Survey of 2012 House campaign websites: on Immigration


Beto O`Rourke: Support the DREAM Act and comprehensive reform

If elected to Congress, I commit to:
Source: 2012 House campaign website, betoforcongress.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Brad Schneider: Secure the border and pass the DREAM Act

Rather than working to secure the border or fix our broken immigration system, this Tea Party Congress continues to play politics and kick the can down the road. We need comprehensive immigration reform because the federal government has failed to do its job. Our border must be secured in a way that promotes the practice of legal immigration. A strong border is necessary for any reform package to be effective.

I applaud the President for taking steps to prevent children from being punished for the failures of politicians. The DREAM Act is another essential part of comprehensive immigration solutions. Each year, approximately 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school. With the DREAM Act, we can start to provide legitimate pathways to citizenship through either college or military service for the many immigrants who were brought here as small children.

Source: 2012 House campaign website, schneiderforcongress.com Nov 6, 2012

Chris Stewart: No pathway to citizenship; E-Verify & enforce

Source: 2012 House campaign website, chrisstewartforcongress.com Nov 6, 2012

Dave Curson: Illegal aliens are NOT criminals even if breaking the law

I believe that people who come to this country seeking a better life for themselves and their families are NOT criminals even though in so many cases they are breaking the law. The easy availability of work and historic lax enforcement of our laws enable and encourage those pursuing the American dream. I do believe that the employers who exploit undocumented workers are criminals and should be severely prosecuted. At the same time, employers who want to play by the rules should be given a reliable way to verify that their employees are here legally.

Our system should establish an application mechanism where foreign workers with unique skills could apply, be screened to eliminate anyone who may pose a threat to our citizens or our country, and then be made available so that employers seeking to hire workers where US workers are not available, workers with unique skills or farmers looking for seasonal work can hire legal foreign employees.

Source: 2012 House campaign website cursonforcongress.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Doug Collins: Secure the border and disallow amnesty

Immigration is a federal issue and needs a federal solution. We must secure the border by enforcing the laws that are already on the books in order to solve our illegal immigration problem while not allowing amnesty for those already here.

I support the STAMP Act, which would give a green card to any legal foreign student who graduates college with an engineering, math or science degree. This provides an incentive to keep jobs at home instead of sending them to our competitors overseas.

Source: 2012 House campaign website, collinsleads.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Doug LaMalfa: Stop rewarding illegal immigration; no amnesty

America needs a clear and enforceable policy that promotes legal immigration and doesn't reward illegal immigration. Amnesty is not an acceptable option. Everyone who enters the country needs to have legal documentation.

The current policy does not work and America sends a mixed message when it says to those who come here illegally: don't come but if you do we'll provide drivers licenses and in state tuition or a sanctuary city to live in.

Source: 2012 House campaign website, douglamalfa.com Nov 6, 2012

Eric Swalwell: Support DREAM Act; but deport convicted criminals

As a prosecutor, it frustrates me that individuals who I have prosecuted that have committed serious and violent crimes--and are here without documentation--are released back into our communities after serving his or her sentence. I support removing violent, convicted criminals who are in our country without documentation. For the vast majority of undocumented individuals who work and contribute to our economy, I support a pathway to legal citizenship. I also support the Dream Act and believe it is in our economic interests (and the right thing to do) to allow children of undocumented individuals who have attended school in the US to have access, not preference, to higher education.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, swalwellforcongress.com Nov 6, 2012

Filemon Vela: Give those educated here a reasonable path to citizenship

We need to address our immigration system and not ignore it. We need to promote more jobs in law enforcement to support federal, state and local efforts to protect South Texas from border violence. Then, we need to create a realistic and fair way to deal with the millions of undocumented workers currently in this country. Although we cannot reward those who have crossed in violation of law and should immediately deport those who have committed crimes in this country, we cannot punish those who have been in this country for years, paid their taxes and who have been good citizens. Those who are born in this country should not be separated from their families. Those who have been educated here and served our country should be given a reasonable path to citizenship.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, velaforcongress.com, "issues" Nov 6, 2012

Jackie Walorski: Zero-tolerance deportation policy

Many people have taken advantage of the American dream by crossing our borders illegally. This abuse has harmed the country economically and endangered our national security. We must strengthen our security at the borders and enforce a zero-tolerance deportation policy for those who cross illegally.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, standwithjackie.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Jared Huffman: DREAM Act is a common-sense investment

Jared supports immigration policies that help to keep our brightest international students working in the United States after getting their degrees. Similarly, Jared regards the DREAM Act as a common-sense investment in keeping our country safer and strengthening our economy by offering legal status to bright young undocumented immigrants who are willing to serve in our military or pursue higher education.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, jaredhuffman.com Nov 6, 2012

Jim Bridenstine: Secure the border; open border brings illegal girls & drugs

I am a pilot in the Navy Reserve who regularly flies counter-drug missions in Central and South America. I have seen firsthand the impact of an open border. Cartels in South America are illegally trafficking narcotics, weapons, and young girls to northern Mexico where they are transferred to other cartels and brought across the border. The cartels in northern Mexico own police officers, judges, and politicians. They are narco-terrorists who slaughter innocent victims to keep control.

Liberals suggest legalizing, regulating, and taxing narcotics. This would align government revenue with drug addiction. I suggest securing the border, enforcing the law, and disrupting the drug trade.

Source: 2012 House campaign website, jimbridenstine.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Joaquin Castro: Vanguard of a new class of Latino leaders

Joaquin Castro, a second-generation Mexican American, is among the vanguard of a new class of Latino leaders emerging across the country. The Texas Tribune has called him a "rising star in his party," and more recently, Politico.com named Joaquin one of the top 50 politicos to watch in the nation. Although Joaquin has established a distinguished legislative track record, his story shares the same humble origins that have come to define so many great stories about the pursuit of the American Dream.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, castroforcongress.com, "About" Nov 6, 2012

John Delaney: Enact the DREAM Act's conditional path to citizenship

John Delaney has a ten-point plan to make us more competitive, improve productivity, and expand the middle class:

Reform our immigration policy to ensure that the same spirit that brought people of all backgrounds to help develop this nation over the past 250 years continues to thrive: We must enact measures like the DREAM Act, which would have provided a conditional path to citizenship for qualified young people who complete a college degree or two years of military service.

Source: 2012 House campaign website, delaney2012.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

John Delaney: Support DREAM Act and more H1B1 visas

Seven Point Plan on Immigration:
  1. Secure our border: We cannot allow people to cross our borders illegally and we should continue funding our border patrol efforts.
  2. Crack down on employers who knowingly hire undocumented immigrants.
  3. I support the DREAM Act to encourage high school students that have grown up here to go to college. But I also support additional H1B1 Employment Visas to allow the foreign students to stay here.
  4. First we need to get undocumented people to register with the government to start the process of citizenship.
  5. Then they need to undergo a criminal background check. If you are a convicted felon you should not be allowed citizenship.
  6. Learning English should be a part of the pathway to citizenship.
  7. And they should pay back taxes. Many undocumented workers already pay taxes, but it is only fair to those that play by the rules that folks who don't should pay their back taxes.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, delaney2012.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Juan Vargas: Son of chicken rancher immigrants from Mexico

Juan was born the third son of ten children on March 7, 1961, in National City, California. Tomas and Celina Vargas, Juan's parents, moved to the United States from Mexico in the late 1940s as part of the Bracero Program and raised their children on a chicken ranch.

Juan attended the University of San Diego on scholarship, graduated Magna Cum Laude and received a B.A. in Political Science in 1983. In 1991 earned a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School, where he was classmates with Pres. Obama.

Source: 2012 House campaign website, votevargas.com, "Meet Juan" Nov 6, 2012

Julia Brownley: Create an earned pathway to citizenship

Our country is a country of immigrants and there is no doubt that our immigration system is broken and needs a common sense approach to comprehensive reform. Immigration reform should reflect our values as a nation, which include consideration of the importance of families and communities, and does not unnecessarily damage our economic vitality and competiveness. I would advocate for the creation of an earned pathway to citizenship, coupled with increased border security measures and mechanisms to both hold employers who knowingly violate the law accountable and make sure that workers and businesses pay their fair share of taxes.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, juliabrownley.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Kerry Bentivolio: Amnesty amounts to condoning illegality

Any immigration reform must begin with securing the border and stopping the flow of those who are coming into this country illegally. This is especially true in the age of terrorism.

The threats of cross-border criminal organizations are real and even without such threats, the lack of respect for our laws from those entering illegally is not acceptable. We should offer no amnesty to illegal immigrants, which amounts to condoning illegality.

Source: 2012 House campaign website, bentivolioforcongress.com Nov 6, 2012

Kyrsten Sinema: Mass deportations are not an option; support the DREAM Act

Sinema supports a comprehensive approach that increases resources to ensure our border is safe and secure, creates a market-based solution that meets the demand for skilled and unskilled labor in our country, and settles the status of millions of undocumented workers in our country. Mass deportations are not an option--not only would the cost to taxpayers be astronomical, but it would be unfair and inhumane to many families. Sinema believes instead that we need to create a tough but fair path to citizenship for undocumented workers that requires them to get right with the law by paying back taxes, paying a fine and learning English as a condition of gaining citizenship. She has also stood up against politicians who have targeted immigrants with unfair efforts that go too far.

Sinema is also proud to support the DREAM Act. She believes that children who came here through no fault of their own, speak English and think of themselves as American should be allowed to become American citizens.

Source: 2012 House campaign website, kyrstensinema.com Nov 6, 2012

Marc Veasey: We need a pathway to legalization

We need comprehensive immigration reform. We need a pathway to legalization for the hard-working men and women who have stayed out of trouble and are living in our communities in the shadows. When I first got elected to the state house, I promised I'd always fight against Republican anti-immigrant laws that target Latinos. I fought the Sanctuary City legislation that would have brought discriminatory Arizona style-immigration laws to Texas. I also fought against Republican efforts to repeal the state DREAM Act, which lets undocumented students that were raised in Texas go to college while paying in-state tuition rates. But, we need Congress to pass the federal DREAM Act so that these kids can work in their professions after graduation. It makes no sense that we are not tapping into their potential which will only better our state. President Obama needs a Congress that will support comprehensive immigration reform. If elected, I will be a champion in pushing for that immigration reform.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, marcveasey.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Mark Pocan: In-state tuition & drivers licensing for foreign-born

Source: 2012 House campaign website, pocanforcongress.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Markwayne Mullin: Amnesty proposals should be rejected

Source: 2012 House campaign website, mullinforcongress.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Patrick Murphy: Fair path to citizenship while securing our borders

We must absolutely secure our borders. We have the technology and manpower to do a much better job than we are currently doing.

I believe undocumented workers that have otherwise observed our laws should be given a reasonable path to legality. This is a policy that historically was supported by Presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and Obama--all of whom have proposed ideas as to how to accomplish this.

I strongly support the DREAM act which opens a path of legality to students who have graduated from US high schools and attend college or join the military. Not only is this fair, it will provide our college system with greatly needed additional revenue and our military with a much needed infusion of eager and motivated soldiers.

My opponent's take on how to handle the immigration issue was that law-abiding undocumented workers should be denied care at emergency rooms. Needless to say, I wholeheartedly disagree.

Source: 2012 House campaign website, murphyforcongress.us, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Paul Cook: Opposed to illegal immigration; secure our borders

Ours is a nation of laws. I am opposed to illegal immigration. The federal government has failed in its duty to secure our borders. I'll do what's necessary to make our borders secure.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, joinpaulcook.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Pete Gallego: Earned path to legalization, plus DREAM Act

Our country is made up of immigrants who made the journey to the United States in search of the American dream. But we all know that our immigration system is broken. Making sure that our borders are secure is the most important aspect of immigration policy. Reform includes border security and putting the necessary boots on the ground to protect us from those who want to do our country harm. Reform also should include an earned path to legalization for people who stay out of trouble, pay a penalty, pay back taxes, learn English and stand in line.

I also support the DREAM Act which would let young people who were brought to this country as children, graduated from high school and stayed out of trouble, earn a path to citizenship through military service or by going to college. I was proud to vote for the Texas DREAM Act, and I look forward to voting for the federal DREAM Act in Congress. I support the deferred action policy that offers DREAM Act eligible youth relief from deportation.

Source: 2012 House campaign website, petegallego.com, "issues" Nov 6, 2012

Randy Weber: Secure the borders before addressing illegal immigration

The federal government's failure to secure our borders is a serious threat to our national security. The constant flow of illegal drugs and gang activity must stop now. Until we secure the borders, we cannot begin to address the issue of illegal immigration and its costs.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, randyweber.org Nov 6, 2012

Raul Ruiz: Pass the DREAM Act immediately

The executive order to stop deporting young people who were brought here through no fault of their own is very important. Congress should recognize that everyone has an interest in immigration reform. Everyone wants a reliable system that allows people who play by the rules to become productive members of society. [We should] build a system secure borders and a reliable labor pool, particularly here where agriculture is critical. Congress should stand up and pass the DREAM Act immediately.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, drraulruiz.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Richard Hudson: Fence the entire Southern Border as necessary first step

Richard opposes illegal immigration in all forms. He believes government should discontinue offering public assistance to illegals to discourage them from coming to America illegally. Richard will fight to build the entire fence along the Southern Border and believes securing the border is the necessary first step in reforming our immigration policy. He opposes amnesty for illegals and will work to ensure that illegals convicted of crimes are swiftly deported upon the completion of their sentence.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, richardhudsonforcongress.com Nov 6, 2012

Robert Pittenger: Protect our borders and enforce rule of law

Source: 2012 House campaign website, robertpittenger.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Roger Williams: Make English the official language of the United States

Texas is on the front lines in this battle. Our ranchers on the border know the danger of illegal immigrants, drug smugglers, and human traffickers coming onto their land. Our hospitals, schools, and local governments know the cost of paying for the education and health care of illegal immigrants. Securing the border must be a key priority for our nation--truly this is a Constitutional responsibility in which our government has been an abject failure. While we openly welcome people who follow our laws and are legal immigrants we need to ensure these individuals assimilate to America by learning our language, our rich heritage, and respecting our foundational beliefs. To that end, I will support making English the official language of the United States.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, rogerforcongress.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Scott Perry: Secure our borders and curtail the flood

Immigration/Secure Borders: We must secure our borders and allow for the legal immigration of people to this country through a process spelled out by law. As the son of an immigrant, I am proud of the legal immigration that made this country great. However, in order to maintain our status as the beacon of the world, we must curtail the current flood of illegal immigrants.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, patriotsforperry.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Tammy Duckworth: Pathway to citizenship as well as DREAM Act

We need a pathway to citizenship. People who came here illegally should step forward, pay fines for violating our laws, pass a criminal background check, learn English and pay their full share of taxes owed, and be gainfully employed; then be allowed to pursue legal status. The fines paid by those seeking legal status could pay for the investment required to process the requests and ensure cases are handled quickly and fairly. I support the DREAM Act.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, tammyduckworth.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Ted Yoho: Secure the border by harnessing technology

We are a country of immigrants. However, Washington has ignored this problem for 30 years. Illegal immigration and a broken path to citizenship threatens our national security and has created a strain on our social programs.

Solution: We need to secure the border. We have not harnessed the technology, infrastructure and man power to protect our borders and we must do so immediately. I will introduce a workable guest worker program that provides immigrant workers with a national ID card and mandates they pay taxes through a national tax ID number. Finally, the process to become a citizen needs to be completely streamlined and English needs to be recognized as the official language.

Source: 2012 House campaign website, tedyoho.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Tom Cotton: No so-called "earned path to citizenship"

We cannot afford to grant illegal aliens amnesty or a so-called "earned path to citizenship." Amnesty would cost billions of dollars that our government cannot afford. Also, amnesty would attract millions of new illegal aliens, just as the 1986 amnesty did, by advertising to the world that America lacks the political will to enforce its borders. Finally, amnesty is unjust and immoral because it favors those who broke our laws over those standing in line at embassies hoping to immigrate legally.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, cottonforcongress.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Tom Rice: Make English the official language

I'll Fight to Secure our Border
...and make English the official language, while simplifying the rules for those who want to come here legally. Our porous border endangers national security and hurts our economy.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, votetomrice.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Trey Radel: Opposes amnesty for illegal immigrants

LEGAL Immigrants have helped build this country and make it what it is, but we must secure the border. Trey opposes amnesty for illegal immigrants, and supports securing our border.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, treyradel.com Nov 6, 2012

Tulsi Gabbard: Relax onerous visa requirements for Indian & Chinese tourism

In Congress, I will fight to relax the onerous and overly burdensome visa requirements for visitors coming from countries such as China and India. The present policies are outdated and do not reflect the fact that China and India now have booming economies and a burgeoning middle class. These people have money in their pockets and are eager to see the world. Many of them want to visit Hawai`i, but because it's so hard for them to get tourist visas, they end up going elsewhere. The beaches of Bali, Thailand, and Vietnam are teeming with big-spending Chinese tourists. If we can get these visitors to come to Hawai`i instead, it will have an immediate and significant impact on Hawai`i's tourism industry.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, votetulsi.com, "Issues" Nov 6, 2012

Amy Stephens: Opposes misguided programs that promote illegal immigration

Source: 2012 State House campaign website,StephensForColorado.com Aug 18, 2012

Paul Ryan: Demand enforcement of immigration laws, without amnesty

It is abundantly clear that our immigration system is broken, and Congress' efforts to reform our broken system have failed. I have supported past efforts to strengthen our immigration laws and demanded enforcement of them, opposing any proposals that include amnesty for those that have violated our laws. We need solutions that preserve the rule of law and do not reward illegal behavior. Illegal immigration, which is a direct result of this flawed system, is an affront to the rule of law and an unacceptable security risk
Source: 2012 House campaign website, ryanforcongress.com, "Issues" Aug 11, 2012

Paul Ryan: Make border fence construction a top priority

Operational control of our borders should be among the highest priorities of Congress. Every nation has the right to control entry and exit across its border. Porous borders leave us susceptible to the illegal crossing of terrorists, drug lords, and gang members, placing our homeland security in serious jeopardy. I have been a vocal proponent in calling upon Congress to make border fence construction a top priority, and will continue working toward enforcement of our nation's borders.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, ryanforcongress.com, "Issues" Aug 11, 2012

Paul Ryan: More employer penalties but no "big brother" database

In order to allow employers to easily and accurately verify an employee's legal status in a timely matter, I have introduced the New Employee Verification Act. This bipartisan proposal protects an employee's information from identity theft while creating a verification tool that is accurate, secure, and immediate. It provides enhanced employer penalties for those who knowingly violate our laws and avoids a "big brother" law enforcement agency building new databases on law abiding citizens.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, ryanforcongress.com, "Issues" Aug 11, 2012

Ron DeSantis: Get tough on illegal immigration

GOP Congressional candidate Ron DeSantis Thursday announced another in a line of national endorsements.

He is being supported by Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who calls himself "America's toughest sheriff."

"I'm proud to endorse Ron DeSantis for Congress because I know he will stand up for the rule of law and get tough on illegal immigration," said Arpaio, who is the sheriff of Maricopa County.

He has become well known for an outspoken stance against illegal immigration, and for making prisoners wear pink underware.

DeSantis, an attorney, is running for the 6th Congressional District, which includes St. Johns, Flagler, Volusia and Putnam Counties. He already has national endorsements from Club for Growth and former U.N. ambassador John Bolton

Source: Press release on 2012 House campaign website voteRon2012.com Aug 2, 2012

Ron Barber: More agents; more high-tech & aerial assets; smarter fences

Source: 2012 House campaign website, ronbarberforcongress.com Jun 12, 2012

Mark Amodei: Secure our borders as a matter of national security

I am proud to have served in the United States Army, and even prouder to have a daughter who has recently served in the United States Navy. For the Amodei Family, supporting the men and women of the Armed Services is a way of life.

[I will] work to secure our borders as a matter of national security and a necessary first step to enacting a rational Immigration policy.

Source: 2012 House campaign website,www.amodei4nevada.com, "Issues" Sep 15, 2011

Janice Hahn: System is broken; enact common-sense immigration laws

Our nation has a history of welcoming immigrants, and it is what makes us strong and vibrant. Our broken immigration system needs to be fixed and that our borders must be secured. Janice will push for a solution to immigration reform, including for those that were brought here through no fault of their own. Janice believes that our nation's border security is an important issue both for our country and our neighbors down south. She's committed to enacting common-sense immigration legislation.
Source: 2012 House campaign website, www.janicehahn.com, "Issues" Jul 12, 2011

  • The above quotations are from Survey of 2012 House campaign websites.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Immigration.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
  • Click here for more quotes by Bob Turner on Immigration.
  • Click here for more quotes by Mark Amodei on Immigration.
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: Dec 04, 2018