Rick Scott on Immigration

Urged Trump to not end DACA (support DREAMers)

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D): Wants "legal pathways." Supported 2024's bipartisan border security bill. Voted for a path to permanent residence for DACA.

Rick Scott (R): Opposes all immigration reform until "our border is secured." Opposed a Biden order aiding undocumented spouses of US citizens. Urged Trump to not end DACA.

Welcome immigrants to be Americans, not change America

President Trump's plan to build a wall was right. We welcome those who want to join us in building the American dream, immigrants who want to be Americans, not change America. We are a stronger nation because we are a nation of immigrants; but immigration without assimilation makes us weaker.
• Countries have borders. We will control ours and secure it, once and for all.
• No one will enter without our permission. We lock our doors at night, not because we hate the people on the outside, but because we love the people on the inside and want to keep them safe.
• Many potential immigrants love America. Those who don't will not be allowed to come here. This is our country, and no one has a "right" to come to America.
• We will employ military assets on our borders as needed.
• Immigrants will not be eligible to collect unemployment benefits or welfare for the first 7 years after arriving in the US.

Aggressively block attempts to relocate Syrian refugees

In-state tuition for illegals, as part of tuition cap deal

Scott's decision to back the legislation is a sharp turn from 2010, when as a candidate for governor he promised to pass tougher immigration laws. He made comments blaming immigrants for costing the state "countless billions" and taking jobs from U.S. residents. Just last year Scott vetoed a bill would have allowed some young immigrants who are living in the U.S. illegally to apply for a temporary driver's license.

Scott for the last two years has opposed tuition hikes, saying they were putting the price of college out of reach for students.

Support Arizona immigrant law & national ID card

A: YES.

Q: Would you support legislation, similar to laws passed by Governor Bobby Jindal, Governor Sarah Palin, and Governor Mark Sanford that outlaws implementation of a national ID card? ?

A: YES.

Support national emergency at the Southern border.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives: That the national emergency declared by the finding of the President on February 15, 2019, in Proclamation 9844 is hereby terminated.

Proclamation 9844 issued by the president on Feb. 15, 2019: Declares a state of national emergency at the southern border to address the issues of illegal immigration and criminal trafficking into the US: `The current situation at the southern border presents a border security and humanitarian crisis that threatens core national security interests and constitutes a national emergency. The southern border is a major entry point for criminals, gang members, and illicit narcotics. The problem of large-scale unlawful migration through the southern border is long-standing, and despite the executive branch`s exercise of existing statutory authorities, the situation has worsened in certain respects in recent years. Because of the gravity of the current emergency situation, it is necessary for the Armed Forces to provide additional support to address the crisis.`

Opposing the Proclamation (supporting the Resolution), ACLU press release, 2/15/2019 The ACLU issued the following statement upon filing a lawsuit: `By the president`s very own admission in the Rose Garden, there is no national emergency. He just grew impatient and frustrated with Congress, and decided to move along his promise for a border wall `faster.` This is a patently illegal power grab that hurts American communities and flouts the checks and balances that are hallmarks of our democracy.`

Legislative outcome Passed House 245-182-5 roll #94 on Feb. 26; pass Senate 59-41 roll #49 on March 14; Vetoed by Pres. Trump; veto override failed, 248-181-3 (2/3 required), roll #127 on March 26