Governor, let me ask you about immigration. How many undocumented immigrants are there in Alaska?
I don't know, I don't know. That's a good question.
As governor, how do you deal with them? Do you think they all should be deported?
There is no way that in the US we would roundup every illegal immigrant -there are about 12 million of the illegal immigrants- not only economically is that just an impossibility but that's not a humane way anyway to deal with the issue that we face with illegal immigration.
Do you then favor an amnesty for the 12 or 13 million undocumented immigrants?
No, I do not. I do not. Not total amnesty. You know, people have got to follow the rules. They've got to follow the bar, and we have got to make sure that there is equal opportunity and those who are here legally should be first in line for services being provided and those opportunities that this great country provides.
To clarify, so you support a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants?
I do because I understand why people would want to be in America. To seek the safety and prosperity, the opportunities, the health that is here. It is so important that yes, people follow the rules so that people can be treated equally and fairly in this country.
And the last question would be about politics. You only have two more weeks left...
Yes
What is your strategy? How are you planning to win the latino vote?
I will tell you, I wish that there were more hours in the day so that we can get out there and to more of the communities with such the strong Latino vote that is out there and really tell them that we desire to work for them. We are asking them to hire us and let us work for them.
Thank you so much. It would be impossible to ask you to say a few words in Spanish, right?
Oh my good-well, I don't want to embarrass myself, but
but gracias and I do thank you so much for this opportunity. I appreciate it.
Address jointly with Canada the border security challenges
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will welcome more than 30 Canadian officials to Juneau and Anchorage for meetings January 18-19, 2007. "Alaska's new administration needs to start early and energetically with expanding our strong, cooperative relationship wit Canada," said Governor Palin. "We have many common issues. Our meetings this week will promote continued trade. We'll also have the opportunity to address jointly the border security challenges placed on us by the U.S. and Canadian national governments."
Alaska's exports to Canada are headed for record highs, based on the federal export numbers for the partial year January through November 2006. Alaska's exports to Canada for that period more than doubled to $441 million compared to the same period in 2005, spurred by $320 million in lead and zinc ore exports.
A: I have reached out to all these communities and asked them to identify their needs. Their response has been for more vocational training, senior assistance, ending gang violence, and more state outreach and communication with their communities. One of the key components of my internal campaign is a diversity task force. I turn to them often.
Apparently, this is by design from the highest levels. In fact, a resolution to that effect was passed in the Alaska state legislature in 2003 (before Palin's election): "[Alaska] House Joint Resolution 22--May 2003: Establishes that state agencies and instrumentalities may not use state resources or institutions for the enforcement of federal immigration laws, which are the responsibility of the federal government."
It's not clear whether Gov. Palin has ever weighed in, pro or con, on Alaska's sanctuary policies.
Thanks for the info! Illegal amnesty is at the top of my priority list. I am gonna give her a pass for now on the univision interview, apparently done the two weeks before 11/4 when she was speaking for johnboy. Last week I read somewhere on here about deportations from Alaska along with another state in the same article. I will pay close attention.