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Republican Party on Immigration
Party Platform
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OpEd: GOP ignores fact of increasing ethnic minorities
Numerous explanations for Romney's defeat came into play, and nearly all of them were demographic. Our nation has experienced rapid and dramatic demographic changes over the past decade, including an aging population; a reduced number of marriages;
a decline of religion; and above all, a rapidly growing population of racial and ethnic minorities. Over the past decade, minorities have accounted for 85% of the nation's population growth.
Throughout that time, the Republican Party has clung to its core constituency, seeking to squeeze more votes from an ever-shrinking base--in other words, it has been living on borrowed time.
In 2012, the inexorable math, combined with the party's unwillingness and inability to expand its base, finally caught up with it.
Source: Immigration Wars, by Jeb Bush, p.199-200
, Mar 5, 2013
Make E-verify mandatory nationwide
In this country, the rule of law guarantees equal treatment to every individual, including more than one million immigrants to whom we grant permanent residence every year. That is why we oppose any form of amnesty for those who intentionally violate the
law. Granting amnesty only rewards and encourages more law breaking.We support the mandatory use of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (S.A.V.E.) program--an internet-based system that verifies the lawful presence of applicants.
We insist upon enforcement at the workplace through verification systems so that jobs can be available to all legal workers. Use of the E-verify program--an internet-based system that verifies the employment authorization and identity of employees--
must be made mandatory nationwide. State enforcement efforts in the workplace must be welcomed, not attacked. When Americans need jobs, it is absolutely essential that we protect them from illegal labor in the workplace.
Source: 2012 Republican Party Platform
, Aug 27, 2012
Use biometric data to better track foreign travelers
Ensuring the integrity of our borders is vital to ensuring the safety of our citizens. We must know the identity of all visitors who enter the US, and we must know when they leave. The US-VISIT system, which uses biometric data to better track the entry
and exit of foreign travelers, has been implemented at more than 115 airports and is presently being implemented at land border crossings. Reconnaissance cameras, border patrol agents, and unmanned aerial flights have all been increased at our borders.
We must strengthen our Border Patrol to stop illegal crossings, and we will equip the Border Patrol with the tools, technologies, structures, and sufficient force necessary to secure the border. We will seek stiff penalties for those who
smuggle illegal aliens into the country and for those who sell fraudulent documents. We urge continued support for state, local, and federal law enforcement to work in a cohesive manner in securing our borders to prevent illegal entry.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 14
, Sep 7, 2004
Only legal immigrants, through tightly controlled borders
The Republican Party supports reforming the immigration system to ensure that it is legal, safe, orderly and humane. It also supports measures to ensure that the immigration system is structured to address the needs of national security.
To better ensure that immigrants enter the United States only through legal means that allow for verification of their identity, reconnaissance cameras, border patrol agents, and unmanned aerial flights have all been increased at the border.
In addition, Border Patrol agents now have sweeping new powers to deport illegal aliens without having first to go through the cumbersome process of allowing the illegal alien to have a hearing before an immigration judge.
We support these efforts to enforce the law while welcoming immigrants who enter America through legal avenues.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 80-81
, Sep 1, 2004
Amnesty encourages illegal immigration
A growing economy requires a growing number of workers, and President Bush has proposed a new temporary worker program that applies when no Americans can be found to fill the jobs. This new program would allow workers who currently hold jobs to come out
of the shadows and to participate legally in America’s economy. It would allow men and women who enter the program to apply for citizenship in the same manner as those who apply from outside the United States.
There must be strong workplace enforcement with tough penalties against employees and employers who violate immigration laws.
We oppose amnesty because it would have the effect of encouraging illegal immigration and would give an unfair advantage to those who have broken our laws.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 80-81
, Sep 1, 2004
Reform & toughen immigration system to emphasize family
Overhaul the immigration system:- Devote resources to border control.
- Give priority to spouses and children.
- Emphasize needed skills in determining eligibility for admission.
- Overhaul Labor Certification Program to match qualified workers
with urgent work.
- Reform the Immigration and Naturalization Service by splitting its functions into two agencies, one focusing on enforcement and one exclusively devoted to service.
Source: Republican Platform adopted at GOP National Convention
, Aug 12, 2000
Focus immigration on needed skills
We support increasing the number of H-1B visas to ensure high-tech workers in specialized positions, and we will
expand the H-2A program for temporary agricultural workers.
Source: Republican Platform adopted at GOP National Convention
, Aug 12, 2000
Page last updated: Apr 28, 2013
