President of the U.S., 1989-1993; Former Republican Rep. (TX)
1989: Vetoed letting Tiananmen students overstay visas
Gingrich's first skirmish was over foreign policy--Bush's veto of a bill that would have allowed Chinese students to stay in the US after their visas expired. The brutal suppression of protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989 had been seen across
America. Chinese students' lives were put at risk as soon as they returned home. Supported by Gingrich, Republicans joined Democrats in attempting to override the veto, and Bush administration official
Source: Newt!, by Dick Williams, p.124
, Jun 1, 1995
Supports “English First” but not via federal law
On “English First,” I cannot change my position. I strongly favor every child learning to speak English, but I don’t think we need a federal law. I worry about prejudice against Hispanics, particularly, and I am afraid the “English
First” debate could stir up prejudice and curtail linguistic education programs that I think are absolutely essential to teach all Americans to speak English properly. I know public opinion is on the other side, but this is how I feel.
Source: Letter from George Bush in All The Best, p.369-370
, Nov 6, 1987
Click here for definitions & background information on Immigration.
