John Edwards Immigration Reform: Illegal Aliens Should Pay a Fine to Become Citizens

A story on the Radio Iowa website reports that democratic presidential candidate John Edwards today outlined some of his immigration policy to Iowa voters. The headline of the article reads: “Edwards: immigrants need to learn the language of commerce.” (English) The most important and disturbing thing Edwards said about immigration, however, is buried in the body of the article:

During a campaign event today in Des Moines, a man who described himself as “an advocate for immigrants” asked Edwards for his thoughts on the issue. “You’re going to like some of what I have to say and you’re not going to like some it, but I’m going to tell you what I believe,” Edwards told the crowd.

Edwards has answered Iowans’ questions about immigration policy in many forums here. “I do think that somebody who came here illegally…should pay a fine. I don’t think we should pretend it didn’t happen and the second thing is — more controversial — I think they should learn to speak English,” Edwards said, to applause from the crowd of more than 200. “But I am strongly in favor of comprehensive reform.”

According to Edwards, what is happening along the southern border is “unacceptable” and security needs to be beefed up with more border agents and better technology to track people trying to enter the country illegally. “We should crack down on employers who are knowingly violating the law and exploiting workers,” Edwards said, to applause.

Edwards contends those who are currently in the country illegally should have some way to “earn” citizenship by paying a fine. “I don’t think we should have 11 (or) 12 million people — whatever the best estimate is — living in this country and living in the shadows,” Edwards said. “I don’t think that’s right. I don’t think that’s who we are.”

http://www.radioiowa.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objectid=913199D6-E6BE-FFCF-BC455791812F198B

Wow. Pay a fine for coming here illegally and you can become a citizen? Talk about comprehensive immigration policy change. And in what way will this stem the flood of illegal aliens Mr. Edwards? And, since you advocate so heartily for the poor, would the fine be low enough so as not to hinder the illegal aliens who work for wages? Better yet, why not make it an entitlement that the US government pay the fine for these folks so as not to discriminate against those who are poor?

The pandering for votes to the detriment of our country is apalling Mr. Edwards. Of course, this isn’t the first time you have done so in this so-far short election season. What more can you think up in the next 18 months??