Dems Debate Immigration

By Jeralyn, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Sun Sep 09, 2007 at 10:15:35 PM EST
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The Democratic candidates held their first debate broadcast in Spanish on Univison. On immigration:

Clinton criticized the immigration bill proposed in the last Congress, dominated by Republicans. That legislation would have penalized those who help illegal immigrants. "I said it would have criminalized the good Samaritan. It would have criminalized Jesus Christ," she said.

Bill Richardson, showing off:

Richardson, one of two candidate who speak fluent Spanish, objected to the debate rules that required all candidates to answer in English. The rule was designed to make sure that no candidate had an advantage in appealing to the Spanish-speaking audience.

Mike Gravel:

"I honor everyone who comes to this country as an immigrant because we are all immigrants."

Dennis Kucinich was the only candidate endorsing Spanish as America's second language. Joe Biden didn't attend the debate.

The Washington Post has more on the debate.

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Dems Debate Immigration | 14 comments (14 topical)

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Wall (none / 0) (#1)
by Jgarza on Sun Sep 09, 2007 at 11:29:13 PM EST

I didn't see it, but i hear Hillary came out in favor of the wall. Is that true? Did anyone else?

The aricle reports (none / 0) (#2)
by Jeralyn on Sun Sep 09, 2007 at 11:43:34 PM EST

all of them were asked why they support a fence along Mexico and not along Canada.

Most avoided answering directly, saying simply that they believed security was a key part of comprehensive immigration reform.
"I do favor more security on the border and in some cases a physical border because that has to be part of securing our borders," Clinton said.

Obama said he supported last year's immigration reform bill (which included the wall.)

Richardson said he opposed the wall.

If you're going to build a 12 foot wall. You know what's going to happen? A lot of 13-foot ladders."

Immigration debate in Spanish (none / 0) (#5)
by rudy on Mon Sep 10, 2007 at 10:01:09 AM EST

I am irate that the Dems did this debate for the Hispanic community. It should have been in English because if they are U.S. citizens who are able to vote for these candidates, they should know English.

Also, the problem isn't immigration, its ILLEGAL immigration.


: History lesson (none / 0) (#6)
by Jgarza on Mon Sep 10, 2007 at 10:44:31 AM EST

I guess that makes sense, if you ignore the entire history of American. In central Texas up until the 60's ballots were printed in both German and English. If you look back at the history of the US, even when not done in an official manner, efforts have been made to allow non English speakers to vote.
Stop watching Lou Dobbs, he is a xenophobic republican, and his show has misleading information.

: You could just as easily say.... (none / 0) (#13)
by kdog on Mon Sep 10, 2007 at 01:13:51 PM EST

the problem isn't immigration, but immigration law.

Hillary lied (none / 0) (#3)
by LonewackoDotCom on Mon Sep 10, 2007 at 01:46:05 AM EST

Here are excerpts from the transcript.

Hillary says:

When the House passed a bill, they tried to criminalize anyone who helped an illegal immigrant, anyone who gave them medical care, any church that opened up to give them food at a dinner or breakfast.

Which is, quite simply, a lie. That was directed at human smugglers, not those who pass out food. Even Cardinal Mahony admitted to "exaggerating" about that.

And, the bit above about Richardson's complaint softsoaps what he actually said:

I was under the impression that in this debate Spanish was going to be permitted because I've always supported Univision all my career, but I'm disappointed today that 43 million Latinos in this country, for them not to hear one of their own speak Spanish -- (applause) -- is unfortunate.

It was not a lie (none / 0) (#7)
by Jeralyn on Mon Sep 10, 2007 at 11:46:30 AM EST

that would have been the effect of the bill and I wrote about it several times, as did the mainstream media. Don't call people liars here or your comment will be deleted. I'll probably delete this one later.


: Will (none / 0) (#14)
by Wile ECoyote on Tue Sep 11, 2007 at 11:03:18 AM EST

you delete the posts of people who call Gen. Petreus a liar?

Gravel is mistakened; we're not all immigrants. (none / 0) (#4)
by fafnir on Mon Sep 10, 2007 at 03:30:36 AM EST

Most of us were born in America; we're natives.

Additionally, not everyone is a decendent of an immigrant. Many were brought to America against their will as slaves.

Speaking of illegal immigration, (none / 0) (#8)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Sep 10, 2007 at 01:05:54 PM EST

this is the latest I could find on that big leather factory bust in MA last spring.

Note that the owner was given special allowence to leave the country for a trip - and that he came back.

August 10, 2007 6:00 AM
BOSTON -- Michael Bianco Inc. owner Francesco Insolia and two of the company's managers pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court Thursday to federal immigration charges that could land him in prison for a decade.
[...]
The defendants are scheduled to appear again in federal court on Sept. 18 before Judge Leo T. Sorokin.
[...]
While about 60 of those arrested were immediately released to care for their children, 300 were taken to a former military facility in western Massachusetts. A total of 206 of the arrested immigrants were flown to jails in Texas.
[...]
While about 40 of those arrested in March have been deported, and 80 remain incarcerated in Texas, the majority are out on bail, waiting as their cases work their way through immigration court. Many of them will eventually be deported.
[...]
Mr. Insolia was allowed by the court to travel to Panama in July on a humanitarian mission.

Oops, (none / 0) (#9)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Sep 10, 2007 at 01:06:50 PM EST

link here.


: Thanks bro.... (none / 0) (#12)
by kdog on Mon Sep 10, 2007 at 01:12:56 PM EST

Got a link on that buddy? (none / 0) (#10)
by kdog on Mon Sep 10, 2007 at 01:09:59 PM EST

I'd like to check it out....especially the bit about 80 folks still being held.


: Here you (none / 0) (#11)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Sep 10, 2007 at 01:12:48 PM EST

go.