Ron Paul’s Immigration Pledge
Ron Paul has signed the Numbers USA pledge to oppose amnesty for illegal aliens and protect America’s borders. Here’s the text of the pledge:
NUMBERS USA Pledge
I pledge to oppose amnesty or any other special path to citizenship for the millions of foreign nationals unlawfully present in the United States. As President, I will fully implement enforcement measures that, over time, will lead to the attrition of our illegal immigrant population. I also pledge to make security of our borders a top priority of my administration.
Numbers USA includes six points of understanding as to what the pledge means and what it entails:
1. The 12 million illegal aliens now here will have to go home.
2. They will not get any legal status while here that allows them to remain long-term.
3. Once in their home countries, they may apply for re-admittance to the U.S. as immigrants, visitors or temporary workers through normal channels.
4. But they will not receive any special privileges on the basis of their having been in the U.S. illegally, such as being put to the front of a line.
5. There will be no new categories or programs through which they may re-enter.
6. There will not be an expansion of green cards in any existing categories that will speed up their movement to the front of the line.
February 4th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
everything here sounds good and is consistant with his message except the guarantee that the 12 million illegals that are here would go home. i dont see what he would do to round them up. cutting off any government aid may deter them, but if they just hide in a house i dont see any possible way of rounding them up without any crazy state interference
February 4th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Go RON PAUL!!!!!!!!!! Beautiful pledge. email that to me so I can easily forward it. thank you..
February 4th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Sounds good. I agree with Dennis about it beign difficult just sending 12 mil. home but if you we are consistent, prolific and determined in not giving any special privileges, medical support or catering to illegal needs then I think they will just go back on their own. Also if Paul eliminates the income tax but implements a “fair tax” then at least those who choose to stay here will be putting money into the system instead of avoiding it.
February 4th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
RP does not guarentee they will al go home, yet rather they will have to go home. they will not be able to get any special treatment and will have to work under the table. and not go to school. or get health care.. Sure they may and will hide..but if our troops are here at home doing their job, that wiil be more difficult. I do have compassion for them, but thsi is about saving the old USA.
February 4th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I think Ron Paul is forced to talk about this issue because it is of such pressing concern to most Americans, but he does admit that much of it is scapegoating which I agree with. Of course we don’t want to give them free benefits, but people don’t want immigrants taking their jobs and with the economy the way it is, someone has to be to blame. So let’s pick on the people coming into this country and taking our jobs away from us.
As he said, if our economy were sound and based on sound principles, this wouldn’t be an issue at all.
February 4th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
If Dr. Paul implements this policy I strongly urge that attention is paid to include the people most in demand and who at present are totally excluded from any chance of legal entry.
Poor, uneducated, day laborers without good English skills are the most sought out of all potential legal immigrants but at present have no possible way to be here legally.
In all fairness these people must be given high priority in any future quota lineup.
February 4th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I agree that without incentives to stay, they will leave on their own. I think I heard RP say that we need to remove the incentives and they’ll leave. That I agree with. I hate the idea of rounding them up. JMO
February 4th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
I agree Illegal emigrants are a hardship on our economy right now and that we are in no shape here to “absorb” the massive influx. It really is an impossible situation in Mexico too, because of NAFTA.
The Mexican economy has been hit as well through NAFTA by subsidizing their farm crops. I am sure once that NAFTA is repealed, many illegals will go home on their own.
February 4th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/02/01/mexico.farmers/index.html
On January 1 Mexico repealed all tariffs on corn imported from north of the border as part of a 14-year phaseout under the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA.
February 4th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
I totally agree with Dr Paul’s pledge. My family came to the U.S over 20 years ago by filing the proper paperwork and did not receive any government assistance then and even now, my dad worked and went to school, he’s now a psychologist. The American dream was never “sit on your tush and the government will take care of you” I’m 25 and own my own shipping company and I take care of my self, and I’m proud to be a true American.
I know families that have government assistance and they drive mercedes’es!! That pisses me off!
February 4th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
While I agree that our borders must be secure and no one should be able to profit off of illegal entry to the U.S. (aliens and employers alike), I have to say that I’m disturbed at how much attention this is getting. We are in a Constitutional crisis. President Bush has repeatedly violated numerous federal laws, and Congress has allowed him to assume powers not given to him by the Constitution. We are in an illegal war, spending hundreds of billions and sacrificing precious lives. We face an impending economic disaster due to a fundamentally flawed monetary policy and an insane foreign policy. No candidate other than Ron Paul wants to discuss and confront these issues. I’m just afraid illegal immigration will be in this election what *** marriage was in the last — a distraction.
February 4th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Derek, I think you are on the wrong blog. The FAIR TAX is the HUckelbee plan down the hall and to the LEFT
February 4th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Ron Paul should also state that he will reform the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The years of delay to reply or finalize applications is the main cause for people seeking more ‘expedient’ shortcuts.
One law that Dr. Paul has to repeal is the law that KEEPS illegals from leaving - specifically the 10 year penalty for being here. The unintended consequence of that law? The blowback? These illegals ALL want to go home on their own, but can’t and won’t because of this law. If Dr. Paul removes that shortsighted law, millions of these illegals currently in country will go home on their own. If they cannot come back legally, that is their problem.
February 4th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Mitch,
The immigration issue isn’t really distinct from the issues you raise. As President, Bush is Constitutionally required to enforce the laws enacted by Congress, and immigration law is something that he simply refuses to enforce.
To the blogger - I would like to see Congressman Paul answer the ALIPAC questionnaire submitted by William Gheen.
February 4th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Those who are here illegally are OPPORTUNISTS, pure and simple. Once they see the only path to rob the great American bank leads thru Mexico, they will willingly pack their bags for their treasured homeland. The fear of needing to round up illegal scofflaws is moot. Stop beating that dead horse.
February 4th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
How long did this take? This has been on the table FOR MONTHS! MONTHS! Where are the other endorsements? Sitting on a desk collecting dust. This is great, but its MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Way to stretch out this out before super tuesday. Let me know when Moe, Larry and Curly are not in control. geesh!
February 4th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
I disagree with Dr. Paul on immigration policies. I think we will better off if we charge them a fee of lets say 10K for being illegally here. That would be about 10000 *10millions= 1 Trillion dollars. (I am not counting 2 million illegals becuase about 1 million will leave, while 1 million have committed crimes and should be deported.) 1 trillion dollars will be great for the national debt.
Moreover, if we get rid of the welfare state, then they will not put as much pressure on the system. Furthermore, deporting 12 million illegals will put even more stress on our weak economy.
I disagree with Dr. Paul on abortion and evolution views, but I still support him for his views of the constitution and economic views.
February 4th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
A solid pledge and a constitutional position - just where we knew the good doctor would be! This is just in time to tell all your friends about our Champion of the Constitution in preparation for Super Tuesday. Let’s surge and take this thing in and surprise everyone. It is not too late to wake up America. Vote for Ron Paul on Super Tuesday and beyond!! For Life and Liberty/sc
February 4th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
I saw a comment somewhere (I think it was on here) that Ron Paul’s idea was to give to the Red Cross the embassy we’re building in Iraq when we pull troops out — is this true, and does anyone have a link to the source? Thanks!
February 4th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Great!
A plan like that would have been a much better way to combat terrorism than to attack Iraq. I know the “War on Terror” was intended to create hysteria and provide an excuse for the administration to proceed with their real agenda, but it seems like something like this should have been mentioned long ago if terrorists were such a concern. Maybe it was but it got buried along the way…
* I’ll be going to the caucus tomorrow and I’m on the delegate list - I’m looking forward to showing my support of such a worthy candidate!
February 4th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
What would happen to the children of the illegal immigrants-children born in America. Would they (born citizens,) be forced to leave with their parents or placed in agenicies and government aided foster care. Am I the only one who thinks that can possibly lead to another form or a new generation of homegrown anarchy?
February 4th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
“everything here sounds good and is consistant with his message except the guarantee that the 12 million illegals that are here would go home. i dont see what he would do to round them up. cutting off any government aid may deter them, but if they just hide in a house i dont see any possible way of rounding them up without any crazy state interference”
The comment on the 12 million is more of a policy decision and commitment then a statement of fact, what would happen is that anyone illegal who is brought to the attention of the authorities in any way will in fact be deported. There will be no more excuses or loopholes. It’s merely a beginning to a long and ardous process.
1-2 million already in the criminal justice system is one hell of a start though, just multiply those numbers times the money it takes to support them while serving prison sentences, (70-80k a year 2008 tax money?), will produce a large incidental boost to the economy in itself.
Another Issue for the campaign: Has anyone commented about the loss of mainland US military bases in the 90s and the early 2000s? Bringing large amounts of our troops home will cause some badly needed US bases to reopen, boosting local economies hurting from those same base closures. It’s a great “hidden” talking point that goes to supporting national defense as well as reducing the globalist agenda.
February 4th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Born citizens have a right tostay here in foster care, or return when they are of emancipation age in their home country.
Their parents can choose to leave them here if they want.
February 4th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Alexia,
I agree. I’m not advocating we ignore the issue. My fear is that this is being used as a wedge issue to divide the electorate and distract us from the larger context. Romney, for example, talks tough on immigration to rouse the passions and emotions of his listeners. He certainly doesn’t view this as a matter of fidelity to the Constitution. He supports a biometric ID card, apparently endorses the suspension of Habeas Corpus, etc.
Take what happened in 2004. Not that I’m a Kerry fan, but the Evangelical vote that turned out concerned about same-*** marriage made the difference. The neo-cons are trying to use immigration the same way this time.
February 4th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
This is great news. If you don’t know about Numbers USA, check out their website www.numbersusa.com and consider supporting them.
“NumbersUSA Action is a non-profit, non-partisan, public policy organization that favors an environmentally sustainable and economically just America. It opposes efforts to use federal immigration policies to force mass U.S. population growth and to depress wages of vulnerable workers. NumbersUSA Action is pro-environment, pro-worker, pro-liberty and pro-immigrant. Activists in the NumbersUSA Action network are Americans of all races and include many immigrants and the spouses, children and parents of immigrants.”
At the very least we should all take advantage of their “Fax Congress Free” service. They also have an excellent link to Congress voting records.
Be that as it may, thank you Dr. Paul for signing the Numbers USA pledge. Attrition Through Enforcement & Self Deportation is by far the most popular option for dealing with 12 million illegal aliens.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
The single most important factor as it relates to the immigration question and Paul’s candidacy is whether most people recognize that Establishment open border supporters view immigration as a tool to facilitate the creation of a regional government that supercedes the authority of nations.
I am talking about the North American Union and its concommitant imperative that the United States and other nation states relinquish their sovereignty. This violates the Constitution and further erodes what little remains of true representative government. There is an extensive paper trail supporting this conclusion.
Personally, I don’t think we should focus our ire on the immigrants since they are generally being used as pawns. Nevertheless, Americans need to understand the long term ramifications of another giant amnesty which will likely cement regional government.
If you care about American sovereignty, then it is imperative to understand the immigration issue on a deeper level. Ron Paul is the ONLY candidate who is on record as opposing the NAU. The others won’t touch the issue of regional government and cannot be trusted since their modus operandi has always been the bait and switch, the most egregious example being the giant amnesty of 1986 when strong assurances were given that it would be the last amnesty and workplace enforcement would begin in earnest.
http://www.stopthenorthamericanunion.com/TreasonAbounds.html
Remember, the only candidate who can be trusted on this issue is Dr. Paul.
When it comes to the other politicians, watch what they do, not what they say.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
I want clarification on this petition that he signed.
12 million people can’t just “go home” as the effects on small business would be devasting. The effects on your home cooked and eaten out meals will be as well.
You will not have any chicken, pork or beef on your table for months if not years. And if you do…I can not fathom the price. However, if you wait a year…one by one those processing plants will migrate to south of the border and you can have it trucked back to you on the Trans Texas Corridor. Then most of Mexico will retain their nationals as they have in Monterrey for the factory jobs and you will see more Chili’s, more Sam’s Clubs, Office Depot and Walmarts open as there are now since the passing of NAFTA.
Not only that…but unless you are sick in the head and heart and want some sort of scene out of the movie “Children of Men” where the Brits of the future are rounding up and ousting the illegal aliens…the good in mankind is not going to sit back and watch a para-military style police force round up decent people with their only crime being wanting economic betterment for themselves and families. You will have total anarchy. A little is okay…but total is not.
!2 million people here can and should register to be provisional guest workers with families. They must be sponsored by an employer who takes written legal responsiblity for their employ and behavior in this country. They must be fingerprinted and the information put into a national crime database. It would be preferred that they can come and go home to their families. Besides medical care and medicine is less expensive in their homeland and this would be an incentive for them to come unencumbered with spouses and children.
If any of those 12 million people wish to become something more than a guest worker in this country and apply for permanent resident status with eventual citizenship ….then yes at some point they would have to leave this country and go through a proper port of entry with a visa.
This is not a reward nor is it amnesty. And I really don’t care about those who sat patiently waiting in their countries starving to death for our government only to wait years and years with their quota systems to allow them entry. Get a grip folks…it’s impossible to enter this country from Central America legally unless your adult child or parent is married to an American citizen.
This country was founded on those who had the gumption to sail dangerous seas and put up with hardship to get here and forge out a life for themselves…our ancestors were the strong, the healthy and anyone that can walk across a desert and not get caught despite our expensive high-tech sensors…well, I’ve got to hand it to them. Welcome…now that you are here…we are shoring up the borders and the weak can just stay home and apply. It’s a new day in America.
Dubai, UAE is currently constructing a city that looks something beyond anything you can ever can imagine coming from a futuristic movie producer’s mind. It is all being built by a very thought out government policy of a guest worker program using Sri Lankans and Pakistanis. Trouble with their program is that they work those people 14 hours a day…7 days a week in 120 degree weather and if they protest…they are sent home on the next plane out. I saw it with my own eyes and I was repulsed. We can do better than that in this country.
Kindly refrain from replying to my comments unless you own a small business in an area that has a labor shortage, work for an HR department for a meat processing company and have worked for the Immigration and Naturalization Service. That is the feedback I am looking for.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
I am glad Dr. Paul signed the NumbersUSA pledge.
I believe the continued promise of Amnesty by some politicians is fueling the influx of Illegals from all over the world.I recently read India is the number one visa overstay country so we have a lot of India IA’s.
I believe a lot of IA’s will go home when the promise of Amnesty and jobs is no longer a viable option.
I know several people who have lost jobs to IA’s in construction and it has hurt them financially.
I too feel bad for people who flee their countries for a better life here but we have laws and they must be obeyed and enforced.I also would hope they will go home and demand better treatment and better conditions in their home countries since the USA cannot allow everyone in the world who wants to migrate to the USA to actually do so,for many reasons,including quality of life issues.
Someday soon world overpopulation must be dealt with and not swept under the rug until it is to late.
If we get rid of nafta I am sure Dr. Paul would have programs beneficial,not only to our country,but to all the countries we deal with.
February 5th, 2008 at 12:09 am
Ron Paul has a very libertarian immigration policy. In fact, it is the same policy supported by the Nobel Prize winning economist Milton Friedman, who was also a libertarian.
Both Dr Friedman and Dr Paul recognise that freer immigration can be beneficial — indeed, immigrants contributed in many positive ways to America during the early 20th century. But the fact is that we have a welfare state that makes freer immigration impossible at the present time without imposing costs on taxpayers. Once the welfare state is reduced, argue Friedman and Paul, then illegal immigrants can stop being made the “scapegoat”. In a healthy economy, we could increase the number of legal immigrants.
But illegal immigration must stop. And this is perfectly compatible with libertarianism, contrary to what people at the Cato Institute and Reason Magazine have been saying.
February 5th, 2008 at 12:40 am
Perfectly stated Pablo!
February 5th, 2008 at 7:07 am
Bleeo,I think your math is off.It woul be billions not trillions
February 5th, 2008 at 9:08 am
The ROOT CAUSE of the problem is the companies in Mexico (many of them former american based factories) pay very little. They sold out USA workers for cheap labor! Mexico has a very corrupt system.
We need to convince the people of Mexico that they deserve to have the same wages as us (in Mexico) and they need to change the goverment of Mexico.
The question has to be asked how can a country right next to the USA be poor? Why do people risk their very lives sneaking over here? Why don’t their people make a fair wage? We need to start FAIR not FREEE TRADE with Mexico. Free trade? People with no money cannot buy things.
We need to charge the people that signed NAFTA and other “free trade” agreements with treason because that is what it is.
But none dare call it treason.