|
|
Dan Sullivan on Immigration |
Dan Sullivan: Mixed. Supported Trump proposal offering DACA recipients path to citizenship in return for major border wall funding and major cuts in legal immigration.
Al Gross: Yes. Will place a priority on protecting DACA recipients.
Last week, the Senate briefly squabbled over immigration legislation, blocking a Republican proposal from coming to a vote. Now, Republicans are using that as ammunition. In an email to supporters, Sullivan said: "Begich cast the deciding vote in favor of President Obama's authority to issue executive amnesty to illegal aliens." Based on our research, that's not what happened.
Our ruling: Begich never voted on executive amnesty. In reality, Begich voted "no" on a procedural measure so that an amendment regarding immigration policy did not come up for a vote. It's debatable whether this amendment really addressed "executive amnesty." We rate this claim False.
[Bottom line]: Begich and Sullivan were asked if they would support the president taking executive action on giving amnesty to illegal immigrants: "No. Congress needs to be a part of it," Begich said. Sullivan said, "No way."
Treadwell said his priority would be to make U.S. borders secure. He supports humanitarian and private volunteer efforts to help immigrants but not the creation of more federal programs. "That doesn't make a lot of sense to me," he said.
Miller said illegal immigration is something that could rip the nation's fabric apart. "People are coming here illegally and if they become citizens they will vote," he said, adding his concern that most illegal immigrants wind up favoring Democrats. "I believe lawful immigration is great, though," Miller said.
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.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives: That the national emergency declared by the finding of the President on February 15, 2019, in Proclamation 9844 is hereby terminated.
Proclamation 9844 issued by the president on Feb. 15, 2019: Declares a state of national emergency at the southern border to address the issues of illegal immigration and criminal trafficking into the US: "The current situation at the southern border presents a border security and humanitarian crisis that threatens core national security interests and constitutes a national emergency. The southern border is a major entry point for criminals, gang members, and illicit narcotics. The problem of large-scale unlawful migration through the southern border is long-standing, and despite the executive branch's exercise of existing statutory authorities, the situation has worsened in certain respects in recent years. Because of the gravity of the current emergency situation, it is necessary for the Armed Forces to provide additional support to address the crisis."
Opposing the Proclamation (supporting the Resolution), ACLU press release, 2/15/2019 The ACLU issued the following statement upon filing a lawsuit: "By the president's very own admission in the Rose Garden, there is no national emergency. He just grew impatient and frustrated with Congress, and decided to move along his promise for a border wall 'faster.' This is a patently illegal power grab that hurts American communities and flouts the checks and balances that are hallmarks of our democracy."
Legislative outcome Passed House 245-182-5 roll #94 on Feb. 26; pass Senate 59-41 roll #49 on March 14; Vetoed by Pres. Trump; veto override failed, 248-181-3 (2/3 required), roll #127 on March 26
The Christian Coalition inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'Increase Border Security Including Additional Infrastructures ?' Self-description by Christian Coalition of America: "These guides help give voters a clear understanding of where candidates stand on important pro-family issues" for all Senate and Presidential candidates.