Reagan-Carter Presidential Debate: on Immigration

George Bush Sr.: 1980: Illegal aliens attend public schools like citizens do

BUSH: I'd like to see something done about the illegal alien problem that would be so sensitive, and so understanding about labor needs, and human needs, that that problem wouldn't come up. But today, if those people are here, I would reluctantly say they would get whatever it is, what society is giving their neighbors. But the problem has to be solved. We're creating a whole society of really honorable, decent, family- loving people that are in violation of the law, and secondly we're exacerbating relations with Mexico.

REAGAN: The time has come that the US & our neighbor to the south should have a better understanding and a better relationship than we've ever had.

Ronald Reagan: 1980: Illegal aliens attend public schools like citizens do

BUSH: Today, I would reluctantly say they would get whatever it is, what society is giving their neighbors. But the problem has to be solved.

REAGAN: I think the time has come that the United States and our neighbors--particularly our neighbor to the south--should have a better understanding and a better relationship than we've ever had. They have a problem of 40% to 50% unemployment. Now this cannot continue without the possibility arising of Cuba stirring up trouble below the border. And we could have a very hostile and strange neighbor on our border."

Ronald Reagan: 1980: Work permits instead of a Mexico border fence

Work visas? Open borders? Understanding that migrant workers are responding to larger economic forces that play a defining role in where prosperity--or even a steady job--can be found? This is the kind of talk you'd expect from someone who'd grant amnesty to illegal immigrants already in the U.S., which, of course, Reagan did.