Joseph Lieberman on Immigration Democratic Jr Senator (CT), ran for V.P. with Gore, ran for president 2004
Q: Should it become easier for undocumented foreign workers in the US to gain legal immigration status?
One-time earned legalization for undocumented immigrants A: As president, I will create a new one-time earned legalization status, improve family reunification laws, create a work visa program, and partner with the private sector to create a new 'American Dream Fund' to help all immigrants learn English. We've also got to face the fact that immigrants haven't been treated fairly in America since September 11th -- and we can do something about it. When I am president, I will protect the civil rights of immigrants -- right to counsel, timely notification of charges, guaranteed bond hearings, humane conditions, and much more.
Source: Associated Press policy Q&A, "Immigration" Jan 25, 2004 Q: How would you encourage those who are eligible to apply for citizenship?
Make sure immigrants are treated fairly A: I am for earned right of legalization for undocumented immigrants. I'm for temporary worker permits for people coming over. I'm for lifting the cap on family reunification which keeps immigrant families apart and I'm for lifting the cap on political refugees. We're one nation under God, individual, with liberty and justice for all. And that means making sure that our immigrants, new Americans are treated fairly.
Source: Iowa Brown and Black Presidential Forum Jan 11, 2004 Q: How do you separate the good guys from the bad guys? How do you separate the immigrants that come to this country with a legitimate interest in working and contributing and those potential terrorists that are here?
Unacceptable to allow Mexicans to die trying to immigrate LIEBERMAN: Let me begin by saying this. Immigration for me is not just another issue. It's me, it's my family, it's mi familia. My grandparents came here as immigrants seeking opportunity.
It pains me, and it outrages me that every year hundreds of Mexicans coming to America for exactly the same reason that my grandparents did die in the desert because of our current immigration policy. That is no longer acceptable.
This can't go on any longer. I have offered the most comprehensive, aggressive immigration reform plan. Yes, earned legalization. Yes, temporary worker visas for workers from other countries. Yes, let's lift the cap on people coming here for family reunification or to seek refuge.
Source: Democratic Primary Debate, Albuquerque New Mexico Sep 4, 2003
Notice that Liberman never answered the question about how he'd separate the terrorists from the "good guys," but he'd blow the immigration caps and give amnesty ("earned legalization" is the Democrat euphemism).
He also talked about right to counsel, guaranteed bond hearings, etc. That's in regard to our immigration courts, which can't even handle the current caseload. In many cases we're talking about slam dunk deportation hearings. Lieberman wants to grind that all to a halt.
Lieberman clearly has emotional issues regarding the subject of immigration. That's what anyone would want in a DHS Secretary?
Nice find. Thanks for posting.