State of Connecticut secondary Archives: on Immigration


Ann-Marie Adams: Immigrants need their voices to be heard

Some undocumented immigrants should be shipped back or put in Guantanamo prison. Others, most of whom are law abiding naturalized citizens or permanent residents, must be integrated well. Immigrants make up 17% of the USA's 161 million member workforce in 2014. About 45% work in private households. About 35% textile, apparel, leather, and manufacturing. About 15% are in agriculture, hospitality, and food manufacturing. My run will help ensure that all immigrants have a voice in this democracy.
Source: Facebook posting on 2018 Connecticut gubernatorial race Oct 11, 2017

August Wolf: Build a wall & aggressively enforce immigration laws

We must secure the border and aggressively enforce current immigration laws. That starts by building a wall along our border. When law enforcement encounters an illegal immigrant, that person should be deported within days. We cannot reward those who have cut the line. There should be a path to legalization, incorporating fines and compliance with U.S. laws. Then after proven adherence to the law, citizenship should be possible.
Source: 2016 Connecticut Senate campaign website Wolf2016.com.com Apr 1, 2016

Catherine Templeton: Cracked down on undocumented workers

Catherine is also credited with authoring the only law in the nation cracking down on the employment of undocumented workers that withstood the constitutional attacks of the ACLU.
Source: 2018 Connecticut Governor website CatherineTempleton.com Aug 17, 2017

Dan Carter: NO on loosening in-state tuition for illegal immigrants

Rep. Carter voted NAY on House Bill No. 6844, AN ACT CONCERNING IN-STATE TUITION ELIGIBILITY: A nonimmigrant alien shall be entitled to classification as an in-state student for tuition purposes, if such person:
  1. resides in this state,
  2. attended any educational institution in this state and completed at least 2 years of high school level education [previous law required 4 years]
  3. graduated from a high school in this state, or the equivalent thereof,
  4. and is registered as an entering student, or is enrolled at a public institution of higher education in this state,
  5. If such person is without legal immigration status, such person files an affidavit with such institution of higher education stating that he or she has filed an application to legalize his or her immigration status, or will file such an application as soon as he or she is eligible to do so.
House Bill Passed 78-70-3, May 19, 2015; Senate Bill Passed, 19-13-4, May 29, 2015; signed by governor June 19, 2015
Source: Connecticut legislative voting record on HB 6844 May 19, 2015

Dan Malloy: Loosen in-state tuition for illegal immigrants

Gov. Malloy signed House Bill No. 6844, AN ACT CONCERNING IN-STATE TUITION ELIGIBILITY: A nonimmigrant alien shall be entitled to classification as an in-state student for tuition purposes, if such person:
  1. resides in this state,
  2. attended any educational institution in this state and completed at least 2 years of high school level education [previous law required 4 years]
  3. graduated from a high school in this state, or the equivalent thereof,
  4. and is registered as an entering student, or is enrolled at a public institution of higher education in this state,
  5. If such person is without legal immigration status, such person files an affidavit with such institution of higher education stating that he or she has filed an application to legalize his or her immigration status, or will file such an application as soon as he or she is eligible to do so.
House Bill Passed 78-70-3, May 19, 2015; Senate Bill Passed, 19-13-4, May 29, 2015; signed by governor June 19, 2015
Source: Connecticut legislative voting record on HB 6844 Jun 19, 2015

Dan Malloy: Muslim ban harkens back to darkest times in our history

Governor Dannel P. Malloy released the following statements in response to the Supreme Court's 5-4 decision upholding President Trump's Muslim ban:

"The administration will now resume enforcing the President's hateful, discriminatory, and un-American Muslim ban, preventing some of the most vulnerable people in the world from seeking a better life in the United States just because of their religion. Just like the 'zero tolerance' family separation policy, the Muslim ban harkens back to some of the darkest times in our nation's history, when Japanese-Americans were imprisoned for no reason other than their heritage, or Irish and Italian-Americans were barred from employment opportunities.

"Connecticut has opened its arms to refugees fleeing war, famine, and other unimaginable atrocities. And we are now a stronger, safer, more accepting state. This Muslim ban will only serve to alienate our neighbors and harm the fabric and safety of our communities."

Source: 2018 Connecticut Governor campaign press release Jun 26, 2018

Joseph Lieberman: Now it's too easy to come in across our border

The immigration reform bill that passed is a good bill. It does toughen border security. The truth is now it's too easy to come over and too many people naturally want to come over to make more money than they can make at home. We expand the number of border agents. We actually authorized the building of fences along many hundreds of miles there, and we increased the penalties against employers who hire illegal immigrants and hire 10,000 new agents to actually enforce those laws.
Source: 2006 Connecticut Democratic Senate Primary debate Jul 6, 2006

Joseph Lieberman: Earn citizenship only after 11 years of waiting within rules

We have got a choice about the 11 million illegals who are here now. You're either going to try to arrest them and deport them all, which will never happen, or you're going to give them a path to become citizens or legal. And what they have to do is to work hard, play by the rules, pay their taxes, not violate the law and learn English. And after 11 years waiting in the back of the line, they can become citizens.
Source: 2006 Connecticut Democratic Senate Primary debate Jul 6, 2006

Leora Levy: Closing our borders is paramount in the pursuit of safety

Leora is the right messenger with the right message. She is a Jewish Hispanic woman who will say in plain language and no uncertain terms that what is happening at our southern border is an invasion. Leora believes that closing our U.S. borders is paramount in the pursuit of safety and security for our country. U.S. border security is under constant threat and must be enforced.
Source: 2022 Connecticut Senate campaign website LeoraForCT.com Aug 11, 2022

Leora Levy: Opposes permanent legal status for DACA young adults

Levy, an immigrant, opposed giving permanent legal status to the 800,000 young adults living in legal limbo for a decade under DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
Source: The CT Mirror on 2022 Connecticut Senate race Aug 2, 2022

Linda McMahon: More merit-based system for green card & citizenship

  1. Fulfill & strengthen our commitments on border security & interior enforcement.
  2. Require electronic Social Security cards to ensure that illegal workers cannot get jobs & thereby making verification simpler for employers.
  3. Modify & streamline the process for admitting temporary workers, if they are needed in an industry, i.e. new visa categories.
  4. Strengthen green card & citizenship requirements to a more merit-based system to ensure future citizens will help contribute positively.
    Source: Connecticut Jewish Ledger coverage of 2010 CT Senate debate Sep 29, 2010

    Linda McMahon: No amnesty; enforce immigration laws

    Q: What is your stand on the current debate surrounding the immigration issue?

    BLUMENTHAL: We need to establish a comprehensive, federal solution to our ongoing immigration problem. We must secure our borders, and crack down on employers flouting the law by hiring undocumented immigrants. Piecemeal approaches to fixing this problem by various states are not the answer--Washington must fulfill its responsibility by enacting a comprehensive solution.

    McMAHON: I oppose amnesty. I support legal immigration and I believe much of this country's strength and prosperity has come as a result of the immense contributions immigrants have made. We have historically welcomed the best workers and the best minds from every country, and I believe we should continue to do so provided it is done legally. We are a nation built on the rule of law, and immigration laws--like all laws--must be enforced.

    Source: Connecticut Jewish Ledger coverage of 2010 CT Senate debate Sep 29, 2010

    Matthew Corey: Build border wall; deport those illegally present

    Q: Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican border?

    A: Yes.

    Q: Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?

    A: Yes.

    Source: VoteSmart Connecticut 2018 Political Courage Test Jul 4, 2018

    Ned Lamont: Focus on employers hiring, not on building fences

    Q: What do we do about illegal immigrants?

    A: When it comes to securing our border which so important, you can militarize the border like George Bush says, you can put up fences and walls, but as long as you have employees hiring illegals, people will be coming across the border and looking for a better opportunity for their kids. Under the Bush administration, we have cut down on the number of employer enforcements & that's why we have a lot of the illegal immigration that we have today.

    Source: 2006 Connecticut Democratic Senate Primary debate Jul 6, 2006

    Ned Lamont: Give illegal immigrants a path to earned citizenship

    I support the Senate immigration bill, as did Sen. Lieberman. We both agree that you have to have comprehensive immigration reform. You've got to deal with the folks who are here in this country, the 11 or 12 million people. Give them a path to earn the legal status. I think that's so important.

    I think we have got to be careful about [saying] the guest workers are doing jobs that Americans just won't do. You pay a decent wage with decent benefits, you'll find Americans are willing to do these jobs

    Source: 2006 Connecticut Democratic Senate Primary debate Jul 6, 2006

    Peter Lumaj: Albanian refugee but opposes sanctuary cities

    If I were the governor I would cut funding to sanctuary cities. If you came to the United States illegally you shouldn't be rewarded for that. What we are doing right now is enticing people who are illegal to come into our state. We are giving them drivers licenses. We are giving them sanctuary cities. They get in state tuition. It pays to be illegal in our state.
    Source: WFSB-TV "Face the State" on 2018 Connecticut Governor race Mar 31, 2017

    Richard Blumenthal: Enact comprehensive solution; piecemeal approach fails

    Q: What is your stand on the current debate surrounding the immigration issue?

    BLUMENTHAL: We need to establish a comprehensive, federal solution to our ongoing immigration problem. We must secure our borders, and crack down on employers flouting the law by hiring undocumented immigrants. Piecemeal approaches to fixing this problem by various states are not the answer--Washington must fulfill its responsibility by enacting a comprehensive solution.

    McMAHON: I oppose amnesty. I support legal immigration and I believe much of this country's strength and prosperity has come as a result of the immense contributions immigrants have made. We have historically welcomed the best workers and the best minds from every country, and I believe we should continue to do so provided it is done legally. We are a nation built on the rule of law, and immigration laws--like all laws--must be enforced.

    Source: Connecticut Jewish Ledger coverage of 2010 CT Senate debate Sep 29, 2010

    Themis Klarides: NO on loosening in-state tuition for illegal immigrants

      Rep. Klarides voted NAY on House Bill No. 6844, AN ACT CONCERNING IN-STATE TUITION ELIGIBILITY: A nonimmigrant alien shall be entitled to classification as an in-state student for tuition purposes, if such person:
    1. resides in this state,
    2. attended any educational institution in this state and completed at least 2 years of high school level education [previous law required 4 years]
    3. graduated from a high school in this state, or the equivalent thereof,
    4. and is registered as an entering student, or is enrolled at a public institution of higher education in this state,
    5. If such person is without legal immigration status, [but] has filed an application to legalize his or her immigration status, or will file such an application as soon as he or she is eligible to do so.
    Legislative Outcome: House Bill Passed 78-70-3, May 19, 2015; Senate Bill Passed, 19-13-4, May 29, 2015; signed by governor June 19, 2015
    Source: Connecticut State Legislature voting records HB6844 May 19, 2015

    Themis Klarides: Opposed driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants

    [On driver licenses]: "Without a study or any effort to thoroughly vet this concept, we can only speculate the impact this bill will have on homeland security, public safety, insurance policy holders and insurance companies. Perhaps even more troubling is that we have no plan to allocate the financial and staff resources needed for the DMV to manage the colossal influx of demand that will cripple their day-to-day operations," she said in a statement.
    Source: NBC News on 2022 Connecticut Senate race May 30, 2013

    Tom Foley: We need a federal comprehensive immigration policy

    Without saying they would have eventually reached a different conclusion, Foley and [primary opponent John] McKinney both suggested Malloy was hasty in refusing a request by the Obama administration to house some of the Central American children who here illegally and are awaiting deportation hearings.

    "This problem originates with the failure of our federal government to come up with a comprehensive immigration policy," Foley said. "But I have to tell you I was a little surprised at how quickly Gov. Malloy made the decision to not try to accommodate some of these young people."

    McKinney accused Malloy, who has supported drivers' licenses and in-state tuition for illegal immigrants under some circumstances, of making a political decision. "We don't need leaders who make decisions based on polling," McKinney said.

    Source: Connecticut Mirror on 2014 Connecticut gubernatorial debate Jul 17, 2014

    Tom Foley: House child refugee immigrants at Southbury Training School

    Connecticut Republican Party gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley, has questioned Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's decision to immediately say "no" to housing child immigrants at the Southbury Training School. "I was a little bit surprised with the governor's decision because it was so firm and so quick. When you're dealing with young children, even if they're not here legally, you ought to at least enter into a thoughtful dialogue, as how we as a state might be able to help," Foley said.
    Source: CTPolitix.com blog on 2014 Connecticut governor race Jul 20, 2014

    • The above quotations are from State of Connecticut Politicians: secondary Archives.
    • Click here for definitions & background information on Immigration.
    • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
    2016 Presidential contenders on Immigration:
      Republicans:
    Gov.Jeb Bush(FL)
    Dr.Ben Carson(MD)
    Gov.Chris Christie(NJ)
    Sen.Ted Cruz(TX)
    Carly Fiorina(CA)
    Gov.Jim Gilmore(VA)
    Sen.Lindsey Graham(SC)
    Gov.Mike Huckabee(AR)
    Gov.Bobby Jindal(LA)
    Gov.John Kasich(OH)
    Gov.Sarah Palin(AK)
    Gov.George Pataki(NY)
    Sen.Rand Paul(KY)
    Gov.Rick Perry(TX)
    Sen.Rob Portman(OH)
    Sen.Marco Rubio(FL)
    Sen.Rick Santorum(PA)
    Donald Trump(NY)
    Gov.Scott Walker(WI)     		Democrats:
    Gov.Lincoln Chafee(RI)
    Secy.Hillary Clinton(NY)
    V.P.Joe Biden(DE)
    Gov.Martin O`Malley(MD)
    Sen.Bernie Sanders(VT)
    Sen.Elizabeth Warren(MA)
    Sen.Jim Webb(VA)

    2016 Third Party Candidates:
    Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
    Roseanne Barr(PF-HI)
    Robert Steele(L-NY)
    Dr.Jill Stein(G,MA)
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    Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023