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Henry McMaster on Immigration

 

 


Deployed National Guard to defend border & protect state

On his first day in office, President Biden canceled the immigration policies established by President Trump, and halted construction of the border wall, thus surrendering our own nation's sovereignty and security to millions of illegal and undocumented immigrants. The resulting lawlessness and chaos required us to deploy troops from the South Carolina National Guard to defend the border, and to protect our state and others from the danger posed by the cartels and traffickers.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the S.C. legislature , Jan 19, 2022

Say "no" "sanctuary cities"; don't tolerate lawlessness

Prosperity requires law and order. We cannot tolerate lawlessness. That means we must say "no" to "sanctuary cities." Right now, there is no way for the people of South Carolina--or elsewhere--to know for sure whether our local governments are following state and federal immigration laws.

Experience shows that a refusal to enforce one law generally reflects a softness in enforcing other criminal laws, and attracts criminal behavior. Our rule is "trust, but verify." I support bills which would create an enforcement mechanism to register compliance.

We will keep our people safe, and send a message across the nation that there will be no "sanctuary cities" in South Carolina.

Source: 2018 State of the State speech to South Carolina legislature , Jan 24, 2018

No sanctuary cities; plus annual compliance checks

Governor Henry McMaster announced a new law enforcement initiative to ensure that no South Carolina municipalities become "sanctuary cities" and to establish, in state law, a mechanism through which local officials must annually prove compliance with existing immigration law.

"Our cities are open to all who follow our laws, but are not sanctuaries for those who ignore them," said Gov. Henry McMaster. "South Carolina is a special place, known for the kindness and welcoming nature of its people, but it's also a place that values law and order, and this bill will serve as a strong message to all that we will not tolerate lawlessness."

The legislation would require political subdivisions [cities, towns and counties] to verify compliance with state immigration laws to the SC Law Enforcement Division (SLED) each fiscal year. If a political subdivision is found not to be in compliance, that subdivision will be ineligible for Local Government Fund appropriations for a minimum of three years.

Source: Governor's statement on South Carolina voting record "SLED" , Oct 23, 2017

Other governors on Immigration: Henry McMaster on other issues:
SC Gubernatorial:
Joe Cunningham
Mia McLeod
SC Senatorial:
Gloria Bromell Tinubu
Jaime Harrison
Krystle Matthews
Lindsey Graham
Tim Scott
Gubernatorial races 2025:
New Jersey Governor:
Virginia Governor:
    Democratic primary June 17 cancelled:
  • Abigail Spanberger, U.S.Rep., VA-7 (2019-2024); Dem. nominee 2025
  • Levar Stoney, VA Secretary of the Commonwealth (2014-2016); (withdrew to run for Lt. Gov.)

    Republican primary June 17 cancelled:
  • Winsome Earle-Sears, Lt. Gov. since 2022; GOP nominee 2025
  • Amanda Chase, State Senate District 11 (2016-2023); failed to make ballot
  • Denver Riggleman, U.S.Rep. (R-VA-5); exploratory committee as Independent
  • Glenn Youngkin, Incumbent Governor , (2022-2025), term-limited
Mayoral races 2025:
NYC Mayor Democratic primary June 24, 2025:
  • Adrienne Adams, speaker of the City Council
  • Andrew Cuomo, former governor of New York, 2011-2021.
    Republican June 24 primary cancelled; general election Nov. 4:
  • Eric Adams, incumbent Democratic mayor running as an independent
  • Jim Walden, Independent; Former assistant U.S. Attorney
  • Curtis Sliwa, Republican; CEO of the Guardian Angels

Jersey City Mayor (Non-partisan)
    Non-partisan general election Nov. 4:
  • Mussab Ali, former president of the Jersey City Board of Education
  • Bill O'Dea, Hudson County commissioner (since 1997)
  • Jim McGreevey, former N.J. Governor (2002-2004)
  • James Solomon, city councilor (since 2017)
  • Joyce Watterman, president of the Jersey City Council (since 2023)

Oakland CA Mayor
    Non-partisan special election April 14, 2025:
  • Barbara Lee, U.S.Rep CA-12 (1998-2025)
  • Loren Taylor, Oakland City Council (2019-2023), lost general election
  • Sheng Thao, Oakland Mayor, lost recall election Nov. 5, 2024
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Page last updated: Jun 01, 2025; copyright 1999-2022 Jesse Gordon and OnTheIssues.org