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VoteGopher | Compare McCain and Obama | Immigration

Issue Homepage - Immigration

PRESIDENT OBAMA: ACTIONS IN OFFICE

Obama has not listed immigration reform among his top domestic priorities, and has not yet taken any actions to push immigration reform
Remains rhetorically committed to a path to citizenship for most illegal immigrants here now
His Homeland Security Secretary, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, will oversee policy toward illegal immigration
Napolitano has been skeptical about the effectiveness of a border fence, and instead supports increasing Border Patrol personnel and improving technology

CANDIDATE OBAMA

ELECTION 2008

Wanted to create a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants here now who meet certain conditions
Supported increased border security, including some fencing
Had mixed feelings about guest worker programs, previously supported a compromise including such a program but said he preferred giving immigrants labor protections
Supported increasing penalties on employers hiring illegal immigrants
Opposed increasing job-based immigration at the expense of family reunification

REPUBLICANS

IN CONGRESS

Most oppose creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants here now and call this proposal "amnesty"
But some major Republicans, including Pres. Bush and Sen. McCain, have supported immigration reform bills with a path to citizenship
All agree that "border security" is necessary, and most support building a fence along the southern border
Split on a guest worker program; supporters argue that it will be good for the economy but opponents say the guest workers will end up staying in the U.S. permanently

DEMOCRATS

IN CONGRESS

Most Democrats, including their leaders, support creating a path to citizenship for most illegal immigrants here now who meet certain conditions
But a group of Democrats from more conservative states calls this "amnesty" and has opposed immigration reform bills with this provision
Most agree that "border security" is necessary, but only about half supported building a fence along the southern border
Split on a guest worker program; opponents argue that it will create a group of second-class citizens and supporters say that it is an improvement over the current illegal immigration status quo

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