The Associated Press: on Immigration
Knute Buehler:
Omit minor infractions from sanctuary state rules
Carpenter and Wooldridge say they are against the state's sanctuary status for immigrants.
Buehler says he sees the utility of limited sanctuary rules which exclude violent criminals but block minor infractions and traffic offenses from being flagged to federal immigration authorities.
Source: Associated Press on 2018 Oregon Governor race
May 5, 2018
Kim Reynolds:
End DACA, but Congress should act
Reynolds says she agrees with Trump's decision to phase out a program that protects young immigrants from deportation because she believes Congress should address the issue. She said it's Congress' job to pass immigration law.
She wouldn't specify what lawmakers should do, though she said immigration reform could include a pathway to citizenship for some immigrants affected by Trump's decision.
Source: Associated Press on 2018 Iowa gubernatorial race
Sep 5, 2017
George Pataki:
No executive orders on immigration
Pataki criticized a number of President Barack Obama's policies, including his recent executive
order on immigration that offered protections against deportation to millions of immigrants living in the country illegally.
Pataki said he supports the efforts of House Republicans to dismantle that action: "We've seen an explosion in government power from
Washington and the government is far too big, far too powerful, far too expensive and far too intrusive, and the need to reform Washington dramatically and reduce its power and influence has never been greater," Pataki said.
Source: Associated Press, "Pataki says he's serious about 2016"
Jan 12, 2015
Dan Sullivan:
Secure the border, but no pledge against amnesty
Both Dan Sullivan and Mead Treadwell refused to sign a pledge offered by Joe Miller to oppose all efforts at "amnesty" for people here illegally if elected to the US Senate, with Treadwell chastising Miller for sending out a mailer on immigration
featuring menacing Hispanic gang members.Miller, in turn, noted that several of Sullivan's backers, like GOP strategist Karl Rove, favor allowing many of the 11 million immigrants in the country to eventually become citizens. "It's because it's
the truth," Miller said when challenged about the pictures on the flier. "This is real-world stuff."
On immigration, all three candidates bashed the Obama administration for failing to secure the border.
Treadwell said he supported letting some people here illegally stay once they pay a fine and wait for permits behind those who immigrated legally. Sullivan called for more border security.
Source: Associated Press on 2014 Alaska Senate race
Aug 11, 2014
Joe Miller:
Sign pledge to oppose all efforts at amnesty
Thousands of miles from the U.S-Mexico border, three Republicans vying for their party's nomination for U.S. Senate in Alaska clashed on immigration Sunday night in a televised debate. Both Dan Sullivan and Mead Treadwell refused to sign a pledge offered
by Joe Miller to oppose all efforts at "amnesty" for people here illegally if elected to the US Senate, with Treadwell chastising Miller for sending out a mailer on immigration featuring menacing Hispanic gang members.
Miller, in turn, noted that several of Sullivan's backers, like GOP strategist Karl Rove, favor allowing many of the 11 million immigrants in the country to eventually become citizens. "It's because it's the truth," Miller said when
challenged about the pictures on the flier. "This is real-world stuff."
On immigration, all three candidates bashed the Obama administration for failing to secure the border.
Source: Associated Press on 2014 Alaska Senate race
Aug 11, 2014
Mead Treadwell:
Secure the border, then illegals can stay if they pay fines
Both Dan Sullivan and Mead Treadwell refused to sign a pledge offered by Joe Miller to oppose all efforts at "amnesty" for people here illegally if elected to the US Senate, with Treadwell chastising Miller for sending out a mailer on immigration
featuring menacing Hispanic gang members.Miller, in turn, noted that several of Sullivan's backers, like GOP strategist Karl Rove, favor allowing many of the 11 million immigrants in the country to eventually become citizens. "It's because it's
the truth," Miller said when challenged about the pictures on the flier. "This is real-world stuff."
On immigration, all three candidates bashed the Obama administration for failing to secure the border.
Treadwell said he supported letting some people here illegally stay once they pay a fine and wait for permits behind those who immigrated legally. Sullivan called for more border security.
Source: Associated Press on 2014 Alaska Senate race
Aug 11, 2014
Rand Paul:
We will find a place for illegal immigrants in America
Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky is endorsing a pathway to citizenship for the nation's 11 million illegal immigrants. In a speech, the potential 2016 presidential candidate declares, "If you wish to live and work in America, then we will find a
place for you."Paul's path to citizenship would come with conditions that could make it long and difficult for illegal immigrants. Chief among these, Congress would have to agree first that progress was being made on border security.
Paul's speech
is peppered with Spanish phrases from his youth in Texas, references to his immigrant grandparents and praise for Latino culture. He says his party must adopt a new face toward Hispanics and says conservatives must be part of it. "Immigration reform will
not occur until conservative Republicans, like myself, become part of the solution. I am here today to begin that conversation," Paul says. "Let's start that conversation by acknowledging we aren't going to deport" the millions already here, he says.
Source: Associated Press in Los Angeles Times
Mar 18, 2013
Rand Paul:
Replace de facto amnesty with bipartisan reform
Paul would aim to secure the border before illegal immigrants could begin taking steps toward citizenship, as a necessary first step to get support from conservatives. Congress would also have to agree annually for 5 years that border security was
progressing in order for the other reforms to keep moving forward. In year two of his plan, illegal immigrants would begin to be issued temporary work visas, and would have to wait in line behind those already in the system before moving forward toward
citizenship. A bipartisan panel would determine the number of visas per year. High-tech visas would be expanded and a special visa for entrepreneurs would be issued. Paul would not attempt to crack down on employers by expanding working verification
systems, something he says is tantamount to "forcing businesses to become policemen."
"My plan will not grant amnesty or move anyone to the front of the line," Paul says. "But what we have now is de facto amnesty."
Source: Associated Press in Los Angeles Times
Mar 18, 2013
Paul Sadler:
Pathway to citizenship for children of illegal immigrants
Moderators asked the candidates about keeping student loan rates low, abortion rights, raising social security taxes, increasing taxes on the wealthy and a pathway to citizenship for children of illegal immigrants. The four Republicans opposed all of
those things, while the Democrats support them."What you have in government is a problem, and that problem has a solution," Sadler said. "And that solution can from the most conservative member and it can come from the most liberal member."
Source: Associated Press in CBS DFW on 2012 Texas Senate debate
May 4, 2012
Christopher Shays:
Blue card: let illegals work & pay taxes but no citizenship
On immigration, Shays took a harder line than his rivals, saying the US should patrol the border more aggressively, put up more fences and establish English as the official language of the United States. He said immigrants who are already here illegally
should be given a "blue card" that allows them to work and pay taxes, but they should never be allowed to become American citizens.McMahon said the U.S. should do more to stop illegal immigration and should not offer amnesty to those already here,
Source: Associated Press on 2012 CT GOP primary Senate debate
Apr 22, 2012
Linda McMahon:
No amnesty, but expand visas for temporary workers
Shays said the US should put up more fences and establish English as the official language. He said immigrants who are already here illegally should be given a "blue card" that allows them to work and pay taxes, but they should never be allowed to become
citizens.McMahon said the U.S. should do more to stop illegal immigration and should not offer amnesty to those already here, adding that the U.S. should expand its visa program to allow more temporary workers into the country from overseas.
Source: Associated Press on 2012 CT GOP primary Senate debate
Apr 22, 2012
Charlie Crist:
No amnesty, but an earned path to citizenship
Crist said that providing a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants will help keep Social Security solvent--an idea he favors over his opponent's suggestion to raise the eligibility age for benefits. Crist told The
Associated Press there are as many as 14 million illegal immigrants in the country as part of an underground economy. If they paid into the
Social Security system, it would help increase the worker-to-retiree ratio. "It's certainly worth a very good debate and research," Crist said. "If there are people here that aren't paying into the system, which everyone agrees there are, that's in
essence a form of fraud on the system." Crist said he doesn't support amnesty, but rather an "earned path to citizenship." Illegal immigrants would have to apply for citizenship and be placed in line behind people already seeking it.
Source: The Associated Press
May 13, 2010
Janet Napolitano:
You build a 50-foot wall, somebody will find a 51-ft ladder
Napolitano resisted initial efforts on a state crackdown on illegal immigration, instead taking the position that immigration and border security are federal responsibilities.
Napolitano has fought to curb illegal immigration, but has been skeptical that building a fence along the U.S.-Mexico border will solve the problem. She once said: “You build a 50-foot wall, somebody will find a 51-foot ladder.”
Source: Eileen Sullivan on Associated Press
Nov 20, 2008
Allen McCulloch:
Increasing Border Patrol better than using National Guard
Concerning the border, McCulloch said bolstering the number of Border Patrol agents is a better long-term solution for ensuring border security than assigning National Guard troops - though he supports President Bush’s plan to send guardsmen.
Source: The Associated Press in Las Cruces Sun News
Jun 7, 2006
Bill Frist:
Crafted bipartisan compromise immigration bill
Senate leaders reached a deal on reviving a broad immigration bill that could provide millions of illegal immigrants a chance to become American citizens. The agreement brokered by the Senate majority leader, Bill Frist, and the minority leader, Harry
Reid broke a political stalemate that had lingered for weeks while immigrants and their supporters held protests and boycotts to push for action. Reid acknowledged on the Senate floor that he “didn’t get everything” he wanted, but he said that
Frist didn’t either. Reaching the agreement was “not easy with the political atmosphere,” Reid said. The Republicans also have had to contend with fallout from opposition to the House bill, which set off nationwide protests that drew hundreds of
thousands.
Presidential and midyear politics have been a subtext to the immigration debate. Frist is prominent in speculation about who may receive the 2008 Republican presidential nomination.
Source: 2008 speculation: Associated Press in Int’l Herald Tribune
May 12, 2006
Stephen Laffey:
Opposes granting illegal immigrants citizenship
On immigration, Laffey would not grant illegal immigrants citizenship. He wants the border with Mexico secured and a crackdown on employers who hire illegal workers.
Once those two measures are in place, Laffey said he would support a guest worker program.
Source: M.L. Johnson, Associated Press, in Boston Globe
Apr 29, 2006
Mitt Romney:
Tuition breaks encourage illegal immigration
A bill to let children of illegal immigrants pay the same lower tuition rate at state colleges as other MA residents sparked a political sparring match between Democrats and the Romney administration. Romney chastised critics for advocating a bill he
said would encourage illegal behavior. Romney said the state’s focus should be on helping legal immigrants. Giving children of illegal immigrants a tuition break would act as an incentive to draw in more illegal immigrants to Massachusetts, Romney said.
Source: Steve LeBlanc, Associated Press Writer
Nov 1, 2005
Tom Reilly:
Denying tuition break to immigrants is mean-spirited
A bill to let children of illegal immigrants pay the same lower tuition rate at state colleges as other Massachusetts residents sparked a political sparring match between Reilly and the Romney administration.
Reilly urged lawmakers to pass the legislation. He called Gov. Mitt Romney “out of touch” for opposing the legislation. Romney vetoed a similar bill last year.
“This mean-spiritedness is not part of the generation that I grew up with,” said Reilly, a Democratic candidate for governor. “It’s a mean-spiritedness that’s only with a few ... and one’s the governor and one’s the lieutenant governor.”
Source: Steve LeBlanc, Associated Press Writer
Nov 1, 2005
Tom Reilly:
Disallow illegal immigrants from obtaining driver licenses
Reilly and Healey exchanged views on WRKO-AM about letting children of illegal immigrants pay reduced in-state tuition rates. Reilly said Romney and Healey should have more compassion for the children of illegal immigrants.
“So you’re better than they are?” Reilly asked Healey. “You want to shut the door to college.”Healey said she’s defending taxpayers and that illegal immigrants pose a security risk.
“I am a citizen of this state and this country. They are not. This country is not open to every single person who wants to come here. People who are here illegally pose a risk, both a security risk and a drain on taxpayer resources,” she said.
“Let them go to private schools if they want to.” Healey also pointed out that Reilly opposes allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses.
Source: Steve LeBlanc, Associated Press Writer
Nov 1, 2005
Betty Castor:
Expedite citizenship for legal immigrants on active duty
Q: Do you support any changes in immigration law? CASTOR: America is a nation of immigrants, and we should be open to those who come here legally to pursue their dreams. I would expedite citizenship for
legal immigrants who are serving on active duty in the military. We need to make the system of asylum fair and equitable for unique groups like Haitians and Cubans, who are escaping repressive regimes.
We must also ensure our borders are secure. Border security is no longer just an issue of immigration, it’s crucial to our fight against terror.
MARTINEZ:
Our immigration policy should first and foremost ensure the security of our nation and those individuals posing a terrorist threat should be prevented from entering our country. I strongly oppose amnesty for illegal aliens.
Source: Florida Senate Debate, Q&A by Associated Press
Oct 24, 2004
Mel Martinez:
Strongly oppose amnesty for illegal aliens
Q: Do you support any changes in immigration law? CASTOR: America is a nation of immigrants, and we should be open to those who come here legally to pursue their dreams. I would expedite citizenship for
legal immigrants who are serving on active duty in the military. We need to make the system of asylum fair and equitable for unique groups like Haitians and Cubans, who are escaping repressive regimes.
We must also ensure our borders are secure. Border security is no longer just an issue of immigration, it’s crucial to our fight against terror.
MARTINEZ:
Our immigration policy should first and foremost ensure the security of our nation and those individuals posing a terrorist threat should be prevented from entering our country. I strongly oppose amnesty for illegal aliens.
Source: Florida Senate Debate, Q&A by Associated Press
Oct 24, 2004
Al Sharpton:
Relax Mexican border to match Canadian border
Q: Should it become easier for undocumented foreign workers in the US to gain legal immigration status?A: Absolutely.
I think that immigration policies are antiquated and in many cases biased. You see there’s a much different policy at the Canadian border than at the Mexican border. I’d have one policy. I’d have it more relaxed, just for opportunity.
Source: Associated Press policy Q&A, “Immigration”
Jan 25, 2004
Dennis Kucinich:
Roadmap to citizenship for immigrants
Q: Should it become easier for undocumented foreign workers in the US to gain legal immigration status?
A: Yes. I will clear out the backlog in the naturalization process and offer immigrants a clear road map to citizenship. I will work with our partners in Mexico to normalize the flow of immigrants by forging an agreement on migration.
Source: Associated Press policy Q&A, “Immigration”
Jan 25, 2004
Howard Dean:
Earned legalization for undocumented immigrants
Q: Should it become easier for undocumented foreign workers in the US to gain legal immigration status?
A: We need earned legalization for undocumented immigrants in the US who work hard, pay taxes, and otherwise obey the rules, so that they can become full participants in society, including becoming citizens.
Source: Associated Press policy Q&A, “Immigration”
Jan 25, 2004
John Edwards:
Roadmap to citizenship for undocumented immigrants
Q: Should it become easier for undocumented foreign workers in the US to gain legal immigration status?A: We should reform the immigration system so there is a clear road map
to legalization and citizenship for undocumented immigrants who work hard and follow the law. At the same time, we should work with our ally, Mexico, to better control the border and stop illegal trafficking.
Source: Associated Press policy Q&A, “Immigration”
Jan 25, 2004
John Kerry:
Earned legalization for undocumented immigrants
Q: Should it become easier for undocumented foreign workers in the US to gain legal immigration status?
A: I support an earned legalization proposal that will allow undocumented immigrants to legalize their status if they have been in the United States for a certain amount of time, have been working, and can pass a background check.
Source: Associated Press policy Q&A, “Immigration”
Jan 25, 2004
Joseph Lieberman:
One-time earned legalization for undocumented immigrants
Q: Should it become easier for undocumented foreign workers in the US to gain legal immigration status?
A: As president, I will create a new one-time earned legalization status, improve family reunification laws, create a work visa program, and partner with the private sector to create a new ‘American Dream Fund’ to help all immigrants learn English.
We’ve also got to face the fact that immigrants haven’t been treated fairly in America since September 11th -- and we can do something about it.
When I am president, I will protect the civil rights of immigrants -- right to counsel, timely notification of charges, guaranteed bond hearings, humane conditions, and much more.
Source: Associated Press policy Q&A, “Immigration”
Jan 25, 2004
Wesley Clark:
Tighten borders post-9/11, but allow earned citizenship
Q: Should it become easier for undocumented foreign workers in the US to gain legal immigration status?A: In light of 9/11 and other concerns, I would tighten up our borders to ensure that
fewer illegal immigrants get into this country. But I believe that we need to find ways to ensure that taxpaying, law-abiding, undocumented workers have a way to eventually earn their citizenship.
Source: Associated Press policy Q&A, “Immigration”
Jan 25, 2004
Arnold Schwarzenegger:
Voted for Prop. 187, denying services to illegal immigrants
Schwarzenegger, who came to the United States from Austria during the late 1960s, has acknowledged voting for Proposition 187, the 1994 initiative that denied some social services to illegal immigrants.
The proposition has since been mostly voided by the courts. The measure was championed by then-Gov. Pete Wilson, currently co-chairman of Schwarzenegger’s campaign.
Source: Associated Press on SFgate.com
Sep 1, 2003
Jesse Helms:
Work with new Mexican government to reduce immigration
There is no voice more critical of Mexico than that of Jesse Helms. But Helms, meeting with his Mexican counterpart for the first time, suggested that democratic change in Mexico had helped change his attitude. “It is true that over the course of my
public life I have criticized certain political leaders and policies of Mexico,” he said. “But I am not now, and have never been, a critic of Mexico.”“The best way to discourage illegal immigration to the US is to encourage in Mexico market reforms
and economic opportunity,“ he said. ”President Fox is committed to this, and I am committed to helping him achieve it.“ During the meeting, he urged Mexico to help enforce the US-Mexican border-even as Fox has expressed interest in working toward the
eventual free movement of workers between both countries. Helms described creating ”a new era of cooperation ... allowing us to work together to secure our common border and discourage the illegal immigration that serves neither your country nor mine.“
Source: Associated Press in NY Times
Apr 18, 2001
Al Gore:
English is our language, but “English-Only” divides us
Q: Should English be made the country’s official language? A: I believe that all of our people should have the opportunity to learn English, so that they can succeed and reach their fullest potential. However, I oppose ‘English only’ proposals.
Everyone knows that English is the language of the United States. ‘English only’ laws only seek to divide our nation, which has a long history of immigration by people who speak many languages.“
Source: Associated Press
Nov 1, 2000
George W. Bush:
Respect other languages, but teach all children English
Q: Should English be made the country’s official language? A: The ability to speak English is the key to success in America. I support a concept I call English-plus, insisting on English
proficiency but recognizing the invaluable richness that other languages and cultures brings to our nation of immigrants. In Texas, the Spanish language enhances and helps define
our state’s history. My fundamental priority is results. Whether a school uses an immersion program or a bilingual program, whichever effectively teaches children to read and comprehend
English as quickly as possible, I will support. The standard is English literacy and the goal is equal opportunity - all in an atmosphere where every heritage is respected and celebrated.
Source: Associated Press
Nov 1, 2000
Pat Buchanan:
Make English our official language
Buchanan’s TV ad, titled “Meatball,” depicts a man who begins to choke when he hears of a government move to strip English of its status as the “national language.” The ad cites an executive order President Clinton signed in August making it easier
for non-English-speaking citizens to gain access to federal programs and services. The man calls 911 and, eyes bulging from the meatball stuck in his throat, hears an automated menu of languages to choose from. “Please listen for your language,” a
recording says. “For Spanish, press one. For Korean, press two. For Bengali, press three.” He dies before getting to English, though it’s unclear what the choking man would have done had he reached an English-speaking dispatcher. “That’s a good
question,” Buchanan said. “Do you ever miss English?” an announcer asks in the ad. “Immigration is out of control. Bush and Gore are writing off English for good.” Buchanan believes English should be the official U.S. language.
Source: Scott Lindlaw, Associated Press
Oct 9, 2000
Dianne Feinstein:
$127M for INS to reduce immigrant visa backlog
Senator Dianne Feinstein is prime sponsor of a bill aimed at reducing the backlog of naturalization and visa applications. “I would hope [candidates] would endorse this bill and urge prompt passage of this legislation by Congress,” said Feinstein, who is
pushing for $127 million for the agency to hire staff and boost computer operations without increasing application fees.
Source: Paul Shepard, Associated Press, in Boston Globe, page A12
Jul 6, 2000
George W. Bush:
$500M to cut INS application time to 6 months
Expanding on a proposal to improve the INS, Bush pledged $500 million in new spending yesterday to cut the time needed to process an immigration application to an average of six months. Bush said the process now takes three to five years.
Late last year, the INS announced that average times had been reduced from two years to 12 months, and were headed lower. ’’We will bring to the INS a new standard of service and a culture of respect,’’ Bush said. The new spending, to be doled
out over five years, is the latest part of an INS overhaul plan that Bush’s campaign believes will resonate with Latino voters. ‘’We’ve got an INS that is too bureaucratic, too stuck in the past,’’ he said.
Last week, Bush announced that he wants
to split the INS into two agencies: one for legitimate immigrants and one for border enforcement. He also proposed allowing relatives of permanent residents to visit the US while their own immigration papers are being processed.
Source: Paul Shepard, Associated Press, in Boston Globe, page A12
Jul 6, 2000
Steve Forbes:
Toughen rules on illegal immigration
Forbes promises to take a tougher stand than the Clinton administration on illegal immigration.
Source: Scott Lindlaw, Associated Press
Sep 21, 1999
George W. Bush:
Guest workers, maybe; citizenship waiting period, yes
Bush pledged to revisit guest worker programs and other ways for immigrants to come into the country, but said he would insist on immigration controls and a waiting period before citizenship.
Source: Mike Glover, Associated Press
Aug 6, 1999
Pat Buchanan:
Use troops to stop illegal immigration
Buchanan said America needs leaders who will “halt illegal immigration cold at our borders even if we have to have troops. We need to repair, rebuild and restore the melting pot.”
Source: Kristen Hays, Associated Press
Jul 27, 1999
Page last updated: Feb 15, 2019