SPIVACK PRESENTS IDEAS ON IMMIGRATION, LAMBASTS ‘RADICAL’ VOTE BY CASTLE

Recent report shows need for better laws, better enforcement, says Democrat

August 16th, 2006
NEWARK, Del. – Democratic Congressional Candidate Dennis Spivack released the following statement today in light of the report that showed Delaware’s immigrant population has increased by 40 percent in five years:

“For as long as I have lived here, Delaware has been a microcosm of our nation; a melting pot of cultures working together to help Delaware excel. I hope that we continue to welcome legal immigrants to Delaware and they know they will always find a welcoming community here to start a family.

However, today’s news also highlights something on the minds of every Delawarean: the growing illegal immigrant population. We have seen a growth in illegal immigration here, just like the rest of the country, and the situation begs for a resolution. Unfortunately, the step taken by Mike Castle and the Republican Congress was irresponsible, short-sighted, and radical.

Mike Castle voted for a bill (H.R. 4437) that would criminalize nuns, doctors, and priests – among others – if they gave any aid to an illegal immigrant in need. This bill has been criticized by politicians of both parties, and for good reason. There is no feasible way to deport the 12 to 20 million illegal immigrants in our country, nor is it the American way to build a 1200-mile wall along our border. We need comprehensive, responsible immigration reform. That means:

● Securing our border: A limited fence with vastly increased border patrol need to be the initial steps taken.
● Registering those already here: Those illegal immigrants without criminal records, who are working, who pay back taxes,
and can (or are learning how to) speak English should go to the back of the proverbial immigration line and be allowed to stay.
● Playing by the rules: This Republican Congress has allowed illegal immigration to boil over because their big business friends benefit greatly from cheaper labor. We need to enforce the laws on the books and have businesses who harbor illegal immigrants answer to the law.

Like almost all of us, my ancestors came to this country in search of hope, but they also played by the rules. We need tough, comprehensive immigration reform, rather than the out-of-touch, knee-jerk, and irresponsible legislation championed by Mike Castle and his Republican friends. We can do better.”