State of South Dakota Archives: on Immigration
Gordon Howie:
No pathway to citizenship until border is secure
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens"?
A: Oppose - Prior to securing the border, pathway to citizenship is irresponsible
Source: E-mail interview: 2014 S.D. Senate race with OnTheIssues.org
Sep 18, 2014
Jay Williams:
Welcome Syrian refugees fleeing religious intolerance
Many Americans came to this country fleeing religious persecution and intolerance, and that led to a diversity of ideas and people--one of the United State's greatest strengths.
Today, Syrian refugees are fleeing religious intolerance, and the terrorists driving them out of their home country want us to turn them away.
But in the land of the free and the home of the brave, we must overcome our fears, and welcome our neighbors in need of help. The Republican party of 1956 had a platform that included a plank to provide asylum for refugees.
While the Republican party has changed during that time, the values of the United States have not. Jay agrees with the Republican party of 60 years ago--we must welcome refugees.
Source: 2016 S.D. Senate campaign website on Syrian Refugees
Apr 1, 2016
Scyller Borglum:
Strong borders and safe, legal procedures
IMMIGRATION: STRONG BORDERS & SAFE, LEGAL PROCEDURES- Meth related crimes have increased by 625% in the last 15 years
- 95% of meth comes from the southern border
- South Dakota ranks 11th for human trafficking
-
South Dakotan Native American women and children are at higher risks for human trafficking
- We need immigrants from all countries. But we still need to have common sense policy in place to ensure legal processes. It doesn't make sense not to.
Source: 2020 S.D. Senate campaign website BorglumForSenate.rocks
Jun 7, 2020
Larry Rhoden:
Imperative that migrant farm workers are here legally
However, Rhoden said something that concerns him is how business owners who employ undocumented immigrants have been treated in the past. "What's troubled me more than anything else is when the business owners have been attacked unfairly about
having illegal migrant workers here. You know, they were given false information from that worker," Rhoden said. "I think it's imperative that we do take the steps to be sure the people that we're hiring, bringing to the United States are here legally."
Source: S.D. Public (PBS News) on 2026 South Dakota Governor race
Jul 15, 2025
Jon Hansen:
Don't prevent local cooperation with federal immigration
Legislative Summary: SB7: prohibit the implementation of certain policies related to immigration enforcement.Summary by South Dakota Searchlight, 2/3/25: Senate Bill 7 would prohibit the state and its political
subdivisions from adopting any policy to prevent local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities or disciplining officers who do. [A legislator voting NO said] "there's no need to address an issue if it doesn't exist, but
there could be unintended consequences. Migrant victims of domestic violence may be less likely to call for help for fear of detention, and a statement of support for federal raids will serve to sour relationships between migrants and the members of
law enforcement who may need their help investigating criminal activity."
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 35-0-0 on Jan/24/25; passed House 62-6-0 on Feb/3/25; State Rep. Jon Hansen voted YES; signed by Gov. Larry Rhoden on Feb/7/25.
Source: S.D. Searchlight on South Dakota voting records SB7
Feb 3, 2025
Larry Rhoden:
Don't prevent local cooperation with federal immigration
Legislative Summary: SB7: prohibit the implementation of certain policies related to immigration enforcement.Summary by South Dakota Searchlight, 2/3/25: Senate Bill 7 would prohibit the state and its political
subdivisions from adopting any policy to prevent local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities or disciplining officers who do. [A legislator voting NO said] "there's no need to address an issue if it doesn't exist, but
there could be unintended consequences. Migrant victims of domestic violence may be less likely to call for help for fear of detention, and a statement of support for federal raids will serve to sour relationships between migrants and the members of
law enforcement who may need their help investigating criminal activity."
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 35-0-0 on Jan/24/25; passed House 62-6-0 on Feb/3/25; signed by Governor Larry Rhoden on Feb/7/25.
Source: S.D. Searchlight on South Dakota voting records SB7
Feb 7, 2025
Daniel Ahlers:
Space for cooperation with ICE, but not heavy handedness
When asked about Rhoden's support for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations through cooperative agreements with ICE, Ahlers said that "there's space for cooperation" in
South Dakota, but that "I don't like the heavy handedness that you see in places.""I don't like officers wearing masks," Ahlers said, a reference to agents in Minnesota who've been engaged in a large-scale immigration crackdown.
Source: S.D. Searchlight on 2026 South Dakota Gubernatorial race
Feb 10, 2026
Marty Jackley:
Bring in workers, prevent unauthorized immigration
In a speech formally launching his campaign for Congress, South Dakota Republican Marty Jackley signaled a desire to bring workers into the country legally while preventing unauthorized immigration. "We need to have a national
immigration policy that considers public safety and the workforce," Jackley said. "We need to have E-Verify and visas working. I promise you I'll be committed to doing that as your congressman."
Source: S.D. Searchlight on 2026 South Dakota Gubernatorial race
Sep 9, 2025
Page last updated: Oct 18, 2026