Ask the Candidates: Immigration
Here are the questions submitted by users about immigration, from border patrols to giving drivers' licenses to undocumented immigrants or employer sanctions.
2:24 PM ET | 11-20-2007 | permalink
Comments
How quickly are you going to secure the borders? Since this is definitely one of the duties specifically mandated by the Constitution of the federal government, I would really like to know how quickly you will do your duty.
Here's two versions of the same basic question for Hillary:
youtube.com/watch?v=Q_l4Lawj14A
youtube.com/watch?v=WZkvEmSy1vk
The graphics in the second will hopefully clear things up if you don't understand how bad the bill is. Note that the provision discussed was removed from the last version they tried to pass, but Hillary supported it in prior versions when it had the provision.
Here's one for Obama:
youtube.com/watch?v=EiullH5jU1A
Note the link in the description containing much more information. Everything is sourced.
Here's a couple for Richardson:
youtube.com/watch?v=MiszkrzoOs0
youtube.com/watch?v=i0YRHXoygRM
And, for Edwards:
youtube.com/watch?v=jGqxLeD1Qg8
If you want a real debate, ask one of those, and feel free to send me an email if you want others or want some follow-ups. Of course, if you don't want a real debate, simply ask the candidates to state their positions and then just let them speak.
Americans who are married to undocumented spouses are in constant fear of having their families separated [forced deportation] at a traffic check. What plan of action do you bring to the table to rectify this situation?
What enforcement efforts do you support to address the non payment of payroll taxes and/or non payment of minimum and overtime wages by employers of undocumented workers?
Arnold Schwarzenegger has twenty inch biceps.
American history more or less proves that the strongest looking candidate wins the White House, time and again.
If the Democrats had a foreign born candidate with twenty-two inch biceps and was idolized by the American public to no end, would you support an amendment to the Constitution that would allow immigrants to run for the White House?
thank you,
fred call
To All Canidates: I see traditions in America changing. The 30 - somethings obviously not going to take care of their elderly because they can't even give good customer service, and immigrants fill our food banks and doctors offices (for free services and keep having more children). How can our government help those that have worked from teenagers and now only have Social Security to live off of? The poor just get poorer?
This is a general comment about the upcoming debate. Please give all candidates equal time, I am tired of hearing only the top three. How about placing the top money earners on the edge of the stage and the guys rating lower in the polls in the center. Shake it up a little for the American people.
Thank you
We are know as a melting pot where people have come to this country and "melted" in to speaking American English. Suddenly we are asked what language we speak in our own country! 1) Will you remove the question about what language we speak when we call any US Gov. office? 2) If not, will you add the options of French, German, Portuguese, Spanish from Spain, etc?
We all are beginning to understand that uncontrolled mass immigration is but a symptom of planned globalization. What is your position on implementing a North American Community by 2010?
Why do Democrats act as if rank and file party members want open borders? We don't, and for a dozen good reasons that have nothing to do with xenophobia. We citizens are tired of seeing business get all the benefits of cheap (for them) labor while we taxpayers are stuck with the tab for billions of dollars in Washington-mandated social services. And the amnesty all you Dems support would entice millions more illegals to come! Enough!
What are your opinions on illegal migration into the US and unemployment among US born working class minorities.
Would you agree with a law to deny US citizenship and impart the mother???s nationality onto children born of illegal migrant women in the US?
What are your opinions on development of a program to provide temporary working permits for migrant workers and harsher penalties for illegal migrants working in the US?
The U.S. Census Bureau projects ONE BILLION people living here by 2090 if immigration rates continue as they are.
Do you favor continuing this unsustainable population growth or do you favor reducing immigration?
The candidates all have taken a oath requiring them to uphold the law, yet each of them to one degree or another support a form of legalization that would allow millions of illegal aliens to remain here. Why even bother with such an oath if our elected representatives are able to make exceptions to the rule of law when it becomes politically expedient?
The world's population is currently 6 billion. It is projected to level off at 9 billion by 2050. The current U.S. population is 300 million. Do we want half again as many people in the U.S. by 2050 ?
I assume this would be a first of its kind. I am a "Legal" immigrant but do not have a "voice" yet (no voting rights in other words). I love the country, the values, the opportunities and the "American" Dream. Question to you all, what are you going to do to make the "Immigration" agency (USCIS) transparent, accountable and objective oriented?
Why is that there is so much talk about the "illegals" where as the real problem is with the painful beaurocratic, "unAmerican" process that is completely mismanaged by USCIS and no one talks about it? (I am so afraid that I do not even want to give my name yet) Oh wait.. darn it! We do not have any votes, so why bother? right?
Because undocumented workers often give false social security numbers to their employers, payroll taxes ARE TAKEN FROM THEIR WAGES but most are never collected in the form of social security benefits, for fear that doing so will expose their fraud. So,this uncollected money goes into an Earnings Suspense File. The ESF is now swelling by about $6 billion a year and totaled $519 billion as of 2005. It is also estimated that about 1.8 million children of undocumented workers are educated in American to the tune of about $11.2 billion a year. If elected, would you be willing to offset part of this burden on taxpayers by funneling money from the ESF and putting it into our public schools? Would you be willing to do it as part of a comprehensive 'guest worker' type program to address the needs of economic sectors dependent on migrant/low wage labor?
Most illegal immigrants come here to work and most send money home to uplift their families economic situation. Furthermore, most would not chose to stay if it was easier to work here, go home, and return periodically. Lastly, many/most of these people do work the vast majority of north Americans refuse to do, even if they need work. So what is your plan for:
1. A workable guest worker program where certified workers can move freely between home and the US.
2. Secure our borders against those who should really not be allowed entry, i.e., true terrorists.
Why do you feel it's fair and ethical that an illegal alien who breaks US law gets a pass, but if a US citizen breaks a law we go to jail?
Senator Dodd has called for repeal of the Cuban Adjustment Act which allows virtually automatic admission to the US to any Cuban who reaches the US by boat or accross the Mexican border. How do the other candidates feel about ending this unique privilege which fosters human traficking?
While attending a recent Holiday party,in Iredell county, N.C. an area with a high percentage of illegal immigrants.... I met a woman who works as a case worker for the Dept of Socail sevices, Iredell county, N.C. She shared that every day the doors are open, she her self takes the aplications of several to 30 illegal immagrants applying for medicare, Medicaid and food stamps, and no emplyee of the dept. is allowed to telephone the local police and sheriff depts. or immigration, to inform them there are illegal immigrants in her office and building, appluying for aid! Why? she says, "it is the policy of Socail Services, not to."
Now how dumbfounding is that!? It frustrates this employee of the Dept. of Social Services! because of where she works, and the rules enforced there, she can do nothing to help protect and curb the illegal immigration issue!
So will the candidates do something, anything, and if the candidate is a senator, will they do something now about this to correct it or allow it to just continue on ?
One of the simplest ways to shore up Social Security, Medicare and other old age entitlements programs is to allow more immigrants into the US; would you consider creating a policy that advocated dramatically increased immigration to address the looming deficits in these entitlement programs?
Why is most of the focus for illegal immigrants on the borders, when what many feel the real question is what are you doing about imigrants coming in from Islamic countries setting up house in neighborhoods and building mosques at great numbers? Whey are we poking the stick at the Mexican immigrants so much. These people have contributed much to our economy and to the country as a whole. They are our neighbors and I believe we should work out a better way to address any problem we have with them. They are not our enemy! They have not declared war on the United States.
Approximately how many immigrants, legal and otherwise, do you think can be absorbed, integrated, and become productive citizens annually, on a sustainble basis?
Question for the candidates. Would you support a constitutional ammendment that states: "THE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF THE LAWS OF OUR LAND ARE RESERVED FOR INDIVIDUAL HUMAN CITIZENS."
There are, according to some estimates, 10 to 20 million people without proper documentation in this country. How would you address the status of these people and do you believe it is possible to deal with this issues without some type of amnesty (or whatever it may be called)?
NAFTA was touted as a win-win for both Mexico and the United States economies. The end results have been disappointing.I believe the immigration issue can only be addressed with presidential leadership. What vision do you have for a sustainable partnership that promotes economic, political and social incentives for Mexico to invest in its people and infrastructure?
In NYC it is estimated that 10,000 immigrants are on wait lists to attend ESL (English as a Second Language)classes, and yet there is an impression locally and throughout the country that immigrants do not want to learn English. The issue is not one of lack of interest, but rather a lack of resources. As the director of an adult literacy program, and a democrat, I was surprised to learn that one of the greatest increases in funding for adult literacy and ESL instruction came under the Bush 1 presidency. As a presidential candidate, what is your position on increased funding for immigrants to learn English, a necessary skill to acquire citizenship and full integration into American society.
Since American women have chosen since 1992 to have children at slightly below replacement level, our population growth depends entirely on level of legal and illegal immigration. How many legal immigrants a year would you allow - the traditional 250,000 a year or the million a year of the last 20 some years?
Why is their so much focus on illegal immigrants and american jobs? don't they usually take the jobs us citizens don't want? isn't the outsourcing of higher pay customer service jobs more of an issue? these companies/workers don't pay taxes where immigrants do pay taxes and although many immigrants send $ to their fmalies in their home countyr, they also consume items within the borders of the us so we do see some benefits where none of the money made by workers performing jobs (formerly housed within american and held by citizens) is consumed within the us
To all Demovrati contenders. Naomi Wolf has written a book indicating how we are becoming a fascist state. I am also of this opinion. What do you intend to do to reverse this trend?
To all candidates: The wait list for employment based legal immigration(greencards) has been growing severely. It has started to take a toll on people's careers and corporations. How do you intend to transform this process into a more certain and reasonable one for the future?
Are you concerned about the impact illegal immigration has on America's poor? and what will you do to protect their wages and jobs?
How do you feel Jesus would handle the immigration problem?
I was an illegal alien for almost 8 years. I used a Tax Payer ID at work (since I lacked a SSN), with this Tax Payer ID Number, my employer withheld Social Security Taxes and Medicare Taxes. As a waitress, I also declared my tips and taxes were withheld accordingly. With this tax payer ID, I was able to do my tax return every year. I also paid rent, paid living expenses and paid my own college tuition and books. In other words, I contributed to the U.S. economy. WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO CLEAR MANY AMERICAN???S MISCONCEPTION ABOUT ILLEGAL ALIENS NOT PAYING TAXES AND BEING A BURDEN TO THE U.S. ECONOMY?
Throughout those 8 years, I worked at a couple of Restaurants around downtown Austin and I met many people just like me, all Hispanics (not only Mexicans) and whose families worked in construction, as nannies, as janitors, as housekeeping ladies, as busboys, etc???all using Tax IDs and paying taxes. Throughout those 8 years, I never met a single American born individual willing to do the job we did 40-50 hours a week. But throughout those 8 years, I passed by the Salvation Army and Caritas on 7th every day and I saw tons of American born individuals lined up awaiting for free food and shelter; the majority of them homeless by choice, with 2 arms and 2 legs but unwilling to take the thousands of job opportunities in the U.S.
Why do some people believe that we are taking away their jobs, taking away benefits that belong to them only just because they are citizens?
Austin, Texas
Some of you hold positions that conflict with current immigration laws. I have had it with the Executive branch in this country picking which laws it will and will not obey and enforce. If you are elected President will you pledge to uphold the laws of this country regardless of your philosophy until such time when the legislative branch can change the laws to support your philosophy?
This country helped control the border of East and West Germany along with other countries for many years. Not many people got across that border. Why is it this country cant do the same with whatever means its takes including a wall; barbed wire; electronic fencing; dogs; border patrol; etc on our southern border?
It seems to us that this is a matter of will and if we cant control our borders; then we might as well allow the free flow of people including those that might do this country harm to continue to go on to the detriment of US citizens and legal residents.
for John Edwards:
Some people in NC are concerned that our community colleges permit undocumented students in their classrooms and are striving to pass legislation to deny these qualified students access to higher education. Why should we be concerned with the status of these particular students when there are foreign students in our classrooms as well. Since they pay out-of-state tuition, why should their classification matter. The better educated we are, the better global citizens we make.
for all candidates: What is your policy regarding the proposed North American Union?
For all candidates:
Would you support a law that only allows children born here who have at least one parent being a US citizen or legal resident to be an automatic citizen of this country?
Many countries in Europe and elsewhere already have such a law and dont you think this would help with the illegal problem if kids born here from illegal parents dont get automatic citizenship?
I believe that we have so many illegal immigrants because of the incredible bureaucratic inefficiency of our current immigration process. I am an American citizen married to a Mexican citizen. We have been living apart, in separate countries, waiting for over 1 year for an immigration appointment at the US consulate. We have completed all the paperwork and paid hundred of dollars in "processing fees". All my government can tell me is that they "do not know when we will be granted an interview". What they can tell me is that they are currently handling over 27,000 cases!!! I was horrified to see on the US immigration website that that same consulate is now working on cases filed in 1992!!! My question is what will you do about the complete mess of our legal immigration process; making it more efficient and timely while still keeping our country safe from criminals and terrorists?
Question for the candidates: What can we do to accomodate the needs of agriculture and food processors for a reliable labor force, given the antipathy to employing workers from across our borders?
Immigration reform seems to be the hot buton issue that all candidates are most afraid of. Instead of prancing around like a bunch of banty roosters, why don't you all discuss in detail the many diverse aspects of the issue? That means "educate" the public and act like real leaders.
1. There are deep backlogs, long waiting times, and hefty fees for many classes of U.S. visas. Would you support immigration reform to expand and streamline LEGAL paths to immigration?
2. Married immigrants may sponsor their spouses and children to enter the U.S., but federal law does not legally recognize same-sex couples and their children as families. As a result, many gay and lesbian Americans in committed relationships face bitter choices between their livelihood and their loved ones. Would you support legislation to allow same-sex couples to sponsor their partners and children to immigrate to this country?
Please explain in real terms the negative impact of illegal immigration in the following areas: employment, healthcare, commerce, and culture. Please provide substance, and please avoid vague generalizations and appeals to base nationalism. If you cannot do this, then perhaps there are bigger problems that we should deal with first.
This question is for each of the candidates: Do you believe that there is an immigration "crisis," as has been so reported in the media? Is there merely an on-going immigration enforcement problem rather than a crisis? What policies would you and a co-operative Congress enact to make the US a less-enticing destination for so-called "economic" immigrants while simultaneously making their own home nations more enticing to remain in? What policy incentives will you offer to employers to increase wages so that mainstream Americans will want to take the types of jobs now filled by millions of illegal immigrants to prevent economic collapse for lack of said workers?
What rights do you think that illegal immigrants should have while in our country? What rights do you think they should acquire when they become legal residents or workers? Or should they illegal immigrants, undocumented workers and legal residents get the same rights as US citizens?
What will you do to see that present laws pertaining to immigration and our borders are inforced?
I would like to make a simple suggestion: I think that Americans would like to hear from ALL the candidates, not just the "front runners!" I for one am tired of just hearing them speak and agrue back and forth. It would be a nice change to actually hear All the candidates thoughts and ideas on different issues. I'm tired of the mud slinging, I just want answers to questions from all thoses running for President. We deserve to hear from all of them, it's the only way we can make a proper decision.
This question is for all the candidates running for Presdient of the United States of America:
If the citizens of the U.S. are in danger from attacks from "terrotists," so much danger that we need Real I.D. cards that track our where abouts, then I beg to know, why are our borders left wide open for millions to cross into our country? In short, if we are in so much danger, then why are the borders still open?
Are the words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty obsolete? How will you reform immigration so they are again lived up to, istead of building more walls?
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
The problems we are having in this country involving immigration seem to be beyond just immigration issues. With millions of illegal aliens living here and crossing the borders daily in large numbers, do you think this should be looked at as a homeland security issue and not an immigration problem?
Why are you allowing the Republicans to turn immigration into a false law-and-order problem when it should viewed in terms of human rights and doing what is right for our country.
Do you believe that children of illegal immigrants born in the United States should continue to be considered citizens of the United States?
Some people (including myself) think the answer to deterring Mexicans from escaping to the USA is to work with the Mexican government to improve general life there. Do you agree with this opinion, why or why not? If yes, what kind of advice and aid would you give the Mexican government?
"Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
'Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!' cries she
With silent lips. 'Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!'"
All of you surely now where this poem can be found. But it seems today these words have either been forgotten or disregarded. What needs to be done in order to restore the values expressed in this passage? Or do you think we live in a time where we cannot live by this vision of America?
What are the social, economic, and political forces driving Mexicans to leave their country and come to the U.S.? How does your understanding of these issues shape the policies you would enact in order to reform immigration?
I believe most illegal immigrants come here because they have to, not because they want to (they have to in order to support their families). Therefore I believe that that the best way to deal with illegal immigration would be to rewrite NAFTA and other trade agreements in order to bring the living standards up in Mexico and elsewhere. Do you agree with my premise? and, do you agree that we should rewrite NAFTA and other trade agreements to prevent illegal immigration?
Given that the immigration issue has really escalated since NAFTA, would you consider eliminating or renegotiating NAFTA in order to make it more favorable to workers in both Mexico and the United States?
Dear candidates:
This is Adam Schmidt from Mt.Pleasant, SC. I was wondering if one of u candidates are in office will leave Iraq and Afganistan soon?(not saying im a agianst the war)Also if you decide to leave the wa what is your exit plan?
Why don't we let everyone into our country and do extensive background and security checks on them? After all, we are a country of immigrants and invaders.
It seems that the lack of workers in the flower industry, agriculture industry, and contracting industry is already creating mass problems for small and large businesses. Are you speaking to people who own businesses in these fields to see what their ideas are to keep their businesses productive, profitable, and legal?
to the candidates:
There are some savvy entreprenuers (sp)selling great fake social security cards to illigal immigrants. These illigal immigrants are pumping billions of dollars in the Social Security System. What is the Gov't doing with all this money? Are they hidding it for the retiring baby boomers or for their own retirement? If you keep all these immigrants from working, how do you plan to replace all these monies that the immigrants are at this very moment pumping into America? Most Americans do not know this. Without that fake SS card they cannot work. Why is the President not telling America how much $$ they are pumping into America? The Social Security Administration KNOWS which SS numbers are fake by looking in their bank. I am sure they have been commanded to not say a thing. Where is the money going and how will you replace thse monies if the immigrants are returned to their land? ALas Let us not forget we are ALL sons and daughters of immigrants!!!Truth!
What are you going to do about the illegal immigrants?
Do you support building a wall on the southern border as a method for controlling immigration?
WHo has made immigration a national issue? Is this how democrats copy the republicans? Do any of you know about the Palmer raids?
To all the candidates:
Will you see that all laws regarding employment are enforced and that all legal residents and US citizens who want to work are working before you decide we need all these illegals currently here working; to continue to stay here and get amnesty???
Many areas have high unemployment but there is little or no money to retrain people. Others like the disabled need work place laws concerning discrimination and employmnet are enforced. Other jobs could be mechanised. Some people just want extra income for the extras or necessities in life but need flexible hours. There are ways to get this work done without illegals if you are willing to try but the citizens of this country (and legal residents) need to be placed first so that they are also getting ahead. Will you do that as President???
The anti immigration frenzy is dividing America. Many of us Americans are being harassed and racially profiled as illegal immigrants for being Hispanic or Brown, oftentimes we are asked by employers for green-cards, Many of us do not even speak Spanish, our European and Mexican ancestors arrived here in NM, which is one of the 50 states, before any pilgrim at Jamestown. In 1912 New Mexico became a state. What are you going to do about this racial profiling that is hurting us Americans from sea to shining sea?
All of our candidates have protrayed to the public their belief in Christian/Judaic principles. Ironically big business is exploiting illegal aliens for profit while using Americans to fund their social, educational & medical services. Big business is defining our constitution and making Americans dispensible. My question to you is: When did any law in this country become debatable, and how can you recoup lost funds for benefts/turned profit to the American people?
I am an immigrant from Britain currently living in Iowa with my wife and two adopted children. I came here legally and obtained my resident status via the legal avenue. I cannot count the times I've heard people, when speaking about immigrants, ask the question, "if they want to be here, why not enter through the legal route?" Many people are completely unaware that the legal route is only available to a select few, and is extortionately expensive, lengthy and difficult. Myself and my family lived for a year under the constant fear that we may be separated, and ended up in financial ruin because we chose to do things the legal way. If elected president what do you intend to do to reform the legal method of entry for immigrants?
In your honest judgement, which aspect of the immigration issue is the most difficult to deal with? And can you forsee a future when there will be no illegal immigrants in the United States?
To all:
What are your plans to get closure on the immigration issue? Illegal anything is, well, illegal, therefore illegal immigrants are clearly breaking the law. Providing concessions to them is a slap in the face for the rest of us.
At the same time, if we clearly know that there are more jobs than people in the US, we need to encourage legal immigration, since otherwise jobs get shipped overseas, as we've seen in the manufacturing and high-tech sectors.
Finally, what are your plans to facilitate integrating immigrants into the mainstream society so that they start contributing to the economy and become part of the democratic process sooner? If the rate of assimilation is slower than the rate of influx, it leads to minority 'pockets' that make it difficult for immigrants to leave their comfort zones.
Thank you.
I am a lawyer and the mother of three great kids adopted from Korea. I would be interested in knowing what the candidates think about amending the Constitution to allow foreign-born persons to run for President.
I am surprised that in all the immigration debate raging over the last couple of years, all the talk is about illegal immigrants, but no one talks about legal immigrants, who follow all the rules, pay their taxes in time, and then wait endlessly for the Green Card, the path to citizenship. It has been widely reported that many people are stuck in so-called Name-check by FBI for more than 5 years. It takes a toll on people's careers and corporations. Why so much time in clearing the name check since it should be looked as a homeland security issue and should be given top priority. If there is staff shortage, make applicants pay more fees (if they are not already paying through their nose), but damn it, get the work done in an efficient and timely way, decide one way or other. What are you going to do to make the "Immigration" agency (USCIS), and name-check process (FBI) timely, transparent, accountable and objective oriented?
(I am afraid that I do not even want to give my name yet as I am still a legal immigrant who is waiting for my green card). I just want to tell the candidates that they will be making a big mistake by thinking that legal immigrants don???t have a voice, they do, it is just that right now it is through their friends, family, who share their pain, frustration, but it will surely have impact on election day.
Throughout the many debates and neumeroes sound bites we have not heard how any canidates discuss working with Mexican leaders on growing Mexico's economy and social structures to reduce the need for individuals and families to come to america seeking a better way of life. How would you approach this side of the immigration puzzle?
Can any of you forego political hype and take the courageous step of saying that the immigration issue plays upon the fear and ignorance of the citizenry and shouldn't even be an issue because this is a nation of immigrants and that most of those so called illegals are positive contributors to our society.
Question for all candidates:
Will you direct your state department to deduct the private money that is sent back to foreign countries by individuals, legal or illegal from that country's US foreign aid? That would give the Emmagrating country government reason to try to discourage their people from leaving. This plan worked for New York City diplomat parking tickets.
If elected President, what would be your criteria for determining and declaring an end to the "War on Terror"?
Question for all candidates:
Which of you will pledge to unshackle the many layers of law enforcement in this country and allow for people working in social services or law enforcement to require proof of legal status when applying for public (Taxpayer) funded services.
There is a lot of talk about illegal immigration. Has the any of the candidates ever given any thought to the problems faced by legal immigrants? The extraordinary backlog at USCIS creates inordinate delays for legal immigrants creating undescriable mental angish for the concerned individuals and families and also uncertainties for employers. What proposals will you put forward to improve the mess that is legal immigration today?
I think that America has too many immigrants coming into the country, if there were less immigrants then there would be less cost in gas prices because less people would want or need to buy gas.
My small family has experienced six years processing, one years separation and $20,000 to become family-based legal immigrants in the US. Do you not agree that if the route for legal immigration were simpler to navigate more people would be likely to use it? Our native country (UK) is the US' closest ally - if we experience such problems what chance do less well off/educated but equally deserving families stand?
Immigration is starting to become a serious threat to the United States. We need to expand the United States.
Over thousands of immigrants come to the United States daily. The United States could become over populated and there would be no more room. What would you do with all the immigrants who come every day?
I was wondering what was so bad about illgell immigration.Because we shouldn't worry about to many people coming into the United States Of America
The Democrats have come in last as far as framing the debate is concerned. Take the war in Iraq, where the Republicans have successfully stonewalled congress by saying, "It's okay to disagree with the war but you have to give the troops the funds they need to carry out their mission." What would your rhetorical approach be to this and other areas(e.g. war on terror, cut and run, healthy forests)where conservatives have taken the high ground with their sound bites?
Question for all candidates, since your answer will determine for whom I will vote: Two years ago the US Senate passed comprehensive immigration reform. This year any hopes of passing any type of immigration reform went down in flames. Each candidate gives us lip service saying that they want to secure the borders and reform immigration. Will you pledge that in 2009 the US Congress will pass comprehensive immigration reform and that you will sign it into law providing undocumented immigrants a path to become documented immediately?
I know of people that have waited 5-7 years to become legal citizens. They cannot get competent help from the department of immigration. What would you do to fix the current system and get competent people in the position to move these applications along.
Do you believe that no unathorized (visa, other permits) person should be allowed to enter the US?
Do you believe that no unathorized (visa, other permits) person should be allowed to or stay in the US?
If such a person should not be allowed in or allowed to stay, what are you willing to do to accomplish that and how soon into your administration?
If you support unauthorized persons in the US, what role should the federal government take in offsetting the costs to the states of such a position?
Do you favor continuation of current policy of allowing Cubans to automatically stay once they reach US soil? If so, should that policy be extended to any other nationalities?
Why there's no discussion about the effects of Nafta on the immigrants from Mexico?
NAFTA came into effect on January 1, 1994, affecting negatively the agriculture sector in Mexico,
specially the corn farmers, because Mexico did not invest in the infrastructure necessary for competition
(such as efficient railroads and highways).
Don't you find more than a coincidence the fact that since 1993 the Mexican immigration to the U.S. have more
than double according to the following source:
While the Mexican-born population in the United States has grown substantially since 1990,
the undocumented population from Mexico has increased even faster.
The 1990 Census included 4.3 million immigrants from Mexico. By 2000, this population
more than doubled to 9.2 million with a further increase to 9.8 million in 2002.
The undocumented population from Mexico increased from two million in 1990 to 4.8 million in 2000
and to 5.3 million in 2002. Thus, between 1990 and 2002, the undocumented population
from Mexico increased by about 250,000 to 300,000 per year on average;
evidence from successive CPSs (Current Population Survey) suggests that the annual inflows
increased dramatically around 1997 or 1998.
(Source: http://www.migrationinformation.org/Feature/display.cfm?ID=208)
In conclusion, while the rich is making themselves richer with Nafta, this has created an immense amount
of economic refugees in Mexico and other parts of the world with free trade or globalization agreements.
The number of individuals in the US illegally is variously estimated at 10-12 million. At least 8 million of them are working while using the social security numbers of actual American citizens. These 8 million are explicitly committing a form of identity theft. The IRS and the Social Security Administration are aware of this, but will not tell the US citizens whose SSANs have been stolen, and are nearly powerless to do anything about it. How concerned are you about these 8 million crimes of identity theft, and what steps will your administration take to inform the US citizens who are victims and to catch the illegals who are committing these crimes?
The Cuba policy embargo has been a failure for both the people of Cuba and Americans wanting to travel to Cuba. In the interest of Democracy we have taken away the freedoms of American citizens to travel to a close neighbor. Will you support eliminating the travel ban to Cuba?
to all candidates: How would you address the unfair practice of treating Cuban immigrants differently from other Latino immigrants? US State Dept documents show very few political refugee cases in Cuba and that the overwhelming percent of Cubans who want to emigrate to the US do so for economic reasons, as do most Latino immigrants. What would you do about the entire failed US embargo policy toward Cuba?
The US has trade and diplomatic relations with many non-democratic nations including China. Once you become President, what will your policy be towards Cuba? Please be specific.
I am a permanent US resident (green card holder), with Filipino citizenship. As I watch all that goes on with immigration issues in this country, it frustrates me to see how those who are in this country illegally receive consideration (job centers, driver's licenses, etc.), while someone like me, who has followed all the rules, had to watch helplessly as my 75 year old mother in the Phillipines was repeatedly denied (three times) a tourist visa to attend my wedding in New York this past spring, for fear that she was coming here to work. This was my only wish for my wedding day. On the surface, without knowing the details, does this sound right to you, and what are your plans for immigration policy reform?
I work in the health field. The rising cost of health care for illegal aliens is astounding. Hospitals all across the country are losing money, as are Dr's offices, ect...As this cost continues to rise, our personal health care insurance payout decreases. Our insurance is expensive,but we still have to pay out of pocket, and that amount increases each year while premiums also increase. These people walk in and leave with free health care. Yet our elderly american born citizens struggle to pay for their care and medicines. These people cross our borders illegally, get free health care and many are drawing social security that our american born eldery worked their whole lives for.
This situation needs to be fixed. What are you going to do about it. SERIOUSLY DO and not just comment to get elected.
Thank you
Is it more important to preserve government programs which are harmed by unplanned or unregulated immigration, or is it more important to preserve the liberties upon which this country was founded and upon which it thrives?
What similarities do you see between the defensive wars against barbarian terrorists that lead to the transformation of the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire and the wars the US is fighting today?
To All the Candidates:
In 2004 the Republicans created the issue of gay marriage as a tactic to scare voters and intimidate the Kerry campaign. Now the new wedge issue is illegal immigration. In the past, Democratic candidates have been unable to stand up to the Republicans when they cynically invoke these wedge issues. How do you plan to stand up to the Republicans in the general election when try to invoke these types of wedge issues?
A question for the Democratic candidates: Given the rising furor over immigration, what will each of you do to 1) restore common sense to the discussion; 2) resist extreme solutions to placate any one group; 3) advocate for civil discourse on the matter; and 4) advocate for basic human rights for all, while seeking creative solutions to a very complex problem?
Why won't the democratic party enforce the laws (congress) and stop illegal immigration. They are costing the taxpayers (me) billions of dollars a year.
I am dismayed by the hateful speech regarding undocumented immigrants by both the Republicans and Democrats in the debates.
Every year there are several hundred deaths along the U.S. ??? Mexico border. According to the US Border Patrol, 1,954 people died crossing the US Mexico border between the years 1998 ??? 2004. In 2005, more than 500 died across the entire US Mexico border. The number of yearly border crossing deaths has doubled since 1995. People die of dehydration, heat stroke, hypothermia, intentional homicide. Often, the families never learn what happened to their loved ones.
I see and hear practically no media coverage of this ongoing tragedy. There is no outrage over this humanitarian crisis.
I work in a Citizenship & Immigration office far from the southern border. The ICE / DRO units are in the same building. They arrest and deport 10 ??? 20 undocumented immigrants from Mexico and South America every week. Last week three teenagers were arrested and deported. One of the deportees was a 14-year-old girl!
What would seem to be a situation for social services for children is instead a ???criminal??? matter.
Last year Senators Obama and Clinton sided with the Republicans to approve a 700-mile wall across the Mexican border. This is a humanitarian and ecological disaster costing $7 billion plus!
Senators Clinton and Obama, you both have daughters. Can you imagine your precious children in this 14-year-old girl???s situation?
I would like to hear an answer from Senators Clinton and Obama, as well as Senators Biden and Dodd. I would like to hear from Congressman Kucinich and hear his comments on the wall and how NAFTA contributed to poverty in Mexico and South America.
I would like to see a progressive foreign policy that would keep illegal immigrants home while encouraging a younger, smarter work force by continuing to attract the best and brightest of foreign youth. A fair trade/free trade policy that would require our trading partners to pay living wages to their workers would keep illegal immigrants home, and it would protect American jobs by raising the cost of foreign labor...BUT it would raise the cost of consumer goods since those goods would no longer be made in sweat shops. Do you support a Progressive Foreign Policy that would keep migrants home, improve the job climate for American workers, but increase the cost of consumer goods?
The contentious issue of immigration revolves mostly around what to do with illegal immigrants. We have been debating this issue for years and this will probably continue for years to come. In the mean time, why not address the issue of legal immigration. There are scores of engineers, doctors, scientists and other professionals, most of whom have advanced degrees, who have to wait for years to get a green card and then many more years to get citizenship. Most of these folks would love to become citizens. Why not put them on a fast track to citizenship? There also seems to be a greater consensus on this issue, particularly in light of the alarm bells being sounded about our decreasing competitiveness and leadership on innovation. Why not address this issue first instead off losing this in the overall immigration debate? Do you agree that this is an issue that needs to be tackled independently and outside of the larger immigration debate and if yes, are you committed to doing so?
The following question is for each of the candidates to answer:
???You and the rest of the presidential candidates say you want to run a positive campaign, yet we???ve heard and read many negative ???Democrat on Democrat??? comments. Considering the Iowa Caucus???s 15 percent rule*, here???s your chance to say something positive about one of your opponents that has substance:
After you??? AFTER???YOU???, who is the next best choice to be President of the United States and why? Please note that your answer would NOT mean that the person you mention would be your choice to be your Vice President.???
Note To NPR: Perhaps you should have them write their selection on a piece of paper before answering to ensure that they don???t change their answer.
*According to Iowa caucus rules, a Democratic candidate must have at least 15 percent of the participants to remain ???viable???. Since there are eight candidates currently running, at least two candidates will not get the necessary 15% of the votes to remain ???viable???. Image the implications of the candidates??? answers!
How do we know that there are 12 million undocumented immigrants in the country if they are undocumentd?
To all candidates,
Can you tell us what is your "own" view on immigration policy is without repeating any "sound-bite" you have used or heard from your opponents today.
How can NAFTA be managed differently or renegotiated to make Mexico more attractive for its citizens and reduce the need to cross the borders illegally? Alternatively, would the money potentially spent on a border fence be better spent as an investment in Mexican infrastructure or other aid to help Mexico pick up some of the slack in this issue?
To All candidates: To Stop the flow of illegal immigrants would support a legislation to make it serious Federal crime to hire illegal alients instead of spending billions of dollars building fences?
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