Immigration

Throughout America’s history, legal immigration has inspired cultural diversity, new ideas and energy, and fueled economic growth and the creation of new opportunities for every American. Unfortunately, many aspects of our immigration system have deteriorated over the years and now require significant reform.

Real Immigration Reform – In 2007, John opposed the Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill because it would have rewarded those who broke the law by giving them an advantage over those who play by the rules and are on the legal path to citizenship. It was John’s position that granting the 12 to 20 million illegal immigrants citizenship would have sent the wrong message to others that leniency will be the model for the future.

Border Security – John supports the goal of reforming America’s immigration system beginning with legislation that takes the immediate and necessary steps to secure our borders and reduce the steady tide of illegal immigration. To this end, the Senator has consistently supported legislation to improve border security. Specifically, he is a cosponsor of the Border Security First Act (S. 2348) which would appropriate $3 billion to fund personnel, equipment, and technology upgrades – including the deployment of 23,000 new border patrol agents and the construction of nearly 700 miles of fencing – needed to secure our borders.

Visa Reform – John has also cosponsored measures to improve the visa process for foreign workers to supplement unmet labor needs while enforcing accountability in the process. Continued failure to act in these areas will likely result in labor shortages and increased economic hardship for businesses across the country. The reforms Senator Sununu has advocated for would remove some of the staffing uncertainties faced by the nation’s small, seasonal, and hi-tech business owners.

English as the Official Language – To ensure fairness for all Americans, John has supported efforts to establish English as the official language of the United States. There is wide-based support for English as the official language, and adopting such policies would reduce the cost of government programs, emphasize education of the English language, and enhance the efficiency of our immigration process.

Preventing Access to Benefits by Illegals – Illegal aliens in the United States are not eligible to receive assistance through federal programs, such as Social Security. Senator Sununu has consistently supported measures and amendments to ensure that this policy remains in place, including most recently supporting substitute language to the economic stimulus package to ensure illegal aliens could not receive the stimulus checks designed to assist legal citizens.

Opposing Sanctuary Cities – John is opposed to efforts by a number of cities around the nation to circumvent existing immigration law by forbidding law enforcement officers from obtaining information regarding a person’s citizenship or residency status. In an effort to curb the creation of these “sanctuary cities,” John supported an amendment to prohibit the disbursement of federal law enforcement grants to cities that conduct such practices.

Driver’s Licenses -- John is also a cosponsor of a Senate Resolution urging states to refrain from issuing drivers’ licenses or other photo identification to aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States.

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