Immigration: 2012 contenders' views

Homeland Security

Tax Policy

War on Terror

Immigration
Candidates' views>>
Background

Site search Web search

Issues

Infrastructure & Technology

Archives

FactCheck.org analysis of 2007 campaign ads

FactCheck.org analysis of 2007 primary debates

Real Change, by Speaker Newt Gingrich

No Apology, by Gov. Mitt Romney

Newt! Leader of the Second American Revolution, by Dick Williams

Mitt Romney: The Man, His Values and His Vision, by Lisa Ray Turner and Kimberly Field

Liberty Defined, by Ron Paul (April 19, 2011)

Leadership and Crisis, by Bobby Jindal

Governor Tim Pawlenty: The Sam's Club Republican, by J. A. McClure

From Hope to Higher Ground, by Gov. Mike Huckabee

Fed Up!, by Rick Perry (Nov. 15, 2010)

Condi vs. Hillary: The Next Great Presidential Race

The America We Deserve, by Donald Trump

Washington Post, "The Fact Checker"

FactCheck.org analysis of 2008 primary debates

Survey of 2006 House campaign websites

(click a picture above for excerpts or other books and debates about Immigration)

Political Leaders

Site Map

Home
(Main page)

Issues
(Presidential quotations organized by topic)

Candidates
(Presidential quotations organized by candidate)

Recent
(Most recent quotation for each candidate)

Issue Grid
(Summary by topic of each candidate's positions)

Candidate Grid
(Summary by candidate of positions on each topic)

Archives
(Debate and book excerpts)

House of Representatives
(112th Congress)

Senate
(112th Senate)

Governors
(50 incumbents)

Cabinet
(16 Secretaries)

Supreme Court
(9 Justices)

Mayors
(12 Big-City Mayors)

Presidents
(9 Past Presidents)

VoteMatch
(Presidential Selector and Political Affiliation 20-question quiz)

About Us
(About Issues2000.org)

Letters
(Other viewers' letters)

Write Us
(Your feedback to us)

Democratic
Incumbents:

Pres.Barack Obama
V.P.Joe Biden
Secy.Hillary Clinton

GOP
Governors:
Gov.Jon Huntsman (UT)
Gov.Gary Johnson (NM)
Gov.Rick Perry (TX)
Gov.Mitt Romney (MA)

GOP Representatives:
Rep.Michele Bachmann (MN)
Rep.Newt Gingrich (GA)
Rep.Thad McCotter (MI)
Rep.Ron Paul (TX)

Republican Candidates:

Herman Cain (GA)
Gov.Buddy Roemer (LA)
Sen.Rick Santorum (PA)

Rocky Anderson on Immigration

Click here for 2 full quotes by Rocky Anderson OR click here for Rocky Anderson on other issues.

We need major overhaul of our immigration laws. (Jul 2006)
Vibrant workers are welcome; roundups are hypocrisy. (Dec 2001)

Michele Bachmann on Immigration

Republican Representative (MN)

Click here for 8 full quotes by Michele Bachmann OR click here for Michele Bachmann on other issues.

More visas for skilled engineers; but not for illegal aliens. (Nov 2011)
Build a fence on every inch of our southern border. (Sep 2011)
It's not the American way to give immigrants rights. (Sep 2011)
Our immigration law worked beautifully until 1960s. (Sep 2011)
Lack of border fence yields our sovereignty. (Sep 2011)
Secure our borders and enforce current laws. (Nov 2006)
Rated B+ by the ALI, indicating an acceptably anti-amnesty stance. (Nov 2010)
Declare English as the official language of the US. (Feb 2007)

Joe Biden on Immigration

Vice President; previously Democratic Senator (DE)

Click here for 21 full quotes by Joe Biden OR click here for Joe Biden on other issues.

FactCheck: 67% of illegal aliens speak Spanish; not 40%. (Dec 2007)
H1-B visas only for jobs Americans can�t do. (Dec 2007)
Americans will do any job if you pay them properly. (Dec 2007)
Oppose granting driver�s licenses to illegal immigrants. (Nov 2007)
Supported Bush plan: both border fence & path to citizenship. (Nov 2007)
2007: Immigration reform failed because McCain absent. (Oct 2007)
Sanctuary cities exist because feds can�t enforce their laws. (Sep 2007)
It�s impractical to deport 14 million illegal immigrants. (Jun 2007)
Voted for border fence, but to tackle drug trafficking. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on continuing federal funds for declared "sanctuary cities". (Mar 2008)
Voted YES on comprehensive immigration reform. (Jun 2007)
Voted NO on declaring English as the official language of the US government. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on eliminating the "Y" nonimmigrant guestworker program. (May 2007)
Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on establishing a Guest Worker program. (May 2006)
Voted YES on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security. (May 2006)
Voted YES on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship. (May 2006)
Voted YES on allowing more foreign workers into the US for farm work. (Jul 1998)
Voted NO on visas for skilled workers. (May 1998)
Voted NO on limit welfare for immigrants. (Jun 1997)
Rated 8% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance. (Dec 2006)

Herman Cain on Immigration

Republican Businessman & Talk-Show Host

Click here for 7 full quotes by Herman Cain OR click here for Herman Cain on other issues.

Insecure border is a national security threat. (Nov 2011)
Yes on fence, no on electrifying it. (Oct 2011)
Secure the border with more boots on the ground. (Sep 2011)
We have a path to citizenship: it's called legal immigration. (Aug 2011)
Not right to sue Arizona for trying to protect themselves. (Jun 2011)
Secure our borders; enforce our laws. (May 2011)
Where's the fence? Not in the Immigration Bill!. (Jun 2007)

Hillary Clinton on Immigration

Secretary of State; previously Democratic Senator (NY)

Click here for 39 full quotes by Hillary Clinton OR click here for Hillary Clinton on other issues.

2007: Focus on comprehensive reform, not driver's licenses. (Jan 2010)
Allow driver's licenses for illegals until we get reform. (Jan 2010)
NY licenses for illegals fills federal gap. (Aug 2009)
No official English, but keep common unifying language. (Feb 2008)
Introduce a path to earn citizenship in the first 100 days. (Feb 2008)
Consider halting certain raids on illegal immigrant families. (Feb 2008)
Border fence that cuts off a college campus is absurd. (Feb 2008)
Deploy technology & personnel, not a border fence. (Feb 2008)
Guest workers only for farms, to address labor shortage. (Feb 2008)
Don�t turn local police into immigration enforcers. (Feb 2008)
Deporting all illegal immigrants is unrealistic. (Jan 2008)
Illegal immigrants with driver�s licenses puts them at risk. (Jan 2008)
Exploitation of undocumented workers drives down wages. (Jan 2008)
Co-sponsored comprehensive immigration reform in 2004. (Jan 2008)
English unifies us; teach ESL but support other languages. (Dec 2007)
Crack down on employers who exploit undocumented workers. (Dec 2007)
Oppose granting driver�s licenses to illegal immigrants. (Nov 2007)
FactCheck: Denied saying licensing illegals �made sense�. (Oct 2007)
Immigrant license issue needs federal action on reform. (Oct 2007)
More border patrolling on both Mexican AND Canadian borders. (Sep 2007)
Immigration reform needs family unification as one goal. (Sep 2007)
Anti-immigrant bill would have criminalized Jesus Christ. (Sep 2007)
Sanctuary cities ok; local police can�t enforce immigration. (Sep 2007)
Making English official imperils crises needing translators. (Jun 2007)
Comprehensive reform to get 12 million out of shadows. (Apr 2007)
Keep New York-Ontario border passport-free for tourism. (Oct 2006)
Adamantly against illegal immigrants. (Sep 2005)
Voting Record
Opposes illegal immigration, but doesn�t vote to follow up. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on continuing federal funds for declared "sanctuary cities". (Mar 2008)
Voted YES on comprehensive immigration reform. (Jun 2007)
Voted NO on declaring English as the official language of the US government. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on eliminating the "Y" nonimmigrant guestworker program. (May 2007)
Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on establishing a Guest Worker program. (May 2006)
Voted YES on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security. (May 2006)
Voted YES on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship. (May 2006)
Sponsored bill covering child resident aliens under Medicaid. (May 2005)
Sponsored bill funding social services for noncitizens. (May 2006)
Rated 8% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance. (Dec 2006)

Newt Gingrich on Immigration

Former Republican Representative (GA-6) and Speaker of the House

Click here for 16 full quotes by Newt Gingrich OR click here for Newt Gingrich on other issues.

Santorum's healthcare stances compared to Newt's. (Jan 2012)
Review all illegal aliens & if you have no ties, go home. (Nov 2011)
Illegal aliens born in the US should not be deported. (Nov 2011)
Sue the federal government for every cent spent on illegals. (Nov 2011)
Employers should use e-verify for all hires. (Sep 2011)
Require official English plus American history. (Sep 2011)
I voted for Reagan's legal guest worker program. (Sep 2011)
Citizen Boards to decide which immigrants stay and go. (Aug 2011)
Use National Guard on US-Mexican border. (Jun 2011)
Deport 55,000 illegal aliens with multiple arrest records. (Dec 2007)
Elite immigration solution incompatible with American values. (Dec 2007)
Lax border security lets in terrorists. (Dec 2007)
Immigrants must learn key values of American history. (Dec 2006)
Make it harder to sneak in, but easier for guest workers. (Dec 2006)
1989: Let Tiananmen students overstay visas. (Jun 1995)
Irish and Chinese immigrants overcame bigotry; so can blacks. (Jun 1995)

Mike Huckabee on Immigration

Republican AR Governor

Click here for 21 full quotes by Mike Huckabee OR click here for Mike Huckabee on other issues.

Illegal immigrants must go home and start over. (Jan 2008)
Build a border fence within 18 months of taking office. (Jan 2008)
Build a border fence using American labor & materials. (Jan 2008)
FactCheck: Yes, supported scholarships for AR illegal aliens. (Dec 2007)
Pathway to citizenship must start at back of line, out of US. (Dec 2007)
Send illegals home so all in US can hold their heads high. (Dec 2007)
Make legal immigration quick, or outsource it if we can�t. (Dec 2007)
FactCheck: AR college bill accepted illegals after 3 years. (Nov 2007)
Punish people who break the law; but not their children. (Nov 2007)
Focus on demand: penalize employers of illegal immigrants. (Sep 2007)
Some anti-immigration advocates are based on racism. (Sep 2007)
People are angry at government for failing to track illegals. (Sep 2007)
Problems with McCain-Kennedy: credibility; secrecy; spending. (Jun 2007)
Allow in professionals as legal immigrants, but seal border. (Jun 2007)
Change rule barring immigrants from running for president. (May 2007)
Path to citizenship if illegals admit guilt & pay fine. (Jan 2007)
Deport the illegal immigrants who don�t do it the right way. (Jan 2006)
Seal the borders in a responsible way. (Jan 2006)
Share costs of legal immigration between states & federal. (Feb 2001)
Federal government should deal with criminal repatriation. (Feb 2001)
Import farm workers from Mexico. (Sep 2001)

Jon Huntsman on Immigration

Republican UT Governor

Click here for 6 full quotes by Jon Huntsman OR click here for Jon Huntsman on other issues.

H1B visa process is broken; we need immigrant brainpower. (Sep 2011)
Focus on fixing legal immigration as well as illegal. (Sep 2011)
End patchwork of state laws & just secure the border. (Aug 2011)
Vetoed repeal of college tuition for illegal immigrants. (May 2011)
Border fence repulses me; inconsistent with America's image. (May 2011)
2008: GOP should tack to the middle on immigration. (Jan 2011)

Gary Johnson on Immigration

Former Republican NM Governor

Click here for 6 full quotes by Gary Johnson OR click here for Gary Johnson on other issues.

2 year grace period for illegals to get work visas. (Nov 2011)
1 strike & you're out for legal immigrants who violate terms. (Nov 2011)
Let some, but not all, illegal immigrants stay in US. (Nov 2011)
Open the border; flood of Mexicans would become taxpayers. (May 2011)
Share costs of legal immigration between states & federal. (Feb 2001)
Federal government should deal with criminal repatriation. (Feb 2001)

Barack Obama on Immigration

Democratic President (2008); IL Senator (2004)

Click here for 45 full quotes by Barack Obama OR click here for Barack Obama on other issues.

Stop expelling talented undocumented workers. (Jan 2011)
Send 1,200 National Guard troops to southern border. (Nov 2010)
Anti-immigrant bitterness stems from joblessness. (Jan 2010)
Crack down on employers who hire illegal immigrants. (Jul 2008)
America has nothing to fear from today�s immigrants. (Jun 2008)
We need comprehensive reform, like McCain used to support. (Jun 2008)
Recognize the humanity of immigrants: Todos somos Americanos. (Jun 2008)
GovWatch: Anti-immigrants fuel xenophobia, but 45% increase. (Jun 2008)
Encourage every student to learn a second language. (Feb 2008)
Need to look at different aspects of immigration reform. (Feb 2008)
Have border patrolled, surveillance, and deploy technology. (Feb 2008)
Increasing the legal fees on immigrants is not helping. (Feb 2008)
Deporting 12 million people is ridiculous and impractical. (Feb 2008)
Immigration raids are ineffective. (Feb 2008)
Solve the driver�s license issue with immigration reform. (Jan 2008)
Immigrants are scapegoats for high unemployment rates. (Jan 2008)
Health plan: not enough resources for illegal immigrants. (Jan 2008)
Illegals shouldn�t work; but should have path to citizenship. (Dec 2007)
Don�t deputize Americans to turn in illegal immigrants. (Dec 2007)
OK to provide government services in Spanish. (Dec 2007)
Comprehensive solution includes employers & borders. (Nov 2007)
Undocumented workers come here to work, not to drive. (Nov 2007)
Support granting driver�s licenses to illegal immigrants. (Nov 2007)
FactCheck: Lightning IS likelier than employer prosecution. (Nov 2007)
Illegal immigrants� lack of ID is a public safety concern. (Oct 2007)
Immigration system is broken for legal immigrants. (Sep 2007)
Reform must include more border security, and border wall. (Sep 2007)
Sanctuary cities show that feds are not enforcing law. (Sep 2007)
Pathway to citizenship, but people have to earn it. (Aug 2007)
Let�s be a nation of laws AND a nation of immigrants. (Aug 2007)
Do a better job patrolling the Canadian and Mexican borders. (Jun 2007)
Give immigrants who are here a rigorous path to citizenship. (Jun 2007)
Extend welfare and Medicaid to immigrants. (Jul 1998)
Voting Record
Support the DREAM Act for the children of illegal immigrants. (Jan 2008)
Voted YES on continuing federal funds for declared "sanctuary cities". (Mar 2008)
Voted YES on comprehensive immigration reform. (Jun 2007)
Voted NO on declaring English as the official language of the US government. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on establishing a Guest Worker program. (May 2006)
Voted YES on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security. (May 2006)
Voted YES on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship. (May 2006)
Comprehensive immigration reform without amnesty. (May 2005)
Sponsored bill paying fair prevailing wage to guest workers. (May 2006)
Provide funding for social services for noncitizens. (May 2006)
Rated 8% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance. (Dec 2006)

Sarah Palin on Immigration

Republican Governor (AK); 2008 nominee for Vice President

Click here for 8 full quotes by Sarah Palin OR click here for Sarah Palin on other issues.

Supports a path to citizenship, but no amnesty for illegals. (Oct 2008)
Never supported Pat Buchanan for president. (Sep 2008)
Has not often expressed views on illegal immigration. (Aug 2008)
OpEd: Palin is sick to death of this immigration nonsense. (Mar 2008)
Address jointly with Canada the border security challenges. (Jan 2007)
Immigrants want more vocational training & senior assistance. (Oct 2006)
Took no action on Alaska�s �sanctuary cities�. (Sep 2006)
Tightened restrictions on illegal alien�s drivers licenses. (Sep 2006)

Ron Paul on Immigration

Republican Representative (TX-14); previously Libertarian for President

Click here for 26 full quotes by Ron Paul OR click here for Ron Paul on other issues.

Incentives like benefits create illegal alien problem. (Nov 2011)
Data banks for illegal aliens keep track of us too. (Sep 2011)
Pay attention to US borders, not international borders. (Aug 2011)
Let churches provide services for immigrants, not state. (Jun 2011)
Give illegals limbo status: a green card with an asterisk. (Apr 2011)
Sending 12M illegals home won't & shouldn't happen. (Apr 2011)
If economy were good, there�d be no immigration problem. (Dec 2007)
Amend Constitution to remove aliens� birthright citizenship. (Dec 2007)
Those who attack bilingualism are jealous & feel inferior. (Dec 2007)
No amnesty, but impractical to round up 12 million illegals. (Sep 2007)
Immigration problem is consequence of welfare state. (Sep 2007)
No amnesty, but border fence isn�t so important. (Jun 2007)
We subsidize illegal immigration, so we get more. (Jun 2007)
Keep rule barring immigrants from running for president. (May 2007)
End all incentives and amnesty for illegal immigrants. (Jan 2006)
Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on preventing tipping off Mexicans about Minuteman Project. (Jun 2006)
Voted YES on reporting illegal aliens who receive hospital treatment. (May 2004)
Voted YES on extending Immigrant Residency rules. (May 2001)
Voted YES on more immigrant visas for skilled workers. (Sep 1998)
Sponsored bill banning student visas from terrorist nations. (Jan 2003)
Rated 100% by FAIR, indicating a voting record restricting immigration. (Dec 2003)
Rated 83% by USBC, indicating a sealed-border stance. (Dec 2006)
Government services in English only. (Mar 2008)
Rated C by the ALI, indicating an acceptably anti-amnesty stance. (Nov 2010)
Declare English as the official language of the US. (Feb 2007)

Tim Pawlenty on Immigration

Republican MN Governor

Click here for 3 full quotes by Tim Pawlenty OR click here for Tim Pawlenty on other issues.

If feds won't protect border, then let the states do it. (Jun 2011)
No pathway to citizenship except military service. (May 2010)
Require federal electronic verification for state employment. (Jan 2008)

Rick Perry on Immigration

Republican Governor (TX)

Click here for 15 full quotes by Rick Perry OR click here for Rick Perry on other issues.

US-Mexican border security helps the entire hemisphere. (Nov 2011)
We have Texas Rangers patrolling the border. (Sep 2011)
You don't have a heart if you don't educate immigrant kids. (Sep 2011)
A 2000-mile fence makes no sense; need boots on the ground. (Sep 2011)
Failed federal responsibility to secure the border. (Sep 2011)
Discounted in-state tuition regardless of immigration status. (Sep 2011)
Let illegals contribute to society & pursue citizenship. (Sep 2011)
El Paso border is not safe until we have boots on the ground. (Sep 2011)
Secure the Mexican border against drug cartels. (Feb 2011)
Illegal immigration cost TX $928M in one year. (Nov 2010)
End the notion of sanctuary cities. (Jan 2009)
$100 million investment in a more secure border. (Feb 2007)
Share costs of legal immigration between states & federal. (Feb 2001)
Federal government should deal with criminal repatriation. (Feb 2001)
Import farm workers from Mexico. (Sep 2001)

Buddy Roemer on Immigration

Former Governor (LA)

Click here for the full quote by Buddy Roemer OR click here for Buddy Roemer on other issues.

The border needs to be sealed, with no amnesty. (Oct 2011)

Mitt Romney on Immigration

Former Republican Governor (MA)

Click here for 37 full quotes by Mitt Romney OR click here for Mitt Romney on other issues.

Alien employment cards ; not amnesty. (Nov 2011)
Vetoed in-state tuition; turn off the magnet. (Sep 2011)
Of course a border fence; of course no free tuition. (Sep 2011)
Build 2,600-mile fence with enough guards to secure it. (Sep 2011)
Turn off the magnet that attracts immigrants. (Sep 2011)
I like legal immigration; let business determine visas. (Aug 2011)
Immigration practices are upside down: more hi-tech visas. (Mar 2010)
Ardent proponent of English immersion. (Mar 2010)
GovWatch: 2005: Called comprehensive reform �reasonable�. (Feb 2008)
Deport illegal immigrants in 90 days under the ideal setting. (Jan 2008)
Found Z-visa & McCain-Kennedy bill to be offensive. (Jan 2008)
FactCheck: Yes, his ads DID accuse McCain of �amnesty�. (Jan 2008)
Illegal immigrants should go home eventually. (Dec 2007)
No mandatory prison term for employers who hire illegals. (Dec 2007)
AdWatch: Huckabee ok�ed tuition & scholarships for illegals. (Dec 2007)
FactCheck: Took hard-line on illegals, but only late in term. (Dec 2007)
Welcome the people who have been standing in line first. (Dec 2007)
Employers have no means of knowing who�s legal & who�s not. (Dec 2007)
Avoid chain migration; disallow families from one citizen. (Dec 2007)
Illegal immigrants shouldn�t get tuition break in schools. (Nov 2007)
FactCheck: Illegals employed at his home, but by contractor. (Nov 2007)
AdWatch: No driver�s license & in-state tuition for illegals. (Nov 2007)
FactCheck: MA state cops never enforced immigration laws. (Nov 2007)
FactCheck: Took no action against 4 Mass. sanctuary cities. (Nov 2007)
Reduce federal funding to sanctuary cities. (Sep 2007)
Z-visa is not technically amnesty; but is in fact amnesty. (Sep 2007)
FactCheck: NYC never declared itself a �sanctuary city�. (Sep 2007)
Make America more attractive for legal immigrants. (Aug 2007)
Priorities: secure border, employer verification, no amnesty. (Aug 2007)
Enforce the law against 12 million illegals here now. (Jun 2007)
Proposed Z visa allows illegal aliens to stay in America. (Jun 2007)
Make English national language; communicate in Spanish too. (Jun 2007)
McCain�s plan gives special pathway to those here illegally. (May 2007)
Keep rule barring immigrants from running for president. (May 2007)
The 12 million illegal immigrants can�t stay forever. (Jan 2006)
Unfair to allow all illegal immigrants to stay. (Jan 2006)
Tuition breaks encourage illegal immigration. (Nov 2005)

Rick Santorum on Immigration

Republican Jr Senator (PA)

Click here for 13 full quotes by Rick Santorum OR click here for Rick Santorum on other issues.

Welcome legal immigrants as part of made-in-America plan. (Nov 2011)
No in-state tuition for illegal immigrants. (Sep 2011)
Finish the border fence; make English the official language. (Sep 2011)
No tricks like 1984; secure the border first. (Sep 2011)
No promises & no government benefits to immigrants. (Sep 2011)
No benefits for illegal immigrants. (Jun 2011)
Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
Voted NO on establishing a Guest Worker program. (May 2006)
Voted NO on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security. (May 2006)
Voted NO on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship. (May 2006)
Voted YES on allowing more foreign workers into the US for farm work. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on visas for skilled workers. (May 1998)
Voted YES on limit welfare for immigrants. (Jun 1997)

Jill Stein on Immigration

Former Green Challenger MA Governor

Click here for 2 full quotes by Jill Stein OR click here for Jill Stein on other issues.

Undocumented immigrants are critical component of economy. (Dec 2011)
No pathway to citizenship for criminals; open to all others. (Dec 2011)

E-mail: submit@OnTheIssues.org

Send donations or submit quotations to:
On The Issues
1770 Massachusetts Ave. #630
Cambridge, MA 02140

Written by
WebMerchants

Reproduction of material from any OnTheIssues.org pages without written permission is prohibited.
Copyright © 1999-2008 OnTheIssues.org & the SpeakOut Foundation, all rights reserved.
OnTheIssues.org 1770 Massachusetts Ave. #630, Cambridge MA 02140
E-mail us at:info at OnTheIssues.org | Advertising information | Privacy and Use Policies

Voting Record

Voting Record

E-mail: submit@OnTheIssues.org