State of Idaho Archives: on Immigration
Brad Little:
Make English the official state language
Legislative Summary: Declares English to be the official state language; to provide that English is the sole language of government; to provide the State Board of Education rulemaking authority governing the use of foreign languages
in the public schools; and to provide for recognition of specified constitutional rights.Legislative Outcome: Sen. Little voted AYE; passed Senate 20-15-0, March 7; passed House 46-20-4, March 19; signed by Gov. Otter, March 28
Source: Idaho Legislative voting records on S 1172
Mar 7, 2007
Butch Otter:
Make English the official state language
Legislative Summary: Declares English to be the official state language; to provide that English is the sole language of government; to provide the State Board of Education rulemaking authority governing the use of foreign languages
in the public schools; and to provide for recognition of specified constitutional rights.Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 20-15-0, March 7; passed House 46-20-4, March 19; signed by Gov. Otter, March 28
Source: Idaho Legislative voting records on S 1172
Mar 28, 2007
David Roth:
I support a pathway to citizenship for the DREAMers
I support a pathway to citizenship for the Dreamers - recognizing their contributions to the communities in which they have lived nearly their entire lives. I support immigration
policies which will create an efficient, safe, and legal means of immigration into this country allowing immigrants to become incorporated into our larger society and encourages their contribution to the growth and productivity of our communities.
Source: 2022 Idaho Senate campaign website RothForIdaho.org
May 22, 2022
Ed Humphreys:
Craft a refugee resettlement policy that doesn't harm Idaho
Idaho is the third-highest state in per capita refugee resettlement. We accept more refugees than eight other states combined. Unfortunately, like so many well-intentioned programs, our compassion is betrayed as our tax dollars are funneled to
politicized non-profit groups and government entities that promote open borders, critical race theory, and socialist welfare entitlements. The next governor must craft a refugee resettlement policy that does not harm Idaho.
Source: 2021 ID Gubernatorial campaign website EdForIdaho.com
Oct 4, 2021
Janice McGeachin:
Make English the official state language
Legislative Summary: Declares English to be the official state language; to provide that English is the sole language of government; to provide the
State Board of Education rulemaking authority governing the use of foreign languages in the public schools; and to provide for recognition of specified constitutional rights.
Legislative Outcome: Rep. McGeachin voted AYE; passed Senate 20-15-0, March 7; passed House 46-20-4,
March 19; signed by Gov. Otter, March 28
Source: Idaho Legislative voting records on S 1172
Mar 7, 2007
Jerry Sturgill:
Refugees contribute to society; don't close borders for fear
Sen Michael Crapo (R) said he disagrees with banning people from the country based either on their religion or on their country of origin, both of which have been proposed at times by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. However, he stressed,
there is legitimate concern about whether terrorists are able to make it into the U.S. through refugee resettlement, and the federal government needs to address it. "The solution is to resolve the vetting issue," Crapo said.Sturgill said he has
worked with refugees who contribute to society and the economy and said he supports the inclusive views toward immigrants and refugees espoused by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which both Sturgill and Crapo are members.
Sturgill said he would oppose closing our borders based on fear. "It's inconsistent with my belief, it's inconsistent with the church's position, and we should continue to be that kind of beacon to the world that we've been historically," he said.
Source: Twin Falls Times-News on 2016 Idaho Senate race
Aug 11, 2016
Jim Risch:
I oppose amnesty in any form
We must secure our borders, stop illegal aliens and terrorists from entering our country. I oppose amnesty in any form.
Source: 2008 Senate campaign website, www.Risch4Idaho.com, "Issues"
May 2, 2008
Jim Risch:
First and foremost, we need to secure our borders
I believe there is a three-pronged approach to immigration reform. First and foremost, we need to secure our borders. We cannot begin to solve this problem until we can control the borders.
Second, we need to reform our current immigration laws making a practical and workable program for legal immigration and workers. Finally, there should be no amnesty. No one should be rewarded for breaking the law.
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2020 Idaho Senate race
Apr 3, 2008
Michael Crapo:
Strongest border enforcement realistically possible
I have consistently maintained that there is a real need for a rational immigration policy. As additional immigration proposals are considered in Congress, I will continue to press for an immigration policy that is built on several important principles:
First, the United States must commit the resources necessary to have the strongest border enforcement realistically possible.
Preservation of the integrity of our borders is essential to both a sensible guest worker program as well as our national security. When we have a stable and manageable guest worker and
immigration system, we will be able to ensure that those who come to our country, whether they seek to come as a temporary worker or to obtain permanent residency, do so in compliance with our rule of law.
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2011 Idaho Senate incumbents
Jan 11, 2011
Michael Crapo:
Strongest border enforcement possible; no amnesty
The United States must commit the resources necessary to have the strongest border enforcement realistically possible. Preservation of the integrity of our borders is essential to immigration policy as well as national security. Our immigration system
must not grant amnesty to those who enter our country illegally or illegally overstay their visas. No person who breaks the law should obtain any benefit toward either permanent legal residency or citizenship as a result of their illegal conduct.
Source: Magic Valley Times-News on 2022 Idaho Senate race
Apr 9, 2021
Nancy Harris:
Reform immigration and provide path to citizenship
- Reform immigration and provide a path to citizenship
- Strengthening Our Communities
- Build caring communities
-
Welcome immigrants and refugees
- Oppose bigotry and white supremacy
Source: 2020 Idaho Senate website NancyHarrisForSenate.com
Feb 5, 2020
Nels Mitchell:
Idaho's farmers need immigration reform
My first priority is jobs and the economy. I would be an advocate for Idaho's economy and living wage jobs; there is a lot that a Senator working for Idaho can do. I would support and fight for funding for INL, and not vote against its funding as
Jim Risch recently did. I would be a staunch defender of Mountain Home Air Force Base and other federal facilities. I would work with Idaho's farmers who are advocating the need for immigration reform.
Source: 2014 Idaho Senate campaign website, NelsMitchellForIdaho.com
Sep 1, 2014
Paulette Jordan:
She wants to forge pathway for illegals to become citizens
Q: What's the solution to problems around immigration?Jordan: The governor can be the champion to build the pathway forward for undocumented immigrants. As governor, I would have a platform to lobby at the national level to make
sure there is complete comprehensive reform for immigrants to become documented. In Idaho, an undocumented person doesn't have access to a driver's license; that's a major concern for many because they are not insured.
Source: Idaho Business Review on 2018 Idaho Gubernatorial race
Apr 27, 2018
Paulette Jordan:
Address immigration, border security, enforcement separately
This is a complex issue which requires a multi-faceted solution and a compassionate, people-first approach. First, the system is backlogged and overburdened in such a way that the response to its inefficiency is illegal immigration. We cannot continue
down that path. Providing more opportunities immigrants to work legally in the U.S. will ease tensions at the border. We need legislation to address the issues of legal immigration, border security, and enforcement separately, as they are complex.
Source: The Idaho Press on 2020 Idaho Senate race
May 12, 2020
Raul Labrador:
Building wall is critical step against illegal immigrants
Securing the border is a critical step, but not the only step, in ending illegal immigration as we know it.
I agree with President Trump that border wall funding must be included in the next government funding bill.
Source: 2018 Idaho Gubernatorial campaign website labrador.house.gov
Aug 22, 2017
Raul Labrador:
Toughen laws against illegal immigrants
On May 24, the House Judiciary approved Rep. Labrador's bill, H.R. 2431, the Davis-Oliver Act giving states and localities authority to enforce federal immigration laws, and makes it more difficult for terrorists and criminals to enter our country.
On June 29, Rep. Labrador voted for Kate's Law, increasing penalties for deported felons who return to the U.S. and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, combating policies shielding illegal immigrants.
Source: 2018 Idaho Gubernatorial campaign website labrador.house.gov
Aug 22, 2017
Ron DeSantis:
Re-route illegal aliens in Florida to sanctuary states
As a state, we cannot be a party to what is effectively a massive human smuggling operation run by the federal government. Companies who are facilitating the movement of illegal aliens from the southern border to Florida should be held accountable,
including by paying restitution to the state for all the costs they are imposing on our communities. I am also requesting funds so that when the feds dump illegal aliens in Florida, the state can re-route them to states that have sanctuary policies.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 11, 2022
Russ Fulcher:
Make English the official state language
Legislative Summary: Declares English to be the official state language; to provide that English is the sole language of government; to provide the State Board of Education rulemaking authority governing the use of foreign languages
in the public schools; and to provide for recognition of specified constitutional rights.Legislative Outcome: Sen. Fulcher voted AYE; passed Senate 20-15-0, March 7; passed House 46-20-4, March 19; signed by Gov. Otter, March 28
Source: Idaho Legislative voting records on S 1172
Mar 7, 2007
Tom Sullivan:
Pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants
Q: Do you support a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants? A: Yes.
Source: Idaho Congressional 2010 Political Courage Test
Sep 9, 2010
Brad Little:
Secure the border to stop supply of fentanyl from Mexico
I have seen for myself how Mexico drug cartels control access into our country under the current administration. The vast majority of illicit drugs in Idaho, including fentanyl, are sourced in Mexico.
We will not relent in our efforts to end the supply of fentanyl by continuing to work with our states to the south and helping to secure our border.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 9, 2023
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023