Immigration always seems to be a popular area of debate centered around presidential elections. The candidates have differing views but all seem to agree that reform is needed. Below is a summary some of the immigration proposals and initiatives the three democratic candidates and Joe Biden, not an official candidate but rumored to consider running.
Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton has been a leader in the democratic race for several months now. Clinton has allegedly stated that she would like to see immigrants have a path to citizenship. It is reported that she thinks undocumented immigrants should pay a fine to make up for illegal entry and be willing to pay any back taxes. She reportedly noted however that undocumented immigrants who committed a crime should not be allowed to stay in the United States.
Bernie Sanders
Bernie Sanders is a democratic candidate for the 2016 presidential race. On his website Sanders states that he supports “fair and human immigration.” He reportedly pledges that he will sign a comprehensive immigration reform into law in order to help the 11 million undocumented workers come out of the shadows. He also states that he is opposed to building a border fence as a mechanism to prevent undocumented immigrants from coming into the US.
More specifically he would work to reform immigration by expanding DACA, to include parents of citizens, parents of legal permanent residents and parents of DREAMERS. Going along with expanding DACA to DREAMERS, he would sign the DREAM act. Sanders also reportedly pledges on his website that he would authorize and increase funding for representation to guest workers who need legal protection against employers. Additionally, Sanders reportedly intends to increase prevailing wages and rewrite certain Trade Agreements.
Martin O’Malley
Martin O’Malley is a former Governor of Maryland and democratic hopeful for the presidential nomination. O’Malley reportedly intends to expand Obama’s executive action for immigration reform and urge Congress to create a bipartisan deal for comprehensive immigration reform. It is also reported that O’Mally’s immigration position includes providing deportation relief to millions of undocumented immigrants. O’Mally also allegedly has indicated that he supports an end to restrictions limiting health care access for undocumented immigrants. While he was Governor of Maryland he supported immigration reform by signing the DREAM act into law.
Joe Biden
Joe Biden has not announced his intention to seek the democratic nomination but there are rumors that he may be a contender. If Biden were to run it appears that he would be in support of a comprehensive immigration bill. He has indicated that he supports earned citizenship for undocumented immigrants residing in the country and he would support providing the 11 million undocumented US population with a path to citizenship.
Immigration issues can be serious and often speaking to an immigration attorney can be a good strategy. Contact the Law Offices of Sweta Khandelwal to discuss any immigration issue affecting your life. Attorney Khandelwal is an immigration attorney with more than 10 years experience in the immigration field.
Cited Sources:
A Fair and Human Immigration Policy,Bernie 2016
