State of Utah Archives: on Immigration
Aimee Winder Newton:
Allow citizenship for those who wait their turn
We need to secure our borders so we can identify who is coming into our country. Then we need comprehensive immigration reform. I support more work visas for immigrants who want to work here. I also support an
expedited immigration process for those who have patiently waited their turn. We need a no-tolerance policy for those who are coming across our borders to do us harm, sell drugs, or commit crimes.
Source: 2020 Utah governor campaign website AimeeForGovernor.com
May 2, 2020
Ben McAdams:
Create a guest worker program for some illegal immigrants
HB116: Modifies general government provisions to address issues related to immigration and aliens.Deseret News summary:The bill allows illegal immigrants in the state prior to 2011 to be eligible for the guest worker permit, which [one
opponent] said not just opens the door to illegal immigrants but opens the barn door.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 21-7-1 on Mar/4/11; State Sen. Ben McAdams voted YES; Passed House 41-32-2 on Mar/4; Signed by Governor on Mar/15.
Source: Deseret News on Utah legislative voting records HB116
Mar 4, 2011
Chuck Baldwin:
GOP & Dems both want open borders
Chuck Baldwin points to the immigration issue as evidence that the positions of the Republican and Democratic parties are essentially identical. “The Democrats basically want the illegals to continue to come across the border at will for the sake of
getting votes,” said Baldwin. “The Republicans, on the other hand, want the borders to remain open for the purpose of being able to obtain cheap labor. Regardless of the reason, neither major party has any desire to secure our borders.”
Source: Charles Geraci in The Herald Journal, Cache Valley, Utah
Jul 5, 2008
Craig Bowden:
Streamline the process to make it easier to come legally
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens"?
A: Streamline the process to make it easier to come legally.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Utah Senate candidate
Feb 28, 2018
Evan McMullin:
We are committed to a pluralistic society, diverse nation
We are committed to a pluralistic society defined by its ideals and welcoming to immigrants rightfully seeking safety, opportunity, and a better life by becoming contributing members of our diverse nation.
We reject the notion that America should be defined by the races, birthplaces, religious affiliations, or partisan identities of its founders or groups of citizens.
Source: 2022 Utah Senate campaign website EvanMcMullin.com
Jun 10, 2022
Gary Herbert:
Find solutions to tough issues where feds abdicated
On issues like immigration, where the federal government has abdicated its responsibility and stepped aside, we must step forward. We have been sent here by the voters to find solutions to tough issues. Immigration reform is but one example of how we mus
achieve a new level of collaboration, commitment, and initiative. As we undertake this work, let us never forget our obligation to respect each other--even when we disagree.
Source: 2011 Utah State of the State Address
Jan 26, 2011
Gary Herbert:
Create a guest worker program for some illegal immigrants
HB116: This bill modifies general government provisions to address issues related to immigration and aliens.Deseret News summary:The bill allows illegal immigrants in the state prior to May 11, 2011 to be eligible for the guest worker
permit, which Rep. Dave Clark said not just opens the door to illegal immigrants but opens the barn door.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 21-7-1 on Mar/4/11; Passed House 41-32-2 on Mar/4/11; Signed by Governor Herbert on Mar/15/11
Source: Deseret News on Utah legislative voting records HB116
Mar 15, 2011
Greg Hughes:
Slow illegal immigration by verifying status of offenders
A House committee approved an enforcement-only illegal immigration bill. The bill requires police to verify the legal status of people detained for class A misdemeanor and felony offenses if the officer has "reasonable suspicion" they are
in the country illegally. It bases "reasonable suspicion" on the absence of a Utah driver's license or other valid forms of government-issue identification. Rep. Greg Hughes [a co-sponsor], said, "I think (doing) nothing is a very poor way forward."
Source: KSL-News Utah on 2020 Utah gubernatorial race
Feb 11, 2001
Jeff Burningham:
Let each state set number of guest worker visas needed
Local control is always better than federal mismanagement. Here's a game-changing immigration idea: Each state should tell the federal government how many guest-worker visas it needs each year. Utah knows better than Washington DC how many seasonal
workers we need. If the states set the number of visas, available jobs would be filled legally and there would be no magnet drawing people across the border illegally.
Source: 2020 Utah gubernatorial campaign website JeffBurningham.com
Jan 6, 2020
Jenny Wilson:
Against tearing up families
On immigration, she said it should not involve policies that "tear up families." Wilson said she does not support the idea of local law enforcement agencies enforcing federal immigration laws.
She said she supports a path to citizenship for productive people who are in the U.S. illegally or who were brought to the country at a young age.
Source: The Park Record on 2018 Utah Senate race
Sep 8, 2017
Jenny Wilson:
It's not chain migration; it's family-based immigration
Jenny Wilson is throwing down the gauntlet to Mitt Romney on immigration. Wilson said in a news conference Romney is "out of touch" with Utah voters on the issue. She says Romney's policies are harsh, including ending so-called chain migration, a term
critics use to describe family-based immigration. He's also supported a border wall backed by President Donald Trump.Wilson says the one-time presidential candidate should "come out of hiding" and accept her invitation to debate on the issue.
Source: Salt Lake Tribune on 2018 Utah Senate race
Aug 3, 2018
John Curtis:
Take politics out of immigration debate
We should make it easier for people to immigrate who will come here to be self sufficient, to help build our economy and become loyal, productive Americans. Our policies should be humane and inclusive.
The current immigration system is political, unfair, and inconsistent. We need stronger borders. We need more resources targeted at serious crime committed by illegal immigrants. We need to begin to remove politics from the equation.
Source: 2017 Utah House campaign website JohnCurtis.org
Aug 17, 2017
Jonathan Johnson:
Support Immigration Innovation Act: more H1B visas
As an American, you're probably optimistic that we can solve every problem. That's what makes the Immigration Innovation Act of 2015 so exciting. Introduced by Sen. Orrin Hatch and supported on a bipartisan basis, the "I-Squared" Act is a long-overdue
fix for the roadblocks stopping high-skilled immigrants who want to work here.The I-Squared Act would increase the limits on H-1B visas (from 65,000 to 115,000, with provisions to rise temporarily as high as 195,000), thus allowing
U.S. companies to host high-skilled workers who work in specialty occupations.
It's important that we open up our economy to the contributions of highly skilled workers. These aren't cheap laborers.
The law is clear that they must be paid as well as their counterparts who are already here. These are highly talented scientists and engineers who want to live, work and pay taxes here.
Source: Salt Lake Tribune OpEd by 2016 Utah gubernatorial candidate
Feb 1, 2015
Mia Love:
Charge $1,000 fee to get US visa, and refund upon leaving
These are my proposals to fix the problems surrounding immigration and border security:- Secure the border--and not just for the purpose of preventing illegal immigration, but also to stop the flow of illegal drugs, illegal weapons, and possible
terrorism
- Support meaningful immigration reform and rules of naturalization that result in clear, straightforward, fair, and thorough rules that will allow immigrants to participate in the American Dream while protecting the best interests of American
citizens
- Incentivize good behavior and our ability to track who enters and who leaves our borders by charging a fee (perhaps of a few thousand dollars) to people who come to America on visas, and then refund that money when they leave
-
Support the SKILLS Act, which will help the American economy by incentivizing highly skilled foreign students to work and remain in America by making it easier for employers to grant them green cards and H-1B visas.
Source: 2014 Utah House campaign website, Love4Utah.com
Aug 8, 2014
Mike Lee:
Enforce job laws and illegal immigrants will go home
On the immigration front, Bradley endorsed rounding up all immigrants here illegally and sending them home. Lee opposed that, but called for tougher enforcement of immigration laws to pressure them to go home."If we enforce laws more faithfully,"
Lee said, "jobs will dry up and they will go home."
Granato called for compassion and development of comprehensive immigration reform. "I do not believe in ripping families apart," he said. "We need to have compassion as we fix this."
Lee and
Bradley also opposed the DREAM Act, which would allow children brought to America by undocumented immigrant parents to qualify for legal residency if they attend and complete college. "I don't believe we should be offering any benefit to people who come
here in violation of our laws," Lee said.
Granato countered that the legislation would help children who have known no country except the United States. "I am fully in favor of the DREAM Act," he said.
Source: Salt Lake Tribune coverage of 2010 Utah Senate debate
Sep 17, 2010
Misty Snow:
Treat undocumented people as human beings
The immigration system in this country is broken. The process to enter this country legally is too lengthy and difficult, which is forcing large numbers of people to enter the country by illegal means.There are currently an estimated 11 million
people in the USA that are undocumented. The vast majority of these people are hard working individuals that are trying to provide for their families. They came here to find better opportunities, or to escape war and conflict zones.
They shouldn't have to live in constant fear of being deported, and they shouldn't have to struggle to find decent housing or employment. They are human beings, and it's time that our country treated them as such.
Our country needs to streamline
immigration. It shouldn't take years for an immigration application to be approved; if it took less than a year to get approved to immigrate to our country, then people would be much less likely to attempt entering the country illegally.
Source: 2016 Utah Senate campaign website MistyKSnow.com
Aug 8, 2016
Mitt Romney:
Poverty level of aspiring immigrant's nation is irrelevant
Romney criticized Trump in January following reports that the president used a derogatory term to refer to African countries during a White House meeting on immigration.
"The poverty of an aspiring immigrant's nation of origin is as irrelevant as their race," Romney tweeted on Jan. 15. "The sentiment attributed to POTUS is inconsistent w/ America's history and antithetical to American values."
Source: Bloomberg News on 2018 Utah Senate race
Feb 16, 2012
Mitt Romney:
Welcome legal immigrants, instead of message of exclusion
Much of Romney's Senate announcement video focused on Utah values versus the Washington culture. "Utah has a lot to teach the politicians in Washington," he said. "... Utah welcomes legal immigrants from around the world. Washington sends immigrants a
message of exclusion. And on Utah's Capitol Hill, people treat one another with respect."Trump has called for building a wall on the country's border with Mexico and limiting legal migration.
Romney said he thought Trump had the right idea about
the Dream Act, which lets children of immigrants born in the United States remain in the country. "We have to recognize that we as a nation will honor the commitment made by a prior president. So I agree with the president (Trump).
Let's find a way to have these people be able to stay in our country."
Romney also said he supported Trump's so-called four pillars of immigration and favored stronger border security and stopping chain migration and the lottery program.
Source: The Metro on 2018 Utah Senate race
Feb 16, 2018
Orrin Hatch:
Introduced bipartisan DREAM Act
He's gone so far hard right in order to win this election that he's lost that collaborative spirit, Howell said of Hatch's one-time work with liberals such as the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. Howell added that as the former
Democratic leader in the state Senate, he learned how to work with Republicans out of necessity to pass legislation.Serving in the Utah Legislature is "quite different than being in Congress, by the way, especially in our Legislature,"
Hatch said, adding that, if elected, Howell would be "surrounded by people" in the Democratic Party "who won't let you be anything but liberal."
At one point, Hatch pointed to his introduction of the DREAM Act--to allow undocumented immigrants brought as young children by their parents to America to attend college and work toward citizenship--as an example of how he cares about Latinos.
Source: Salt Lake Tribune on 2012 Utah Senate debate
Oct 17, 2012
Sam Granato:
Don't rip apart families; support the DREAM Act
On the immigration front, Bradley endorsed rounding up all immigrants here illegally and sending them home. Lee opposed that, but called for tougher enforcement of immigration laws to pressure them to go home."If we enforce laws more faithfully,"
Lee said, "jobs will dry up and they will go home."
Granato called for compassion and development of comprehensive immigration reform. "I do not believe in ripping families apart," he said. "We need to have compassion as we fix this."
Lee and
Bradley also opposed the DREAM Act, which would allow children brought to America by undocumented immigrant parents to qualify for legal residency if they attend and complete college. "I don't believe we should be offering any benefit to people who come
here in violation of our laws," Lee said.
Granato countered that the legislation would help children who have known no country except the United States. "I am fully in favor of the DREAM Act," he said.
Source: Salt Lake Tribune coverage of 2010 Utah Senate debate
Sep 17, 2010
Spencer Cox:
Angry about children separated from families at border
Cox could not sleep because he was angry about the U.S. government separating children from immigrants trying to cross the border illegally. So he griped about it in a string of emotional tweets. "Can't sleep tonight. I know I shouldn't tweet.
But I'm angry. And sad," Cox posted. "I hate what we've become. My wife wants to go & hold babies & read to lonely/scared/sad kids. I want to punch someone. Political tribalism is stupid. It sucks & it's dangerous. We are all part of the problem."
Source: Salt Lake Tribune on Twitter post in 2020 Utah governor race
Jun 20, 2019
Spencer Cox:
Welcome new residents, but don't try to change us
To Utah's newest residents--and as the fastest-growing state in America there are many of you -- welcome to our beautiful state. But if I may make one small request: Please don't attempt to change us into the place you just left.
Utah has maintained a high quality of life and abundant opportunity for our residents through practical, common sense governance and it is absolutely critical that all of us do everything in our power to keep it that way.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Utah legislature
Jan 20, 2022
Phil Lyman:
Offer written drivers test in languages other than English
SB216: This bill allows certain applicants for a driver license with limited English proficiency to take the written driver license examination in certain other languages.Opinion by KSL-TV in favor:The Utah Legislature unanimously
passed SB216 in the final days of this year's legislative session. The bill allows applicants for a driver's license with limited English proficiency to take the written portion of the license examination "in certain other languages," which are the five
top languages other than English in the state: Spanish, Chinese, German and Navajo were the most prominent languages spoken in Utah, aside from English.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 27-0-2 on Mar/1/22; passed House 70-0-5 on Mar/4/22; State Rep. Phil Lyman voted YES; Signed by Governor Spencer Cox on Mar/21/22
Source: KSL-TV on Utah State Legislature voting records SB216
Mar 4, 2022
Spencer Cox:
Offer written drivers test in languages other than English
SB216: This bill allows certain applicants for a driver license with limited English proficiency to take the written driver license examination in certain other languages.Opinion by KSL-TV in favor:The Utah Legislature unanimously
passed SB216 in the final days of this year's legislative session. The bill allows applicants for a driver's license with limited English proficiency to take the written portion of the license examination "in certain other languages," which are the five
top languages other than English in the state: Spanish, Chinese, German and Navajo were the most prominent languages spoken in Utah, aside from English.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 27-0-2 on Mar/1/22; passed House 70-0-5 on Mar/4/22; Signed by Governor Spencer Cox on Mar/21/22
Source: KSL-TV on Utah State Legislature voting records SB216
Mar 21, 2022
Brian King:
Offer written drivers test in languages other than English
SB216: This bill allows certain applicants for a driver license with limited English proficiency to take the written driver license examination in certain other languages.Opinion by KSL-TV in favor:
The Utah Legislature unanimously passed SB216 in the final days of this year's legislative session. The bill allows applicants for a driver's license with limited English proficiency to take the written portion of the license examination "in certain
other languages," which are the five top languages other than English in the state: Spanish, Chinese, German and Navajo were the most prominent languages spoken in Utah, aside from English.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 27-0-2 on Mar/1/22; passed House 70-0-5 on Mar/4/22; State Rep. Brian King voted YES; Signed by Governor Spencer Cox on Mar/21/22
Source: KSL-TV on Utah State Legislature voting records SB216
Mar 21, 2022
Brad Wilson:
Stop illegals, drugs, and terrorists coming into our country
Brad will work to end Biden's open border policies and stop the flow of illegals, drugs and terrorists coming into our country.
Hold drug cartels and human smugglers accountable for their crimes.
Source: 2024 Utah Senate campaign website ElectBradWilson.com
Apr 19, 2024
Trent Staggs:
American hating globalists support illegal immigration
Every country enforces border security and travel of non-citizens. Americans have been so kind-hearted for so long that the idea of enforcing our own laws has become controversial. A sensible immigration policy is not what the enemies of freedom want.
The globalists who hate America have made it clear that illegal immigration is the way they'll do it. When the bad guys tell you what their evil plan is, you should probably pay attention.
Source: 2024 Utah Senate campaign website TrentStaggs.com
Mar 1, 2024
Brad Wilson:
Offer written drivers test in languages other than English
SB216: This bill allows certain applicants for a driver license with limited English proficiency to take the written driver license examination in certain other languages.Opinion by KSL-TV in favor:
The Utah Legislature unanimously passed SB216 in the final days of this year's legislative session. The bill allows applicants for a driver's license with limited English proficiency to take the written portion of the license examination "in certain
other languages," which are the five top languages other than English in the state: Spanish, Chinese, German and Navajo were the most prominent languages spoken in Utah, aside from English.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 27-0-2 on Mar/1/22; passed House 70-0-5 on Mar/4/22; State Rep. Brad Wilson voted YES; Signed by Governor Spencer Cox on Mar/21/22
Source: KSL-TV on Utah State Legislature voting records SB216
Mar 4, 2011
Brad Wilson:
No to a guest worker program for some illegal immigrants
HB116: Modifies general government provisions to address issues related to immigration and aliens.Deseret News summary: The bill allows illegal immigrants in the state prior to 2011 to be eligible for the guest worker permit, which [one
opponent] said not just opens the door to illegal immigrants but opens the barn door.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 21-7-1 on Mar/4/11; State Rep. Brad Wilson voted NO; Passed House 41-32-2 on Mar/4; Signed by Governor on Mar/15.
Source: Deseret News on Utah legislative voting records HB116
Mar 4, 2011
Caroline Gleich:
Help support vetted immigrants coming here who want to work
On the US-Mexico Border: "I think there's a lot more that we can do with smart immigration policy to help support vetted immigrants who are coming here, who want to work, who are going to make a better life for their families.
We also cannot go back to the Trump era family separation policies at the border that were just cruel and inhumane to people."
Source: KUTV on 2024 Utah Senate race
Sep 16, 2024
Mike Kennedy:
Offer written drivers test in languages other than English
SB216: This bill allows certain applicants for a driver license with limited English proficiency to take the written driver license examination in certain other languages.Opinion by KSL-TV in favor:The Utah Legislature unanimously
passed SB216 in the final days of this year's legislative session. The bill allows applicants for a driver's license with limited English proficiency to take the written portion of the license examination "in certain other languages," which are the five
top languages other than English in the state: Spanish, Chinese, German and Navajo were the most prominent languages spoken in Utah, aside from English.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 27-0-2 on Mar/1/22; State Sen. Mike Kennedy voted YES; passed House 70-0-5 on Mar/4/22; Signed by Governor Spencer Cox on Mar/21/22
Source: KSL-TV on Utah State Legislature voting records SB216
Mar 21, 2022
Page last updated: Mar 14, 2026