State of Minnesota Archives: on Immigration


Jason Lewis: Opposes open borders, abolishing ICE, sanctuary cities

I voted for two immigration reform bills in the House that would have fixed the Dreamer problem, but Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Tina Smith wanted nothing to do with it because it funded border security, including a wall. Instead they have continued with their radical plans for open borders by abolishing ICE and sanctuary cities. Democrats refused to back a simple resolution honoring the brave men and women at ICE.
Source: 2020 Minnesota Senate campaign website LewisForMN.com Jul 8, 2020

Steve Carlson: Defend our borders and our people

Q: What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
  1. Keep the economy growing,
  2. Defend the United States including our borders and our people, and
  3. Continue to provide real opportunity through freedom, education and the economy.
Source: Ballotpedia.org Connection: 2020 Minnesota Senate race Sep 9, 2019

Steve Carlson: Defend our border; build the Wall

We must defend our border and build the Wall in order to stop massive illegal immigration and create security and community all along the Mexican border.
Source: KROC 1340-AM/96.9 FM on 2018 Minnesota Senate race Jul 5, 2019

Jim Hagedorn: Build the wall to enforce legal immigration process

Hagedorn backs Trump's proposal to build a wall and increase security at the United States-Mexico border, and believes the nation in general makes it too easy for immigrants to enter the U.S. illegally and stay. "We need a wall, we need fencing, we need every kind of security border we can so that illegal folks, drugs, everyone else, don't come to the United States unless they come through a legal process," he said.
Source: Minnesota Public Radio on 2018 Congressional MN-1 election Oct 12, 2018

Pete Stauber: Secure border with walls in some places

Stauber says there is a need to secure America's borders to include walls in some places. He did call the Trump administration's policy of separating children at the Mexico border "heartbreaking and an unfortunate consequence of when parents disregard the law."
Source: MPR Minnesota voter guide: 2018 Congressional MN-8 election Oct 10, 2018

Jeff Johnson: Stop MN's refugee resettlement program now

Q: Support DACA, allowing "Dreamers" who arrived illegally as children, then grew up in the US, to achieve legal status if meet certain conditions?

Jeff Johnson (R): Unknown.

Tim Walz (D): Yes. Sees a need to address DACA & protect Dreamers.

Q: Support path to citizenship for America's 11 million illegal immigrants?

Johnson (R): Unknown. Advocates stopping MN's refugee resettlement program now.

Walz (D): Yes. Supports a path to citizenship for undocumented workers.

Source: CampusElect.org 2018: Minnesota legislative voting records Oct 9, 2018

Tim Walz: Give DREAMers a path to citizenship

Q: Support DACA, allowing "Dreamers" who arrived illegally as children, then grew up in the US, to achieve legal status?

Jeff Johnson (R): Unknown.

Tim Walz (D): Yes. Sees a need to address DACA & protect Dreamers. Wants to provide them with a path t

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Minnesota Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Jeff Johnson: Opposes sanctuary state and all sanctuary cities

Though hard to believe, the DFL candidates for governor support the concept of "sanctuary cities" and, in fact, want to make Minnesota a "sanctuary state." This would mean that local law enforcement would be prohibited from working with federal agents tasked with enforcing our country's immigration laws. I will not allow Minnesota to become a sanctuary state and will work with the legislature to ban sanctuary cities in Minnesota.
Source: 2018 Minnesota JohnsonForGovernor.org campaign website Sep 1, 2018

Amy Klobuchar: Path to citizenship for people who have been law abiding

The Republican candidate, Jim Newberger, brought up the recent killing of an Iowa college student and alluded to the immigration status of her alleged killer. "If we would have had comprehensive immigration reform where we knew who was coming across our border, would Mollie have been killed in Iowa?" Newberger asked.

"First of all," Klobuchar answered, "the family has asked that people not politicize this tragic death."

Klobuchar added the man charged with the student's death should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. She also said that she endorsed a path to earned citizenship for people who have been law abiding and that she supported more money for border security and employer checks of immigrant status.

Source: MPR News on 2018 Minnesota Senate debate Aug 22, 2018

Jim Newberger: We must build the wall; we must secure our border

Immigration was one of several points of contention during the debate. Newberger, a three-term state legislator, said he would back Trump's border wall. "We must build the wall," he said. "We must secure our border. The simple analogy is this: If you don't believe in building the wall or securing the border, then leave your front door wide open all day long 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If that doesn't bother you, then leave it wide open, and let anyone who wants come into your house and do what they care to do."

The Republican candidate also brought up the recent killing of an Iowa college student and alluded to the immigration status of her alleged killer. "If we would have had comprehensive immigration reform where we knew who was coming across our border, would Mollie have been killed in Iowa?" Newberger asked.

Klobuchar answered, "the family has asked that people not politicize this tragic death."

Source: MPR News on 2018 Minnesota Senate debate Aug 22, 2018

Steve Carlson: ICE should not be abolished; work with Mexico

ICE should not be abolished. We do need a different approach to controlling our border with Mexico. It should be based on working with Mexico. We both benefit from immigration and travel between our two countries. But each nation has a right to enforce their borders and maintain the safety and integrity of their population. This requires a wall. The burden cannot simply be placed on immigration enforcement, we have to back it up.
Source: CBS-4 Minnesota on 2020 Alabama Senate race Jul 24, 2018

Lori Swanson: Joined forces to fight against Trump's zero tolerance policy

Minnesota AG Lori Swanson has joined with 20 other Democratic attorneys general nationwide in demanding that the Trump administration end a "zero tolerance" policy that has resulted in children being separated from their parents at the U.S.- Mexico border. The state prosecutors say in a letter to U.S. AG Jeff Sessions and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen that the policy is inhumane and draconian. And they say raises serious concerns regarding the violation of children's rights.
Source: Seattle Times on 2018 Minnesota Gubernatorial race Jun 19, 2018

Paula Overby: Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens"?

A: Support--We could certainly use a major reform of immigration policy. Illegal aliens who are generally poor tend to support America's strong demand for cheaper service level labor. Legal immigrants tend to arrive as refugees or visa programs. They tend toward an export of American technology and wealth.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Minnesota Senate candidate May 13, 2018

Karin Housley: Supports path to legal status for DREAMers

Housley is a legislator married to current NHL head coach and worked in TV, radio and real estate. She was elected to the state Senate in 2012. I decided to put this post up to give you access to one of her first interviews. She broke with Trump on a couple of things--she is an enthusiast for net neutrality, she's for a path to legal status for the "dreamers";ÿ she made a strong pitch gay rights, without specifics.
Source: Minneapolis Post on 2017-8 Minnesota Senate special election Apr 27, 2018

Jim Newberger: Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens is possible

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens"?

A: Possible

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Minnesota Senate candidate Mar 15, 2018

Karin Housley: Backs pathway to citizenship for DREAMers

Housley said she is sympathetic with the "Dreamers"--those stuck in the immigration debate over allowing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants brought over by their parents as children. "I don't think it's right to tell them go back to their country because this is the only country they have ever known," Housley said. "We really need to make sure there is a path for them to remain here. I'm really hoping that will be settled by March."
Source: Marshall Independent on 2017-8 Minnesota special election Jan 31, 2018

Erin Murphy: Support driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants

Q: What will you do to restore access to immigrants' driver's licenses that were taken away by Tim Pawlenty in 2003?

Murphy: "I was in a church in 2014 in North Minneapolis where I made a commitment to vote for and support driver's licenses for people who are not documented here in the state of Minnesota. And as your governor I will keep that commitment." Murphy added that she will not allow law enforcement in Minnesota to become an extension of ICE.

Source: Post-Bulletin on 2018 Minnesota governor debate Oct 25, 2017

Jeff Johnson: Distinguish legal residents for getting state services

Q: If elected governor, what will you do to fight the scapegoating and demonization and persecution of immigrants and refugees? Specifically, what will you do to work with the Minnesota Legislature to restore access to driver's licenses that were taken away by Tim Pawlenty in 2003?

Johnson: "I think it's helpful if we draw the curtain here and distinguish between those who are legal residents and legal citizens of the United States, and who are not."

Source: Post-Bulletin on 2018 Minnesota governor debate Oct 25, 2017

Rebecca Otto: Support driver's licenses for undocumented workers

Q: What will you do to restore access to immigrants' driver's licenses that were taken away by Tim Pawlenty in 2003?

Otto: While supporting efforts to allow undocumented workers to obtain driver's licenses & universal health care, she added, "I don't like hateful behavior. I don't tolerate it. I taught seventh grade. I taught 12- and 13-year-olds. They weren't allowed to say certain things in our classroom, and it's going to be the same thing with our president, and I will call him out if he does."

Source: Post-Bulletin on 2018 Minnesota governor debate Oct 25, 2017

Tim Walz: Helped resettle countless immigrants into this community

Q: If elected governor, what will you do to fight the scapegoating and demonization and persecution of immigrants and refugees?

Walz: Talking about his first campaign where Rep. Steve King from Iowa campaigned against him, Walz said, "Two days after I was elected, I was in the church with Fr. Brixius in Worthington in the basement after the ICE raid there. Over the years, my office has helped resettle countless people into this community."

Source: Post-Bulletin on 2018 Minnesota governor debate Oct 25, 2017

Tina Liebling: America offers a promise to desperate immigrants

Q: What will you do to fight the scapegoating and persecution of immigrants and refugees?

Liebling: Saying Gov. Dayton could have fixed the driver's license problem, added, "Let's just remember that children don't choose where they are born. They don't choose their families. People who are coming to this country and who are risking so much to do it without documentation are doing it out of desperation. They are doing it because America offered a promise to them, or at least they thought it did."

Source: Post-Bulletin on 2018 Minnesota governor debate Oct 25, 2017

Jim Newberger: Immigrants must accept American law

We need to reach out and help refugees. I support this. However, we are also seeing groups of refugees and immigrants coming to our nation who are establishing their own communities and have attempted to establish a different form of law, different from our current system of American Law. America is the great melting pot. We should welcome those who come here, who desire to live as Americans - under American Law.
Source: 2018 Minnesota Senatorial website JimForUSSenate.com Oct 1, 2017

Mark Dayton: Require compliance with federal REAL ID

Legislative Summary: Only the following is satisfactory evidence for obtaining driver's licenses and MN identification cards: Wikipedia background: The REAL ID Act of 2005 modifies US federal law pertaining to issuance procedures for state driver's licenses. Prior to the REAL ID Act, each state set its own rules and criteria regarding the issuance of a driver's licenses or ID cards, including what documents must be provided to obtain one.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 72-58 on Feb. 23; passed House 60-7 on March 30; signed by Gov. Dayton on May 18.

Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: HF 3 May 18, 2017

Scott Jensen: Require compliance with federal REAL ID

Legislative Summary:ÿOnly the following is satisfactory evidence for obtaining driver's licenses and MN identification cards:

Wikipedia background:ÿThe REAL ID Act of 2005 modifies US federal law pertaining to issuance procedures for state driver's licenses. Prior to the REAL ID Act, each state set its own rules and criteria regarding the issuance of a driver's licenses or ID cards, including what documents must be provided to obtain one.

Legislative Outcome:ÿPassed House 72-58-0 on Feb. 23; passed Senate 60-7-0 on March 30; State Sen. Scott Jensen voted YES; signed by Gov. Dayton on May 18.

Source: Planned Parenthood on Minnesota voting record SF704 / HF812 May 4, 2017

Ilhan Omar: Voted NO on complying with federal REAL ID

Legislative Summary: Only the following is satisfactory evidence for obtaining driver's licenses and MN identification cards: Wikipedia background: The REAL ID Act of 2005 modifies US federal law pertaining to issuance procedures for state driver's licenses. Prior to the REAL ID Act, each state set its own rules and criteria regarding the issuance of a driver's licenses or ID cards, including what documents must be provided to obtain one.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 72-58-0 on Feb. 23; passed Senate 60-7-0 on March 30; Rep. Ilhan Omar voted NAY; signed by Gov. Dayton on May 18.

Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: HF 3 Mar 30, 2017

Jim Abeler: Require compliance with federal REAL ID

Legislative Summary: Only the following is satisfactory evidence for obtaining driver's licenses and MN identification cards: Wikipedia background: The REAL ID Act of 2005 modifies US federal law pertaining to issuance procedures for state driver's licenses. Prior to the REAL ID Act, each state set its own rules and criteria regarding the issuance of a driver's licenses or ID cards, including what documents must be provided to obtain one.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 72-58-0 on Feb. 23; passed Senate 60-7-0 on March 30; Rep. Jim Abeler voted AYE; signed by Gov. Dayton on May 18.

Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: HF 3 Mar 30, 2017

Jim Newberger: Require compliance with federal REAL ID

Legislative Summary: Only the following is satisfactory evidence for obtaining driver's licenses and MN identification cards: Wikipedia background: The REAL ID Act of 2005 modifies US federal law pertaining to issuance procedures for state driver's licenses. Prior to the REAL ID Act, each state set its own rules and criteria regarding the issuance of a driver's licenses or ID cards, including what documents must be provided to obtain one.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 72-58-0 on Feb. 23; passed Senate 60-7-0 on March 30; Rep. Jim Newberger voted YES; signed by Gov. Dayton on May 18.

Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: HF 3 Mar 30, 2017

Matt Dean: Voted NO on complying with federal REAL ID

Legislative Summary: Only the following is satisfactory evidence for obtaining driver's licenses and MN identification cards: Wikipedia background: The REAL ID Act of 2005 modifies US federal law pertaining to issuance procedures for state driver's licenses. Prior to the REAL ID Act, each state set its own rules and criteria regarding the issuance of a driver's licenses or ID cards, including what documents must be provided to obtain one.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 72-58-0 on Feb. 23; passed Senate 60-7-0 on March 30; Rep. Matt Dean voted NAY; signed by Gov. Dayton on May 18.

Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: HF 3 Mar 30, 2017

Michelle Fischbach: Voted NO on complying with federal REAL ID

Legislative Summary:ÿOnly the following is satisfactory evidence for obtaining driver's licenses and MN identification cards: Wikipedia background:ÿThe REAL ID Act of 2005 modifies US federal law pertaining to issuance procedures for state driver's licenses. Prior to the REAL ID Act, each state set its own rules and criteria regarding the issuance of a driver's licenses or ID cards, including what documents must be provided to obtain one.

Legislative Outcome:ÿPassed House 72-58-0 on Feb. 23; passed Senate 60-7-0 on March 30; Sen. Michelle Fischbach voted NAY; signed by Gov. Dayton on May 18.

Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: HF 3 Mar 30, 2017

Tina Liebling: Voted NO on complying with federal REAL ID

Legislative Summary: Only the following is satisfactory evidence for obtaining driver's licenses and MN identification cards: Wikipedia background: The REAL ID Act of 2005 modifies US federal law pertaining to issuance procedures for state driver's licenses. Prior to the REAL ID Act, each state set its own rules and criteria regarding the issuance of a driver's licenses or ID cards, including what documents must be provided to obtain one.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 72-58-0 on Feb. 23; passed Senate 60-7-0 on March 30; Rep. Tina Liebling voted NAY; signed by Gov. Dayton on May 18.

Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: HF 3 Mar 30, 2017

Erin Murphy: Voted NO on complying with federal REAL ID

Legislative Summary: Only the following is satisfactory evidence for obtaining driver's licenses and MN identification cards: Wikipedia background: The REAL ID Act of 2005 modifies US federal law pertaining to issuance procedures for state driver's licenses. Prior to the REAL ID Act, each state set its own rules and criteria regarding the issuance of a driver's licenses or ID cards, including what documents must be provided to obtain one.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 72-58-0 on Feb. 23; Erin Murphy voted NAY; passed Senate 60-7-0 on March 30; signed by Gov. Dayton on May 18.

Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: HF 3 Feb 23, 2017

Chris Coleman: Our sanctuary city law not subject to Trump executive ban

Officials in the Twin Cities are reviewing President Donald Trump's executive order that cuts funding for so-called sanctuary cities. They say the impact of the order is not yet clear. St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman says it applies to cities that willfully violate federal law. Coleman says St. Paul is not in violation. St. Paul and many other cities have ordinances that create a distinction between the duties of local law enforcement officers and those of federal immigration agents.

Across the river in Minneapolis, Mayor Betsy Hodges says the city attorney is reviewing the order. Hodges says the city's separation ordinance makes all the people of Minneapolis safer because victims of crime, and witnesses to crime, are more likely to come forward if they're not in danger of being deported

Source: CBS-MN-Local on 2018 Minnesota Gubernatorial race Jan 26, 2017

Jason Lewis: Fiscal cost of unlawful immigration is simply unsustainable

Ronald Reagan once said, 'A nation that cannot control its borders is not a nation at all.' The best way to keep our homeland safe--along with slowing the influx of criminals and drugs--is to enforce the laws on the books, secure the border and control who gets in this country and who does not. German officials now admit that ISIS terrorists have infiltrated the Syrian refugee community and that's why I believe we should not be putting more of them in America's neighborhoods.

Furthermore, the fiscal cost of unlawful immigration is simply unsustainable. The Center for Immigration Studies estimates that when you include public education, health care, corrections, and government benefits, the total comes to $113 billion per year--most of it borne by the states. We may be able to find common ground to the nonimmigrant work visa issue, skilled & otherwise, but not until we secure the border.

Source: 2016 Minnesota House campaign website JasonLewis2016.com Nov 8, 2016

Jim Abeler: 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.

Abeler: Strongly Agree

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Minnesota Senate race Jul 2, 2014

Al Franken: Apologize for stripping citizenship for marrying foreigners

What's the statute of limitation on saying sorry? Franken has some apologizing he'd like to do on behalf of his Senate predecessors.

In 1907, during the rush of European immigration to the US, Congress stripped citizenship from any American woman who married a foreigner. The little-known Expatriation Act stayed on the books until 1940.

Franken would like the Senate to offer, through legislation, its sympathy and regret for passing a law "antithetical to the core principle that all persons, regardless of gender, race, religion, or ethnicity, are created equal."

Franken's office first learned of this blemish in US history from a constituent who was seeking posthumous citizenship for his grandmother. She lost hers when she married a Swedish man in 1914. Franken couldn't accomplish that, so is seeking an official apology as the next best thing.

The Senate doesn't make a habit of seeking absolution, but this would not be the first time it's formally recognized mistakes from America's past.

Source: Washington Post on 2014 Minnesota Senate race Apr 3, 2014

Mike McFadden: Secure the borders, then conditional path to citizenship

On immigration, McFadden said it is clear that there must be a solution that involves securing the borders & suggested he was open to looking at some kind of path to citizenship, with conditions.

He spoke admiringly of the work Sens. Bob Corker (R,TN) and John Hoeven (R, ND) on immigration. "There is a group of senators that have led, taken a lot of arrows for leading, but they have led. They've come forward with a bill that is not perfect but they acknowledge that we have to address this," he said.

Source: Star-Tribune on 2014 Minnesota Senate race Oct 28, 2013

Mike McFadden: Secure the borders & then find way to grant citizenship

On immigration, McFadden said any changes to immigration law would have to start with securing US borders, but said he isn't opposed to finding a way for millions of immigrants now here illegally to obtain citizenship.

"As Republicans, we need to get our arms around this," McFadden said. He said he wants to see "outreach to the Hispanic community, because if they're not already Republicans they have the potential to be great Republicans because they have strong family values, they're entrepreneurial, they work hard, they're industrious. We need to appeal to them."

Source: CBS Minnesota WCCO on 2014 Minnesota Senate race Jul 23, 2013

Mike McFadden: Status quo is not acceptable; we need to find a solution

Q: Would you have supported the Senate immigration bill?

A: First of all, the status quo is not acceptable, having 11 million illegal immigrants in this country is de facto amnesty, and that doesn't work, so we need to find a solution. I applaud members of the Senate for trying to find that solution. The solution needs to begin with securing the borders, it needs to stop further illegal immigration, so that's my first principle. My second principle is: We need something that addresses the 21st century and our economic needs in this country. The fact that we're educating PhDs in math and hard sciences and not allowing them to stay in this country when they're needed, does not make economic sense. We need to address that. I'm still reviewing the Senate bill. I look forward to seeing what comes out of the House.

Source: Minneapolis Post on 2014 Minnesota Senate race Jul 15, 2013

Jim Abeler: Withhold state aid for sanctuary cities

Jim Abeler voted Yea on Seifert Amendment. Amendment Rejected in House: 66-67.

Legislative title:Seifert Amendment: Restriction of State Aid Based on Compliance with Immigration Laws

Legislative summary: Vote to adopt an amendment that withholds state aid from cities that prohibit officials from verifying immigration status or undertaking action to detect undocumented persons. Allocates aid that would have otherwise been distributed to cities that are prohibited from receiving aid under this amendment to other cities that are not determined to have ordinances that prevent immigration law enforcement.

Source: Minnesota House voting records (Votesmart synopses) Mar 3, 2008

Amy Klobuchar: No amnesty for companies hiring illegal immigrants

Q: What should we do on our southern border?

KLOBUCHAR: I believe we need to have order. We need to have adequate border controls, the fence, and no amnesty for companies hiring illegal immigrants; as well as earned citizenship for people who have been here, have paid their taxes, that are willing to learn English and become part of our community.

KENNEDY: Ms. Klobuchar came out first for a bill that had nothing in there for a fence. I [didn’t agree with that bill] that we should give a veto right to Mexico to control our border.

KLOBUCHAR: For 6 years, this Congressman and this Congress had the ability to do something about immigration. We need comprehensive immigration reform. It hasn’t happened. The Fargo Forum debunked his claims on my stands on immigration, and said they were distorted and not true.

FITZGERALD: I do not support a fence on our southern border. You show me a 50-foot fence, I’ll show you someone with a 51-foot ladder.

Source: Minnesota 2006 3-way Senate Debate, sponsored by LWV Oct 30, 2006

Mark Kennedy: Good fences make good neighbors

Q: What should we do on our southern border?

KLOBUCHAR: I believe we need to have order. We need to have adequate border controls, the fence, & no amnesty for companies hiring illegal immigrants; as well as earned citizenship.

KENNEDY: Ms. Klobuchar came out first for a bill that had nothing in there for a fence. I [didn’t agree with that bill] that we should give a veto right to Mexico to control our border.

KLOBUCHAR: For 6 years, this Congressman and this Congress had the ability to do something about immigration. We need comprehensive immigration reform. It hasn’t happened. The Fargo Forum debunked his claims on my stands on immigration, and said they were distorted and not true.

KENNEDY: We have passed 700-mile fencing along the border. I believe that good fences make good neighbors. We’ve doubled the border patrol; we’ve ended catch-and-release. We have more to do, but it begins with a conviction that a country that can’t control its own borders can’t control its own security.

Source: Minnesota 2006 3-way Senate Debate, sponsored by LWV Oct 30, 2006

Robert Fitzgerald: Show me 50-foot border fence, I’ll show you 51-foot ladder

Q: What should we do on our southern border?

KLOBUCHAR: I believe we need to have order. We need to have adequate border controls, the fence, and no amnesty for companies hiring illegal immigrants; as well as earned citizenship.

FITZGERALD: I do not support a fence on our southern border. $1.2 billion for a fence for 700 miles out of 200 miles--that doesn’t get the job done, and more dollars aren’t going to get the job done. You show me a 50-foot fence, I’ll show you someone with a 51-foot ladder. Until we address the economic disparity between the US and our southern neighbors, we’re not addressing illegal immigration at all.

KENNEDY: We have passed 700-mile fencing along the border. I believe that good fences make good neighbors. We’ve doubled the border patrol; we’ve ended catch-and-release. We have more to do, but it begins with a conviction that a country that can’t control its own borders can’t control its own security.

Source: Minnesota 2006 3-way Senate Debate, sponsored by LWV Oct 30, 2006

Robert Fitzgerald: Making bogeymen of illegal immigrants doesn’t address issue

Q: What about immigration reform?

KENNEDY: Ms. Klobuchar came out first for a bill that had nothing in there for a fence. I [didn’t agree with that bill] that we should give a veto right to Mexico to control our border.

KLOBUCHAR: The Fargo Forum debunked his claims on my stands on immigration, and said they were distorted and not true. We need comprehensive immigration reform. It hasn’t happened.

FITZGERALD: Immigration reform does not involve making bogeymen out of immigrants to scare us during the midterm election. I do not support either bill. The Senate bill for a guest worker program creates a subclass of citizens who cannot take part in our democratic process. That’s apartheid. The House bill is a punitive measure that makes felons out of immigrants, making bogeymen to scare us. We need not be afraid. We need comprehensive immigration reform.

Source: Minnesota 2006 3-way Senate Debate, sponsored by LWV Oct 30, 2006

Mark Dayton: Unsnarl the INS bureaucracy to reduce backlog

There are no easy answers on the range of immigration issues. I do believe that one necessary reform is to drastically overhaul the INS, which reportedly has a backlog of millions of applications for new or revised resident status. This bureaucratic nightmare is unjust, and it undoubtedly contributes to the growing problem of undocumented workers in this country. Unsnarling the INS bureaucracy, although necessary, will be an enormous and time-consuming undertaking.
Source: Minnesota Newspaper Association Election Questionnaire Jul 2, 2000

  • The above quotations are from State of Minnesota Politicians: Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Immigration.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
2020 Presidential contenders on Immigration:
  Democrats running for President:
Sen.Michael Bennet (D-CO)
V.P.Joe Biden (D-DE)
Mayor Mike Bloomberg (I-NYC)
Gov.Steve Bullock (D-MT)
Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D-IN)
Sen.Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Secy.Julian Castro (D-TX)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Rep.John Delaney (D-MD)
Rep.Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI)
Sen.Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Gov.Deval Patrick (D-MA)
Sen.Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
CEO Tom Steyer (D-CA)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Marianne Williamson (D-CA)
CEO Andrew Yang (D-NY)

2020 Third Party Candidates:
Rep.Justin Amash (L-MI)
CEO Don Blankenship (C-WV)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Howie Hawkins (G-NY)
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Howard Schultz(I-WA)
Gov.Jesse Ventura (I-MN) 		Republicans running for President:
Sen.Ted Cruz(R-TX)
Gov.Larry Hogan (R-MD)
Gov.John Kasich(R-OH)
V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
Gov.Mark Sanford (R-SC)
Pres.Donald Trump(R-NY)
Rep.Joe Walsh (R-IL)
Gov.Bill Weld(R-MA & L-NY)

2020 Withdrawn Democratic Candidates:
Sen.Stacey Abrams (D-GA)
Mayor Bill de Blasio (D-NYC)
Sen.Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Sen.Mike Gravel (D-AK)
Sen.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Gov.John Hickenlooper (D-CO)
Gov.Jay Inslee (D-WA)
Mayor Wayne Messam (D-FL)
Rep.Seth Moulton (D-MA)
Rep.Beto O`Rourke (D-TX)
Rep.Tim Ryan (D-CA)
Adm.Joe Sestak (D-PA)
Rep.Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
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