John Ashcroft on Immigration

Former Attorney General; Former Republican Senator (MO)

Strongly support reforming the INS comprehensively

Q: As Attorney General, how do you envision balancing the INS's often conflicting missions of enforcement and services? What measures would you propose to ensure adequate funding for the service functions?

A: If I am fortunate enough to be confirmed as Attorney General, I will strongly support the President's proposal to reform the INS comprehensively and divide it into separate service and enforcement agencies. As the President has said, legal immigrants should be welcomed with respect and open arms, and service to legal immigrants should not be delivered with suspicion or hostility. I recognize the important leadership you and Senator Abraham have taken in this regard, and look forward to working with you to implement these reforms.

Source: Questionnaire by American Immigration Lawyers Association , Jan 30, 2001

Voted YES on allowing more foreign workers into the US for farm work.

Vote to create a national registry containing names of U.S. workers who want to perform temporary or seasonal agricultural work, and to require the Attorney General to allow more foreign workers into the U.S. for farm work under H-2A visas. Reference: Bill S.2260 ; vote number 1998-233 on Jul 23, 1998

Voted YES on visas for skilled workers.

This bill expanded the Visa program for skilled workers.
Status: Bill Passed Y)78; N)20; NV)2 Reference: The American Competitiveness Act; Bill S. 1723 ; vote number 1998-141 on May 18, 1998

Voted YES on limit welfare for immigrants.

This amendment would have restored food stamp benefits to the children of legal immigrants
Status: Motion to Table Agreed to Y)59; N)41 Reference: Motion to table Kennedy Amdt #429; Bill S.947 ; vote number 1997-111 on Jun 24, 1997

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