State of Kansas Archives: on Immigration
Barbara Bollier:
Immigrants play a critical role in Kansas' economy
Q: Opinion on DACA?Barbara Bollier: "Immigrants play a critical role in Kansas' economy." Need "pathway to citizenship for those who have stayed out of trouble and are contributing to our society." Supports strong border security; unclear on wall.
Roger Marshall: Opposed path to citizenship for DACA participants. "Build a wall." "Turn off magnets that attract, promote, encourage and allow migrants to enter our country under false pretenses."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Kansas Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Roger Marshall:
Opposed path to citizenship for DACA participants
Q: Opinion on DACA?Roger Marshall: Opposed path to citizenship for DACA participants. "Build a wall." "Turn off magnets that attract, promote, encourage and allow migrants to enter our country under false pretenses."
Barbara Bollier: "Immigrants play a critical role in Kansas' economy." Need "pathway to citizenship for those who have stayed out of trouble and are contributing to our society." Supports strong border security; unclear on wall.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Kansas Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Roger Marshall:
Turn off magnets for migrants to enter under false pretenses
I've been to the border several times. I know it is a crisis, and President Trump is right: we must build a wall and fix our broken immigration system, and we have to turn off the magnets that attract, promote, encourage and allow migrants to
enter our country under false pretenses. We can build more shelters, we can send more doctors and nurses, more food and water, but proportionately more people will die trying to get to this country.
Source: 2020 Kansas Senate campaign website KansansForMarshall.com
Jun 17, 2020
Dave Lindstrom:
No discussion of immigration reform until border secured
Dave strongly believes that you do not find your best skilled labor crossing the border in the dead of night, but instead through a tightly regulated, secure immigration process tailored to meet the needs of our nation, not the need for a permanent
underclass to bolster the fortunes of a declining political party. A nation is not a nation without secure borders to regulate who and what is crossing our borders.
It's time to enforce our immigration laws and secure the border. Only when border security has been competently achieved can a discussion of comprehensive immigration reform begin in earnest. We can't adequately address the issue the of those already
here illegally when we have left the doors wide open at the border. Reforming our immigration protocol for legal immigration makes no sense as long as foreign individuals can come and go across our borders with impunity, and without consequence.
Source: 2020 Kansas Senate campaign website LindstromForSenate.com
May 31, 2020
Dave Lindstrom:
National security starts with wall on southern border
Dave will also work to ensure that our national security and our Armed Forces continue to be the best in the world.
Part of having a real national security starts with a wall on our southern border and immigration policies that reward those who follow the rules.
Source: 2020 Kansas Senate campaign website, LindstromForSenate.com
Jan 7, 2020
Susan Wagle:
President Trump is right; we must build a wall
President Trump is right. We must build a wall. A wall sends the signal to the world we will no longer allow illegal entry into our Country. It is a symbol: Don't cross.
A wall makes the current treacherous path followed impossible. In the helicopter I viewed the beginnings of the wall. My escort said, "here is where the wall ends. Here is where chaos starts."
Source: OpEd in The Hutchinson News on 2020 Kansas Senate race
Sep 5, 2019
Dave Lindstrom:
Build wall in some areas; use technology in other areas
Lindstrom said he supports Trump in his plans for enhanced security along the United States-Mexico border. "What we need to do is in some areas, we need to build a wall," he said. "Other areas, maybe technology will handle it. Further beyond that, we
need to fund a budget that will pay for those things and put politics aside and protect our nation." Lindstrom suggested initiating DNA testing to make sure adults are bringing their own children while seeking entry into the United States.
Source: San Jose Mercury News on 2020 Kansas Senate race
Aug 14, 2019
Dave Lindstrom:
We need to grow, but make sure they're coming in legally
Lindstrom said he believes Trump is "working hard" to secure the southern border, and wants people to seek entry into the United States legally. "We do have to reform our immigration so that we allow folks to come in this country, but we are a country
of laws," he said. "And we need to make sure that they're coming in legally. We want people to come into this country. We need to grow. We need bodies to help us employ, help us fill some of the jobs that we have vacant right now."
Source: San Jose Mercury News on 2020 Kansas Senate race
Aug 14, 2019
Jake LaTurner:
Protect our country; build the wall
Our freedoms and values are under assault. As your US Senator, I pledge:Protect Our Country, Build the Wall: The safety and security of our nation will be among my top priorities and our men and women in uniform will have my total support.
Like President Reagan, I support a "Peace Through Strength" approach to national defense. Protecting American interests abroad and at our borders are critical to a free and prosperous society.
Source: 2020 Kansas Senate campaign website LaTurnerForSenate.com
Jul 19, 2019
Laura Kelly:
Wants immigration reform that has clear path to citizenship
[WFK]: If elected, would you support "a path to citizenship" for the more than 11 million undocumented immigrants in our country? If not, would you support a program to regularize their status without their becoming citizens?
[Kelly]: Yes. As governor, I will push our congressional delegation to fix the broken immigration system and move forward on comprehensive immigration reform that presents a clear "path to citizenship" for undocumented immigrants in our country.
Source: WomenForKansas.org interview: 2018 Kansas governor race
Jul 12, 2018
Carl Brewer:
Compassionate resolution to immigration issue
I support a compassionate immigration policy that protects families and recognizes the positive contributions of the immigrant community to our society.
As Wichita mayor, I led the effort to submit a letter to the Congressional delegation, signed by 32 Kansas mayors, urging responsible federal action to resolve the immigration issue.
Source: 2018 Kansas Gubernatorial website BrewerForKansas.com
Sep 15, 2017
Kris Kobach:
Crack down on illegals in Kansas
Strong borders are essential to our nation and to our State. They are essential to fighting terrorism, essential to fighting crime, and essential to protecting American workers. Unfortunately, Kansas has become the sanctuary state of the Midwest.
We are the only state in the 5-state area that has done nothing to discourage illegal immigration. We can solve this problem in Kansas. But it takes leadership and political will. I'll get the job done.
Source: 2018 Kansas Governor website Kobach2018.com
Aug 17, 2017
Jeff Colyer:
Fought in-state tuition for children of illegal immigrants
As a legislator, Colyer opposed an amendment to a bill that would have prohibited Kansas employers from knowingly hiring an undocumented immigrant. He also fought against a law enabling public
colleges and universities to charge in-state tuition rates to children of illegal immigrants.
Source: Topeka Capital-Journal on 2018 Kansas gubernatorial race
Aug 14, 2017
Kris Kobach:
Kansas shouldn't be the sanctuary state of the Midwest
Kobach advised President Donald Trump on immigration policy throughout the 2016 campaign. Kobach, who is a figure of national controversy for his hardline stance on illegal immigration, called Kansas the "sanctuary state of the Midwest" and claimed that
the state spends hundreds of millions on public services for illegal immigrants. Kobach cited figures from the Federation for American Immigration Reform in support of this claim.
Kobach touted his role in crafting immigration laws around the country, including a 2010 Arizona law that critics say encouraged racial profiling by requiring law enforcement officers to determine
a suspect's immigration status if there is reasonable suspicion he or she is in the country illegally. Kobach has repeatedly rejected accusations of racial bias.
Source: Kansas City Star on 2018 Kansas gubernatorial race
Jun 8, 2017
Ron Estes:
Securing the Southern border must be our first priority
For decades, Washington insiders have ignored the realities on our Southern border. This is unacceptable. The American people are not safe when we do not know who is entering and leaving our country. Securing the border must be our first priority.
Our immigration process must deter criminals and terrorists from entering illegally while providing a fair, efficient process for law abiding individuals wishing to pursue the American dream.
Source: 2017 Kansas House campaign website EstesForCongress.com
Apr 11, 2017
Roger Marshall:
Spend what is necessary to secure our southern border
Protecting Americans includes spending the resources necessary to secure our southern border. Radical Islam will stop at nothing and will exploit any weakness they see.
We must be certain the young men and women serving us have the tools and training they need to be successful and the confidence that America will never renege on the promises made to them when they become veterans.
Source: 2016 Kansas House campaign website KansansForMarshall.com
Nov 8, 2016
Patrick Wiesner:
Hispanics are hard workers--but no amnesty
I have served with Hispanics in the Army and have had dozens as clients. They are hard workers who take care of their families and heroically serve our country. A robust immigration policy would help the Kansas economy grow when these hard workers
become employed by our businesses.Amnesty is not necessary. My solution is to establish special immigration facilities in northern Mexico to process those who want to apply for legal status. Those here illegally can return to that country and then
reenter in accordance with US law. The reward will be a path to full citizenship. The charge will be about $4,000 per person, to cover the costs. For those undocumented who avoid applying for citizenship, they will not be eligible for the privileges and
immunities granted to those who comply with immigration laws.
The program would probably take six years to complete. In the interim, Congress must address border enforcement including adequate funding for interdiction and fence construction.
Source: 2016 Kansas Senate campaign website WiesnerForSenate.com
Aug 31, 2016
Greg Orman:
Increase border patrols; reduce undocumented immigrant flow
Orman has criticized Roberts for the growth of the undocumented immigrant population during Roberts' time in Washington. Orman says he wants to maintain or increase border patrols to reduce the flow of undocumented immigrants into the U.S.,
a position similar to that of Roberts.Unlike Roberts, though, Orman supports a path to citizenship for some of the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants now in the U.S. "It's just not practical to say that we're going
to find and send back, to other countries, 11 million undocumented people," he says on his website. "If you are here undocumented, you should register, pay a fine, obey our laws, hold down a job and pay taxes, and then I think you should be able
to stay here," he said at a Kansas State Fair debate earlier this month.
Roberts opposes any path to citizenship for immigrants in the country illegally--he calls it amnesty.
Source: The Kansas City Star on 2014 Kansas Senate race
Sep 19, 2014
Pat Roberts:
Increase border patrols; reduce undocumented immigrant flow
Orman has criticized Roberts for the growth of the undocumented immigrant population during Roberts' time in Washington. Orman says he wants to maintain or increase border patrols to reduce the flow of undocumented immigrants into the U.S.,
a position similar to that of Roberts.Unlike Roberts, though, Orman supports a path to citizenship for some of the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants now in the U.S.
Roberts opposes any path to citizenship for immigrants in the country illegally--he calls it amnesty. "Who do we honestly expect to raise their hand, identify themselves as an illegal immigrant, agree to pay years of back taxes,
pay an additional fine, get in line for a chance, just a chance, at getting citizenship in about a decade?" he said in a 2013 news release.
Source: The Kansas City Star on 2014 Kansas Senate race
Sep 19, 2014
Pat Roberts:
1986: Opposed Reagan's immigration limited amnesty bill
Roberts criticized Obama's decision, since delayed, to allow some undocumented immigrants to remain in the country through an executive order. Greg Orman said he also opposes that order, preferring it be approached legislatively.
In 1986, as a member of the House, Roberts voted against an immigration bill backed by President Ronald Reagan.
That bill, which became law, granted a limited amnesty to more than 2 million undocumented immigrants while prohibiting employers from knowingly hiring undocumented workers.
In 2007, as a senator, he voted to kill an immigration measure updating the 1986 law, including a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
Source: The Kansas City Star on 2014 Kansas Senate race
Sep 19, 2014
Randall Batson:
Supports illegal immigrants earning citizenship
Q: Do you support or oppose illegal immigrants earning citizenship?
A: Support.
Source: Email interview on Kansas 2014 Senate race with OnTheIssues
Sep 19, 2014
Randall Batson:
Benefits of citizenship only if arrived by legal means
Individuals that have arrived here by legal means and have proven themselves
with integrity should be allowed the benefits of citizenry.
Source: 2014 Kansas Senate campaign site batson4senate.weebly.com
Aug 31, 2014
Chad Taylor:
Unmuddy the waters and create a path to citizenship
As a district attorney, I believe in enforcing the laws as they are written. Therefore, I think efforts to stop illegal immigration must start with getting a clear immigration policy.Right now, our immigration process is confusing, inconsistent,
and inhumane. That confusion incentivizes immigrants to come into our country the wrong way. We need to unmuddy the waters and create a path to citizenship that makes potential immigrants part of the process.
Source: 2014 Kansas Senate campaign website, TaylorForUSSenate.com
Jul 2, 2014
Milton Wolf:
Protect the borders; prevent illegal entry
Question topic: Government should enforce laws designed to protect the border and to prevent illegal entry of persons into the country.
Wolf: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Kansas Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
Greg Orman:
Illegals already here should register and pay taxes
Our immigration policy needs to be tough, fair and practical. After we actually secure the border, Washington needs to make sure that those workers who are already here can continue working if they register with the INS, hold down a job, pay taxes and
obey our laws.Because Congress has failed to act over the last 30 years, the US now has more than 11 million undocumented workers. Simply deporting all of those individuals is not practical, would be incredibly expensive and difficult to accomplish.
Source: KSN.com Q&A on 2014 Kansas Senate race
Jun 25, 2014
Todd Akin:
Illegal immigrants receiving benefits is unacceptable
The recent announcement that DHS will stop deporting and begin giving work permits to illegal immigrants who came to the US as children has again sparked a larger debate about immigration. The idea of illegal immigrants receiving federal benefits like
food stamps or Social Security is unacceptable to most Americans. We welcome legal immigrants who can contribute to these programs and in turn can receive benefits. But if you have not paid into the programs, and you are not legally in this country, you
should not be allowed to receive benefits.
Not surprisingly, it is illegal already for illegal immigrants to receive federal benefits. Since the rule of law is under assault by the Obama administration, particularly when it comes to immigration, it is
unlikely DHS would even start checking immigration status on their own initiative. That is why I recently introduced the VERIFI Act, which would require an individual's immigration status to be checked before receiving any benefits.
Source: Todd Akin in Kansas City Star; 2012 Missouri Senate debate
Jun 26, 2012
Jerry Moran:
No driver's licenses & no college discounts for illegals
Todd Tiahrt acknowledged Tuesday evening that he's changed his views on immigration over time but said during the first televised debate that his stance now boils down to "build the fence" along the U.S-Mexican border. Jerry Moran criticized Tiahrt
during the debate for past support of proposals to allow some illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses and to make it easier for some to pay lower college tuition. Tiahrt said his views shifted as he consulted with Kansans and studied the issue.
Moran endorsed the new Arizona law and derided the Obama administration's challenge as "a silly waste of taxpayer dollars."
Tiahrt said Moran opposed federal legislation to block cities from making themselves sanctuaries for illegal immigrants, citing
Moran's vote against a 2003 bill to cut off federal funds to cities that wouldn't allow law enforcement to share information. "I've voted numerous times in support of eliminating sanctuary cities," Moran refuted. "That's a terrible idea. It's wrong."
Source: Salina Journal on 2010 Kansas Senate Republican Debate
Jul 7, 2010
Todd Tiahrt:
I've shifted my view: build the fence on Mexican border
Todd Tiahrt acknowledged Tuesday evening that he's changed his views on immigration over time but said during the first televised debate that his stance now boils down to "build the fence" along the U.S-Mexican border. Jerry Moran criticized Tiahrt
during the debate for past support of proposals to allow some illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses and to make it easier for some to pay lower college tuition. Tiahrt said his views shifted as he consulted with Kansans and studied the issue.
Tiahrt acknowledged he once supported proposals on tuition and driver's licenses; Moran's staff noted Tiahrt co-sponsored legislation in 2001 and 2003. "I thought it was compassionate to not punish the children for the parents' sins." Tiahrt said. "But
I've come to the conclusion that we must build the fence, that we must say 'no' to amnesty."
Tiahrt said he also wants to stop printing bilingual election ballots, a practice he said encourages people to come to the US illegally.
Source: Salina Journal on 2010 Kansas Senate Republican Debate
Jul 7, 2010
Todd Tiahrt:
Compassion for illegals on lower tuition, but no more
Moran criticized Tiahrt for supporting bills making it easier for illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses and pay lower tuition. Tiahrt said he had supported the bills out of compassion in the past but has since changed his mind after listening to
Kansans' views on the issue.Tiahrt said his position could be made clear in three words--"Build the fence." He repeated the phrase 4 more times during the debate. He criticized Moran for supporting the idea of bilingual ballots and for voting in favor
of the children's health insurance reauthorization, which, in addition to providing millions to states for low-income children, also made it more difficult to deny coverage to children of illegal immigrants.
Tiahrt said his previous support for making
it easier for children of illegal immigrants to receive tuition was done out of a belief that it "was compassionate not to punish the kids of immigrants." Since then, he changed his mind. "We must say no to amnesty and build the fence," he said.
Source: KSNT-TV coverage of 2010 Kansas Senate GOP Primary Debate
Jul 6, 2010
John McCain:
No more ballot initiatives against immigration
Yes, we need to control our borders. No one argues with that. Just ask the recent immigrant who came here legally and is the first to be knocked off the ladder of opportunity by illegal immigrants. But we don’t need ballot initiatives that make people
think we want them to abandon their hopes because some of us don’t believe the American Dream is big enough to share anymore.
Source: Landon Lecture at Kansas State University
Mar 15, 1999
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021