State of Nebraska Archives: on Immigration
Jim Pillen:
We must demand order on the southern border
We must demand order on the southern border. We are decades into the federal government not enforcing our laws and refusing to deal with immigration reform. It is simply inexcusable. The result is state and local governments are forced to deal with
the resulting issues like education, healthcare, workforce and law enforcement. More importantly, the failure to reform and enforce an immigration policy creates a national security threat at every entry point to the U.S., and exploits the vulnerable.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial campaign website JimPillen.com
May 12, 2022
Jim Pillen:
Fight any pathway to citizenship for those here illegally
Illegal immigration and a porous southern border undermine the rule of law and make our communities less safe. I will demand order on our nation's southern border, support the wall, oppose amnesty, veto benefits for illegal immigrants, and fight any
pathway to citizenship for those here illegally. I'll support efforts to closely coordinate with federal immigration enforcement to ensure that our nation's laws are aggressively enforced here in Nebraska.
Source: 2022 Nebraska website JimPillen.com "The Pillen Playbook"
May 12, 2022
Theresa Thibodeau:
Illegal immigration bringing in crime, hurting public safety
Brett Lindstrom, an Omaha-area state senator, said there are more than 50,000 unfilled jobs in the state. He suggested a guest worker program for people who want to live and work in the
United States, along with other ways to bring workers to the state.
Theresa Thibodeau said state funds should not be used to "help any immigrants that have come to our state illegally." "Illegal
immigration is bringing in crime, and it's an issue and it's hurting our public safety," she said. "If we have immigrants that are
here legally, and they want to take advantage of learning our English language in doing those things, we should support that, but we need to make sure that they are here legally and they are following the same rules that everyday Nebraskans follow."
Source: Grand Island Independent on 2022 Nebraska Governor debate
Dec 6, 2021
Chuck Herbster:
Demand the federal government secures our borders
Demand the federal government secures our borders
to protect our jobs and scarce resources.
Source: 2021 NE Governor campaign website HerbsterForNebraska.com
Nov 17, 2021
Chuck Herbster:
Undocumented immigrants primarily bad people
Herbster said nations cannot exist without secure borders. "I believe in legal immigration," Herbster said. "These people are primarily bad people. They're coming for a free lunch," and they're smuggling millions of dollars worth of dangerous drugs into
the US. In a recent visit to the border, Herbster said he saw parts of the unfinished wall laying on the ground or standing in trenches, waiting for the concrete base to be poured. "Some of the Mexicans probably are stealing parts of the wall," he said.
Source: Kearney Hub on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race
Nov 2, 2021
Ben Sasse:
Afghans heroes protected Americans; they should be welcomed
A great nation is a nation that keeps its word. We're talking about men and women who risk their lives to protect Americans. They fought hand-in-hand with our troops and we made promises to them.
We're talking about heroes who fought with us to take the fight to al Qaeda and the Taliban. When you fought on behalf of Americans to protect our people, you're welcome in my neighborhood.
Source: Fox News Sunday 2021 interview of Nebraska Senator
Aug 22, 2021
Chuck Herbster:
Secure our borders to protect jobs, scarce resources
Nebraska is home to the greatest farms, small businesses and people in the world. To keep the good life great, we must come together and tackle some of the most difficult issues of our time:
Demand the federal government secures our borders to protect our jobs and scarce resources.
Source: 2021 Governor campaign website HerbsterForNebraska.com
Jun 7, 2021
Chuck Herbster:
Got to build damn wall, those people are coming to Nebraska
Despite being about 1,500 miles to the Mexican border, Herbster said immigration would be a critical focus. "We got to build a damn wall. You can't have a country if you're going to let everybody keep coming in," he said. Herbster said
the reemergence of immigration on the southern border as a national issue prompted him to run for governor. "If we think those people are just gonna stay in Texas, in Arizona, we live in a glasshouse, those people are coming to Nebraska," he said.
Source: Scottsbluff Star-Herald on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race
May 4, 2021
Chuck Herbster:
We got to build a damn wall; can't let everybody come in
Despite being about 1,500 miles to the Mexican border, Herbster said immigration would be a critical focus of his campaign and administration. "We got to build a damn wall.
You can't have a country if you're going to let everybody keep coming in," he said. "If we think those people are just gonna stay in Texas, in Arizona, we live in a glasshouse, those people are coming to Nebraska."
Source: ScottsbluffÿStar-Herald on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race
Apr 28, 2021
Chris Janicek:
Endorsed by Latinx group, opposes collaboration with ICE
The League of United Latin American Citizens Council 35005 of Nebraska and President Elsa Ramon Aranda announce their endorsement of Janicek. "Chris understands the Latino voter and the issues the community faces everyday."
Janicek echoed Aranda's sentiments stating, "We are both particularly concerned about 287(g) where collaborations between local jurisdictions and U.S. Immigration-Customs Enforcement allow racial profiling and civil rights violations."
Source: 2020 Nebraska Senate endorsements: JanicekForSenate2020.com
Jun 11, 2020
Chris Janicek:
We need immigrants to work and contribute to our economy
Our Immigration system needs to be reformed immediately. We are spending hundreds of millions to detain and separate families at our borders. Our country needs immigrants to work and contribute to our economy and tax base.
This must be done legally, humanely and efficiently. Those that break and violate our laws will be deported.
Source: KOLN/KGIN 1011-NOW on 2020 Nebraska Senate race
Apr 23, 2020
Chris Janicek:
Current immigration system broken & violates human rights
Our immigration system is broken and in violation of human rights and current immigration law. Immigrants crossing the border through legal points of entry seeking asylum should be documented and within 48 hours have a legal decision on residency.
It is costing the U.S. taxpayer hundreds of millions and destroying families and lives through separation and detaining. Our country needs this workforce and input into our economy. Those that break and violate the law should be deported.
Source: Norfolk Daily News on 2020 Nebraska Senate race
Apr 23, 2020
Ben Sasse:
Emergencies Act too broad; except Trump's border policies
Sasse is fond of talking about the importance of Congress as a check on runaway executive power but declined to play his part in stopping such a power grab. "We have an obvious crisis at the border," he said, defending Trump's authority to use the
National Emergencies Act to address it. "I think that law is overly broad and I want to fix it, but Nancy Pelosi doesn't," Sasse said. "As a constitutional conservative, I believe that the NEA currently on the books should be narrowed considerably."
Source: Reason Magazine on 2020 Nebraska Senate race
Mar 14, 2019
Bob Krist:
Voted in support of DACA recipients
During Krist's time in the Legislature, he has been independent and moderate in his support of many issues. During those years, both the Douglas County and Sarpy County Republican parties had threatened to censure him for votes on various issues,
including prenatal care for undocumented women, support of DACA recipients and rules changes to allow an open vote on elections of committee chairs, which have been secret ballots for years.
Source: Lincoln Journal-Star on Nebraska Legislative voting records
Oct 27, 2018
Bob Krist:
Supports prenatal care for illegal immigrants
Krist was appointed by former Gov. Dave Heineman as a Republican. He has often bucked his own party leaders on issues such as prenatal care for illegal immigrants but has said that his opposition to abortion separates him from the Democratic Party.
Ricketts' campaign manager, Jessica Flanagain, said: "Krist has had a drama-filled pathway to registering with the (Democratic) party he's voted with for years."
Source: Omaha World-Herald on 2018 Nebraska governor race
Feb 13, 2018
Jane Raybould:
Supports letting "DACA" youths stay
Raybould expressed support for continued protections for the so-called DACA youths who were brought to the United States as babies or young children when their parents or other adults entered the country illegally. "These children have grown up in
our state," Raybould said. "We have made a tremendous investment in them. We want them here. They are Nebraskans and they are an educated and valuable part of our future."
Source: Lincoln Journal Star on 2018 Nebraska Senate race
Aug 25, 2017
Don Bacon:
More employer enforcement; more secure borders
We need to have employer enforcement when it comes to hiring illegals. This is the root cause of our illegal immigration problem. We also need to secure our borders. It is a security disaster to have over 300,000 illegal immigrants crossing our border
every year. Finally, we owe it to the 4.5 million people who are waiting to come to the United States legally to not give amnesty for citizenship to those who came here illegally.
Source: 2016 Nebraska House campaign website DonBacon2016.com
Nov 8, 2016
Peter Ricketts:
No state services for illegal immigrants
Pete opposes utilizing Nebraska taxpayer money to support state-run programs for illegal immigrants. My immigration principles include:Opposing amnesty in any form for those here illegallyOpposing taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal immigrants
Supporting mandatory use of E-verify, a legal employment verification system, for all employersOpposing in-state tuition benefits for illegal immigrantsOpposing the issuance of drivers' licenses to illegal immigrants
Supporting long-term investments to fully secure the borderSupporting a crackdown on employers who willfully hire illegal laborSupporting interior enforcement programs such as 287(g),
which authorizes and empowers local law enforcement participation in immigration enforcement within their jurisdictions
Source: 2014 Nebraska Governor campaign website, PeteRicketts.com
Nov 4, 2014
Shane Osborn:
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.
Osborn: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Nebraska Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
Ben Sasse:
Neither party has gotten serious about border security
The Federal Government's primary responsibility is to protect Americans from enemies foreign and domestic. The American people are not safe unless we know who is entering and leaving our country.
Neither Party has been willing to get serious about border security, dating back to the mid-80s when a Republican president agreed to amnesty in exchange for promises of securing the border later. It never happened.
President "You can keep your doctor" Obama refuses to lead on this issue because he is more concerned about turning Texas into a Democrat state than he is about solving the problem. Republicans must not make a deal with President Obama. We must secure th
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, www.SasseForNebraska.com
Mar 18, 2014
Shane Osborn:
Begin with strict border control but don't allow citizenship
Immigration reform should begin with strict border control and improvement of the system that processes legal immigrants, Osborn said.
Providing a pathway to citizenship for immigrants illegally settled in the United States is not an option that should be considered at this point, he said. "First, we have to stop the bleeding," he said.
Source: Lincoln Journal Star on 2014 Nebraska Senate race
Jul 10, 2013
Bob Krist:
Provide prenatal care regardless of immigration status
Excerpts from legislation: Verification of lawful presence in the US is not required for assistance for health care services, that are necessary for the treatment of an emergency medical condition, including emergency labor and delivery.
Excerpts from veto message: Nothing in current law prohibits hospitals, private donors, or other benefactors across the state from assisting those in need of care, regardless of their immigration status. The issue presented by
LB 599 is whether or not $2.5 million from hard-working Nebraskans should be used each year to pay for prenatal services for women who broke the immigration laws. This issue should not be confused with prenatal services to low-income women--taxpayers
already fund those services through Medicaid .
Legislative outcome: Bob Krist voted YEA on veto override; bill passed 31-15 on April 11; Governor vetoed on April 13; veto override on April 18.
Source: Nebraska legislative voting records: LB 599
Apr 18, 2012
Dave Heineman:
No taxpayer-funded prenatal care for illegal immigrants
Excerpts from legislation: Verification of lawful presence in the US is not required for assistance for health care services, that are necessary for the treatment of an emergency medical condition, including emergency labor and delivery.
Excerpts from veto message: Nothing in current law prohibits hospitals, private donors, or other benefactors across the state from assisting those in need of care, regardless of their immigration status. The issue presented by
LB 599 is whether or not $2.5 million from hard-working Nebraskans should be used each year to pay for prenatal services for women who broke the immigration laws. This issue should not be confused with prenatal services to low-income women--taxpayers
already fund those services through Medicaid .
Legislative outcome: Bill passed 31-15 on April 11; Governor Heineman vetoed on April 13; Senate passed veto override on April 18.
Source: Nebraska legislative voting records: LB 599
Apr 13, 2012
Dave Heineman:
End Medicaid services for illegal immigrants
The key issue remaining to be resolved is whether illegal immigrants should be receiving taxpayer-funded benefits. This is a difficult issue and we know that there is disagreement among well-meaning people.
After a careful and thoughtful review of the various aspects of this issue, we are opposed to illegal immigrants receiving taxpayer-funded benefits.
Source: 2010 Nebraska Gubernatorial press release
Feb 25, 2010
Scott Kleeb:
Build border fence; increase border patrol
Scott Kleeb believes the government’s first priority must be national security, and that begins with securing our borders. Scott will work to:Secure funding to build a southwest border fence.Pass the Secure America through Verification and
Enforcement (SAVE) Act. This bill would increase the number of border patrol agents, and increase the use of surveillance equipment at the border.Enhance connectivity between various government agencies and law enforcement operations.
Source: Campaign booklet, Nebraska’s Brand of Change, p.28
Aug 19, 2008
Scott Kleeb:
No amnesty for lawbreakers
NO AMNESTY FOR LAWBREAKERS: Scott Kleeb believes that those who break the law should not be given amnesty, but should instead be held accountable. In the Senate, Scott will pursue bipartisan efforts to:- Impose steep fines on lawbreakers.
-
Require that those who came to this country illegally pay back taxes owed.
- Require that immigrants enroll in English-language programs.
- Move lawbreakers to the back of the citizenship line, behind those who came here legally.
Source: Campaign booklet, Nebraska’s Brand of Change, p.56
Aug 19, 2008
Steven Larrick:
Supports amnesty & a pathway to citizenship
Larrick supports the following principles regarding Immigration Issues:- Support harsher financial punishments for those who knowingly employ illegal immigrants.
-
Support amnesty for illegal immigrants already working in the United States.
- Illegal immigrants should be given a pathway to citizenship.
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 25, 2008
Mike Johanns:
Secure the border, provide no amnesty
My 5-point plan on illegal immigration is: secure the border, provide no amnesty, implement an effective employment verification program so employers only hire legal
U.S. residents, those here illegally must go back to their home country and re-enter this country lawfully and if an illegal immigrant commits a serious crime while here, they forfeit the privilege of citizenship.
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 3, 2008
Don Stenberg:
Strengthen our borders
I support a strong National defense and Homeland Security, and I will work to strengthen our borders.
Source: 2006 Senate campaign website, www.stenbergfornebraska.com
Jan 18, 2006
Page last updated: May 30, 2022