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David Jolly on Immigration

 

 


Crossing the border without legal status not a crime

He said he does not consider crossing the border without legal status a crime if you're seeking asylum or economic opportunities. "My spirit of immigration is true at the federal level and at the state level. If you're coming here because you want to contribute to our economy, we should have wide gates." Jolly said he's in favor of a more streamlined process to become a documented immigrant, but reiterated that he believes Republicans won't do that.
Source: WUSF on 2026 Florida Gubernatorial race , Jun 9, 2025

Secure our borders before any comprehensive reform

We need to secure our borders. To discuss comprehensive immigration reform while we continue to have a porous border where more people can continue to enter our country illegally ultimately ignores the very basic principle that people in our country illegally should not be given special treatment over those who have been patiently waiting in their country of origin to enter our country legally.
Source: 2014 House campaign website, DavidJolly.com, "Issues" , Mar 11, 2014

Voted YES to ban DREAMer immigrants from military service.

Jolly voted YEA Gosar Anti-DACA Amendment to H.R. 5293

Congressional Summary: The House voted on an amendment by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) to H.R. 5293, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2017. The amendment would prohibit funds from being used to extend the expiration of, or reissue a new expiration date to, the Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) program.

Recommendation by Heritage Foundation to vote YES:(6/16/2016): The MAVNI program is a pilot program authorizing `military services to recruit certain legal immigrants whose skills are considered to be vital to the national interest.` However, a DoD memo has made it clear that DACA/DAPA recipients are eligible under this program, essentially opening up a pathway to amnesty for illegal aliens who enlist. By ensuring that this guidance ends, DOD will no longer be able to enlist illegal immigrants through MAVNI.

Recommendation by the ACLU to vote NO: (6/28/2011): The DREAM Act promotes fundamental fairness for young people by allowing access to affordable post-secondary education and military service opportunities, regardless of immigration status, and would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children, have lived here for at least five years and have graduated from high school. The DREAM Act could result in billions of dollars in additional tax revenue from tapping the potential of DREAM-eligible students and future service personnel. Since September 11, 2001, more than 69,000 immigrants have earned citizenship while serving, and more than 125 who entered military service after that date have made the ultimate sacrifice in war by giving their lives for this nation.

Legislative outcome: Failed House 210 to 211 (no Senate vote)

Source: Congressional vote 16-H5293 on Jun 16, 2016

Other governors on Immigration: David Jolly on other issues:
FL Gubernatorial:
Annette Taddeo
Brian Moore
Charlie Crist
Nikki Fried
FL Senatorial:
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell
Mike Haridopolos
Rick Scott
Val Demings

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Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026; copyright 1999-2022 Jesse Gordon and OnTheIssues.org