On immigration reform: “We need immigration reform. But the president’s plan is really a plan to exploit workers in America. It’s not a real immigration reform plan. What I want to do is have a full immigration reform plan that involves earned legalization, involves the technology and support we need on the border, work with President Fox in order to have a legitimate guest worker program. And finally, we need to crack down on those people in America who hire people illegally and exploit workers in the U.S.” (Democratic 2004 primary debate at USC 2/26/04).
Benefits to legal immigrants: “The 1996 welfare reform law made most legal immigrants, including those already in the United States, ineligible for welfare, health care, and other essential programs.” (Campaign website, JohnKerry.com, “Issues” 3/21/04).
Legalizing undocumented immigrants: “Anyone who has been in this country for five or six years, who has paid their taxes, who has stayed out of trouble, ought to be able to translate into an American citizenship immediately, not waiting.” (Democratic Primary Debate, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 9/4/03).
Co-Sponsor of S.1614, called “AGJOBS,” a bill that would grant “adjustment of status to certain foreign agricultural workers” and “better working conditions to more workers.” S. 1614 is currently pending legislation in the U.S. Senate. (Note: Senate has no recorded votes on immigration reform in 108th Congress.)
Voted NO on allowing more foreign workers into the U.S. for farm work (7/98).
Voted NO on visas for skilled workers (5/98).
Voted NO on limiting welfare for immigrants (6/97).