Congresswoman Bachmann states that she believes that US immigration laws are valid and should be enforced. She states on her official website that the mistake of giving blanket amnesty in 1986 should not be repeated again, and that US laws already in existence should be enforced. She opposed President Bush's attempts to grant amnesty through a comprehensive immigration system.
In 2008, Congresswoman Bachmann spoke about an accident where an illegal immigrant killed 4 children in Minnesota and called for the borders to be secured and US laws to be enforced.
In 2009, Congresswoman Bachmann noted that part of her opposition to the proposed US health care laws was that illegal immigrants would be covered under the plan. Congresswoman Bachmann supported Arizona's attempts to enforce US laws through SB1070.
O'Reilly Show
In March of 2008, Congresswoman Bachmann appeared on the O'Reilly show and discussed a recent accident where an illegal immigrant killed 4 children in Minnesota. She stated that the immigration issue was one of anarchy versus the rule of law.
Tinklenberg / Bachmann Debate
In October of 2008, Congresswoman Bachmann participated in a debate with Elwyn Tinklenberg for the 2008 elections. When asked about immigration reform, Congresswoman Bachmann called for sealing the borders. She stated that she opposed President Bush's proposals for amnesty.
Support for English Speaking Efforts
In May of 2009, Congresswoman Bachmann released a statement noting an award she received for promoting english.
Bachmann Honored For Efforts to Promote English U.S. English Presents her with “A in English” Award for her Legislative Work
Washington, D.C., May 9, 2008 -
Today, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) was recognized by the nonpartisan advocacy group U.S. English for her dedication to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States. Bachmann was one of a select number of House members honored with an "A in English" award based on her votes and co-sponsorships of English legislation in the 110th Congress.
"Sharing a common language helps to bring people together and to give new immigrants a faster ladder to success," said Bachmann. "I am thrilled to be receiving this award and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to promote the English language in America."
"A in English" honors were awarded to members who received "A" grades on the U.S. English, Inc. legislative scorecard for the 110th Congress. Legislation that factored into the decision included co-sponsorship of H.R. 997, the English Language Unity Act, as well as a series of Congressional votes on reducing multilingualism mandates in government and permitting employers the flexibility to enact English-in-the-Workplace policies.
"I am pleased to present this award to Rep. Bachmann for her efforts to unite our diverse nation under the common language of English," said Mauro E. Mujica, Chairman of the Board of U.S. English. "At a time when there is renewed interest toward preserving what unites us as a nation, we are grateful to Rep. Bachmann for her dedicated and enthusiastic support of this issue."
Illegal Immigrants and Health Care
In July of 2009, Congresswoman Bachmann wrote an op-ed discussing the availability of US funded health care to citizens of other nations.
Health Care Bill to Cover Illegal Immigrants 7/28/2009 | Email Michele Bachmann | All Posts By Blogger
One of the hot points of contention throughout the health care debate has been whether coverage will extend to illegal immigrants.
Roll Call reports that last Friday, leaders of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) met with Speaker Pelosi to "reiterate that illegal immigrants should be covered under health care reform legislation" that comes out of the House.
"Asked if CHC leaders will ask Pelosi to specifically spell something out in the bill to address illegal immigrants, [one] Member said no. Rather, the Member said the CHC simply wants to make sure the bill — as drafted — doesn’t prohibit illegal immigrants from accessing care. 'Sometimes if you don’t say something, something happens,' said the Hispanic lawmaker."
Interesting. Especially when you put it in the context of the House Ways and Means Committee's party-line vote to reject a commonsense amendment that would have ensured that illegal immigrants are not covered. The amendment, offered by Nevada Republican Dean Heller, would have simply required that the same citizenship verification mechanisms used to screen welfare recipients be used to screen health benefits recipients.
The relationship between illegal immigrants and our nation's health care system is one that cannot be overlooked. In 2006, the Census Bureau reported that there were 46.6 million people without health insurance of which about 9.5 million were not United States citizens. The expense of illegal immigrants' health care in California, for instance, has become so unbearable that many municipalities had to eliminate this benefit to save tens of millions of dollars. Texas estimates that illegal immigrants cost hospitals there $1.3 billion in 2006 alone.
It's clear that a bill that is silent on eligibility means a bill that includes illegal immigrants.
Support for the Arizona Law
In May of 2010, Congresswoman Bachmann was asked in an interview about the Arizona law to enforce immigration laws and stated that she supported Arizona's efforts and that most of the people in Arizona and in the US supported those laws.
Reagan Debate
In September of 2011, Congresswoman Bachmann participated in the Republican debate at the Reagan library. She speaks about the need for the fence on the border, her view that illegal aliens should not be given benefits, and her support for amnesty for those already here provided that they meet a given criteria.
BACHMANN: Well, again, understand the context and the problem that we're dealing with.
In Mexico right now, we're dealing with narco terrorists. This is a very serious problem. To not build a border or a fence on every part of that border would be, in effect, to yield United States sovereignty not only to our nation anymore, but to yield it to another nation. That we cannot do.
One thing that the American people have said to me over and over again -- and I was just last week down in Miami. I was visiting the Bay of Pigs Museum with Cuban-Americans. I was down at the Versailles Cafe. I met with a number of people, and it's very interesting. The Hispanic-American community wants us to stop giving taxpayer- subsidized benefits to illegal aliens and benefits, and they want us to stop giving taxpayer-subsidized benefits to their children as well.
HARRIS: A quick 30-second rebuttal on the specific question.
The fence is built, the border is under control. What do you do with 11.5 million people who are here without documents and with U.S.- born children?
BACHMANN: Well, that's right. And again, it is sequential, and it depends upon where they live, how long they have been here, if they have a criminal record. All of those things have to be taken into place.
But one thing that we do know, our immigration law worked beautifully back in the 1950s, up until the early 1960s, when people had to demonstrate that they had money in their pocket, they had no contagious diseases, they weren't a felon. They had to agree to learn to speak the English language, they had to learn American history and the Constitution.
And the one thing they had to promise is that they would not become a burden on the American taxpayer. That's what we have to enforce.
TEA Party Debate
In September of 2011, Congresswoman Bachmann participated in the TEA party debate. She stated then that immigration laws were changes in the 1980's and that led to increased illegal immigration into the nation.
BLITZER: You heard some boos there. But go ahead, Congresswoman Bachmann, is that basically the DREAM Act that President Obama wants as well?
BACHMANN: Yes, it's very similar. And I think that the American way is not to give taxpayer subsidized benefits to people who have broken our laws or who are here in the United States illegally. That is not the American way. Because the immigration system in the United States worked very, very well up until the mid-1960s when liberal members of Congress changed the immigration laws.
What works is to have people come into the United States with a little bit of money in their pocket legally with sponsors so that if anything happens to them, they don't fall back on the taxpayers to take care of them. And then they also have to agree to learn the speak the English language, learn American history and our constitution. That's the American way.
Fox News / Google Debate
In September of 2011, Congresswoman Bachmann participated in the Fox News / Google debate. She was asked about immigration there and stated that she would end entitlements for illegal aliens and their children and that she would put a fence on every foot of the border.
CHRIS WALLACE, FOX NEWS: Congresswoman Bachmann, as you well know, a number of states are trying to crack down on illegal immigration. We got a bunch of questions on immigration like this one from Tim Emerson, this is a text question so you don't need to look up there. Tim Emerson of California.
He wrote this, "would you support each state enforcing the immigration laws since the federal government is not?" Congresswoman, could you answer Tim's question? And if your answer is yes, how do you square that with the constitution which says that congress has the power to establish a uniform rule of naturalization?
BACHMANN: Well, the reason why he's asking this question is because the federal government has failed the American people and has failed the states. It's reprehensible that President Obama has sued the state of Arizona and the governor of Arizona for trying to protect the people in Arizona. That's wrong. (APPLAUSE)
BACHMANN: As president of the United States, I would do what my job would demand of me. That's to uphold the sovereignty of the United States of America.
To do that, I would build a fence on America's southern border on every mile, on every yard, on every foot, on every inch of the southern border. I think that's what we have to do, not only build it, but then also have sufficient border security and enforce the laws that are on the books with the ICE agents, with our border security.
And here's the other thing I would do. I would not allow taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal aliens or for their children.
(APPLAUSE)
BACHMANN: That's a madness. End the madness for illegal aliens to come into the United States of America.
Western Debate
In October of 2011, Congresswoman Bachmann participated in the Western Debate in Las Vegas. She stated that she had signed a pledge to build a fence on the border within a couple of years. She also stated that she would enforce English as the national language and that anyone entering the US would not be eligible for benefits. She is later asked about the 17th amendment and anchor babies.
COOPER: Congresswoman Bachmann, do you agree with Governor Perry?
(APPLAUSE)
BACHMANN: Well, I think the person who really has a problem with illegal immigration in the country is President Obama. It's his uncle and his aunt who are illegal aliens...
(APPLAUSE)
... who've been allowed to stay in this country, despite the fact that they're illegal.
This last Saturday, I was the very first candidate that signed a pledge that said that, by a date certain, I will build a double-walled fence with -- with an area of security neutrality in between. I will build that, because this is what we know. This is an economics issue and a jobs issue. Every year...
COOPER: You're saying you would build a fence along the entire border? BACHMANN: I will build it on the entire border, and I'll tell you why. Every year, it costs this country $113 billion in the costs that we put out to pay for illegal aliens. It costs the state and local government of that amount $82 billion. For every household of an American citizen, it costs us $1,000 a year. We are robbing the household of Americans who can't afford that.
I will build the fence. I will enforce English as the official language of the United States government.
(APPLAUSE)
And every -- every person who comes into this country will have to agree that they will not receive taxpayer-subsidized benefits of any American citizen...
COOPER: Time.
BACHMANN: Thank you.
...
COOPER: To the question on the 14th Amendment, do you support repealing the 14th Amendment?
PERRY: No.
COOPER: No, you do not?
PERRY: I do not.
COOPER: Congresswoman Bachmann, do you support it?
BACHMANN: I think there's a very real issue with magnets in this country. And I think the issue that you're referring to is the issue of anchor babies. And that's an issue that -- I was just in Arizona this last weekend, and the state is very concerned, because when someone comes illegally across the border, specifically for the purpose of utilizing American resources for having a baby here, then all of the welfare benefits then attach to that baby.
This is an issue that we don't have to deal with the Constitution. This is an issue that we can deal with legislatively. And there are a lot of Americans that would like us to deal with this issue of anchor babies legislatively.
CNN National Security Debate
On November 22, 2011, Congresswoman Bachmann participated in the national security debate on CNN. Congresswoman Bachmann notes her view that granting citizenship to millions of illegal aliens is indeed amnesty. She also notes that she opposes the DREAM Act and other magnets.
BLITZER: Congresswoman Bachmann, you agree with the speaker?
BACHMANN: Well, I don't agree that you would make 11 million workers legal, because that, in effect, is amnesty. And I also don't agree that you would give the DREAM Act on a federal level. And those are two things that I believe that the speaker had been for, and he can speak for himself.
But those are two areas that I don't agree with. What I do think, though, is what Steve -- what Steve Jobs said to President Obama. He had said to President Obama that he had to move a great deal of his operation over to China because he couldn't find 30,000 engineers to be able to do the work that needed to be done.
That's what we want to do. We do want to have people. And I agree with the speaker, people like chemists and engineers, and people who are highly skilled.
We think about the United States and what's in the best interests of the United States. If we can utilize these workers, like Steve jobs wanted to, then we need to offer those visas. That will help the United States. But I don't agree that we should make 11 million workers who are here illegally legal.
BLITZER: Let me let the speaker respond to that.
GINGRICH: Well, I mean, two things, first of all, in the DREAM Act, the one part that I like is the one which allows people who came here with their parents to join the U.S. military, which they could have done if they were back home, and if they serve on it with the U.S. military to acquire citizenship, which is something any foreigner can do.
And I don't see any reason to punish somebody who came here at three years of age, but who wants to serve the United States of America. I specifically did not say we'd make the 11 million people legal.
I do suggest if you go back to your district, and you find people who have been here 25 years and have two generations of family and have been paying taxes and are in a local church, as somebody who believes strongly in family, you'll have a hard time explaining why that particular subset is being broken up and forced to leave, given the fact that they've been law-abiding citizens for 25 years.
BLITZER: Congresswoman Bachmann, you want to respond?
(APPLAUSE)
BACHMANN: If I understood correctly, I think the speaker just said that that would make 11 people -- 11 million people who are here illegally now legal. That's really the issue that we're dealing with. And also, it would be the DREAM Act, the federal DREAM Act, which would offer taxpayer-subsidized benefits to illegal aliens. We need to move away from magnets (ph), not offer more.
Huckabee Forum
In December of 2011, Congresswoman Bachmann participated in a forum that was hosted by Mike Huckabee. She states there that she would actually abide by US laws and enforce immigration laws through ICE.
Official Website Statements
Immigration
The United States is a nation founded by immigrants and prides itself on the principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Obtaining the “American Dream” is an inherent part of our nation’s spirit and we should encourage those who enter our country legally to achieve it. However, we are also a nation founded on the rule of law and we must ensure U.S. immigration laws are respected and enforced to preserve our national security; protect federal, state, and local budgets; and curb unfair strain on our country’s job markets.
The last time our immigration laws were overhauled was in 1986, when Congress granted amnesty to almost three million illegal immigrants in the U.S. and promised increased border security in the near future. Twenty years later, the number of illegal immigrants in our country has quadrupled, with no end in sight. Rather than repeating the mistakes of our past, I believe Congress must work to secure our nation’s borders and enforce the immigration laws already in place. Once this is achieved, improvements to the current system can be considered.
Those who approach our immigration system legally and work through the established process should be welcomed. However, any proposal for reform must not reward those who choose to break our laws by entering the country illegally.
Makes English the official language of the United States. Requires, subject to exceptions and rules of construction, that: (1) official functions of the United States be conducted in English; and (2) all naturalization ceremonies be conducted in English. Establishes a uniform English language rule for naturalization. Makes English language requirements and workplace policies, whether in the public or private sector, presumptively consistent with the laws of the United States.
To declare English as the official language of the United States, to establish a uniform English language rule for naturalization, and to avoid misconstructions of the English language texts of the laws of the United States, pursuant to Congress' powers to provide for the general welfare of the United States and to establish a uniform rule of naturalization under article I, section 8, of the Constitution.
Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) increases in Border Patrol and investigative personnel; (2) recruitment of former military personnel; (3) use of Department of Defense (DOD) equipment; (4) infrastructure improvements; (5) aerial and other surveillance; (5) a national strategy to secure the borders; (6) emergency deployment of Border Patrol agents; and (7) expansion of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism along the northern and southern borders. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and specified maritime law sections to revise alien smuggling provisions. Sets forth provisions respecting border security on certain federal lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior. Border Law Enforcement Act - Authorizes a border relief grant program for a tribal, state, or local law enforcement agency in a county within 25 miles of the southern border of the United States. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to make the basic employment eligibility confirmation pilot program permanent. Sets forth conditions for the mandatory use of the E-verify system. Requires: (1) employer/employee notification of social security number mismatches and multiple uses, and related information sharing with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and (2) establishment of electronic birth and death registration systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) penalize specified employers for failure to correct information returns; and (2) prohibit employers from deducting from gross income wages paid to unauthorized aliens, with an exception for an employer participating in the basic employment eligibility confirmation program. Increases criminal alien program (CAP) personnel. Establishes within DHS a rewards program to assist in the elimination of commercial operations to produce or sell fraudulent immigration-related documents and to assist in the investigation, prosecution, or disruption of commercial alien smuggling operations. Provides for: (1) increased alien detention facilities; (2) additional district court judgeships; and (3) a media campaign to inform the public of changes made by this Act including a multilingual media campaign explaining noncompliance penalties.
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to declare that, notwithstanding any other provision of the equal employment opportunities provisions of the Act, it is not an unlawful employment practice for an employer to require employees to speak English while engaged in work.
Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit the appropriate state or local election official from providing a federal election ballot to an individual who desires to vote in person unless the individual presents to the official: (1) a government-issued, current, and valid photo identification (ID); or (2) for regularly scheduled federal general elections held in November 2010 and subsequent years, a government-issued, current, and valid photo ID for which the individual was required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship as a condition for issuance of the ID. Requires an individual who does not present such an ID to be permitted to cast a provisional ballot in such an election. Requires such individual, however, to present the required ID within 48 hours after casting the provisional ballot, or the appropriate state or local election official may not determine the individual's eligibility to vote.Requires individuals who vote other than in person in a federal election (for example, by mail) to submit a copy of such a photo ID with a ballot, or the appropriate official may not accept the ballot. Exempts from this requirement the absentee ballot of any eligible overseas military voter absent from the United States by reason of active duty or service.Requires states to establish a program to provide photo IDs in accordance with this Act to individuals who desire to vote but do not otherwise possess a government-issued photo ID. Prescribes requirements for any state fee for providing such a photo ID. Requires the Election Assistance Commission to make payments to states to cover the costs incurred in providing photo IDs to individuals unable to afford the fee.
