Tom Kean (NJ) on Immigration: No Amnesty & No Special Privileges for Illegal Migrants

TomKean.com ^ | 05/17/06

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Tom Kean's Amnesty Statement at Liberty State Park in Jersey City (05/17/06):

"I am pleased to be here today at Liberty State Park, one of New Jersey’s most inspiring historical sites. Standing here less than two thousand feet from the Statue of Liberty, I cannot think of a more poignant setting to remind New Jerseyans of our country's strong immigrant tradition. But while we are a nation of immigrants, we are also a nation of laws.

Over the last several weeks, I have spoken about the need for immigration reform. I have talked about the problems with our porous borders and what that means for our country, especially in terms of our national security. I have also spoken to the economic impact of illegal migration on our country.

But what I want to talk about today is the question of amnesty for the eleven million plus illegal migrants currently in our country. Two nights ago, the Administration took a step toward dealing with the chaos at our borders. I am encouraged by that development, but I want to make clear that stronger border security is not a substitute for addressing the question of what to do with the eleven million plus illegal migrants already in the United States today.

I do not support a blanket amnesty policy for our country. I believe it would dishonor legal immigrants who came here the right way, and it would only encourage more illegal migration. My opponent in this year’s election, Bob Menendez, believes the Senate’s plan is not amnesty. I disagree. Rewarding those who broke our laws with a clear path to citizenship is amnesty.

I will be watching the debate in the United States Senate closely, and I hope that the Senate will put forth a final bill that secures our borders and holds the line against amnesty."

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Tom Kean on Immigration: No Amnesty and No Special Privileges for Illegal Migrants

Tom Kean Supports Significant Increases In The Number Of Border Agents. (Deborah Howlett, "Kean urges stronger borders, no amnesty for illegals," The Star-Ledger, May 9, 2006)

Menendez Voted Against Hiring 10,000 to 20,000 New Border Patrol Agents. (H.R. 10, CQ Vote #523: Passed 282-134: R 213-8; D 69-125; I 0-1, October 8, 2004, Menendez voted Nay)

Tom Kean Supports Increasing Detention Facilities. (Deborah Howlett, "Kean urges stronger borders, no amnesty for illegals," The Star-Ledger, May 9, 2006)

Menendez Voted To Cut Reimbursement To States For Incarcerating Illegal Aliens. (H.R. 2076, CQ Votes #572: Rejected 171-256: R 20-209; D 150-47; I 1-0, July 26, 1995, Menendez voted Yea)

Tom Kean Supports Greater Emphasis On High-Tech Surveillance Equipment. (Deborah Howlett, "Kean urges stronger borders, no amnesty for illegals," The Star-Ledger, May 9, 2006)

Menendez Voted Against Passage Of The 2005 Bill To Create Greater Border Security. (H.R. 4437, CQ Vote #661: Adopted 239-182: R 203-17; D 36-164; I 0-1, December 16, 2005, Menendez voted Nay)

Tom Kean Supports A Federal Database Of Legal Immigrants So Employers Can Check The Legal Status Of Employees. (Deborah Howlett, "Kean urges stronger borders, no amnesty for illegals," The Star-Ledger, May 9, 2006)

Menendez Voted At Least Twice Against Mandating Employers Call A Government-Run Toll-Free Number To Verify The Immigration Status Of Prospective Employees. (H.R. 2202, CQ Vote #77: Rejected 86-331: R 43-187; D 43-143; I 0-1, March 20, 1996, Menendez voted Nay; H.R. 2202, CQ Vote #76: Rejected 159-260: R 79-152; D 79-108; I 1-0, March 20, 1996, Menendez voted Yea)

Tom Kean Supports Requiring 11 Million-Plus Illegal Immigrants To Pay A $2,000 Fine, Back Taxes And "Go To The Back Of The Line" To Be Considered For A Work Visa. (Deborah Howlett, "Kean urges stronger borders, no amnesty for illegals," The Star-Ledger, May 9, 2006)

Menendez Voted To Give Illegal Aliens Taxpayer Funded Benefits. (H.R. 3355, CQ Vote #324: Motion agreed to 289-121: R 164-4; D 125-116; I 0-1, July 13, 1994, Menendez voted Nay)

Menendez Voted To Permit Immigrants Who Have Illegally Overstayed Their Visas To Remain In The United States While Seeking Permanent Legal Status After Paying A $1,000 Fine. (H.R. 2267, CQ Vote #541: Motion rejected 153-268: R 148-71; D 5-196; I 0-1, October 29, 1997, Menendez voted Nay)

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Some pretty strong words from the usually milquetoast Kean.

Despite his moderate positions, there's some solid reasons to vote for him, the best being that he's not Bob Torricelli's puppy dog, like Menendez.

[Man50D]

"Over the last several weeks, I have spoken about the need for immigration reform."

Immigration reform? How about enforcing our existing immigration laws.

[television is just wrong]

you mean there are actually people in DC who Do not support bending over and kissing Vincent Fox's butt?

[appleharvey]

I'm shocked! Tom Kean might actually have grown a pair.

[R W Reactionairy]

He probably assumes [correctly] that he is not going to get much of the graveyard or the illegal alien vote. For that his position is hardly a show of courage. In the words of Bob Dylan: "You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows ..."

[MarcusTulliusCicero]

Sounds like he was reading election results from Pennsylvania.

[appleharvey]

He probably assumes [correctly] that he is not going to get much of the graveyard or the illegal alien vote. For that his position is hardly a show of courage. In the words of Bob Dylan: "You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows ..."

On second thought, your comments are sad, but true.

[nj26]

I was very upset when he refused to be photographed with Vice President Cheney.

However, if Kean is against amnesty, I will be definitely voting FOR Kean in November.

[spectre]

"Anytime one of these jokers says: "Go To The Back Of The Line" I just want to throw up!

Me too..they should never be allowed to get in line. Hurl...

sw

[skeeter]

There's at least one reason in this whole wide world to move the NJ. But only one.

[sheana]

You might want to ask him....how do you define amnesty and do you want to let the 12 million illegals stay. I have begun doing that with the candidates here. You have to pin them down. Alot of them are using President Bush's meaning of amnesty or they want to let them stay here.

[oldm60grunt]

"go to the back of the line for a WORK VISA"

Is that not different than for citizenship?

[Lancey Howard]

I have to say, I am willing to take another look at Kean.

[DumpsterDiver]

"go to the back of the line for a WORK VISA"

Is that not different than for citizenship?

I'm not sure if I'm understanding your question correctly, but maybe this will help.

The REAL back of the line is in their own country where they stay until they are granted a visa, just like countless others (who don't break the law) are doing.

Being allowed to stay here and then just put in their time before applying for citizenship is a slap in the face to those waiting to be issued a visa.

[Blue Highway]

There's at least one reason in this whole wide world to move the NJ. But only one.

That's a low blow. You're forgetting NJ has the best tomatoes. Don't forget the amazing toll roads like the Garden State Parkway either.

[skeeter]

You're forgetting NJ has the best tomatoes.

OK, two reasons. And at least you guys grow your own.

[Clemenza]

Good news from the Garden State. I STILL think this one will be close.

[LS]

I think he said that, several times, or do you just deliberately ignore that?

[ml/nj]

Just so we remember, the is the Tom Kean, Jr. who introduced and championed the anti-smoking, anti-freedom bill that passed here in NJ. I can think of a lot of Republicans who have strong words against illegal immigration. Republicans have to do better than Tom Kean or they will do without me.

ML/NJ