Alan's Positions

U.S. BORDER CONTROL AND IMMIGRATION

Unlike many countries throughout the world in which people are trying to escape, the United States has always been a country where people have been turning to as a beacon of freedom and opportunity.  But, we are now experiencing a tide of illegal immigration unprecedented in the history of this country.  An estimated eleven million illegal immigrants now reside within the United States, 60% of which have been here at least five years.

We need to shore up our borders and stem the tide of illegal immigration.  This may include holding those nations that are allowing "widespread" illegal immigration of their populations into the United States accountable for the costs incurred by our society to shore up our borders and manage their absorption. At the same time, we need to examine the role that we have played in encouraging this behavior.

Regarding the eleven million illegal immigrants who are already here, it is impractical and unreasonable to consider widespread deportation.  Instead, we need to integrate the majority of this population into our society.  This does not mean amnesty.  This means that we must screen these individuals (and consider deportation of those who have committed criminal acts), get those who need it into guest worker programs, and put these people on the path to legal immigration that every legal immigrant has had to follow.  At the same time, we need to examine the reason why we have so much illegal immigration and address those issues in a fashion that creates a positive impact on our society.

On another note, we need to make the immigration process a welcoming experience for our new citizens.  The processing time for the naturalization of immigrants who follow the rules is tedious and difficult, forcing many to work illegally because they oftentimes have to wait years for a response from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Department.  I support the evaluation of this process and its impact on new immigrants and will support legislation that will streamline this cumbersome process.

Regarding future immigration, we should protect American jobs.  But, we should also encourage immigration of those who can help us to develop new industries and induce job creation.  Also, we should encourage immigration in areas where we have workforce needs.  Regarding security, we should careful screen those applying for immigration.

Minnesota is a great example of a state that produces wonderful cooperation between our educational and research institutions, entrepreneurs, financial institutions and economic infrastructure to produce a vibrant economy.  We need to ensure that our immigration policy does not run contrary to this perspective.