The Presidential Candidates on Immigration

As we approach the 2008 Presidential election, both John McCain and Barack Obama are sharpening their perspectives on immigration policy.  Both candidates addressed their viewpoints on immigration in recent appearances before the National Council of La Raza, a Hispanic American advocacy group.  Some commentators have noted that the candidates have a similar view on immigration: both voted for the fence along the Mexican border; both support a path to legalization for illegal immigrants that includes learning English and paying fines; and both would like to build a stronger alliance with Mexico.  However, the candidates also are attempting to draw distinctions and attack the opponent.  Obama has criticized McCain for adopting a more aggressive stance against illegal immigration (McCain has emphasized securing the border first subsequent to sponsoring a 2007 bill that would have provided a path to legalization for illegal immigrants) while McCain has criticized Obama for having never visited Iraq, Colombia or Mexico.  For more information on their positions, visit the websites of John McCain and Barack Obama.

Note: This article was published in the July 2008 issue of the Immigration eAuthority.