Jon Huntsman on Immigration

Summary

Governor Huntsman supports amnesty for illegal aliens and opposes efforts to remove benefits for illegal aliens or enforce US laws. He supports the DREAM Act and a pathway to citizeship, but has not put forth a specific plan to achieving amnesty. He has stated that the American people would not accept amnesty through immigration reform without first securing the southern border.

In 2002, Governor Huntsman fought against efforts of state legislators to overturn state laws that allow illegal aliens to pay in-state tuition.

In a 2011 interview, Governor Huntsman stated that illegal immigrants who want to integrate into the American system and are willing to do what needs to do be done and work hard should be given an in-tuition tuition break. He stated that this integrates them into the system and makes them ultimately contribute to our country.

At a campaign event in 2011, Governor Huntsman stated that although he was personally opposed to border fences, he understood that one would be necessary to secure the border. He stated that in dealing with immigrants here in the US illegally, removing them from the country was not reasonable. He continued this reasoning in a later interview, noting that the American people would not be willing to accept adjusting the status of those in the US to a legal one until the southern border was secure.

In a 2011 CNN appearance, Governor Huntsman stated that he supported a "pathway to citizenship" as the most feasible form of amnesty. He stated that fines could be issued and other requirements such as learning insurance could be enforced.

In-State Tuition Rates

When Governor Huntsman came into office, legislation was already in place to allow people in the country illegally to attend college in the country and to pay in-state tuition rates. In 2002, state legislators made efforts to overturn this law. Governor Huntsman responded to these efforts by stating that he would consider vetoing such legislation if it ever passed.

I'm going to fight it. (I would) very seriously consider vetoing (the legislation)

George Stephanopoulis Interview

In May of 2011, Governor Huntsman was interviewed by George Stephanopoulis. He is asked about his previous support for the DREAM Act and amnesty.

New Hampshire Campaign Event

In June of 2011, Governor Huntsman spoke at a campaign event in New Hampshire and discussed his opposition to a fence along the US-Mexico border. He also stated that sending people back to the country of origin was not a realistic method of solving illegal immigration.

I hate the thought of a fence on the border. I mean, for me, as an American, the thought of a fence to some extent repulses me, because it is not consistent with … the image that we projected from the very beginning to the rest of the world.

But the situation is such today that I don’t think we have a choice, and before we begin the conversation of processing 11 or 12 million undocumented workers, we’ve got to secure the border.

... There’s got to be an alternative rather than sending people back. That’s unrealistic.

Iowa Debate

In August of 2011, Governor Huntsman participated in the Presidential debate in Ames, Iowa. In that debate he discussed his views that the border must be secure before the illegal immigrants here can be dealt with.

CNN Appearance

In August of 2011, Governor Huntsman appeared on CNN with Wolf Blitzer and discussed immigration he stated that securing the border would be the number one priority before the American people would accept amensty for the 12 million already in the US.

BLITZER: "And then would there be a pathway to citizenship for the 12 million or so illegal immigrants in the United States?"

HUNTSMAN: "Well, then you have to deal realistically with the fact that you've got 12 million people here who've broken the law. I think fines are in order, coming up with a process whereby they pay fines, the learn English, other criteria must be met. But there would be some sort of legitimate pathway that brings them into some safer status and out from the shadows."

Real Clear Politics Interview

In August of 2011, Governor Huntsman was interviewed by John King for Real Clear Politics. He is asked about his immigration policy and states that securing the border is the top priority. He notes that discussing anything else is not possible until the border is secure.

Reagan Debate

In September of 2011, Governor Huntsman participated in the Republican debate at the Reagan library. He was asked about his views on immigration and stated that people should keep in mind that the issue was that dealt with real people. He stated that yes they came here illegally, but a solution could be found that was optimistic.

TEA Party Debate

In September of 2011, Governor Huntsman participated in the Republican TEA Party debate. He spoke about his previous actions in giving driver's licenses to illegal aliens and his view on immigration.

Campaign Video

References

[1] Website: ABC News Article: Transcript: Exclusive Interview With Jon Huntsman Author: NA Accessed on: 08/17/2011

[2] Website: Real Clear Politics Article: Interview with Presidential Candidate Jon Huntsman Author: John King Accessed on: 08/17/2011

[3] Website: Salt Lake Tribune Article: Huntsman says border fence ‘repulses’ him, but may be necessary Author: ROBERT GEHRKE Accessed on: 08/18/2011

[4] Website: KSL.com Article: Governor Opposes Ending In-State Tuition for Illegal Immigrants Author: NA Accessed on: 08/18/2011

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