State of Iowa Archives: on Immigration
Al Gore:
Immigrants from communist Cuba are different
Q: Under what is known as the wet-foot-dry-foot law, a Cuban who makes it to US soil can stay. Do you think that this law should be expanded to include other groups?
A: I think that Communist dictatorships are treated differently for a legitimate reason.
Source: Democrat Debate in Des Moines, Iowa
Jan 17, 2000
Andy McGuire:
We need comprehensive federal immigration policy
A hot topic [at the Democratic debate] was immigration, and if these candidates would support the use of local law enforcement during federal immigration raids. This comes after federal agents arrested 32 suspected undocumented immigrants at a business
in Mount Pleasant last week."It's a problem with our federal immigration," Andy McGuire said. "To make laws where we would have a comprehensive policy."
"This past legislation session I was proud to stand up and speak against a bill that would
have, and will federalize law enforcement," Nate Boulton said.
"That bill listed under public safety is a charade. All they are trying to do, the Republican legislature there, is divert attention from the very poor fiscal management they are doing
for our state," Fred Hubbelll said.
"The governor should use the voice at the federal level that we have a path to citizenship that doesn't tear families apart," Cathy Glasson said.
Source: KCRG-TV9 on 2018 Iowa gubernatorial debate
May 13, 2018
Ben Carson:
Common-sense solutions: guest workers plus harsher penalties
Rising conservative star Ben Carson seemed to charm attendees at Saturday's Freedom Summit, weaving stories of his upbringing through a series of topics including immigration and health care. Carson, a best-selling author and retired neurosurgeon, spoke
in an easy-going style that alternated between sincere and humorous: "I always feel so welcomed when I come to Iowa, because they have so many people here who actually have common sense," Carson said. Laughter followed.
Carson called for common-sense solutions to end government overreach and return America to traditional values. He spoke at relative length on immigration, calling for harsher penalties for those who employ undocumented immigrants and
better border security. Carson also called on the U.S. to adopt a version of Canada's guest worker program, requiring those seeking work to apply while they live outside the U.S.
Source: Des Moines Register on 2015 Iowa Freedom Summit
Jan 24, 2015
Ben Carson:
Use Canadian model for guest worker program
Dr. Ben Carson was a success [with the Iowa Freedom Summit crowd]. He told a great life story about how he survived serious hardships, and shared his faith. With respect to immigration he wants to incorporate a guest worker program modeled on the
Canadian one. That's a guest worker program for jobs Americans don't want to do, seal the border, and accept applications only from applicants who are outside of our borders.
Source: Salon.com weblog on 2015 Iowa Freedom Summit
Jan 26, 2015
Bob Krause:
67% of Millenials support pathway to citizenship
Tweets from Bob Krause @KrauseForIowa- GOP's problem: they replaced windshield with the rear view mirror. Great for finding where we've been but not for where we want to go!
-
Millenials:70% support ObamaCare. 2/3 support path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants & 67 percent support gay marriage.
Source: 2016 Campaign website for Iowa Senate, krauseforiowa.com
Nov 11, 2015
Bruce Braley:
Supports comprehensive reform but not amnesty
Braley denied that the Senate immigration bill he supports includes amnesty. The Democrat blamed the border crisis in part on the House's failure to take up the bill that passed the Senate. He noted that Arizona Sen. John McCain and Florida Sen.
Marco Rubio supported the measure because it forces people in the country illegally to admit wrongdoing, pay a fine and go to the back of the line. "Amnesty is when you break the law and there are no consequences," said Braley.
Source: Politico.com e-zine on 2014 Iowa Senate debate
Sep 28, 2014
Cathy Glasson:
Welcomes immigrants and wants them to feel safe and secure
We must ensure all our neighbors feel safe and accepted no matter where they come from. That's why we need to work together as a welcoming community. There is much more we can do in Iowa to treat our immigrant population
with respect and compassion, regardless of citizenship status. Iowa's elected officials and public employees don't work for ICE. Our police don't work for ICE. It's not the job of police in Iowa to enforce immigration rules.
Source: 2018 Iowa gubernatorial candidate website CathyGlasson.com
May 2, 2018
Cathy Glasson:
We need path to citizenship and to keep families together
A hot topic [at the Democratic debate] was immigration, and if these candidates would support the use of local law enforcement during federal immigration raids. This comes after federal agents arrested 32 suspected undocumented immigrants at a business
in Mount Pleasant last week."It's a problem with our federal immigration," Andy McGuire said. "To make laws where we would have a comprehensive policy."
"This past legislation session I was proud to stand up and speak against a bill that would
have, and will federalize law enforcement," Nate Boulton said.
"That bill listed under public safety is a charade. All they are trying to do, the Republican legislature there, is divert attention from the very poor fiscal management they are doing
for our state," Fred Hubbelll said.
"The governor should use the voice at the federal level that we have a path to citizenship that doesn't tear families apart," Cathy Glasson said.
Source: KCRG-TV9 on 2018 Iowa gubernatorial debate
May 13, 2018
Chet Culver:
Feds should deal with immigration, not state police
People stopped by law enforcement officers in Iowa should have to prove their citizenship status, Terry Branstad said. Branstad has previously said state lawmakers should work with local law enforcement to fashion an immigration law that meets Iowa's
needs, particularly if the federal government continues to fail to enforce current laws. Gov. Chet Culver said Branstad's idea would create a drain on Iowa taxpayers. Culver previously said that the federal government must take the lead on immigration.
"As Branstad should know, the governor of Iowa has no ability to command that the federal government, whose jurisdiction this falls under, to reimburse local governments across Iowa," said a spokeswoman for Culver. "For Iowans, it's just a shift from
one tax to another if Terry Branstad were elected."
Branstad acknowledged the possible costs, telling people at his campaign events Wednesday that he does not want Iowans left paying the bill.
Source: Des Moines Register OpEd on 2014 Iowa governor's race
Jul 10, 2010
Christopher Reed:
Illegal border crossers are felons, not “guests”
Q: What would you propose to curb the flow of illegal immigrants into the country?A: First and foremost we need to protect and defend our borders. Crossing our borders illegally is a felony. Those persons crossing the border illegally need to be dealt
with as felons, not “guests”. Come to our country right or don’t come here at all. I believe in our Melting Pot. However, those folks coming here in search of a better life need to assimilate to our way of life, not the other way around.
Source: The Iowa Brigade, email questionnaire
Apr 2, 2008
Dennis Kucinich:
Bush immigration program is indentured servitude
Q: Would you automatically grant citizenship to any immigrant who serves in combat on behalf of the US? DEAN: You have to be a little bit careful about how you do that, otherwise you will have a disproportionate number of people who are Hispanic
joining the army simply to do that. So the answer is, if you serve America, yes, you ought to get citizenship. But we have to be very careful just exactly how we offer that so we don’t have an unfair, disproportionate affect on Hispanics in this country
who are not citizens.
KUCINICH: First, that we all agree that people ought to have citizenship if they serve this country. We also ought to agree that there ought to be amnesty for anyone who has been working in this country and would otherwise be
denied rights. Third, we ought to talk about how the Bush administration’s program that they just announced is really a program for indentured servitude because what they are talking about is locking people into control by corporations.
Source: Iowa Brown and Black Presidential Forum
Jan 11, 2004
Dick Gephardt:
Immigration service is a mess and needs reform
Q: What will you do to ensure that those who seek to apply for citizenship are receiving quality customer service and being treated fairly? A: The Immigration Service has been a mess. They do not process these applications quickly. It’s a long, long
process that takes far too long than it should. And it needs to be reformed, and we need to make people welcome in this country. If people are applying to be citizens, they need to be treated as customers and it needs to be an expedited process.
Source: Iowa Brown and Black Presidential Forum
Jan 11, 2004
Dick Gephardt:
Federal government should help illegal immigrants
Q: Why should illegal immigration be a local burden? A: The federal government needs to help state and local government in dealing with these needs. If children are here, they have to be educated. They have to get basic health care. And the federal
government needs to fill some of that need. I agree entirely with what’s been said about earned legalization. If people have been here, obeyed the laws, paid their taxes, worked hard, they deserve the right to be able to get into legal status.
Source: Iowa Brown and Black Presidential Forum
Jan 11, 2004
Doug Butzier:
Turn illegal aliens into taxpayers by legalizing them
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens"?
A: Absolutely. It's about the only way to turn them into taxpayers.
Source: E-mail interview: 2014 Iowa Senate race with OnTheIssues.org
Sep 17, 2014
Eddie Mauro:
Fighting for immigrant rights near and dear to me
"One of the concerns brought to our attention was what was going on with the Latino community relative to immigrant rights. We were talking about things like driver's licenses, but we also talked about wage theft and discrimination in housing and
health care, and those kinds of things that have been going on for almost three decades now." Fighting for immigrant rights was "something near and dear to me for a long time," Mauro said. "Part of my faith values and should be part of Iowa's values."
Source: Iowa Starting Line e-zine on 2020 Iowa Senate race
Jul 19, 2019
Fred Hubbell:
No use of local enforcement during federal immigration raids
A hot topic [at the Democratic debate] was immigration, and if these candidates would support the use of local law enforcement during federal immigration raids. This comes after federal agents arrested 32 suspected undocumented immigrants at a business
in Mount Pleasant last week."It's a problem with our federal immigration," Andy McGuire said. "To make laws where we would have a comprehensive policy."
"This past legislation session I was proud to stand up and speak against a bill that would
have, and will federalize law enforcement," Nate Boulton said.
"That bill listed under public safety is a charade. All they are trying to do, the Republican legislature there, is divert attention from the very poor fiscal management they are doing
for our state," Fred Hubbelll said.
"The governor should use the voice at the federal level that we have a path to citizenship that doesn't tear families apart," Cathy Glasson said.
Source: KCRG-TV9 on 2018 Iowa gubernatorial debate
May 13, 2018
Herman Cain:
We have a path to citizenship: it's called legal immigration
Q: When Pres. Obama joked about protecting the borders with alligators and a moat, not only did you embrace the idea, you upped the ante with "a 20-foot barbed wire electrified fence." Were you serious?A: America has got to learn how to take a joke.
But allow me to give you my real solution to the immigration problem. I happen to believe that is four problems.
- Yes, we must secure the border with whatever means necessary.
- Enforce the laws that are there.
- Promote the path to citizenship
that's already there. We have a path to citizenship for illegal aliens. It's called legal immigration.
- And then, I happen to agree with empowering the states and allow them to deal with that issue. If we work on the right problem, we will be able to
solve it.
And in the case of immigration, we've got four problems that we need to work on simultaneously. We can have high fences and wide open doors, all at the same time.
Source: Iowa Straw Poll 2011 GOP debate in Ames Iowa
Aug 11, 2011
Hillary Clinton:
Crack down on employers who exploit undocumented workers
Q: Would you help dispel the negative perception of illegal immigrants & undocumented workers that more and more Americans are beginning to have? A: I deeply regret the way the Republicans are politicizing this issue. They are trying to outdo each
other in basically demeaning and attacking those who are here in our country--yes, without documentation--but who are often doing the work that allows raising their families and making a contribution. The answer is comprehensive immigration reform.
We have to keep working towards it. Yes, we've got to have tougher border security. We do have to crack down on employers who exploit and employee undocumented people. We've got to do more to help local communities bear the costs of it.
Because they don't set immigration laws. We've got to do more with our neighbors to the south to help them create more economic opportunity for their own people but at the end of the day there has to be an earned path to legalization.
Source: 2007 Iowa Brown & Black Presidential Forum
Dec 1, 2007
Hillary Clinton:
Net immigration from Mexico has fallen to zero
Q: Republicans say securing borders is a top priority, before comprehensive reform. Gov. O'MALLEY: We've actually been focusing on border security to the exclusion of talking about comprehensive immigration reform.
The truth of the matter is, net immigration from Mexico last year was zero. Fact check me. Go ahead. Check it out.
But the truth of the matter is, if we want wages to go up, we've got to get 11 million of our neighbors out of off the book shadow economy, and into the full light of an American economy.
CLINTON: I think all of us on this stage agree that we need
comprehensive immigration reform with a path to citizenship. Border security has always been a part of that debate. And it is a fact that the net immigration from Mexico and South has basically zeroed out.
Source: 2015 CBS Democratic primary debate in Iowa
Nov 14, 2015
Howard Dean:
Be careful about granting citizenship for military services
Q: Would you automatically grant citizenship to any immigrant who serves in combat on behalf of the US? DEAN: You have to be a little bit careful about how you do that, otherwise you will have a disproportionate number of people who are Hispanic
joining the army simply to do that. So the answer is, if you serve America, yes, you ought to get citizenship. But we have to be very careful just exactly how we offer that so we don't have an unfair, disproportionate affect on Hispanics in this country
who are not citizens.
KUCINICH: First, that we all agree that people ought to have citizenship if they serve this country. We also ought to agree that there ought to be amnesty for anyone who has been working in this country and would otherwise be
denied rights. Third, we ought to talk about how the Bush administration's program that they just announced is really a program for indentured servitude because what they are talking about is locking people into control by corporations.
Source: Iowa Brown and Black Presidential Forum
Jan 11, 2004
Jack Hatch:
Opposes English as the official language
Q: Do you support English as the official language of Iowa government??
A: No.
Source: 2002 Iowa Gubernatorial National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2002
Jeb Bush:
Immigrants are an engine of economic vitality
Q: At Congressman King's Iowa Freedom Summit, a whole host of potential Republican candidates for the presidency appeared, but someone who was not there is former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. He said this at an event in San Francisco:JEB BUSH (VIDEO CLIP):
Immigrants are an engine of economic vitality. We need to find a way, a path to legalized status for those that have come here and have languished in the shadows. There's no way that they're going to be deported.
No one is suggesting an organized effort to do that.
Q (to SEN. RICK SANTORUM): Is he right that immigration is the engine of economic vitality?
SANTORUM: Immigration can be, if immigration is done the right way. Immigration policy in
America has to put America and American workers first. The focus of immigration policies [should be] on where we need certain skills or certain people to come to this country to help gin up and encourage our economy.
Source: CNN SOTU interview on 2015 Iowa Freedom Summit
Jan 25, 2015
Jim Carlin:
Secure borders before discussing eligibility for citizenship
I stand with those who believe we must secure our borders. I stand with those who say we must enforce our visa laws, for half of the undocumented immigrants come to America on an airplane.I stand with those who believe our sovereign nation has the
right, and an obligation to create an immigration policy that can be enforced. Once we have done these things we can sit down and discuss who should be allowed to come in as a guest worker, and who is eligible to be put on a path to citizenship.
Source: 2021 Iowa Senate campaign website CarlinForUSSenate.com
Mar 7, 2021
Joe Biden:
Americans will do any job if you pay them properly
Q: Do you believe in this debate over immigration that we're talking about jobs that Americans won't do? A: Let's get it straight. Americans will do any job if you pay them properly. That doesn't mean we don't need guest workers; we do.
But we should base the number of guest workers upon need--not an absolute number. And we should require employers to offer those jobs to citizens to see if they want those jobs. We need agricultural workers; we need
H1B visas; we need what in fact exists as a need, not as an artificial number to allow employers to drive down wages.
Q: Does hiring illegal immigrants to do these jobs drive down wages?
A: [Yes, it] drives down wages.
But there are a lot of people who will go out and hang drywall and get a decent wage. There are not a lot of people who are going out and do the agricultural work that's seasonal. So it should be based on need.
Source: 2007 Iowa Brown & Black Presidential Forum
Dec 1, 2007
John Edwards:
Differentiate terrorists from the immigrants
Q: How would you distinguish or differentiate terrorists from the immigrants and visitors? A: The whole notion of earned citizenship is something that I strongly support. I would expand the number of legal immigrants that can get into the country,
which helps relieve some of this pressure that we have right now. Our relationship with Mexico and Pres. Fox is in the worst shape that we can imagine. And the result of that is, we don't have the kind of security along our southern border that we need.
Source: Iowa Brown and Black Presidential Forum
Jan 11, 2004
John Edwards:
End immigrant raids that separate parents from children
Q: Do you believe a moratorium on raids is needed and what would you do as president to help states like Iowa meet its labor force needs?A: First of all, I [oppose] these raids, and particularly the way they are being conducted,
separating parents from children. I think the bottom line is that we need to reform the laws for immigration in this country so that everybody has a real and meaningful path to citizenship.
Source: 2007 Iowa Brown & Black Presidential Forum
Dec 1, 2007
Jon Huntsman:
End patchwork of state laws & just secure the border
Q: You said that we need to build a fence to secure our borders, but then we need to deal with the millions of illegal immigrants already here in the country. You said, "There's got to be an alternative to sending them back. That's unrealistic." Are you
proposing citizenship for illegal aliens?A: The thing we need to do most on illegal immigration--because there has been zero leadership in Washington., we've created this patchwork of solutions in the states, which makes for a very complex & confusing
environment. When elected president, I'm simply going to prove to the American people that we can secure the border. That's what they want done. And I'm not going to talk about anything else until we get it done. We can finish. And I will talk to the fou
border state governors and get verification from them that, in fact, we've secured the border. And once that is done, then we can move on. But this discussion has zero in the way of any intellectual credibility until such time as we secure the border.
Source: Iowa Straw Poll 2011 GOP debate in Ames Iowa
Aug 11, 2011
Joni Ernst:
Protect the borders; prevent illegal entry
Question topic: Government should enforce laws designed to protect the border and to prevent illegal entry of persons into the country.
Ernst: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Iowa Senate race
Sep 30, 2014
Joni Ernst:
Legal residency for DREAMers; need bipartisan solution
Q: Do you support residency or legal status or citizenship for DREAMers?Ernst: A pathway to citizenship is something that could be worked on bipartisan. We need to sit down and discuss that.
Q: Does it mean legal residency or does it mean
citizenship --
Ernst: I would support more of a legal residency. However, as we are moving forward on a new immigration system we have to make sure that we are carefully vetting, making sure that they are a good fit for citizenship here in the US.
Source: Iowa Public Television transcript of 2020 Iowa Senate debate
Sep 28, 2020
Joni Ernst:
Path for DACA participants, against overall amnesty
Q: Opinion on DACA?Joni Ernst: Co-sponsored legislation with path for DACA participants in exchange for border wall funding and decreases in legal immigration. Opposes overall amnesty.
Theresa Greenfield: Supports DREAM Act for DACA participants and keeping families together. Wants a plan that's "tough on workplace enforcement" along with "more technology and security on the border."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Iowa Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Joseph Lieberman:
Make sure immigrants are treated fairly
Q: How would you encourage those who are eligible to apply for citizenship? A: I am for earned right of legalization for undocumented immigrants. I'm for temporary worker permits for people coming over. I'm for lifting the cap on family reunification
which keeps immigrant families apart and I'm for lifting the cap on political refugees. We're one nation under God, individual, with liberty and justice for all. And that means making sure that our immigrants, new Americans are treated fairly.
Source: Iowa Brown and Black Presidential Forum
Jan 11, 2004
Kim Reynolds:
Secure our border, but no family separations
Gov. Kim Reynolds issued the following statement after President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending family separations at the border:
"What was happening at the southern border was horrific. Children were being separated from their families to be used as pawns.
That is not who we are as a nation.
"While the president's action today is progress, the work is not done.
Congress cannot use this executive order as an excuse not to act. Our nation's immigration system is still broken, and our border is not secure. It is time for Washington to get the job done."
Source: Press Release on 2018 Iowa Gubernatorial race
Jun 20, 2018
Kim Reynolds:
End DACA, but Congress should act
Reynolds says she agrees with Trump's decision to phase out a program that protects young immigrants from deportation because she believes Congress should address the issue. She said it's Congress' job to pass immigration law.
She wouldn't specify what lawmakers should do, though she said immigration reform could include a pathway to citizenship for some immigrants affected by Trump's decision.
Source: Associated Press on 2018 Iowa gubernatorial race
Sep 5, 2017
Kim Reynolds:
Migrant children not our problem, different under Trump
Reynolds said she has rejected a federal request to accept migrant children into the state. "This is not our problem," Reynolds said. "This is the president's problem. He's the one that has opened the border and he needs to be responsible for this and
he needs to stop it." Reynolds' stand on accepting immigrant children contrasts with her willingness to accept refugees coming into the United States when then-President Donald Trump raised the issue in 2019.
Source: Associated Press on 2022 Iowa Gubernatorial race
Apr 8, 2021
Kimberly Graham:
Citizenship for DACA & families
- End Private Detention Centers
- Immediately Advocate for Citizenship for DACA and TPS Recipients
- Reinstate DACA, Expand Protections and Pathways to
Citizenship for Families
- End Family Separation
- Reserve Detention Only For Flight Risks and Violent Offenders
- Hold ICE and CPB Agents Accountable For Human Rights Violations
Source: 2020 Iowa Senate campaign website, KimberlyForIowa.com
Jan 12, 2020
Lindsey Graham:
Legal status for undocumented workers
Jeb Bush laid out his guiding principles on immigration, saying that after the Southern border is secure, the focus should be on legalizing immigrants who can benefit the economy. Graham, too, spoke in favor of immigration reform,
including legal status for undocumented workers, a stand often opposed by conservative audiences. He cast his support in terms of economic necessity, to expand the workforce to pay for entitlement programs for retiring Baby Boomers.
Source: Des Moines Register coverage of 2015 Iowa Ag Summit
Mar 7, 2015
Marco Battaglia:
Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens"?
A: No one is illegal. I support a pathway to citizenship for undocumented peoples. I think that we reform immigration, encourage and show the incentives for documented immigration, while securing our borders.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Iowa Governor candidate
May 13, 2018
Martin O`Malley:
Our symbol is the Statue of Liberty, not a barbed wire fence
Q: Republicans say securing borders is a top priority.O'MALLEY: We've actually been focusing on border security to the exclusion of talking about comprehensive immigration reform. In fact, if more border security--and more and more deportations--
were going to bring our Republican brothers and sisters to the table, it would have happened long ago. The truth of the matter is, net immigration from Mexico last year was zero. Fact check me. Go ahead. Check it out.
But the truth of the matter is, if we want wages to go up, we've got to get 11 million of our neighbors out of off the book shadow economy, and into the full light of an American economy. That's what our parents and grandparents always did.
That's what we need to do as a nation. Our symbol is the Statue of Liberty. It is not a barbed wire fence.
CLINTON: It is a fact that the net immigration from Mexico and South has basically zeroed out.
Source: 2015 CBS Democratic primary debate in Iowa
Nov 14, 2015
Michael Franken:
Pathway to citizenship; expand worker visa program
Mike will introduce legislation to free children from CBP's cages and reunite separated families. Mike will also forge paths to citizenship for DACA and other long-term residents. Enacting a comprehensive plan that greatly expands worker visa programs
will make sure that local employers have the necessary staff to run their businesses and serve their communities. And ensuring those immigrants have the necessary documentation will mean that they provide a tax base for those same communities.
Source: 2020 Iowa Senate campaign website FrankenForIowa.org
May 27, 2020
Mitt Romney:
I like legal immigration; let business determine visas
Q: In 2008, you said you favored allowing American companies to hire more skilled foreign workers. With unemployment at 9.1%, are you still for importing more foreign labor?A: Well, of course not. We're not looking to bring people in for jobs that
can be done by Americans. But at the same time, we want to make sure that America welcomes the best and brightest in the world. If someone comes here and gets a PhD in physics, that's the person I'd like to staple a green card to their diploma, rather
than saying to them to go home. I want the best & brightest to be metered into the country based upon the needs of our employment sector & create jobs by bringing technology and innovation that comes from people around the world. I like legal immigration
I'd have the number of visas that we give to people here that come here legally, determined in part by the needs of our employment community. But we have to secure our border and crack down on those that bring folks here and hire here illegally.
Source: Iowa Straw Poll 2011 GOP debate in Ames Iowa
Aug 11, 2011
Nate Boulton:
No use of local enforcement during federal immigration raids
A hot topic [at the Democratic debate] was immigration, and if these candidates would support the use of local law enforcement during federal immigration raids. This comes after federal agents arrested 32 suspected undocumented immigrants at a business
in Mount Pleasant last week."It's a problem with our federal immigration," Andy McGuire said. "To make laws where we would have a comprehensive policy."
"This past legislation session I was proud to stand up and speak against a bill that would
have, and will federalize law enforcement," Nate Boulton said.
"That bill listed under public safety is a charade. All they are trying to do, the Republican legislature there, is divert attention from the very poor fiscal management they are doing
for our state," Fred Hubbelll said.
"The governor should use the voice at the federal level that we have a path to citizenship that doesn't tear families apart," Cathy Glasson said.
Source: KCRG-TV9 on 2018 Iowa gubernatorial debate
May 13, 2018
Newt Gingrich:
Citizen Boards to decide which immigrants stay and go
Q: You're looking at the idea of having citizen boards choose which illegal immigrants can stay in the country and which would have to go. Who decides the memberships of these boards, and how would they work?A: I think it's very important to go back
and look at how the Selective Service Commission worked in World War II, because it was local, practical decision-making, and people genuinely thought it was fair and it was reasonable.
Q: What about Pres. Obama's joke about protecting the borders wit
alligators and a moat?
A: That was the perfect symbol of his failure as a leader. He failed to get any immigration reform through when he controlled the Senate. He could ram through Obamacare, but he couldn't deal with immigration. I would be prepared
to take as many people from Homeland Security's bureaucracy in Washington and move them to Texas, Arizona and New Mexico, as are needed, to control the border. And we should have English as the official language of government.
Source: Iowa Straw Poll 2011 GOP debate in Ames Iowa
Aug 11, 2011
Patty Judge:
DACA and DAPA are first steps toward reforming broken system
Former Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge, weighing in on the Supreme Court's decision says: "Today's split decision by the Supreme Court is another reminder of how critical it is that
Chuck Grassley do his job and begin the process of filling the vacancy on the court. The DACA and DAPA executive actions by the president are a first step toward reforming our broken immigration system.
Unfortunately, Chuck Grassley's obstruction has resulted in an uncertain future for these programs and has left millions of people in legal limbo.
This is an important reminder of how import the Supreme Court is and how critical it is that we get the U.S. Senate back to work."
Source: KWWL Radio on 2016 Iowa Senate race
Jun 23, 2016
Rick Perry:
If Washington refuses to enforce the border, Texas will
Several political activists tried to interrupt Perry as he spoke about his tough stance on immigration enforcement on the Texas-Mexico border. The protesters held signs that read: "Deportable?" The signs asked whether potential presidential candidates
agreed with U.S. Rep. Steve King (R-IA), a co-sponsor of Saturday's event who has been a harsh critic of President Barack Obama's immigration policies.Perry ignored the protesters, who were escorted out of the building by police. "Here is what I say:
If Washington refuses to enforce the border, Texas will. This problem has dragged on long enough," Perry said.
Perry got enthusiastic applause and cheers for his criticism of President Barack Obama's administration and his calls for lower taxes, less government regulation and tougher border security.
Source: Des Moines Register on 2015 Iowa Freedom Summit
Jan 24, 2015
Rob Hogg:
No home mortgages for illegal immigrants
HF 2671 Undocumented Immigrants Restrictions
Bill Passed House (69 - 25); Rep. Rob Hogg voted YeaHighlights:- Vote to pass a bill that prohibits mortgage lenders from extending mortgages to illegal immigrants.
- The bill also establishes penalties on employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants for an hourly wage: $1,000 fine for a first offense, and a criminal charge including up to one year in prison for a second offense.
Source: VoteSmart synopsis of 2006 Iowa legislative voting records
Mar 16, 2006
Rob Hogg:
Civil penalties for employing unauthorized aliens
Rob Hogg voted YEA on H.F. 2671; bill passed House 69-25-6, March 16, 2006- An employer shall not knowingly employ as an employee an unauthorized alien. An employer who obtains a verification of employment eligibility form (required by IRCA 1986)
shall not be in violation.
- Employers in violation are subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,000. An employer who demonstrates a pattern of employing unauthorized aliens may be ordered to pay punitive damages.
- State representatives may inspect
employment records, and interview an employer or employee, during working hours or at other reasonable times.
- Funds allocated from the housing trust fund shall not be used for the provision of rental housing for persons who are not lawfully present
in the US, except homeless shelters.
- A mortgagee shall not knowingly originate a first mortgage loan for residential real estate that is intended to be used as a primary residence of a person who is not lawfully present in the US.
Source: Iowa legislative voting records for H.F. 2671
Mar 16, 2006
Rod Blum:
Secure the border; then loosen red tape for H1B visas
Immigration reform needs to start with fully securing the US border. We have been told by the federal government that they would secure the border in 1986 and 2006 and both times they failed.Once we secure our border we can begin to reform our legal
immigration system, which today makes it extremely difficult for those who seek to come here legally. For example, the H1B visa system that provides a path for highly skilled workers to immigrate to America is full of unnecessary obstacles and red tape.
Source: 2014 Iowa House campaign website, RodBlum.com
Nov 4, 2014
Ron Paul:
Pay attention to US borders, not international borders
Q: Why are you opposed to a system that requires employers to verify the immigration status of their workers?A: I don't like putting the burden on our businessmen to be the policemen. That means he has to be policing activity. But
I have a strong position on immigration. I don't think that we should give amnesty and they become voters. But I do think we should deal with our borders. One way that I would suggest that we could do it is pay less attention to the borders between
Afghanistan and Iraq and Pakistan and bring our troops home and deal with the border. But why do we pay more attention to the borders overseas and less attention to the borders here at home? We now have a mess on the borders, and it has a lot more to do
with it than just immigration, because we're financing some of this militarism against the drug dealers on the borders right now to the tune of over $1 billion. And there is a mess down there, but it's much bigger than just the immigration problem.
Source: Iowa Straw Poll 2011 GOP debate in Ames Iowa
Aug 11, 2011
Sam Clovis:
Border security at the very top of the priority list
Throughout this nation's history, the rule of law has been a fundamental American value. This legislation offers amnesty--the forgiveness of criminal behavior--for millions of individuals who entered this country illegally or who have overstayed their
allotted time here. To allow someone to eventually achieve citizenship through illegal acts flies in the face of the most fundamental understanding of common and public law.If we have learned nothing, we should take heed of the lessons of the
aftermath of the passage and implementation of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. First, more than twice as many illegal immigrants came forth for amnesty than were estimated by Congress before passage.
Immigration reform is necessary and should be undertaken deliberately and intentionally. However, it should be done in phases with border security at the very top of the priority list. To do otherwise is to betray the American people.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, Iowans4SamClovis.com, "Issues"
Nov 11, 2013
Sam Clovis:
Protect the borders; prevent illegal entry
Question topic: Government should enforce laws designed to protect the border and to prevent illegal entry of persons into the country.
Clovis: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Iowa Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
Scott Walker:
We have too many legal immigrants
Ahead of the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition event, Walker hardened his positions on issues considered litmus tests for social conservatives, including abortion and immigration. He suggested in an interview with
Glenn Beck that there are too many legal immigrants, a position to the right of other 2016 hopefuls.
Source: N.Y. Times on 2015 Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition summit
Apr 25, 2015
Terry Branstad:
Cops should check citizenship status during traffic stops
Branstad's statements sparked intense reaction. The executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa said: "Such a requirement not only raises questions of whether it could be applied equally to persons of all
races and nationalities, but it also creates the prospect of forcing officers to spend too much of their precious time dealing with issues of the residency on every person they stop."
Source: Des Moines Register OpEd on 2014 Iowa governor's race
Jul 10, 2010
Theresa Greenfield:
Fix immigration system; support DREAMers and border security
Our immigration system is broken and needs to be fixed. Theresa is committed to working with both parties on a plan that is true to our American values, fair to taxpayers, tough on workplace enforcement and border security, and rooted in
practical solutions. Theresa will stand up for supporting the DREAM Act and will focus on keeping families together.
Source: 2020 Iowa Senate campaign website GreenfieldForIowa.com
Jun 2, 2020
Theresa Greenfield:
Pathway for illegal immigrants; legal status for DREAMers
Q: Do you support a path to citizenship for people who came into the country illegally?Greenfield: We need to modernize our immigration system. We need to modernize our visa system and shorten up that path.
Q: Does that mean a path to citizenship or does that mean legal status?
Greenfield: That means that we're working on those paths to citizenship and for our Dreamers, they need to have a legal status, people need to be working towards that.
Source: Iowa Public Television transcript of 2020 Iowa Senate debate
Sep 28, 2020
Theresa Greenfield:
Wants plan that tough on workplace enforcement
Q: Opinion on DACA?Theresa Greenfield: Supports DREAM Act for DACA participants and keeping families together. Wants a plan that's "tough on workplace enforcement" along with "more technology and security on the border."
Joni Ernst: Co-sponsored legislation with path for DACA participants in exchange for border wall funding and decreases in legal immigration. Opposes overall amnesty.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Iowa Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023