Ending the Tide of Illegal Immigration

Immigration has been an important part of our nation's success. The current system, however, puts up a concrete wall to the best and brightest, yet those without skill or education are able to walk across the border. We must reform the current immigration laws so we can secure our borders, implement a mandatory biometrically enabled, tamper proof documentation and employment verification system, and increase legal immigration into America.

"We need to make America more attractive for legal immigrants -- for citizens -- and less attractive for illegal immigrants. I want to see more immigration in our country, but more legal immigration and less illegal immigration."

Governor Romney, AP, June 23, 2006

Governor Mitt Romney's Immigration Policy

Press Releases, Quotes, Speeches, and Videos from Mitt Romney about Immigration organized by year

2003

05-01-2003, Romney vows to protect English Immersion law

2005

01-28-2005, Romney expands adult basic education for immigrants

2006

12-13-2006, Agreement permits specially trained State Troopers to enforce federal immigration law

Immigration Questions for Governor Mitt Romney

Mitt Romney Illegal Immigration Quotes

2003

“The voters have spoken loud and clear on the issue of bilingual education. We need to respect the wishes of the people of Massachusetts and recognize that immersion creates a level playing field in our classrooms that allows non-English speakers to succeed,” Romney said.

Governor Mitt Romney, 05-01-2003 Press Release

2005

“For generations of immigrants, learning English has been the key to unlocking the American Dream,” said Romney. “My proposal will give thousands more the opportunity to achieve success for themselves and their families.”

Governor Mitt Romney, 01-28-2005 Press Release

2006

“The scope of our nation’s illegal immigration problem requires us to pursue and implement new solutions wherever possible. State Troopers are highly trained professionals who are prepared to assist the federal government in apprehending immigration violators without disrupting their normal law enforcement routines.”

Governor Mitt Romney, 12-13-2006 Press Release

"It's one more thing you can do to make this a less attractive place for illegal aliens to come to work."

Governor Mitt Romney, “Romney Wants State Troopers to Arrest Illegals”, 06-21-2006, Yvonne Abraham & Scott Helman, The Boston Globe

"The current system puts up a concrete wall to the best and brightest, yet those without skill or education are able to walk across the border. We must reform the current immigration laws so we can secure our borders...and increase legal immigration into America."

Governor Mitt Romney

"There's only one condition on getting your Ph.D. here in the U.S. and that is: You leave as soon as you get it," he told New Hampshire Republicans gathered for their annual convention. "Let me tell you, you get a Ph.D. here in one of our great institutions, I want you to stay. . . . It makes no sense that we put up a big concrete wall against those who have education and skills but our doors have been wide open to people that have neither."

Governor Mitt Romney

"Immigration has been an important part of our nation’s success. The current system, however, puts up a concrete wall to the best and brightest, yet those without skill or education are able to walk across the border. We must reform the current immigration laws so we can secure our borders, implement a mandatory biometrically enabled, tamper proof documentation and employment verification system, and increase legal immigration into America.

Governor Mitt Romney's PAC

"The current system puts up a concrete wall to the best and brightest, yet those without skill or education are able to walk across the border. We must reform the current immigration laws so we can secure our borders...and increase legal immigration into America."

Governor Mitt Romney

Gov. Mitt Romney visits Columbia, South Carolina and speaks on immigration and more at local dinner

Gov. Mitt Romney visits Columbia, South Carolina

Romney vetoed a bill in 2004 that would have allowed illegal immigrants to obtain in-state tuition rates at state colleges if they graduated from a Massachusetts high school after attending it for at least three years and signed an affidavit affirming that they intended to seek citizenship. Romney vowed to veto the bill again if it ever made it to his desk, arguing that the bill would cost the state government $15 million and that the state should not reward illegal immigration. In 2005, the bill was reintroduced to the House, backed by Representative Marie St. Fleur. The in-state immigrant tuition bill was brought to another vote on January 11, 2006 and was overwhelmingly defeated by a total of 96-57 . Romney applauded the decision.

We need:

Strong border and internal enforcement and security;
An enhanced, fair and workable employee verification system that eliminates the burden and uncertainty of the current workplace enforcement system;
A temporary worker program that enables willing foreign workers to be matched with participating employers to meet increasing workforce needs;
Provisions that will allow undocumented workers to earn legal status so that they can continue to remain in the workforce.

An enthusiastic supporter of legal immigration, Mr. Romney not only opposes illegal immigration, but he told National Review that he is also "against an amnesty and against anything that provides an incentive for people to come here illegally." - http://washtimes.com/op-ed/20060314-095241-8553r.htm