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Richard Blumenthal on Immigration |
BLUMENTHAL: We need to establish a comprehensive, federal solution to our ongoing immigration problem. We must secure our borders, and crack down on employers flouting the law by hiring undocumented immigrants. Piecemeal approaches to fixing this problem by various states are not the answer--Washington must fulfill its responsibility by enacting a comprehensive solution.
McMAHON: I oppose amnesty. I support legal immigration and I believe much of this country's strength and prosperity has come as a result of the immense contributions immigrants have made. We have historically welcomed the best workers and the best minds from every country, and I believe we should continue to do so provided it is done legally. We are a nation built on the rule of law, and immigration laws--like all laws--must be enforced.
A: The federal government has the responsibility for immigration reform and the states have the responsibility for enforcing the labor laws. And both of them should crack down on exploitation of people and hiring of illegal immigrants.
Q: So a restaurant that hires illegal aliens, should the state go after them?
A: Well, the state doesn't have the enforcement responsibility at the present time. They would have to train the state police and divert them for that purpose. And that would be a decision made by the governor, not by me as a US Senator. But if there is any evidence that a business is hiring an illegal alien, there should be investigative steps, whether by state or federal authorities, and there should be a prosecution of the employers.
