that border security is his first priority. He supported the recent appropriations bill providing training and deployment of additional border patrol agents, the expansion of the border fence, and the deployment of technology-based monitoring systems along the border. He has stated that the border should be sealed. He also supports the establishment of a tamper-proof ID card to verify immigrants’ work eligibility.
Huckabee opposed the recent comprehensive immigration reform bill (defeated by the Senate in June), stating that “the bill offers amnesty and should not be approved” because illegals “must take responsibility for their actions." However, during an interview with George Stephanopoulos, Huckabee implied that immigrants should be granted a path to citizenship if they pay penalties and thus accept responsibility for entering the U.S. illegally.
He also opposed the McCain-Kennedy immigration bill due to its lack of transparency and concerns about the fiscal cost of reform.
Interestingly, Huckabee has sympathized with the social needs of illegal immigrants. He advocated prenatal care for pregnant immigrants and proposed a scholarship program for illegals that graduate from Arkansas high schools.
Huckabee opposed the recent comprehensive immigration reform bill (defeated by the Senate in June), stating that “the bill offers amnesty and should not be approved” because illegals “must take responsibility for their actions." However, during an interview with George Stephanopoulos, Huckabee implied that immigrants should be granted a path to citizenship if they pay penalties and thus accept responsibility for entering the U.S. illegally.
He also opposed the McCain-Kennedy immigration bill due to its lack of transparency and concerns about the fiscal cost of reform.
Interestingly, Huckabee has sympathized with the social needs of illegal immigrants. He advocated prenatal care for pregnant immigrants and proposed a scholarship program for illegals that graduate from Arkansas high schools.
Duncan Hunter has been a leading figure in border security, emphasizing the need to control criminal activity in border regions. He was instrumental in the establishment of the San Diego border fence and co-sponsored the Secure Fence Act (which passed the House and Senate ) which provides for the extension of that fence along the entire Southwestern border. He is pushing for the construction of this fence within six months. According to Hunter, border fences help curb drug traffic and human trafficking and will lower crime on both sides of the border. He claims that the border fence in San Diego led to a 90% reduction in smuggling activity, although this claim is hotly contested.
He voted to report illegal immigrants who are receiving hospital treatment.
Last, he voted against a 1998 bill that would have expanded the visa cap for skilled foreign workers (H1-B visas) from 65,000 to 115,000.
Steve Kubby
He voted to report illegal immigrants who are receiving hospital treatment.
Last, he voted against a 1998 bill that would have expanded the visa cap for skilled foreign workers (H1-B visas) from 65,000 to 115,000.
Steve Kubby
Kubby supports open immigration. He believes that America has always become richer by opening itself up to the poor. He is against government-administered visa programs and advocates open immigration based on market demand. He believes that borders should be opened and that funds currently aimed at border security should be redirected towards anti-terrorism initiatives.
Kucinich believes that the Bush administration has waged an assault on immigrants’ rights and argues that illegal immigrants have become “convenient scapegoats” even though they pay more in taxes than they receive in government services.
Kucinich supports the deployment of additional personnel to assist in border control activities and favors stronger enforcement of employer sanctions against firms that hire undocumented aliens. In spite of this, Kucinich voted against the construction of a border fence. He blames NAFTA for our illegal immigration problems, arguing that wage reductions brought about by NAFTA led many to seek greater opportunity in the United States.
Kucinich has been a strong advocate of creating a citizenship path for illegal immigrants. He co-sponsored (one of 44) the Family Unity Legalization Act, a bill that would have allowed immigrants living in this country for over five years to achieve legal status. He also supported the USA Family Act which would grant such immigrants legal permanent residence and work authorization. He has stressed the need to eliminate naturalization backlog and to cooperate further with Mexico to normalize the flow of immigrants across the border.
He is against the expansion of the H1-B visa program, which he believes has caused a reduction in wages and a deterioration in workplace conditions for many Americans. He has also advocated the creation of a special investigative agency to examine the extent and nature of visa fraud.
Several years ago, Kucinich co-sponsored legislation which would increase transparency in trials conducted by the INS.
He supports broadening bilingual education programs.
Kucinich supports the deployment of additional personnel to assist in border control activities and favors stronger enforcement of employer sanctions against firms that hire undocumented aliens. In spite of this, Kucinich voted against the construction of a border fence. He blames NAFTA for our illegal immigration problems, arguing that wage reductions brought about by NAFTA led many to seek greater opportunity in the United States.
Kucinich has been a strong advocate of creating a citizenship path for illegal immigrants. He co-sponsored (one of 44) the Family Unity Legalization Act, a bill that would have allowed immigrants living in this country for over five years to achieve legal status. He also supported the USA Family Act which would grant such immigrants legal permanent residence and work authorization. He has stressed the need to eliminate naturalization backlog and to cooperate further with Mexico to normalize the flow of immigrants across the border.
He is against the expansion of the H1-B visa program, which he believes has caused a reduction in wages and a deterioration in workplace conditions for many Americans. He has also advocated the creation of a special investigative agency to examine the extent and nature of visa fraud.
Several years ago, Kucinich co-sponsored legislation which would increase transparency in trials conducted by the INS.
He supports broadening bilingual education programs.
McCain has been a relatively moderate voice on immigration. He was a key architect of the 2006 comprehensive reform bill and the only GOP candidate to support the recent immigration reform bill (a compromise between the 2006 McCain-Kennedy bills and two other immigration bills). He has been a strong advocate of both enhanced border security and the creation of a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants. He has also stressed the need for a bipartisan alliance in favor of comprehensive reform.
He co-sponsored the Senate Immigration Reform Act of 2006, which called for establishing a guest worker program as well as creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants if they pay fees and back-taxes, enroll in civic education, remain employed for six years, and develop proficiency in English.
He has argued that border security should be our first priority and voted for the Secure Fence Act of 2006. He supports boosting the manpower and technology deployed along the border and enhanced worksite enforcement through an electronic employment eligibility verification system. He sees enhanced border security as a prerequisite for the establishment of a temporary worker program and the legalization of resident illegal immigrants.
He supports a point-based immigration system which grants immigrants points based both on family ties and their ability to contribute to the American economy.
He supports the establishment of a temporary worker program (Y-visas) which would allow foreign workers to enter the U.S. to work for 2-year periods. Similarly, he voted in favor of allowing more workers into the U.S. for seasonal agricultural jobs.
He also co-sponsored the failed Save Summer Act of 2004, a bill which would have increased the legal limit for seasonal nonagricultural worker visas (H2-B visas). He has also expressed support for expanding the H1-B visa program.
McCain supports prohibiting states from passing laws that deny human services to illegal immigrants and their families.
He voted in favor of allowing illegal immigrants to participate in Social Security.
He co-sponsored the Senate Immigration Reform Act of 2006, which called for establishing a guest worker program as well as creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants if they pay fees and back-taxes, enroll in civic education, remain employed for six years, and develop proficiency in English.
He has argued that border security should be our first priority and voted for the Secure Fence Act of 2006. He supports boosting the manpower and technology deployed along the border and enhanced worksite enforcement through an electronic employment eligibility verification system. He sees enhanced border security as a prerequisite for the establishment of a temporary worker program and the legalization of resident illegal immigrants.
He supports a point-based immigration system which grants immigrants points based both on family ties and their ability to contribute to the American economy.
He supports the establishment of a temporary worker program (Y-visas) which would allow foreign workers to enter the U.S. to work for 2-year periods. Similarly, he voted in favor of allowing more workers into the U.S. for seasonal agricultural jobs.
He also co-sponsored the failed Save Summer Act of 2004, a bill which would have increased the legal limit for seasonal nonagricultural worker visas (H2-B visas). He has also expressed support for expanding the H1-B visa program.
McCain supports prohibiting states from passing laws that deny human services to illegal immigrants and their families.
He voted in favor of allowing illegal immigrants to participate in Social Security.
Obama has been a significant player in the immigration debate. He introduced three amendments (which ultimately failed) that were included in the Senate Immigration Reform Bill in 2006, including one that mandates that jobs be offered to American workers prior to their being offered to guest workers. His second amendment would require all employers to prove the legality of their workers. His final amendment would increase funding for the FBI to enable to conduct more efficient background checks.
He also co-sponsored the Citizenship Promotion Act which would reverse a hike in immigration fees.
He has called for sweeping amnesty for illegal immigrants. Immigrants currently residing in the United States should gain legal status if they pay requisite fees, learn English, and pass a background check.
He has expressed concern regarding the establishment of a points-based immigration system, arguing that such as system has a divisive effect on families and could lead to a class-based immigration system. He criticized the recent immigration bill for its lack of an easy escape clause should the points-based system fail
He voted in favor of the 2007 Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill and favors the creation of a guest worker program including a path to citizenship.
Obama is conscious of the effect of immigration on American labor, however, and believes that immigrant workers should have legal protection to avoid aggressive wage practices that place downward pressure on wages and working conditions across the country.
He voted in favor of allowing illegal immigrants to participate in Social Security.
On border security, he voted in favor of the Secure Fence Act of 2006. He supports the deployment of additional personnel and technology at our borders. He has argued for enhanced border protection on both the Mexican and Canadian borders. He has also advocated the implementation of an electronic employment verification system as well as stiffer penalties for employers who hire illegally.
He voted against establishing English as the official language of the U.S.
He also co-sponsored the Citizenship Promotion Act which would reverse a hike in immigration fees.
He has called for sweeping amnesty for illegal immigrants. Immigrants currently residing in the United States should gain legal status if they pay requisite fees, learn English, and pass a background check.
He has expressed concern regarding the establishment of a points-based immigration system, arguing that such as system has a divisive effect on families and could lead to a class-based immigration system. He criticized the recent immigration bill for its lack of an easy escape clause should the points-based system fail
He voted in favor of the 2007 Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill and favors the creation of a guest worker program including a path to citizenship.
Obama is conscious of the effect of immigration on American labor, however, and believes that immigrant workers should have legal protection to avoid aggressive wage practices that place downward pressure on wages and working conditions across the country.
He voted in favor of allowing illegal immigrants to participate in Social Security.
On border security, he voted in favor of the Secure Fence Act of 2006. He supports the deployment of additional personnel and technology at our borders. He has argued for enhanced border protection on both the Mexican and Canadian borders. He has also advocated the implementation of an electronic employment verification system as well as stiffer penalties for employers who hire illegally.
He voted against establishing English as the official language of the U.S.
Ron
Paul has taken a hard line on immigration. He spoke out adamantly
against the recent comprehensive immigration bill, arguing that no form
of amnesty should be granted to illegal residents of the U.S. He
believes that the U.S. should tighten citizenship requirements and even
eliminate birthright citizenship so as to eliminate incentives for
illegal entry. He also spoke out vehemently
against the establishment of a guest worker program, which he believes
would be a “back door to amnesty for illegals.” Voting in favor of the
creation of the border fence, Paul has called for tighter security on
our borders and coastlines
prior to undertaking further immigration reform. He has also argued
that immigration officials must deport anyone who overstays his or her
visa or otherwise violates U.S. law. Paul has also spoken out
against extending any form of welfare benefits to illegal immigrants.
Along these lines, he voted in favor of a bill which proposed reporting
illegal immigrants who receive hospital treatments. He’s been
softer on visas for legal immigrants. He voted in favor of extending
immigrant residency rules and voted to increase the H1-B visa cap for
skilled workers. He has also spoken out against creating a national ID
card, which he believes would undermine the freedom of American
citizens. He has argued that English should be made the official
language of government affairs.
Bill
Richardson’s Mexican heritage has influenced his ideas on immigration.
He has spoken out quite a bit on immigration-related issues and takes a
balanced approach to border security.
Illegal Immigrants
Illegal Immigrants
Richardson
adamantly criticized House proposals favoring mass deportation and
instead supports offering a citizenship path to illegal immigrants.
Calling for the improvement of our immigration quota system, he has
emphasized the need to engage Mexico in the immigration reform process.
He vehemently opposed the construction of a border fence, arguing that
such a fence harms Mexican-American relations and divides families.
Despite this, he does believe that security on both sides of the border
is inefficient and has demanded increased federal funding to rectify
this believing that security takes precedence over further immigration
reforms. Doubling the number of border guards armed with the best
available surveillance technology might reduce human and drug trafficking.
As governor of New Mexico, he declared a state of emergency along the
border, making $1.75 million available to local law enforcement to
increase security. He also argued for the more effective punishment of
employers who knowingly hire illegal workers and the establishment of a
national ID system to facilitate this.
He
has also called for increased enforcement of minimum wage laws and
increased employment training for low-skilled American workers to
lessen employers’ incentives for hiring illegals. He
has argued that illegal immigrants should be guaranteed human services
and should have access to drivers’ licenses and scholarships.
Legal Immigrants
Richardson favors increasing the number of legal immigrants allowed into the U.S. and doubling the number of family member visas available. Also, immigration procedures should be more transparent and efficient so as to decrease backlog. He also favors legal status for illegal immigrants who pass a background check, learn English, and pay back taxes and fines. In numerous speeches he emphasized their contributions to American society, and the sacrifices that illegals undertake. Richardson supports the creation of a guest worker program and thought that the McCain-Kennedy proposal was “realistic and sustainable." The number of guest workers allowed at any given time, he believes, should be dictated by economic necessity. He opposed the creation of a temporary workers program without a path to citizenship due to fears that such a program would create a permanent underclass. Uniquely among the candidates, he has argued for the establishment of informant visas and cash rewards for aliens who provide American law enforcement with information on human traffickers and document forgers.
Richardson favors increasing the number of legal immigrants allowed into the U.S. and doubling the number of family member visas available. Also, immigration procedures should be more transparent and efficient so as to decrease backlog. He also favors legal status for illegal immigrants who pass a background check, learn English, and pay back taxes and fines. In numerous speeches he emphasized their contributions to American society, and the sacrifices that illegals undertake. Richardson supports the creation of a guest worker program and thought that the McCain-Kennedy proposal was “realistic and sustainable." The number of guest workers allowed at any given time, he believes, should be dictated by economic necessity. He opposed the creation of a temporary workers program without a path to citizenship due to fears that such a program would create a permanent underclass. Uniquely among the candidates, he has argued for the establishment of informant visas and cash rewards for aliens who provide American law enforcement with information on human traffickers and document forgers.
Romney takes a hard-line stance on illegal immigration. He has spoken out against granting illegals any form of amnesty and opposed the comprehensive immigration reform bill on this basis.
As the governor of Massachusetts, Romney took several steps towards curbing illegal immigration, including signing an agreement with the federal government allowing state troopers to enforce federal immigration laws. He opposed bills supporting bilingual education and efforts to issue drivers’ licenses to illegal immigrants. In general, he supports empowering state and local authorities to enforce immigration law.
On border security, Romney supports the construction of physical and virtual fences along the border as a precondition to further immigration reform. He has also argued for the implementation of an employment verification system comprised of biometric tests and tamper-proof documentation.
He opposed the Kennedy-McCain immigration reform bill due to its treatment of illegal residents in the U.S. Romney believes that the proposed Z-visa granting legal permanent status for illegal immigrants (who pay fees and achieve English proficiency, among other criteria) should be instead changed into a temporary visa program. He opposes the establishment of a guest-worker program.
As the governor of Massachusetts, Romney took several steps towards curbing illegal immigration, including signing an agreement with the federal government allowing state troopers to enforce federal immigration laws. He opposed bills supporting bilingual education and efforts to issue drivers’ licenses to illegal immigrants. In general, he supports empowering state and local authorities to enforce immigration law.
On border security, Romney supports the construction of physical and virtual fences along the border as a precondition to further immigration reform. He has also argued for the implementation of an employment verification system comprised of biometric tests and tamper-proof documentation.
He opposed the Kennedy-McCain immigration reform bill due to its treatment of illegal residents in the U.S. Romney believes that the proposed Z-visa granting legal permanent status for illegal immigrants (who pay fees and achieve English proficiency, among other criteria) should be instead changed into a temporary visa program. He opposes the establishment of a guest-worker program.
Tom Tancredo’s tough stance on illegal immigration is the center of his campaign. He has attacked illegal immigration from many angles, arguing that it puts undue pressure on schools and medical facilities, reinforces an unwelcome “cult of multiculturalism,” takes American jobs, increases levels of crime and drug trafficking, increases the likelihood of terrorist attacks, and even causes ecological damage to undeveloped land around the border (Newsweek, A Border War, Apr 3, 2006). He has called illegal immigration a “scourge that threatens the very future of our nation” and has repeatedly argued for stronger enforcement and the prosecution (and deportation) of illegal immigrants (Newsweek, A Border War, Apr 3, 2006).
His firebrand rhetoric has earned him a lot of flack, particularly his assertion that “parts of Miami are like a Third World country."
His firebrand rhetoric has earned him a lot of flack, particularly his assertion that “parts of Miami are like a Third World country."
Likewise, he adamantly opposes offering illegal immigrants a path to citizenship. He believes that amnesty “will destroy our nation” and had launched the Save America campaign asking Americans to sign a petition calling for the defeat of any candidate who refuses to vote against amnesty. This effort was largely aimed at defeating the McCain-Kennedy immigration bill. He believes that a guest worker program will just worsen the illegal immigration problem.
He has also argued that the government should cap legal immigration at 250,000 per year in order to allow newcomers to assimilate. He believes that our visa system should prioritize nuclear family admissions and that citizenship by birth should be eliminated.
He supported House legislation calling for obligatory verification of employees’ eligibility for legal employment and expanding cooperation between the federal government and local governments on immigration enforcement. He has adamantly argued for increased worksite enforcement and vehemently advocated the construction of the border fence (voting in favor of its construction).
He has argued against extending Social Security benefits to illegal immigrants and voted in favor of reporting illegal immigrants receiving health care.
He has insisted that English should be made America’s official language.
He has also argued that the government should cap legal immigration at 250,000 per year in order to allow newcomers to assimilate. He believes that our visa system should prioritize nuclear family admissions and that citizenship by birth should be eliminated.
He supported House legislation calling for obligatory verification of employees’ eligibility for legal employment and expanding cooperation between the federal government and local governments on immigration enforcement. He has adamantly argued for increased worksite enforcement and vehemently advocated the construction of the border fence (voting in favor of its construction).
He has argued against extending Social Security benefits to illegal immigrants and voted in favor of reporting illegal immigrants receiving health care.
He has insisted that English should be made America’s official language.
Fred Thompson has generally taken a moderate stance on immigration. He has emphasized his opposition to amnesty in any form and believes that much of the onus for immigration reform must be taken up by Mexican leaders and that further Mexican-American dialogue is necessary. He voted in favor both of increasing visas for temporary agricultural workers and of expanding the H1-B visa program for skilled workers.