State of Alabama Archives: on Immigration
Arnold Mooney:
Build a border wall with Mexico
Mooney said he would support Trump's efforts to build a border wall with Mexico but chiefly stressed criticism of China's trade policy.
He framed it as a question of whether there would be "another American century or whether we consign the world to 100 years of Chinese darkness."
Source: Montgomery Advertiser on 2020 Alabama Senate race
May 6, 2019
Brandaun Dean:
As mayor, declared Brighton, Alabama a sanctuary city
Dean cited a number of accomplishments during his brief tenure as Mayor of Brighton including:- managing a $2.3 million city budget
- providing supervision of five appointed officers
- proposing and passed municipal legislation decriminalizing
the recreational use of marijuana
- declaring Brighton a sanctuary city for immigrant families
- increasing city workers pay to $15 per hour.
Source: Alabama Political Reporter on 2022 Alabama Senate race
Jul 20, 2021
Doug Jones:
Dreamers should be allowed to stay
I support the DACA program and would support legislation to ensure young people brought here as children who have never known any other nation can remain in the United States.
Children and young adults in the DACA program are contributing members of our society, serving in the military and owning businesses that employ Americans.
Source: Birmingham News on 2017 Alabama Senate race
Sep 21, 2017
Doug Jones:
Opposes funding a border wall; supports comprehensive reform
Q: Would you support a deal that fixes DACA, that protects the so-called DREAMers, but on the other hand has tougher border enforcement and includes some money for continuing to build President Trump's wall?JONES: I have said before that I opposed
the building of a wall. I think that's an expense that the taxpayers just don't have to incur because I do think you can increase border security without having to go to the incredible expense of building that wall, at least the figures that I've seen.
I do support the DACA program and would love to see that extended. I hope there can be some bipartisan efforts reached to do that. Immigration has been one of the toughest political footballs going on up there right now and we've had bills in the past
that just fell by the wayside because of politics. If there's comprehensive immigration, I think it's going to be very complicated. But it's something that I would love to look at.
Source: Fox News Sunday 2017 on 2017 Alabama Senate race
Dec 17, 2017
Doug Jones:
Options for work permits & earned path to citizenship
Immigration: Support the DREAM Act (DACA), which allows "Dreamers" who grew up in the US after being brought here illegally as children to achieve legal status if they meet certain conditions?Jones: Yes.
Will support legislative action to ensure its continuation.
Moore: No. Considers DACA an illegal governmental order, and believes the program should be ended.
Immigration:
Should America's 11 million undocumented residents have options for long-term work permits or an earned path to citizenship?
Jones: Yes. Supports both options.
Moore: No. Opposes both options.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2017 Alabama Senate race
Nov 1, 2017
Gary Palmer:
Secure our borders and enforce current immigration law
I am opposed to amnesty for illegal immigrants. I have signed the FAIR Congressional Task Force's No-Amnesty pledge to "oppose legislation that would grant any form of work authorization to illegal aliens."
The first steps to any reform of our immigration system will have to be securing our borders and enforcing current immigration law.
Source: 2014 AL-6 House campaign website, PalmerForAlabama.com
Sep 30, 2014
Jeff Sessions:
FactCheck: Immigration bill requires 700 mile border fence
Sen. Jeff Sessions says he opposes the immigration bill because it "has a specific provision that says that Secretary Napolitano does not have to build any fence if she chooses not to." Is it true?The border fence is one of five so-called "triggers"
that must be in place before most immigrants who get provisional status under the law are eligible for permanent residency. The bill requires a "Southern Border Fencing Strategy" to be submitted to Congress--and implemented--with certification from the
Homeland Security secretary "that there is in place along the Southern Border no fewer than 700 miles of pedestrian fencing."
But Sessions' press secretary told us that there's "an opt-out provision" that allows the secretary to avoid fence-building.
[But our attorneys said] the "opt-out" provision just offers the administration considerable choice about where to put fencing--not whether to build it. We rate Sessions' claim False.
Source: PolitiFact fact-checking on 2014 Alabama Senate race
Jun 27, 2013
Jeff Sessions:
Opposes amnesty first; finish fencing and enforcement first
Q: To elect a Republican president, don't you need to get substantial Hispanic support and hence immigration reform?SESSIONS: We need to do the right thing for America and appeal to all people, particularly Hispanics.
Q: But why are you so much
against this [comprehensive immigration reform] amendment?
SESSIONS: I'm opposed to the bill because it doesn't do what it says. This bill grants amnesty first, and a mere promise of enforcement in the future. Promises of 20,000 agents won't take
place, or are not required until 2021. No money is being appropriated for that. The fencing--we passed a law to have 700 miles of double-layered fencing--this bill has a specific provision that Secretary Napolitano does not have to build any fence if she
chooses not to, & she's publicly said we've had enough fencing. Why would any member of Congress want to vote for a bill at a time of high unemployment, falling wages, to bring in a huge surge of new labor that can only hurt the poorest among us the most
Source: CBS Face the Nation 2013 series: 2014 Alabama Senate race
Jun 23, 2013
Jeff Sessions:
Unwaveringly defend US workers and taxpayers
Q: How would you help Americans save so they can secure their future and live independently as they age?A: On policies like immigration, Sen. Sessions has worked tirelessly to defend US workers and taxpayers from big money special interests.
He is unwaveringly committed to the hard working men and women who form the backbone of the nation, and to the heritage of constitutional government that makes America history's most exceptional nation.
Source: AARP Voter Guide on 2014 Alabama Senate race
Aug 31, 2014
Jessica Taylor:
I will put my full force of will into building Trump's wall
Kamala Harris thinks the crisis at the border is a joke while thousands of children are being trafficked along into the US Illegally while drugs, illegal immigrants, and terrorists can flow freely from the US Mexico border. While
Kamala believes our country's sovereignty is a laughing matter, I do not. I will put my full force of will into building Trump's wall and locking down the border for good. Lives, communities, and the future of our country depends on getting this done.
Source: 2021 Alabama Senate campaign website JessicaTaylorAL.com
Aug 31, 2021
John Merrill:
Build the wall, stop "illegals" who want to cheat the system
While John has been an agent of conservative change in Montgomery, Washington has continued to frustrate him and millions of other Alabama families. He believes we need to build a wall and stop illegals who want to cheat the system
from entering our country, just as he has done with his tough voter ID law. He'll fight to reduce spending and isn't afraid to stand up to the socialists, just like he did in Alabama when they sued his office and lost.
Source: 2020 Alabama Senate website JohnMerrill.com
Feb 5, 2020
John Merrill:
Stop hemorrhaging of illegal border crossings
First and foremost, I will work for the President to build the border wall so we can stop the hemorrhaging, bleeding of illegal border crossings. Then we need to tackle the problem of
illegal immigration and make sure that we are reforming immigration laws so that we have the necessary infrastructure improvements so that businesses and agriculture have the support that they need for a viable workforce.
Source: BamaPolitics.com blog on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Sep 6, 2019
John Merrill:
We need to build wall and stop illegals who cheat the system
While John has been an agent of conservative change in Montgomery, Washington has continued to frustrate him and millions of other Alabama families.
He believes we need to build a wall and stop illegals who want to cheat the system from entering our country, just as he has done with his tough voter ID law.
Source: 2020 Alabama Senate campaign website JohnMerrill.com
Jun 2, 2020
Kay Ivey:
Vast sums pay for teaching children of illegal immigrants
ILLEGAL immigration has a harmful impact on our society on many levels. But one of the most frustrating is the hidden financial damage it's doing to our public schools in Alabama. You may not realize it, but vast sums of precious tax dollars are being
siphoned off from your child's education to pay for the teaching of children whose parents are living here illegally.According to a 2005 report by FAIR, the Federation for American Immigration Reform,
Alabama spends $34 million on education for illegal immigrants every year, plus another $48 million on the children of U.S.-born children of illegal aliens. But even this $82 million price tag isn't the total cost.
The FAIR report doesn't include the additional costs of reduced or free meals for any of these students, nor does it include the cost of dual language programs, which can cost anywhere from $290 to $879 per pupil.
Source: 2010 Alabama Gubernatorial campaign website KayIvey.org
Mar 31, 2010
Luther Strange:
Build border wall; defund sanctuary cities
Individuals who enter our country illegally should not receive the benefits that taxpaying Americans do. Immediate deportation of criminal aliens, building
President Trump's border wall, and cutting off funding for sanctuary cities are all effective means to enforce America's laws and strengthen its borders.
Source: 2017-2018 Alabama Senate campaign website LutherStrange.com
Aug 31, 2017
Luther Strange:
Supports Muslim ban
Luther Strange stands with President Trump and supports banning refugees in terrorist countries from entering our borders.
Enforcing immigration law is also crucial to protecting Americans from terrorists seeking entry into our country under false pretenses.
Source: 2017-2018 Alabama Senate campaign website LutherStrange.com
Aug 31, 2017
Lynda Blanchard:
Trump not to blame for border crisis; build the wall!
Joe Biden's attempts to blame President Trump for the border crisis not only demonstrate
a glaring lack of accountability but also that there is no plan to solve the problem they created. It's as if they can't be bothered with our safety. Build the wall!
Source: Facebook posting for 2022 Alabama Senate race
May 9, 2021
Marcus Bowman:
There is no room for anyone breaking rules
Q: Do you support or oppose the policy, "Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens"
A: Strongly oppose. I support creating pathways to citizenship. I support legal immigration.
There are immigrants that wait 7 years or more to become a citizen following proper procedures. There is no room for anyone breaking rules. We must have rule of law in the country. And if we need more workers for
farms and various jobs then we need to create a program to ensure businesses can continue to grow and meet business demand. Illegal aliens need to return to their country and apply under a program.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Alabama Senate race with OnTheIssues
Jan 21, 2016
Mike Durant:
Build the wall, no pathway to citizenship for "illegals"
Mike Durant believes we need to build the wall that President Trump started, but Joe Biden suspended.
He opposes any pathway to citizenship that rewards law breakers and would deport illegals back to their country of origin, forcing them to come here through legal channels.
Source: 2022 Alabama Senate campaign website MikeDurant.com
Mar 30, 2022
Mo Brooks:
Don't flood labor market with cheap foreign labor
Q: Is there the possibility of you coming to common ground with Democrats on a comprehensive immigration reform package?Brooks: I sure hope not, because the socialists support open borders and have no intent to compromise on border security. Any
compromise with them would be a sellout. We had a compromise with the socialist Democrats in 1986. President Reagan gave amnesty and the socialists then broke their word and never gave the promised border security.
Q: In the last election, the Alabama
Farmers Federation did not endorse you. Have you patched things up with them?
Brooks: My positions are unchanged. I don't support flooding the American labor market with cheap foreign labor hurting struggling American families nor am I comfortable with
the tens of billions of dollars in food stamps and farm subsidies that farm bureau insists I support at a time America suffers from a debt burden that risks a debilitating national insolvency and bankruptcy that would do great damage to American lives.
Source: Alabama Political Reporter on 2022 Alabama Senate race
Mar 25, 2021
Richard Shelby:
I oppose any and all proposals to grant amnesty
Q: Explain your position on federal immigration policy.Richard Shelby: Our nation's immigration system is broken. We have a President who has completely disregarded the rule of law and made our immigration crisis even worse.
By contrast, I have consistently advocated for stronger illegal immigration laws and enforcement of the laws currently on the books.
In particular, I oppose any and all proposals to grant amnesty to the more than 10 million people illegally present in the United States today. While the United States is a nation founded by immigrants, and
I fully support a fair and reasonable means of allowing individuals to immigrate to America legally, it is simply wrong to reward people who break U.S. immigration laws while so many others wait their turn to come to America legally.
Source: Vote411.org League of Women Voters: 2016 Alabama Senate Race
Sep 19, 2016
Robert Bentley:
Will fight illegal immigration in Alabama
As a legislator, I supported efforts to curb illegal immigration in Alabama, as governor I will continue to do so. I understand the Legislature will take up the
Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act. Send me that bill. I will sign it.
Source: 2011 State of the State speech to Alabama legislature
Mar 1, 2011
Ron Crumpton:
Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens"?
A: Strongly supports.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Alabama Senate race with OnTheIssues
Nov 26, 2015
Ron Crumpton:
In reality, immigrants are good for America
11-Point Plan for Social Justice--Immigration Reform: "If you listen to the rhetoric, they take jobs away from Americans, drain billions from our economy and pose a threat to the safety of our nation, but in reality immigrants are good for America and
creating a path to citizenship creates new jobs, increases tax revenue and reduces crime, while deporting 12 million people is impractical and would cost the economy jobs, decrease tax revenue and cause an increase in crime."
Source: 2016 Ala. Senate campaign website CrumptonForAlabama.com
Apr 25, 2016
Ron Crumpton:
Ignore the rhetoric; immigrants are good for America
If you listen to the rhetoric, immigrants take jobs away from Americans, drain billions from our economy and pose a threat to the safety of our nation, but in reality immigrants are good for America and creating a path to citizenship creates new jobs,
increases tax revenue and reduces crime, while deporting 12 million people is impractical and would cost the economy jobs, decrease tax revenue and cause an increase in crime. Forcing these immigrants to live in the shadows is neither logical, nor
practical. Providing for a path to legal status would create jobs and increase wages, require that immigrants pay all local, state and federal taxes, which would reduce the deficit, and providing immigrants with more opportunities to provide for
their families, will reduce crime. We can continue to listen to those that are trying to force an immoral personal agenda upon us, or we can stand up for what is right and in the best interest of Americans and immigrants alike.
Source: Vote411.org League of Women Voters: 2016 Alabama Senate Race
Sep 19, 2016
Roy Moore:
DACA is an illegal governmental order
Immigration: Support the DREAM Act (DACA), which allows "Dreamers" who grew up in the US after being brought here illegally as children to achieve legal status if they meet certain conditions?Jones: Yes.
Will support legislative action to ensure its continuation.
Moore: No. Considers DACA an illegal governmental order, and believes the program should be ended.
Immigration:
Should America's 11 million undocumented residents have options for long-term work permits or an earned path to citizenship?
Jones: Yes. Supports both options.
Moore: No. Opposes both options.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2017 Alabama Senate race
Nov 1, 2017
Roy Moore:
Open borders a threat to national security
We must stop the flow of illegal aliens across both our northern and southern borders. Open borders are a threat to our national security and to our economy.
We must allow willing states to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their citizens, and use our own military to protect our border. If a wall is our only option, then we should build it immediately.
Source: 2017-2018 Alabama Senate campaign website RoyMoore.org
Aug 31, 2017
Steve Carlson:
ICE should not be abolished; work with Mexico
ICE should not be abolished. We do need a different approach to controlling our border with Mexico. It should be based on working with Mexico. We both benefit from immigration and travel between our two countries.
But each nation has a right to enforce their borders and maintain the safety and integrity of their population. This requires a wall. The burden cannot simply be placed on immigration enforcement, we have to back it up.
Source: CBS-4 Minnesota on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Jul 24, 2018
Tim James:
Building the wall remains more important than ever
The Joe Biden White House failed on illegal immigration with no plan for stopping the flood of gang activity, illegal drug distribution and the human trafficking that results from not controlling the southern border. Building the wall remains more
important than ever. We will redouble our efforts to coordinate with law enforcement, faith-based agencies and business leaders to stop the spread of violence associated with illegal immigration.
Source: 2022 Alabama Governor campaign website TimJamesGovernor.com
Feb 24, 2022
Tommy Battle:
Opposed to becoming sanctuary city; falls outside the law
Immigration is a controversial topic in national politics, and it is making its way to the local level in the Rocket City. "We will enforce what the law is," Battle explained in an interview with WHNT News 19. "We are not a sanctuary city, and
Huntsville will not be a sanctuary city because that's asking someone to go beyond what the law is. We are an inclusive community, we will always be that, and always respect everybody's rights, but there is a rule of law that has to be followed."
Source: WHNT News 19 on 2018 Alabama Senate race
Feb 23, 2017
Tommy Tuberville:
Get a wall up or some kind of fencing
Nativism is showing up in his campaign issues. "Right now, they're just coming over tens of thousands a day. They're bringing drugs; they're bringing diseases,"
he said. "They're doing everything possible to come here, and you can't blame them, but we got to get our Congress together and help President Trump do things necessary to get a wall up or some kind of fencing."
Source: Mother Jones magazine on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Aug 7, 2019
Tommy Tuberville:
Need to fight the scourge of illegal immigration
We must first secure our border as we attempt real immigration reforms that will impact our nation for decades to come. I fully support President Trump's plan to build a wall and make our nation more secure. And I will make sure our border patrol,
detention centers, and law enforcement officers along and near the border have the resources they need to fight the scourge of illegal immigration that brings drugs, terrorists, and criminals into our country on a daily basis.
Source: 2020 Alabama Senate campaign website, TommyForSenate.com
Jan 12, 2020
Tommy Tuberville:
Don't provide for those whose simple presence breaks the law
Q: Opinion of immigrant rights?Tommy Tuberville: "Our tax dollars should not be used to provide for those who break our laws with their simple presence." Would give more resources to detention centers and border patrols to fight "illegal immigration
that brings drugs, terrorists, and criminals into our country on a daily basis."
Doug Jones: "Children and young adults in the DACA program are contributing members of our society, serving in the military and owning businesses that employ Americans."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Walt Maddox:
Find a compassionate pathway to citizenship
When asked about immigration, he said it would be up to the federal government to solve that issue. He said whatever we do, it should be done with "compassion" and human "decency." In Tuscaloosa, our law enforcement officers are not concerned with
immigration," he insisted. "We're concerned with drug dealers. We are concerned with the number of illegal guns going around on our streets." "But we have to find that pathway to citizenship," he said. "We cannot let Dreamers be excluded."
Source: New American Journal on 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial race
Mar 9, 2018
Will Boyd:
Pathway to citizenship; undocumented shouldn't have to leave
In a recent questionnaire on the election website VoteSmart, Will Boyd, the leading Democratic contender for Sen. Shelby's
U.S. Senate seat, said he didn't think undocumented immigrants should have to leave the country before acquiring U.S. citizenship. He also said he believed in a pathway to citizenship.
Source: The Reckon Report on 2022 Alabama Senate race
May 16, 2022
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023