Nikki Haley in 2016 State of the Union address
On Immigration:
FactCheck: US does have history of religion-based exclusion
Gov. Haley criticized Donald Trump's immigration policy of excluding Muslims, saying, "we've never in the history of this country passed any laws or done anything based on...religion." Is that true? We checked and readily found numerous cases:-
Until 1828, Jews were disallowed from voting in Maryland.
- In 1838, all Mormons were expelled from Missouri by the Governor's order.
- The Immigration Act of 1924 restricted immigration from Southern & Eastern Europe (which are majority Catholic) in
favor of Northern & Western Europe (which are majority Protestant).
- In 1939, the S.S. St. Louis, carrying 908 Jewish refugees from Hitler's Germany, was denied entrance to the US.
In summary, Haley is incorrect about the US history of religious
laws. And Haley's focus on religious exclusion implies acceptance of country-based exclusion (like disallowing Syrian refugees). A country-based policy echoes that 1924 policy--its intent was to exclude Catholics, but using a more subtle method.
Source: OnTheIssues FactCheck: 2016 State of the Union GOP response
Jan 13, 2016
On Immigration:
Immigrants have come for generations to live the dream
I am the proud daughter of Indian immigrants who reminded my brothers, my sister and me every day how blessed we were to live in this country. Growing up in the rural south, my family didn't look like our neighbors, and we didn't have much.
There were times that were tough, but we had each other, and we had the opportunity to do anything, to be anything, as long as we were willing to work for it.
My story is really not much different from millions of other Americans. Immigrants have been coming to our shores for generations to live the dream that is America. They wanted better for their children than for themselves.
That remains the dream of all of us, and in this country we have seen time and again that that dream is achievable.
Source: Republican Party response to 2016 State of the Union speech
Jan 12, 2016
On Immigration:
Don't follow the siren call of anti-immigration anger
During anxious times, it can be tempting to follow the siren call of the angriest voices. We must resist that temptation.No one who is willing to work hard, abide by our laws, and love our traditions should ever feel unwelcome in this country.
At the same time, that does not mean we just flat out open our borders. We can't do that. We cannot continue to allow immigrants to come here illegally. And in this age of terrorism, we must not let in refugees whose intentions cannot be determined.
Source: Republican Party response to 2016 State of the Union speech
Jan 12, 2016
On Immigration:
Protect our borders, our sovereignty, and our citizens
We must fix our broken immigration system. That means stopping illegal immigration. And it means welcoming properly vetted legal immigrants, regardless of their race or religion. Just like we have for centuries.
I have no doubt that if we act with proper focus, we can protect our borders, our sovereignty and our citizens, all while remaining true to America's noblest legacies.
Source: Republican Party response to 2016 State of the Union speech
Jan 12, 2016
Page last updated: Dec 03, 2021