Jesse Helms on Immigration

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

Voted YES on allowing more foreign workers into the U.S. for farm work.

Vote to create a national registry containing names of U.S. workers who want to perform temporary or seasonal agricultural work, and to require the Attorney General to allow more foreign workers into the U.S. for farm work under H-2A visas. Bill S.2260 ; vote number 1998-233 on Jul 23, 1998

Voted YES on visas for skilled workers.

This bill expanded the Visa program for skilled workers.
Status: Bill Passed Y)78; N)20; NV)2 Reference: The American Competitiveness Act; Bill S. 1723 ; vote number 1998-141 on May 18, 1998

Voted YES on limit welfare for immigrants.

This amendment would have restored food stamp benefits to the children of legal immigrants
Status: Motion to Table Agreed to Y)59; N)41 Reference: Motion to table Kennedy Amdt #429; Bill S.947 ; vote number 1997-111 on Jun 24, 1997

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