Posted on 01/08/2016 2:13:43 PM PST by DaveyB
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz did not back down from his stance on immigration Wednesday night, after being confronted by a woman who asked if he would deport her, even though it was her parents who brought her to the United States illegally.
During an event in Storm Lake, Iowa, Wednesday night, Ofelia Valdez, 30, told Cruz that although she was brought to the country illegally by her parents as a teen, she was able to retain residency due to President Barack Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or "DREAM act."
As a DACA holder myself, I am worried about whoever comes next in the presidency and what's gonna happen to people like us?" Valdez said, according to a video taken posted on YouTube by the Democratic National Committee. "I think of myself as a part of this community and, you know, first day in presidency you decide to deport, you know, people like myself â it's just very difficult to process it."
While Valdez' question invoked many emotions, Cruz did not concede that immigrants should be allowed to stay in the U.S. illegally, noting that deportation is a consequence of a "broken immigration system."
"I would note, if you're a DACA recipient it means that you were brought here illegally, and violating the laws has consequences," Cruz told the woman. "And one of the problems with our broken immigration system is that it is creating human tragedies and there are human tragedies when people break the law." The leading Iowa Republican went on to explain to the woman that, if he were to immigrate to a country illegally, he would most likely be deported â so America should be no different.
'If I illegally emigrate to England or Germany or France or China or Mexico, and they catch me, they will deport me,' he said. 'That's what every other country on Earth does, and there's no reason that America's laws should have less respect than the laws of every other country on Earth."
"We should welcome people who come following the laws, but there are consequences for breaking the laws, and that is part of what makes America the nation that we are," the Texas Republican added.
Cruz, over the last month, has been sharpening his rhetoric on immigration, in an effort to contrast himself and fellow Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio.
Democratic candidates, on the other hand, have been attempting to win over Hispanic voters by advocating for immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for those illegals who are already in the U.S. Former President Bill Clinton, who is now campaigning for his wife Hillary, was even introduced by a "DREAMer" at an event on Thursday.
Ted was kind, respectful and firm. He empathized and instructed her on the rule of law. In short Cruz hit it out of the park.
Yeah....but did he say she will be deported?
If my father stole a pickup truck and gave it to me, would it legally be my pickup truck?
If someone’s parents break the law the child is placed in foster care in a country of their parent’s citizenship.
CASE CLOSED.
So if your parents both robbed a bank after you were born and they finally caught them after 15 years they would put you in a foster home.
Something similar should happen to “dreamers”
Excellent.
Acts are actions of congress. It was an executive order.
How is a 30 year old woman a “youth”?
30 is a youth?
A thirtysomething DREAM child? I smell a planted semiheckler.
-— “I would note, if you’re a DACA recipient it means that you were brought here illegally, and violating the laws has consequences,” Cruz told the woman. “And one of the problems with our broken immigration system is that it is creating human tragedies and there are human tragedies when people break the law.” -—
Right. When we send a father to jail, a child will not have a father. Crime has consequences.
Yep...
If it was Bill Clinton, he’d hit it and hide it.
If it was Barack Obama, he’d give her free health care, welfare, free education and voting rights.
If it was Hillary, she’d lick it and hide it.
If it was Trump, she’d be building the border wall on the southern side.
If it was Bernie Sanders... he’d just holler. Dementia has taken it’s toll.
If it was Ted Cruz.. well we saw what he did. He handled it the way it should handled.
Good point. I’m sure she wouldn’t like it if my dad stole all her stuff and gave it to me. I bet she’s glad some laws are enforced. Does she have a driver’s license, SS#, etc.?
“Yeah....but did he say she will be deported?”
No, but if she registers Republican I’ll bet Obama deports her ASAP.
Ted the answer is “Yes”
no long sobby touchy feely explanation..
this illegal alien is an adult now, here committing the crime of being in America illegally ...
yes she will be deported...
Doesn’t matter - she’s not going to vote for him anyway.
It would have been great if he could have immediately deported her...and her family.
probably a jebbie bush plant, if not he is inviting her to come to one of his events where he will hug her and use her as a prop for his stupid plan for amnesty.
I say DEPORT her and her parents.............NOW!!!!
Ofelia Valdez, 30, Immigrant youth?
Interesting. When I was 30 no one ever called me a youth. But then that was back in another century.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.