THE GREAT DIVIDE : Where They Stand
Here are some of the positions of key policy-makers on the subject of immigration:
PRESIDENT CLINTON
In July, he announced these proposals:
* Add 600 Border Patrol agents and improve the technology and equipment in use.
* Utilize technology and automation to process visa requests.
* Expand cooperative programs with foreign governments and airlines to ensure that illegal immigrants are not allowed to enter the U.S.
* Double the penalties for smuggling illegal immigrants, to 10 years.
* Apply the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) to smuggling.
* Give federal authorities broader powers to seize the assets of smugglers; allow the INS to wiretap persons involved in smuggling.
* Streamline the asylum process.
* Stop fraudulent asylum-seekers at U.S. airports and other points of entry with a system of “expedited exclusion†allowing officials to make immediate decisions on claims for political asylum.
GOV. PETE WILSON
In an open letter to President Clinton in August, Wilson proposed to:
* Pass a constitutional amendment to deny automatic citizenship to children born in the United States to illegal immigrants.
* Issue tamper-proof identification cards to legal residents to verify eligibility for employment and other benefits.
* Repeal federal requirements that states provide public education to illegal immigrants.
* Repeal federal mandates for states to provide emergency health care to illegal immigrants. Wilson also said, however, that “legitimate emergency services should be provided,†with the federal government picking up the tab.
* Reimburse California for federally mandated programs, $1.4 billion in fiscal year 1993-94.
SEN. DIANNE FEINSTEIN
Among other provisions, legislation by Feinstein (D-Calif.) would:
* Add 1,400 Border Patrol agents over the next two fiscal years and authorize the attorney general to obtain vehicles, aircraft, detection devices and other equipment for the Border Patrol.
* Require the attorney general to report annually on efforts to reduce abuse by agents.
* Consolidate administrative deportation hearings with federal criminal trials of illegal immigrants. Deport those convicted of crimes to serve prison time in their own country.
* Impose a $1-per-person border crossing fee to pay for additional Border Patrol agents.
* Amend laws to prevent Medicaid abuses by non-residents.
SEN. BARBARA BOXER
Among proposals by Boxer (D-Calif.) are provisions to:
* Assign National Guard troops to civilian border patrol duties under Border Patrol supervision.
* Increase penalties for forgery of illegal documents.
* Require the federal government to fully reimburse states for expenses incurred by illegal immigration.
* Return convicted felons to their home country for completion of jail terms, with some exceptions for drug kingpins and other dangerous criminals.
TREASURER KATHLEEN BROWN
The state treasurer, as part of a prospective campaign for governor, has proposed to:
* Increase penalties for employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants.
* Create a “tamper-proof†Social Security card for all workers.
* Increase penalties for violating state and federal labor laws.
* Deport illegal immigrants convicted of crimes in the U.S. to serve prison time in their home country.
* Require proof of residency before providing state job referral agency services. Toughen penalties for Medi-Cal fraud.
* Require the federal government to reimburse California for costs related to illegal immigrants who use government services.
OTHERS
The Legislature’s Latino Caucus proposes to:
* Increase federal and state enforcement of labor and wage laws.
* Divide the enforcement and naturalization functions of the INS into two agencies, one for border control and one for citizenship.
Bills by some Assembly Republicans propose to:
* Authorize a study on constructing a prison in Baja California for housing illegal immigrants convicted of crimes in California.
* Prohibit spending of state funds to benefit illegal immigrants, including education, public housing and workers’ compensation.
Researched by NONA YATES / Los Angeles Times
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
![[20060326 (LA/A20) -- STATING THE CASE: Marchers organized by unions, religious organizations and immigrants rights groups carry signs and chant in downtown L.A. "People are really upset that all the work they do, everything that they give to this nation, is ignored," said Angelica Salas of the Coalition of Humane Immigrant Rights. -- PHOTOGRAPHER: Photographs by Gina Ferazzi The Los Angeles Times] *** [Ferazzi, Gina -- - 109170.ME.0325.rights.12.GMF- Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times - Thousands of protesters march to city hall in downtown Los Angeles Saturday, March 25, 2006. They are protesting against House-passed HR 4437, an anti-immigration bill that opponents say will criminalize millions of immigrant families and anyone who comes into contact with them.]](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/722dda1/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1983x1322+109+0/resize/840x560!/format/webp/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fzbk%2Fdamlat_images%2FLA%2FLA_PHOTO_ARCHIVE%2FSDOCS%2854%29%2Fkx3lslnc.JPG)
