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Joseph Lieberman on Immigration
Democratic Jr Senator (CT), ran for V.P. with Gore, ran for president 2004
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One-time earned legalization for undocumented immigrants
Q: Should it become easier for undocumented foreign workers in the US to gain legal immigration status?
A: As president, I will create a new one-time earned legalization status, improve family reunification laws, create a work visa program, and partner with the private sector to create a new 'American Dream Fund' to help all immigrants learn English.
We've also got to face the fact that immigrants haven't been treated fairly in America since September 11th -- and we can do something about it.
When I am president, I will protect the civil rights of immigrants -- right to counsel, timely notification of charges, guaranteed bond hearings, humane conditions, and much more.
Source: Associated Press policy Q&A, "Immigration"
Jan 25, 2004
Make sure immigrants are treated fairly
Q: How would you encourage those who are eligible to apply for citizenship? A: I am for earned right of legalization for undocumented immigrants. I'm for temporary worker permits for people coming over. I'm for lifting the cap on family reunification
which keeps immigrant families apart and I'm for lifting the cap on political refugees. We're one nation under God, individual, with liberty and justice for all. And that means making sure that our immigrants, new Americans are treated fairly.
Source: Iowa Brown and Black Presidential Forum
Jan 11, 2004
Unacceptable to allow Mexicans to die trying to immigrate
Q: How do you separate the good guys from the bad guys? How do you separate the immigrants that come to this country with a legitimate interest in working and contributing and those potential terrorists that are here?
LIEBERMAN: Let me begin by saying this. Immigration for me is not just another issue. It's me, it's my family, it's mi familia. My grandparents came here as immigrants seeking opportunity.
It pains me, and it outrages me that every year hundreds of
Mexicans coming to America for exactly the same reason that my grandparents did die in the desert because of our current immigration policy. That is no longer acceptable.
This can't go on any longer.
I have offered the most comprehensive, aggressive immigration reform plan. Yes, earned legalization. Yes, temporary worker visas for workers from other countries. Yes, let's lift the cap on people coming here for family reunification or to seek refuge.
Source: Democratic Primary Debate, Albuquerque New Mexico
Sep 4, 2003
Bush uses 9/11 as an excuse to avoid immigration reform
George Bush has used 9/11 as an excuse for not doing what he promised to do in reforming immigration laws. He has let down our neighbors in Mexico and so much of the rest of the world. Let's put some due process in our immigration laws, so John Ashcroft
can't again do what he did after 9/11, which is to arrest almost 800 undocumented immigrants, put them in jail without charges, without counsel, without notice to their families. That's not America at its best. And as president, I'll stop it.
Source: Democratic Primary Debate, Albuquerque New Mexico
Sep 4, 2003
Voted NO on allowing more foreign workers into the U.S. 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.
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