State of Virginia Archives: on Immigration

Don Beyer: I fully support the DREAM Act & a path to citizenship

There must be a path to citizenship for the hard-working people who contribute to our communities. They help keep our economy strong and deserve the opportunity to become new Americans. We also need to ensure that children who came to the United States early in life have the chance to attend college, receive in-state tuition, and work toward their dreams just like every other hard working student. I fully support the DREAM Act.

Ed Gillespie: Unapologetic supporter of comprehensive immigration overhaul

"Anybody associated with the national Republican hierarchy is a little bit suspect," one pundit said. "Sometimes that's fair, sometimes not. He's going to have to prove he's not the same as the rest of the Washington GOP establishment."

Ed Gillespie: Send migrant kids back to parents in Central America

Warner emphasized the need to speed up the processing of these children, but he said "many of these children will be sent home. That process will result in some of those kids going back, but there ought to be a process," he said.

Ken Cuccinelli: Protect the borders; prevent illegal entry

Cuccinelli: Strongly Agree

Ken Cuccinelli: Path to citizenship ok as part of compromise

Cuccinelli said he wanted to see "some sort of compromise reached on immigration" and said a path to citizenship "could be part of the proposal."

Mark Warner: Send migrant kids back to Central America, after processing

Warner emphasized the need to speed up the processing of these children, but he said "many of these children will be sent home. That process will result in some of those kids going back, but there ought to be a process," he said.

Robert Sarvis: Protect the borders; prevent illegal entry

Sarvis: Agree

Robert Sarvis: Liberalize immigration; population growth lowest since 1930s

"RT," if you're wondering, means retweet. That cleared up, we didn't know that the nation's population growth had reached an 80-year low.

So we decided to look at data from Sarvis' primary source: the US. Census Bureau. We found mid-year population estimates dating back to 1900. Population growth hovered between 1% and 2% until 1931 when, in the Great Depression, it dropped to 0.78%. It bottomed at 0.59% in July 1933.

US population growth is closely tied to the economy. During bad times, couples delay having children. In 2012, only 12.6% of U.S. women aged 15-44 had children. That's the lowest birth rate in records dating back to 1940. Immigration has slowed since the start of this century, too.

Our ruling: The figures back up Sarvis and we rate his statement True.

Terry McAuliffe: Support the DREAM Act for legalizing minors

Cuccinelli said he wanted to see "some sort of compromise reached on immigration" and said a path to citizenship "could be part of the proposal."

Tim Kaine: Make it easier for foreign students to get green cards

Tom Perriello: Welcome immigrants; they make up 1 in 9 Virginians

Virginia has built a reputation as a welcoming state and we must vigilantly safeguard this value of openness. Unfortunately, in recent years Virginia Republicans have repeatedly offered legislation harmful to immigrants and to our economy. This includes a bill that would have forced cities and counties to act as agents of federal immigration policy, over the opposition of local elected officials and police chiefs.

Tom Perriello: Commonsense policies for immigrants like drivers licenses

I will support the rights of all students in Virginia to pursue their education and careers secure from the attacks of the Trump administration. The soul and safety of our communities are stronger when our brothers and sisters need not live in the shadows and peaceful families are not ripped apart by government agents. I will also champion policies that make it possible for immigrants to fully participate as Virginians, including such basic commonsense policies as licenses for drivers.

Corey Stewart: Illegal immigration threatens America's security & jobs

Tim Kaine (D): Yes. Supported comprehensive immigration reform to protect Dreamers, enhance border security & create earned path to citizenship for "those living in the shadows."

Corey Stewart (R): No. "Illegal immigration threatens America's security, jobs, & tax dollars." No amnesty. Build the wall. Instructed his county police to check immigration status of anyone they believed were in the country illegally.

Tim Kaine: Supercharged rhetoric causes hostility to New Americans

We are a nation of laws. It is our obligation to enforce those laws, and we should continually assess the consequences of illegal immigration. It is equally important to recognize the many positive benefits of legal immigration. We cannot afford to let supercharged political rhetoric unfairly paint a picture of Virginians as a people who are hostile to New Americans.

There will be more proposals on immigration this year, and we should scrutinize them carefully. In doing so, we have to balance the need to enforce our laws with a few important realities. One in ten Virginians was born outside of the US, and most of us can trace our ancestors back to another country in only a few generations. The majority of immigrants today are legal and fully contribute, strengthening the social fabric of our communities.

Donald McEachin: Comprehensive immigration towards earning citizenship

Tim Kaine: Comprehensive immigration reform to protect DREAMers

Tim Kaine (D): Yes. Supported comprehensive immigration reform to protect Dreamers, enhance border security & create earned path to citizenship for "those living in the shadows."

Corey Stewart (R): No. "Illegal immigration threatens America's security, jobs, & tax dollars." No amnesty. Build the wall. Instructed his county police to check immigration status of anyone they believed were in the country illegally.

Nick Freitas: Supports stronger borders and a merit-based entry policy

Corey Stewart: Supports local enforcement on immigration

Jennifer Carroll Foy: Supported driver's licenses for undocumented residents

• Worked to pass the Virginia Dream Act, bringing higher education to all our Virginians regardless of their immigration status.
• Supported legislation to make it possible for undocumented residents to acquire driver's licenses.
• Proposed a budget amendment to repeal outdated work restrictions that prevent many from accessing the healthcare that they need.

Pete Snyder: I'll enforce the law and deport violent criminals

Amanda Chase: Allow questioning immigration status of victims or witnesses

Analysis by University of Richmond Capital News Service: HB 262 addresses a public safety issue in the Commonwealth. In Del. Alfonso Lopez's district, American Latino communities saw staggering decreases in crime reporting statistics. Sexual violence reports, for example, fell 85% in the first eight months of 2017. "What you have are people who are too scared to report when they are the victims or witnesses of crimes because they or a loved one might get caught up in the ICE detention process."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 20-19-1 on 2/19/20; State Sen. Amanda Chase voted NO; Passed House 54-42-4 on Feb/21/20; Signed by Governor Ralph Northam on Mar/11/20.

Creigh Deeds: Bar questioning immigration status of victims or witnesses

Analysis by University of Richmond Capital News Service: HB 262 addresses a public safety issue in the Commonwealth. In Del. Alfonso Lopez's district, American Latino communities saw staggering decreases in crime reporting statistics. Sexual violence reports, for example, fell 85% in the first eight months of 2017. "What you have are people who are too scared to report when they are the victims or witnesses of crimes because they or a loved one might get caught up in the ICE detention process."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 20-19-1 on 2/19/20; Passed House 54-42-4 on Feb/21/20; State Sen. Creigh Deeds voted YES; Signed by Governor Ralph Northam on Mar/11/20.

Jennifer McClellan: Bar questioning immigration status of victims or witnesses

Analysis by University of Richmond Capital News Service: HB 262 addresses a public safety issue in the Commonwealth. In Del. Alfonso Lopez's district, American Latino communities saw staggering decreases in crime reporting statistics. Sexual violence reports, for example, fell 85% in the first eight months of 2017. "What you have are people who are too scared to report when they are the victims or witnesses of crimes because they or a loved one might get caught up in the ICE detention process."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 20-19-1 on 2/19/20; State Sen. Jennifer McClellan voted YES; Passed House 54-42-4 on Feb/21/20; Signed by Governor Ralph Northam on Mar/11/20.

Lee Carter: Bar questioning immigration status of victims or witnesses

Analysis by University of Richmond Capital News Service: HB 262 addresses a public safety issue in the Commonwealth. In Del. Alfonso Lopez's district, American Latino communities saw staggering decreases in crime reporting statistics. Sexual violence reports, for example, fell 85% in the first eight months of 2017. "What you have are people who are too scared to report when they are the victims or witnesses of crimes because they or a loved one might get caught up in the ICE detention process."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 20-19-1 on 2/19/20; Passed House 54-42-4 on Feb/21/20; State Sen. Lee Carter voted YES; Signed by Governor Ralph Northam on Mar/11/20.

Nick Freitas: Allow questioning immigration status of victims or witnesses

Analysis by University of Richmond Capital News Service: HB 262 addresses a public safety issue in the Commonwealth. In Del. Alfonso Lopez's district, American Latino communities saw staggering decreases in crime reporting statistics. Sexual violence reports, for example, fell 85% in the first eight months of 2017. "What you have are people who are too scared to report when they are the victims or witnesses of crimes because they or a loved one might get caught up in the ICE detention process."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 20-19-1 on 2/19/20; Passed House 54-42-4 on Feb/21/20; State Del. Nick Freitas voted NO; Signed by Governor Ralph Northam on Mar/11/20.

Ralph Northam: Bar questioning immigration status of victims or witnesses

Analysis by University of Richmond Capital News Service: HB 262 addresses a public safety issue in the Commonwealth. In Del. Alfonso Lopez's district, American Latino communities saw staggering decreases in crime reporting statistics. Sexual violence reports, for example, fell 85% in the first eight months of 2017. "What you have are people who are too scared to report when they are the victims or witnesses of crimes because they or a loved one might get caught up in the ICE detention process."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 20-19-1 on 2/19/20; Passed House 54-42-4 on Feb/21/20; Signed by Governor Ralph Northam on Mar/11/20.

ACLU: Opposed requiring local police to enforce immigration laws

Opinion by ACLU 5/22/19: ACLU-VA opposes SB1156, the so-called anti-sanctuary bill, because it is unnecessary legislation that will make our streets less safe. A combination of the Dillon Rule and existing state mandates make the existence of a sanctuary locality a legal impossibility in the Commonwealth.

Veto message from Gov.Northam: This bill would send a clear message to people across this Commonwealth that law enforcement officials are to be feared and avoided rather than trusted and engaged. The safety of our communities requires that all people, whether they are documented or not, feel comfortable reporting criminal activity and cooperating with local law enforcement investigations.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 51-47-1 on Feb/19/19; Passed Senate 21-19-0 on Jan/17/19; Vetoed by Gov. Northam on Mar/19/19.

Amanda Chase: Favored requiring local police to enforce immigration laws

Opinion by ACLU 5/22/19: ACLU-VA opposes SB1156, the so-called anti-sanctuary bill, because it is unnecessary legislation that will make our streets less safe. A combination of the Dillon Rule and existing state mandates make the existence of a sanctuary locality a legal impossibility in the Commonwealth.

Veto message from Gov.Northam: This bill would send a clear message to people across this Commonwealth that law enforcement officials are to be feared and avoided rather than trusted and engaged. The safety of our communities requires that all people, whether they are documented or not, feel comfortable reporting criminal activity and cooperating with local law enforcement investigations.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 51-47-1 on Feb/19/19; Passed Senate 21-19-0 on Jan/17/19; State Sen. Amanda Chase voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. Northam on Mar/19/19.

Creigh Deeds: Opposed requiring local police to enforce immigration laws

Opinion by ACLU 5/22/19: ACLU-VA opposes SB1156, the so-called anti-sanctuary bill, because it is unnecessary legislation that will make our streets less safe. A combination of the Dillon Rule and existing state mandates make the existence of a sanctuary locality a legal impossibility in the Commonwealth.

Veto message from Gov.Northam: This bill would send a clear message to people across this Commonwealth that law enforcement officials are to be feared and avoided rather than trusted and engaged. The safety of our communities requires that all people, whether they are documented or not, feel comfortable reporting criminal activity and cooperating with local law enforcement investigations.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 51-47-1 on Feb/19/19; Passed Senate 21-19-0 on Jan/17/19; State Sen. Creigh Deeds voted NO; Vetoed by Gov. Northam on Mar/19/19.

Jennifer Carroll Foy: Opposed requiring local police to enforce immigration laws

Opinion by ACLU 5/22/19: ACLU-VA opposes SB1156, the so-called anti-sanctuary bill, because it is unnecessary legislation that will make our streets less safe. A combination of the Dillon Rule and existing state mandates make the existence of a sanctuary locality a legal impossibility in the Commonwealth.

Veto message from Gov.Northam: This bill would send a clear message to people across this Commonwealth that law enforcement officials are to be feared and avoided rather than trusted and engaged. The safety of our communities requires that all people, whether they are documented or not, feel comfortable reporting criminal activity and cooperating with local law enforcement investigations.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 51-47-1 on Feb/19/19; State Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy voted NO; Passed Senate 21-19-0 on Jan/17/19; Vetoed by Gov. Northam on Mar/19/19.

Nick Freitas: Favored requiring local police to enforce immigration laws

Opinion by ACLU 5/22/19: ACLU-VA opposes SB1156, the so-called anti-sanctuary bill, because it is unnecessary legislation that will make our streets less safe. A combination of the Dillon Rule and existing state mandates make the existence of a sanctuary locality a legal impossibility in the Commonwealth.

Veto message from Gov.Northam: This bill would send a clear message to people across this Commonwealth that law enforcement officials are to be feared and avoided rather than trusted and engaged. The safety of our communities requires that all people, whether they are documented or not, feel comfortable reporting criminal activity and cooperating with local law enforcement investigations.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 51-47-1 on Feb/19/19; State Del. Nick Freitas voted YES; Passed Senate 21-19-0 on Jan/17/19; Vetoed by Gov. Northam on Mar/19/19.

Ralph Northam: Opposed requiring local police to enforce immigration laws

Opinion by ACLU 5/22/19: ACLU-VA opposes SB1156, the so-called anti-sanctuary bill, because it is unnecessary legislation that will make our streets less safe. A combination of the Dillon Rule and existing state mandates make the existence of a sanctuary locality a legal impossibility in the Commonwealth.

Veto message from Gov.Northam: This bill would send a clear message to people across this Commonwealth that law enforcement officials are to be feared and avoided rather than trusted and engaged. The safety of our communities requires that all people, whether they are documented or not, feel comfortable reporting criminal activity and cooperating with local law enforcement investigations.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 51-47-1 on Feb/19/19; Passed Senate 21-19-0 on Jan/17/19; Vetoed by Gov. Northam on Mar/19/19.

Jennifer McClellan: Opposed requiring local police to enforce immigration laws

Opinion by ACLU 5/22/19: ACLU-VA opposes SB1156, the so-called anti-sanctuary bill, because it is unnecessary legislation that will make our streets less safe. A combination of the Dillon Rule and existing state mandates make the existence of a sanctuary locality a legal impossibility in the Commonwealth.

Veto message from Gov.Northam: This bill would send a clear message to people across this Commonwealth that law enforcement officials are to be feared and avoided rather than trusted and engaged. The safety of our communities requires that all people, whether they are documented or not, feel comfortable reporting criminal activity and cooperating with local law enforcement investigations.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 51-47-1 on Feb/19/19; Passed Senate 21-19-0 on Jan/17/19; State Sen. Jennifer McClellan voted NO; Vetoed by Gov. Northam on Mar/19/19.

Daniel Gade: Limit low-skill workers; welcome cream of foreign economies

A:

• Low skill workers for specific industries or employers and for specific periods of time, subject to background check and payment of employment taxes.
• High skill workers without country caps. We should take the cream of foreign economies and welcome them to the United States without regret (subject to background checks and taxes).
• The first and most important immigration-related task is to build a system of barriers and enforcement that will keep illegal immigrants out, while allowing in those we want here.

Mark Herring: Children held at border in inhumane conditions

Under the Trump Administration, immigrant children have been held for weeks in inhumane conditions without access to basic necessities like soap, clean water, toothbrushes, showers, or a place to sleep. "The way children have been held in these disgusting, inhumane conditions at the border is reprehensible," said Attorney General Herring. "We cannot stand by and allow the Trump Administration to continue to harm these children and ignore the protections granted to them. The way these children have been treated in these detention centers is not who we are as a country and it must be stopped."

Daniel Gade: Would limit humanitarian asylum

Daniel Gade: No position found on DACA. Supports temporary guest worker program and "recruiting high-skilled workers from other countries." Would limit humanitarian asylum.

Mark Warner: Yes. Co-sponsored bipartisan amendment offering path to citizenship for "DREAMers," along with $25 billion for border wall funding. Opposed Trump diversion of funds for wall.

Mark Warner: Co-sponsored path to citizenship for "DREAMers"

Mark Warner: Yes. Co-sponsored bipartisan amendment offering path to citizenship for "DREAMers," along with $25 billion for border wall funding. Opposed Trump diversion of funds for wall.

Daniel Gade: No position found on DACA. Supports temporary guest worker program and "recruiting high-skilled workers from other countries." Would limit humanitarian asylum.

Jen Kiggans: Allow questioning immigration status of victims or witnesses

Analysis by University of Richmond Capital News Service: HB 262 addresses a public safety issue in the Commonwealth. In Del. Alfonso Lopez's district, American Latino communities saw staggering decreases in crime reporting statistics. Sexual violence reports, for example, fell 85% in the first eight months of 2017. "What you have are people who are too scared to report when they are the victims or witnesses of crimes because they or a loved one might get caught up in the ICE detention process."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 20-19-1 on 2/19/20; State Sen. Jen Kiggans voted NO; Passed House 54-42-4 on Feb/21/20; Signed by Governor Ralph Northam on Mar/11/20.

Ken Cuccinelli: Politicians interfere with efforts of ICE to do their job

"Here we are talking about ICE doing its job as if it's special, and really this should be going on a rolling basis," he said. "They're looking forward to just doing their jobs."

Corey Stewart: Oppose pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens

A: Oppose

Ralph Northam: Stand up against ICE; our doors are open

A: I'll work side by side with our attorney general to make sure that ICE is not overstepping their bounds, so that people, especially immigrants, in Virginia aren't living in fear. Something that we are very proud of in Virginia is that we are inclusive. Our lights are on; our doors are open. We will stand up against ICE. We will do everything we can to make sure immigrants are comfortable living here.

Ralph Northam: Support driver's licenses for illegal immigrants

Republican Corey Stewart slammed Northam's stance as "blatant disregard for the law." Ed Gillespie said, "Virginia plain and simply should not give legal identification to illegal immigrants."

The issue surfaced when Northam was asked where he stood on a proposal to grant temporary driver's licenses to people who can't receive a permanent one because of their immigration status. "We need to make sure that we have immigration reform for this county, we make sure that we have a pathway to citizenship in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and we need to make sure that people have access to driver's licenses," he said. A total of 12 states allow illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses, according to a breakdown of state laws from the National Conference of State Legislatures.