2008 CO Senate Debates: on Immigration

Bob Schaffer: Opposes sanctuary cities; help local police enforce law

Udall said the federal government “has been missing in action.” He suggested a number of reforms including tamper proof IDs, new technology for monitoring the border and a program that would allow for immigrants already in the country to “come out of the shadows,” register themselves, pay a fine, go through a background check to prove they can speak English and are employed, then “go to the back of the line” to gain citizenship.

Mark Udall: Program for illegal immigrants to come out of the shadows

Schaffer said he opposes so-called sanctuary cities, and said the federal government should do more to help local law enforcement. “We need to provide incentives to encourage local sheriffs and local police departments to actually enforce immigration laws and when they incur expenses associated with incarcerating those who violated the law, or need to be deported, states out to be reimbursed and compensated,” he said.