2014 SD Senate debate: on Immigration

Gordon Howie: Protect the borders; prevent illegal entry

Howie: Strongly Agree

Larry Pressler: 5-year path to citizenship for illegal immigrants

Mike Rounds: Border security first, then a limited path to citizenship

Rounds says border security has to come first, to be completed before a path to citizenship for immigrants here illegally can begin. "After the borders are secure, create a new line for immigrants to enter," Rounds said, with plenty of preconditions and limitations. "Illegal aliens should not be allowed to apply for citizenship until after other individuals have the opportunity first," he said. "They should start paying taxes, they should also have to register. Once other individuals have entered the line, perhaps 10 to 15 years from now, they may also apply for citizenship. This is not amnesty. They should be eligible for benefits during this 15 year time period."

Weiland, on the other hand, said there's no reason why border security and a path to citizenship can't proceed at the same time.

Rick Weiland: Border security and a path to citizenship at the same time

Rounds says border security has to come first, to be completed before a path to citizenship for immigrants here illegally can begin, with plenty of preconditions and limitations, requiring "10 to 15 years to apply for citizenship. This is not amnesty."

Weiland, on the other hand, said there's no reason why border security & a path to citizenship can't proceed at the same time. He endorsed the Senate immigration bill, which Rounds opposes for being insufficiently tough on border security. But that border security shouldn't stop movement on letting illegal immigrants move toward citizenship, Weiland said. Supporters of Sen. John Thune's amendment (including Rounds) would require border security to come first; opponents say border security will be used to block the path to citizenship perpetually.