Solving the Immigration Impasse (Arnold redefines Amnesty)

JoinArnold.com - Schwarzenegger Campaign Website ^ | August, 2003 | Arnold Schwarzenegger

[Sabertooth]

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Solving the Immigration Impasse

Summary:

Immigration has been the engine of California's economic prosperity and the richness of our culture. Almost 9 million Californians were born in a foreign country and nearly 40% of all households in our state speak a second language in addition to English. We have a proud tradition of being one of the most ethnically diverse places in the world.

But it is important to ensure that new immigrants enter California the right way, so that they can get on a path toward fully participating, and contributing, to the California economy. And we should make sure that we do so without undermining important national security protections.

Full Policy:

There are approximately 8 million undocumented immigrants in the United States; 2.5 million reside in California. The costs of providing social services to these individuals and incarcerating illegal immigrants is staggering - easily exceeding $3 billion a year.

Clearly, the federal government must do a much better job of enforcing the security of our borders, especially in the aftermath of 9/11. Washington must also provide more money to border states like California which ultimately shoulder the burden and the costs associated with illegal immigration. And Washington should pursue a responsible immigration policy that offers undocumented immigrants a path to permanent legal status.

As someone who came to the United States thirty-five years ago looking for opportunity, I understand the challenges immigrants face and I will work hard to elevate the debate on this important issue.

Fair Reimbursement for Illegal Immigration Costs

Immigration is a national responsibility and California should not be left to shoulder the massive burden of providing public services to illegal immigrants.

Last year, California only received $220 million to offset the costs of keeping illegal immigrants in jail. This is insufficient, and as governor of California, I will work with Congress, President Bush, and the Governors of other border states to correct this situation.

As Governor I will:

• Organize a coalition of states most impacted by immigration to lobby Congress. This coalition will include Texas, New York, New Mexico, Arizona, Florida, Illinois, in addition to California. Together, we represent 183 electoral votes. If we speak with a unified voice, Republicans and Democrats in Washington will listen.

• Seek reimbursement from Washington for health care and education costs associated with illegal immigration.

Putting Immigrants on a Path toward Citizenship.

It is important to ensure that new immigrants enter California the right way, so that they can get on a path toward fully participating, and contributing, to the California economy. And we should make sure that we do so without undermining important national security protections.

As Governor, I will:

• Aggressively lobby Washington to set a more responsible policy for addressing the undocumented immigrants currently in the United States.

• Deportation is not an option. We need to find a way to legitimize these individuals and get them on a path toward legal residency status in the United States.
• Let me be clear: I do not support an amnesty program. The last time we tried that in the late 80s it didn't work, and there's little reason to think it would work now.

• I am encouraged by the approach laid out by Senator McCain to provide a clear path for legitimizing undocumented immigrants who currently live their lives in the shadows. McCain's bill S 1461 - The Border Security and Immigration Act of 2003
  • A new H-4A visa for immigrants seeking temporary employment with important protections to ensure that immigrant workers are not exploited and that Californians are not displaced by unscrupulous employers;

  • A new H-4B visa for undocumented immigrants who entered the country before August 2003, have held a job since that time, and do not have a criminal record.

  • The opportunity for holders of these new visas to gain legal permanent residency status.

• " Senator McCain's plan contains the key principles that should guide any proposal to solve the immigration impasse:
  • U.S. Employer Benefits: A market driven employment process and an easy, effective means to confirm employment eligibility;

  • U.S. Worker Protections: Initial availability of jobs only to U.S. workers and periodic review to ensure that U.S. workers are not displaced;

  • Foreign Worker Protections: Applicability of all U.S. labor standards and portability so that workers may change jobs without jeopardizing their immigration status.

Punish Immigrant Smugglers and Human Traffickers

Human traffickers and smugglers exploit and endanger immigrants as they violate our criminal and immigration laws. As Governor, I will crack down hard on those who engage in illegal human smuggling:

• Traffickers and smugglers should be prosecuted as organized crime syndicates. If their schemes result in death of immigrants, they should be eligible for the death penalty.

• The federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2001 establishes a special visa, the T-visa, for immigrants who assist in investigations. As governor, I will order state law enforcement officials to work with their federal counterparts to prioritize and process applications for T-visas expeditiously.

Promote English and Advance Citizenship

Immigrants who are not proficient in English pay a price: they earn 17% less than immigrants of similar backgrounds, experience, and education who are proficient in English.

Likewise, when English is the primary language taught in schools, immigrant children show marked improvement. In June 1998, California's voters gave a 61% landslide to public policy entrepreneur Ron Unz's Proposition 227 outlawing bilingual education. By the end of the following school year, immigrant 2nd graders in those California schools that were already in compliance with Prop. 227 were reading at the 35th percentile, compared to the 19th percentile for those in schools that were still bilingual.

As Californians bounded in diversity, we share a common language and culture regardless of our backgrounds.

As Governor, I will:

• Work to improve education for all Californians and especially to help new immigrants learn English so they could participate and prosper as Californians.
• Restore meaning to citizenship, so that all Americans, new and old, share the same commitment to tolerance, equality, and compassion.
• Work with the federal government to provide expedited consideration of citizenship applications to immigrants whocomplete advanced civic education and English immersion programs.

SB 60 - Driver's Licenses for Illegal Immigrants

I am an immigrant. I waited for ten years to get my American citizenship. And I know first-hand how immigrants who come to this country and obey the laws have struggled to achieve their dreams.

But we should not invite fraud or undermine law enforcement. Attorney General Bill Lockyer, the California Sheriff's Association, and the federal government have all expressed security concerns over this measure, and in a time of heightened national security, we should not undermine our nation's immigration laws.

Unfortunately, Governor Davis decided to put his political interests above the people's interest. He signed SB 60 into law even though he vetoed similar legislation before, citing security concerns. But SB 60 actually contains fewer protections than the bill Davis vetoed a year ago.

Under SB 60, there is simply no way to verify that a drivers' license applicant is actually who he says he is or whether he is a criminal or fugitive from justice.

As Governor I will:

Work to repeal SB 60 as quickly as possible

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[johnb838]

It really does seem to be coming down to a situation where if McClintock can keep the RINO Schwarzenigger from being elected, it will be a victory for the Rs. A bit like kissing your sister, but a victory.

[pogo101]

Oh, I don't think the policy, overall, is so bad. Surely on the amnesty issue he's trying, at least rhetorically, to have things both ways, yes.

McClintock is more consistent, but he guts his credibility in a different way, by promising to enforce Prop 187 and give its "day in court." It won't work. I never did get any substantive response to my request to the more McClintockian folks for some legal authority supporting McClintock re: 187. (I agree with Tom that Davis sold us out, that the proposition didn't truly get a fair day in court. But as a legal matter, there's no authority for getting another bite at the appeal apple on the grounds that the (duly-elected) governor and state atty. general decided to hose the people by bagging the appeal.)

[VU4G10]

EMAIL THE RINO!

info@joinarnold.com

 

 

[Sabertooth]

I didn't see anything in this "plan" to close the border to further illegal encroachments. Its already a crime to smuggle people into the country, so this so-called "punishment" plan for traffickers is worthless without a strong border control policy. I am absolutely opposed to any type of 'amnesty' or streamlined citizenship process for those already here unless it is coupled to a closed border policy. Arnold is tampering in an area in which state governors have no authority: its called "Foreign Policy" and it is the purview of the US Executive Branch. This guy is nuts.

Well, while I oppose all Amnesties, regardless of them being coupled with better enforcement (I fell for that scam in 1986, and won't do it again), I can at least respect someone making the argument honestly, using words that have meanings which we all understand.

Unfortunately, Schwarzenegger is using Karl Rove's focus-grouped glossary.

Arnold, by his own, Amnesty-favoring words, repeatedly shows that he is untrustworthy on Illegal Aliens.

[pogo101]

Funny how the California Recall candidates have basically come down to two illegal aliens and one American.

I don't use the word "bigot" very often, but lines like this have be dusting it off. Or how about "nativist"?

As to the, uh, substance of your comment: Say what you will of Socialist Cruz (and it'd be welcome to hear criticism of him, rather than of Arnold, from McClintock stalwarts), but he was born here. As to Arnold being an "illegal immigrant," jeeze, where to begin? I think all who are fair-minded can agree he embodies the American Immigrant Dream, at least if we leave out his political ventures of late. The only drib-drab I've heard suggesting illegality relating to his pre-naturalization days is that he may have done gainful work during a time when his visa forbade employment. Even if that is true, it is only grounds for having rescinded his visa or otherwise penalizing him. It doesn't render his presence then, or his status now, illegitimate.

There is plenty to criticize in Cruz and in Arnold based on their policy proposals, from a pro-McClintock standpoint, without stooping to baldly ridiculous statements such as "illegal immigrant."

[Regulator]

What does he think deportation is?

An outstanding point. A rational gubernatorial candidate would say, uh, I don't have the authority to implement that particular federal law. But I do support upholding the laws.

Davis just signed a bill (SB 60) which is, under the definition that the anti-187 people used, an immigration law. So where is Judge Pfaelzer when you need her? Or Mark Rosenbaum, who was in on that case? We all know the answer. For them, it's a federal matter that the state can't interfere with when it goes against Los Inmigrantes, and it's a perfectly legitimate, morally necessary law when it goes for Los Ingrates.

The fact that Arnold doesn't get that, and thinks he has the right to make those determinations as governor, shows that he isn't any different from Davis or the MexiNazi, and still doesn't understand the American Federal system.

[45Auto]

I would prefer that the INS (or whatever its called today under the new, improved cabinet Department of Homeland Security) be funded to round up every last illegal and escort them in none-too-nice a manner to the border. Fingerprint the lot of 'em and if they show up again, they get five years on a work farm. That should keep the price of lettuce down! But the reality is, that would be very difficult and very expensive. What we need is a closed border (and I mean very closed border) with serious enforcement, real head banging, for those who try to come across uninvited. I would have no problem with a stringent "guest worker program" (with time limits) that would keep track of who comes in and where they are.

A friend of mine did a six-month job in Switzerland last year; he had to have papers with him at all times. He had to be able to show who he was, where he worked, where he was living, how long his work visa was good for, and he had to check in with the Swiss immigration authorities every month. If he had missed his plane out by one day, he would have been arrested and would have had to show cause why the hell he was still in country. That's the way to do it.

[Mr Rogers]

I'm not a fan of Arnold, but he ain't here illegally. My wife and two of my kids (adopted) are naturalized citizens - just like Arnold. The two kids are now in the US military - my son is in the Army & my daughter in the Marines.

I don't like Arnold's immigration policy (assuming it is coherent enough to be called a policy), but I respect his effort to become a US citizen.

There are steps that could be taken - I'm thinking of calling out the National Guard to patrol the border - but I see no sign ANY US politician will take any serious steps to curb illegal immigration.

[Regulator]

but he was born here -- Prove it. Go to Dinuba and get his birth certificate. Show that his parents came to the U.S. legally, or show me the case in U.S. federal law that incorporates the children of illegal aliens into the qualifying statement of the 14th amendment "and subject to the jurisdiction of". It doesn't even matter if he actually was born in the U.S., as far as I'm concerned, his citizenship has never been established in law.

I don't use the word "bigot" very often

Then don't use it, Jerk. Where do you think you get the right to judge me and my beliefs? Take your name calling and race-baiting and go join PUSH or MEChA.

[Attillathehon]

Immigration has been the engine of California's economic prosperity

He starts out by saying immigrants fostered prosperity for California, than claims providing benefits to them should be a national burden.

Hey Arnold, if they're making money for California, contributing to the California economy, paying California taxes, etc., Why should the rest of the country shoulder the burden of providing benefits.? If they're illegal, kick 'em out. If they're legal and working to expand your economy, you take care of them and leave the rest of the country out of it.

[votelife]

Seek reimbursement from Washington for health care and education costs associated with illegal immigration.

Great so Arnold wants all of us in the other states to pay for California's failure to enforce immigration laws?

[pogo101]

Where do you think you get the right to judge me and my beliefs?

God and the First Amendment, sport. Take your pick.

Take your name calling and race-baiting and go join PUSH or MEChA.

*Laughs in your face* Yeah, right: accusing you of being bigoted for attacking two men solely based on their perceived alienage -- alienage that you either lie about or speculate ridiculously about -- is really "out there." As to race-baiting, I think you have me confused with the man in your mirror.

I stand by my post. The only thing we appear to agree on is that the doctrine whereby native-born children of aliens automatically are citizens is suspect.

And yes, I do judge you, just as you judge me. Better deal with it, 'cause I'm going to keep doing it. If you can't, just don't respond. Less for me to judge that way.

[BillyBoy]

Translation: Third world immigration quadrupling Kalifornistan's population and making jobs non-existant in this state is good because it brings "diversity." 9 million Californians aren't even from here and half of our state can't speak English but this is a GOOD thing for Kalifornistan. We have a proud tradition of not assimulating any of them in the past 30 years and hence being one of the least "Amercian" looking states in the county.

It is not important to ensure that new immigrants enter California the legal way. No matter how they enter, we need their votes so and will get on a path toward fully participating in Kalifornistan's electoral process. And we should give token attention to important national security protections.

Full Policy:

There are approximately 8 million illegal criminals in the United States; over 2.5 million hide out in Kalifornistan. The costs of providing social services to these individuals and incarcerating illegal immigrants is staggering - easily exceeding $3 billion a year, but it's neccessary for "the children"

Clearly, the federal government must do a much better job of enforcing the security of our borders, especially in the aftermath of 9/11. But they won't do that, because RINOs like me need the immigrant vote. Instead, Washington must provide more taxpayers money to Kalifornia so will have enough funds to make sure illegal criminals live safe and comfortably in Kaliforistan and get all the benefits of citizenship. And Washington should immediately give all those illegal criminals full amnesty, like George W. Bush has proposed. Then we can give them drivers licenses and other goodies without looking like idiots.

As someone who came to the United States thirty-five years ago looking for American babes, I understand the challenges immigrants face from bad ol' "rule of law" issues and I will work hard to elevate the eliminate that pesky problem.

Fair Reimbursement for Illegal Immigration Costs

Pandering to illegal Immigration is a national responsibility and Kalifornistan should not be left to shoulder the massive burden of providing freebies for illegal immigrants.

Last year, California only received a mere $220,000,000 million to offset the costs of helping illegal immigrants. This is insufficient, and as governor of California, I will work with RINOs, President Bush, and the liberal Governors of other former conservative states (now turning socialist due to illegal immigrantion) to make sure we sepnd at least three billion to help illegals. Did I mension I am a "fiscal conservative"?

As Governor I will: Organize a coalition of states most impacted by immigrat votes to lobby Congress. This coalition will include other RINO and Liberal Governors from states like New York, New Mexico, Arizona, Illinois, in addition to Kalifornistan. Together, we represent 183 electoral votes, 165 of them from districts that wouldn't even exist if it weren't for the "benefits" of open immigration. If we speak with a unified voice for amnesty, Republicans and Democrats in Washington will listen.

Seek BIG $$$ from Washington for health care and education costs needed with illegal immigration. Putting Immigrants on a Path toward Blanket Amnesty.

It is not important to ensure that any immigrants enter Kalifornistan the right way. In any event, they can get on a path toward fully benefiting from Kalifornistan's budget and programs.

As Governor, I will:

Aggressively lobby Washington to set a date for amnesty that will give citizneship to all the illegal aliens currently in the United States.

Deportation is not an option. Only right-wing crazies support that. We need to find a amensty to legitimize these criminalsand get them on a path toward legal voting status in the United States. Especially the children!

Let me be clear: I support an amnesty program. I really don't care that the last time we tried that in the late 80s it didn't work, and that there's little reason to think it would work now.

I am encouraged by the approach laid out by my fellow RINO Senator McCain to provide a clear path for legitimizing illegal criminals who currently live their lives in the shadows. McCain's bill S 1461 - The Border Security and Immigration Act of 2003, provides amnesty without calling it amnesty. I love it!

A new H-4A visa for illegal immigrants seeking employment with no protections for American citizens ensures that immigrant workers are not deported and that Kalifornistan citizens are displaced by unscrupulous employers,

A new H-4B visa for Illegal immigrants who entered the country before August 2003, have held a job at 20 cents an hour wages since that time, and have a criminal record since they entered ILLEGALLY to begin with.

The opportunity of the holders of these new visas to gain free citizenship! JUST CALL 1-800-JOINARNOLD and pledge a "suggested donation" now!

" Senator McCain's plan contains the key principles that should guide any proposal to help the illegal immigration impasse:

Forign Employer Benefits: A market driven employment process and an easy, effective means to give 'em employment eligibility;

Foriegn Worker Protections: Initial availability of jobs that U.S. workers would normally have and periodic review to ensure that U.S. workers are displaced;

Foreign Worker Protections: Applicability of all U.S. labor standards and portability so that workers may change jobs without ever having to obey the rules and jeopardizing their immigration status.

Not Punish Immigrant Smugglers and Human Traffickers

Human traffickers and smugglers exploit and endanger poor illegal immigrants as they violate our criminal and immigration laws. As Governor, I will fight hard only against crack smuggling and not criminal smuggling:

Traffickers and smugglers should be censured by Congress and have to say they are really sorry and will never do it again. If their schemes result in death of potential illegal immigrant voters, they should be eligible for the death penalty. That is, unless I act like my fellow RINO George Ryan and suddenly "change my mind" about this pledge.

The federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2001 establishes a special visa, the T-visa, for illegal immigrants who assist in investigations. As governor, I will order state law enforcement officials to work with their federal counterparts to prioritize and process applications for T-visas expeditiously.

Promote Spanish and Advance Citizenship

Immigrants who are not proficient in English are all over this state. We import 'em like crazy. They earn 17% less than immigrants of similar backgrounds, experience, and education who are proficient in English. In June 1998, California's voters gave a 61% landslide to Proposition 227 outlawing bilingual education. Clearly, Kalifornistan voters are right-wing crazies.

As Kalifornistans bounded in diversity (except for diverse political views-- note that every candidate for governor other than Tom McClintock has the SAME views), we don't share a common language and culture. I really wish we would, but that might make my potential voters MAD if they have to learn English.

As Governor, I will:

Work to improve education for all Californians, especially illegal aliens that want to go to college here, and especially to help new illegal immigrants learn how to get into college here.

Elimate the meaning of amnesty, so that all Illegals, new and old, share the same commitment to tolerance, equality, and compassion, and gullible voters think letting them stay here forever is "not amnesty"

Work with the federal government to provide amnesty to illegal immigrants who call 1-800-JOINARNOLD and pledge a "suggested donation" now.

SB 60 - Driver's Licenses for Illegal Immigrants

I am an immigrant. I waited for ten years to get my American citizenship. It sucked. And I know first-hand how legal immigrants who come to this country and obey the laws have struggled to achieve their dreams.

But we should invite fraud and undermine law enforcement. Attorney General Bill Lockyer, a fellow liberal, has expressed security concerns over this the driver's licenses measure. At a time of heightened national security, undermineing this principle could result in me losing the election. Therefore, I will take the same stance on the issue Gray Davis took in 1998. It is not safe to grant free driver's liceses until I am AT LEAST a two-term incumbant.

It is irrelevan though, because Governor Davis already signed SB 60 into law. Under SB 60, there is simply no way to verify that a drivers' license applicant is actually who he says he is or whether he is a criminal or fugitive from justice.

As Governor I will:

Continue to say I will repeal SB 60 as quickly as possible.

Wait for the courts to void it like they did Prop. 187.

Bring SB 60 back around 2007 or so. It's for the children!

[Regulator]

but he ain't here illegally

The issue is that he used a visa to get into the country which is essentially a non-immigrant visa. I don't know if he actually overstayed it, but that's a common tactic for illegals - get in on a non-immigrant visa, then just stay. As we saw with the hijackers, the probability of the government doing anything about it is zero.

Personally, compared to the other 13 million gate crashers camping out on our property now, he's probably the least of the transgressors. Certainly he would have been amnestied in under the 1986 law had he not initiated citizenship proceedings before that.

So he may be here legally now, but for part of the 1970's, he wasn't. Because when he started a business or took a job, he violated the terms of his visa. You may not think of it as a big deal, but those were the terms. And that made him...an illegal. (sidenote: I turned down a job in his native Austria in 1976 precisely because I did not have an Austrian work permit).

And so I have a little question for all the apologists. Do you really think that America before 1980 was such a small place that it did not home grow enough competent people to rule itself? That we are required to look to Mexico and Austria for our leaders? What precisely is it about either of those countries that would lead one to think that their sons and daughters have a better idea of how to make a better life for Americans than the sons and daughters of Americans?

[Weimdog]

I agree with you and I agree with Senator McClintock.

The box cars should be leaving the US every hour, on the hour, packed with illegals going back to Mexico.

Regardless, I will make my informed choice on October 7th. The (R) or (r) that is most likely to win will get my vote.

[kingu]

It really does seem to be coming down to a situation where if McClintock can keep the RINO Schwarzenigger from being elected, it will be a victory for the Rs. A bit like kissing your sister, but a victory.

If Tom can keep Arnold from being elected? What, so that the current administration can continue giving away the state to illegals? So that illegals can get college financial aid easier than legals or citizens?

With Davis or Bustamante we get nothing but the downfall and bankruptcy of the largest state in the nation, the world's fifth largest economy. Arnold's stance on illegal immigrants can change, Davis and Bustamante's won't.

[Spiff]

• Deportation is not an option. We need to find a way to legitimize these individuals and get them on a path toward legal residency status in the United States.
• Let me be clear: I do not support an amnesty program. The last time we tried that in the late 80s it didn't work, and there's little reason to think it would work now.

No, Arnold, let me be clear. "legitimizing" illegal aliens in the United States is...listen closely...amnesty.

What a freakin' idiot. California deserves the musclehead.

[Saundra Duffy]

If you want the state of california run by the kennedy's, then vote for Arnold Schwarznkennedy. As for me and my house, we're voting for McClintock - www.helptom.com

[kingu]

Great so Arnold wants all of us in the other states to pay for California's failure to enforce immigration laws?

Last I checked the Immigration and Naturalization Service was a federal agency charged with keeping our borders secure. Perhaps you'll helpfully join us in demanding that they do their job. I'd think that an eight billion dollar a year bill from California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas ought to get the ball rolling, don't you?

[Regulator]

I do judge you, just as you judge me

You're the guy slinging the insults. You don't like my speculations, rationally refute them. You still have not done so, and so you're nothing but a race-baiting name caller, no different from any finger pointing leftist.

Better deal with it, 'cause I'm going to keep doing it

Ooooohh...gosh, a cheesy little threat. How scary. Will you be typing mean things at me? How awful. How terrifying.

See ya, PogoStick. You Bigot.