State of Massachusetts secondary Archives: on Immigration
Setti Warren:
Support sanctuary cities; oppose summary deportations
Fighting Trumps Immigration policy- Passing and Defending Newton's Welcoming City Ordinance (from Newton Wicked Local): "Mayor Setti Warren pulled no punches in his response to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions' statement
Monday that reaffirmed the Trump administration's vow to withhold federal funding from so-called "sanctuary cities."
- Slamming Governor Baker's Unconstitutional Deportation Bill: (from MassLive.com) "Gov.
Baker doesn't believe undocumented people deserve the due process rights guaranteed by the U.S. and Massachusetts state constitutions.
I believe everyone should be treated equally under the law."
- See my Facebook video on support for Safe Communities Act
Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Dec 20, 2017
Bob Massie:
Support Safe Communities over Trump's abhorrent ICE policies
I support the Safe Communities Act. Until that passes at the state level, I will support all local referenda that implement Safe Communities Act protections; keeping our law enforcement officers focused on local issues and not supporting the abhorrent
practices of President Trump's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).I was pleased by a recent Superior Court ruling that Massachusetts officers [cannot] arrest an individual solely on the basis of a Federal civil immigration detainer.
But we need to do more.
My mother is a first-generation Swiss immigrant. I have not forgotten my immigrant roots. We are all immigrants here. It's time we started treating all immigrants with respect and giving them our support.
Unlike Governor Baker, who jumped on the anti-Muslim bandwagon and blocked Syrian women and children entry to Massachusetts, my values regarding immigrants echo those emblazoned on the Statue of Liberty.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial website, BobMassie2018.com
Dec 19, 2017
Beth Lindstrom:
Against sanctuary cities
Lindstrom is starkly against sanctuary cities. "I support legal immigration; it makes our country rich and diverse,"
she said. "But I also believe there should be no sanctuary for anyone hiding from our immigration laws, and least of all for violent felons living in so-called 'sanctuary cities.'"
Source: The Lowell Sun on 2018 Massachusetts Senate race
Oct 15, 2017
Heidi Wellman:
Refugees must be vetted for threats
Why are the majority of immigrants arriving as refugees single men of military age?
We need to give our departments resources and authority to do their job.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Senatorial website HeidiForSenate.com
Oct 15, 2017
John Kingston:
Support Dreamers; expel others
We must reform our immigration system but we have to accept that there are many here who, through no fault of their own, have been raised in our country, and we must accept them as our fellow Americans.
I support sensible border security, increased interdiction and swift repatriation of those who arrive illegally. I oppose sanctuary cities and would vote to withhold federal aid to any city that seeks to defy federal law.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Senatorial website JohnKingston.com
Oct 15, 2017
Shiva Ayyadurai:
We need secure borders & clear enforcement
We need secure borders that safeguard our citizens and those that came here legally.
Without borders and clear enforcement, we don't have a country.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Senatorial website shiva4senate.com
Oct 15, 2017
Geoff Diehl:
Build wall; fight illegal immigration
Protecting our borders is about protecting our future. Illegal immigration jeopardizes national security and is costing us billions of tax dollars.
Geoff Diehl supports building the wall, requiring employer verification, withholding funds to sanctuary cities, and prohibiting illegal aliens from receiving taxpayer-funded government benefits.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Senatorial website DiehlForSenate.com
Oct 1, 2017
Setti Warren:
Local police shouldn't enforce immigration law
Police in Massachusetts should not be a part of Donald Trump's deportation force. The Commonwealth is already seeing the real life outcomes of President Trump's war on immigrants. Communities all over Massachusetts are living in fear that a knock on
their door in the middle of the night could mean losing a family member. Our neighborhoods are less safe when people who feel like they have to live in the shadows are afraid to talk to the police when they need help or witness a crime.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Gubernatorial website SettiWarren.com
Aug 31, 2017
Jesse Gordon:
Protecting DACA and DAPA is a good start
Q: Undocumented workers are reviled by some for political gain and shunted into the shadows. It is time for this disgraceful situation to end. We must pave the way for a swift legislative path to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants and
protect programs like DACA and DAPA. A: Agree.
Candidate's position on this issue: DACA and DAPA are a good start. I would support a legislative path to citizenship but I also support executive amnesty as a simpler and faster method.
Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Jul 31, 2017
Jesse Gordon:
Supports sanctuary cities, and states, and nations
Q: The inhumane deportation machine must be dismantled by ending deportation programs, closing down private detention centers, offering humane treatment and asylum to victims of violence and minors fleeing from dangerous circumstances. A: Agree.
Candidate's position on this issue: I support sanctuary cities, sanctuary states, and would prefer to make America a sanctuary nation, as our history supports.
Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Jul 31, 2017
Charlie Baker:
Open to ideas from Latino advisers on sanctuary state
Gov. Baker, not wanting to undercut a brand-new Latino advisory panel, said he would be a "hard sell" on making Massachusetts a sanctuary state, but admitted it wouldn't be the first time he's changed his mind. The bill, known as the Safe Communities
Act, would prohibit local police from asking about a person's immigration status or arresting someone solely because of their immigration status. "I've said many times that I think that decision should be made at the local level,"
Baker said at a press conference where he established a new Latino Advisory Committee.
Baker thus far has been consistent in his opposition to the bill, and reiterated that he gets "very nervous" about the idea of taking away the ability for local
officials to make decisions on law enforcement for their own communities. "That said, you don't put together a commission like this if you don't expect them to address some difficult issues, and I look forward to their recommendations," Baker said.
Source: Boston Metro on 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
Jul 12, 2017
Allen Waters:
Opposes sanctuary cities
Waters identified himself as a conservative Democrat from Mashpee and said he is running for the Republican nomination to combat "50 years of liberal failure on poverty" and to "protect our American culture." He explained he is conservative on many
issues, including gun rights, abortion, and the idea of "sanctuary cities," a term used to describe a community that limits its cooperation with the federal government when it comes to enforcing immigration laws.
Source: Greenfield Recorder on 2018 Massachusetts Senatorial race
Jun 1, 2017
Jay Gonzalez:
Opposes Trump's Muslim ban
On Challenging Baker: "Gov. Baker is a manager who manages, I think, small scale problems and tries to move things forward incrementally, kind of baby steps. But we have deep structural problems in Massachusetts that require us to be honest, face them,
and address them. There are problems with our democracy and defending our democracy from the attacks by the White House. So there are many, serious problems and he has not demonstrated a willingness to take them on.
"Gov. Baker has just taken down his periscope and gone under water. He didn't show up at the Women's March. He didn't go to the airport at the time of the Muslim ban. He didn't go to the Copley Square defense of our constitutional rights.
He didn't go to the Science March. I doubt he's going to the Climate March. He's doing whatever he can to keep his head low, and as a result I think he's actually betraying our politics and our citizens."
Source: WBUR.org on 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
May 8, 2017
Setti Warren:
Make City Hall an immigrant sanctuary to lead sanctuary city
Newton Mayor Setti Warren vows to open his own city hall as a safe haven for illegal immigrants if President Trump steps up deportations. "If in fact there are draconian measures taken by the federal government and people feel unsafe and they need
places to go, of course I would," Warren said. "I think that's who we are, that's who our values are. I think you'd find a lot of people in my city who would open their doors."
Despite threats from the Trump administration to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities, Warren continues to stand behind Newton's
Welcoming City Ordinance, saying it "demonstrated who we are and what we're trying to do--that we are welcoming to all people. It's really the effort we're making, and who we are, and our values, and how we do community policing."
Source: Boston Herald on 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
Mar 30, 2017
Jay Gonzalez:
No round-up of immigrants by National Guard
Gonzalez believes it's important for our Governor to make clear that Massachusetts would not participate in any plan now or in the future to round up undocumented immigrants. "Immigrants in our country are under attack by President Trump.
Now more than ever, we need a Governor who is going to stand up for every single person and make it crystal clear that hate and discrimination will not be tolerated," Gonzalez said."I call on Governor Baker to make clear that
Massachusetts will not participate if President Trump seeks to authorize the National Guard to round up undocumented immigrants in Massachusetts. Massachusetts has always stood for the values of inclusion, diversity, and compassion, and
Governor Baker should reassure our immigrant families today that he would not allow our National Guard to serve as an arm of President Trump's deportation forces."
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Governor campaign website jay4ma.com
Mar 11, 2017
Jay Gonzalez:
Safe Communities: no Muslim registry; no state enforcement
Jay Gonzalez urged Governor Baker to support the proposed Safe Communities Act and oppose federal efforts that would limit immigrant access to Massachusetts communities and would discriminate against immigrants and refugees based on religion and
national origin. The Safe Communities Act would:- Ensure Massachusetts does not aid in the creation of a Muslim registry by prohibiting the federal government from accessing state databases to use in any federal registry program based on
religion or national origin;
- Ensure anyone detained in the state is informed of their rights;
- Ensure that state, local, and campus police would not be forced to conduct immigration enforcement activities on behalf of the federal government.
Gonzalez said. "Massachusetts has a proud history of welcoming immigrants and refugees to our state. I am asking Governor Baker to fight back against President Trump's discriminatory immigration policies."
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Governor campaign website jay4ma.com
Mar 11, 2017
Martha Coakley:
Opposed services for illegal immigrants; now supports them
The five Democrats running for governor jousted over illegal immigration during a debate that also reflected broader philosophical agreements on many issues facing the candidates. Attorney General Martha Coakley faced several barbs from her rivals
over her previous opposition to driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants and her office's decision to disqualify a potential ballot question that would repeal the state's casino law.All five Democrats said they supported Somerville Mayor
Joseph Curtatone's recent decision to sign an executive order limiting the city's cooperation with the Secure Communities program, which partners local police with federal authorities to hold undocumented immigrants for possible deportation. Coakley
said the program was designed to help federal authorities remove threats to public safety from communities. "We know it's gone far too far," she said, by targeting many undocumented immigrants with no criminal background.
Source: WWLP 22-News on 2014 Massachusetts gubernatorial debate
Jun 10, 2014
Steve Grossman:
Local police helping deport illegals is a "blunt instrument"
All five Democrats said they supported Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone's recent decision to sign an executive order limiting the city's cooperation with the Secure Communities program, which partners local police with federal authorities to hold
undocumented immigrants for possible deportation. Grossman described Secure Communities as a "blunt instrument," but quickly pivoted to knock Coakley for opposing drivers' licenses for undocumented immigrants, which he called a public safety issue.
Grossman said he would support drivers' licenses and in-state tuition rates for undocumented immigrants.
Source: WWLP 22-News on 2014 Massachusetts gubernatorial debate
Jun 10, 2014
Brian Herr:
Create a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants
He wants to create a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, over a period of time, as long as they register and pay taxes on their wages. "I believe putting 10 million,
12 million people on a boat and saying off you go is absolutely the wrong approach," Herr said. "It's not going to solve problems. It's not the right thing, the humane thing to do."
Source: Springfield Republican on 2014 Massachusetts Senate race
Jan 30, 2014
Mike Lee:
I will make the "gang of eight" into a "gang of nine"
Q: When John Kerry left the Senate in January. you wrote a letter to the governor of Massachusetts in which you asked him to appoint you to the Senate on an interim basis. On immigration reform, you wrote, "I support the positions that President Obama
has taken on these issues."GOMEZ: I am for the immigration reform bill. That's the "gang of eight" [who support bipartisan comprehensive reform]. I want to make it a "gang of nine." I hope Senator Warren joins me and makes it a "gang of ten."
Source: Fox News Sunday on 2013 Massachusetts Senate debate
Jun 23, 2013
Karyn Polito:
Voted NO on in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants
Mass. Democratic Party Platform indicates voting YES in Part V: LABOR; Clause 13: Immigrant rights. [State Rep. Polito, a Republican, voted NO].This vote was on an amendment to a bill concerning in-state tuition rates. The amendment would allow
children of undocumented immigrants to access in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities rates provided they went to Massachusetts high school for three years, were in the process of becoming citizens or pledged to start the process once
they became eligible and could provide proof that they are state tax payers. Voting YES indicates support of more equal treatment for children of undocumented immigrants.
The relevant part of the MassDems Platform is Part V. LABOR, clause 13:
We believe that refugee and immigrant workers should have the same rights and protections... as do United States citizens.
Bill H. 1230 lines 17-23; vote number H329
Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org
Jan 11, 2006
Marty Walsh:
Voted YES on in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants
Mass. Democratic Party Platform indicates voting YES in Part V: LABOR; Clause 13: Immigrant rights. [State Rep. Walsh, a Democrat, voted YES].This vote was on an amendment to a bill concerning in-state tuition rates. The amendment would allow
children of undocumented immigrants to access in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities rates provided they went to Massachusetts high school for three years, were in the process of becoming citizens or pledged to start the process once
they became eligible and could provide proof that they are state tax payers. Voting YES indicates support of more equal treatment for children of undocumented immigrants.
The relevant part of the MassDems Platform is Part V. LABOR, clause 13:
We believe that refugee and immigrant workers should have the same rights and protections... as do United States citizens.
Bill H. 1230 lines 17-23; vote number H329
Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org
Jan 11, 2006
Karyn Polito:
Opposed two-way bilingual programs; supported English-only
Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform indicates voting YES in Part II: Education:Excellence, Equality & Community. [State Rep. Polito, a Republican, voted NO].Gov. Romney vetoed budget section 210, which says. "Section 4 of MGL chapter 71A is hereby
further amended to add:--"Foreign language classes for children who already know English, 2-way bilingual programs... shall be unaffected." [MGL chapter 71A requires English-only classroom teaching. Section 210 would exempt "2-way classes" in which some
students are native English speakers and some are non-native English speakers. A vote to override the Governor's veto would continue to allow that type of bilingual education although foreign-language classes without native English-speaking students woul
still be disallowed.]
The relevant part of the MassDems Platform is "We reaffirm our support for classroom programs, including Special and Bilingual Education"
Source citation: Excellence, Equality and Community; Bill Section 209 ; vote number 266
Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org
Jul 14, 2003
Marty Walsh:
Supported two-way bilingual programs; supported English-only
Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform indicates voting YES in Part II: Education:Excellence, Equality & Community. [State Rep. Walsh voted YES].Gov. Romney vetoed budget section 210, which says. "Section 4 of MGL chapter 71A is hereby
further amended to add:--"Foreign language classes for children who already know English, 2-way bilingual programs... shall be unaffected." [MGL chapter 71A requires English-only classroom teaching. Section 210 would exempt "2-way classes" in which some
students are native English speakers and some are non-native English speakers. A vote to override the Governor's veto would continue to allow that type of bilingual education although foreign-language classes without native English-speaking students woul
still be disallowed.]
The relevant part of the MassDems Platform is "We reaffirm our support for classroom programs, including Special and Bilingual Education"
Source citation: Excellence, Equality and Community; Bill Section 209 ; vote number 266
Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org
Jul 14, 2003
Richard Tisei:
Opposed two-way bilingual programs; supported English-only
Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform indicates voting YES in Part II: Education:Excellence, Equality & Community. [State Sen. Tisei, a Republican, voted NO].Gov. Romney vetoed budget section 210, which says. "Section 4 of MGL chapter 71A is hereby
further amended to add:--"Foreign language classes for children who already know English, 2-way bilingual programs... shall be unaffected." [MGL chapter 71A requires English-only classroom teaching. Section 210 would exempt "2-way classes" in which some
students are native English speakers and some are non-native English speakers. A vote to override the Governor's veto would continue to allow that type of bilingual education although foreign-language classes without native English-speaking students woul
still be disallowed.]
The relevant part of the MassDems Platform is "We reaffirm our support for classroom programs, including Special and Bilingual Education"
Source citation: Excellence, Equality and Community; Bill Section 209 ; vote number 266
Source: Massachusetts Senate voting record via MassScorecard.org
Jul 14, 2003
Scott Brown:
Opposed two-way bilingual programs; supported English-only
Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform indicates voting YES in Part II: Education:Excellence, Equality & Community. [State Sen. Brown, a Republican, voted NO].Gov. Romney vetoed budget section 210, which says. "Section 4 of MGL chapter 71A is hereby
further amended to add:--"Foreign language classes for children who already know English, 2-way bilingual programs... shall be unaffected." [MGL chapter 71A requires English-only classroom teaching. Section 210 would exempt "2-way classes" in which some
students are native English speakers and some are non-native English speakers. A vote to override the Governor's veto would continue to allow that type of bilingual education although foreign-language classes without native English-speaking students woul
still be disallowed.]
The relevant part of the MassDems Platform is "We reaffirm our support for classroom programs, including Special and Bilingual Education"
Source citation: Excellence, Equality and Community; Bill Section 209 ; vote number 266
Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org
Jul 14, 2003
Page last updated: Feb 12, 2018