Between Hope and History: on Immigration

We are richer for the energy & ideas of immigrants

We must realize that all Americans, whatever their racial and ethnic origin, share the same old-fashioned values, work hard, care for their families, pay their taxes, and obey the law.

This same commitment to tolerance and equal opportunity should govern our approach to immigration. It’s important for us all to remember that we are both a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws. Legal immigration has made America what it is today-a vibrant and diverse nation, all the richer for the energy, ideas, and plain hard work immigrants have contributed to our society. Immigrants who enter our country legally and begin the process of attaining citizenship today are little different from the strivers who were our own ancestors. We need to remember that, and repudiate those who argue against immigration as a thinly veiled pretext for discrimination.

Source: Between Hope and History, by Bill Clinton, p.133-134 Jan 1, 1996

Strict enforcement against illegal immigration

We must not tolerate illegal immigration. Since 1992, we have increased our Border Patrol by over 35%; deployed underground sensors, infrared night scopes and encrypted radios; built miles of new fences; and installed massive amounts of new lighting. We have moved forcefully to protect American jobs by calling on Congress to enact increased civil and criminal sanctions against employers who hire illegal workers. Since 1993, we have removed 30,000 illegal workers from jobs across the country. Source: Between Hope and History, by Bill Clinton, p.134 Jan 1, 1996

*The above quotations are from Between Hope and History: Meeting America's Challenges for the 21st Century, by Bill Clinton.* Click here for definitions & background information on Immigration. Click here for more quotes by Bill Clinton on Immigration.
*2008 Presidential contenders on Immigration:*
*Republicans:* Mayor Rudy Giuliani Gov.Mike Huckabee Rep.Duncan Hunter Sen.John McCain Rep.Ron Paul Gov.Mitt Romney Sen.Fred Thompson Gov.Tommy Thompson	*Democrats:* Sen.Hillary Clinton Sen.John Edwards Sen.Mike Gravel Rep.Dennis Kucinich Sen.Barack Obama	*Third Parties:* Green: Rep.Cynthia McKinney Socialist: Brian Moore Independent: Mayor Mike Bloomberg
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