September 25, 2012

The issue of immigration is quite complex for a wide range of Americans, including American Muslims. The issue of illegal immigration and immigration reform is important to American Muslim families, who have experienced the consequences of our broken immigration system firsthand.

President Barack Obama :

1. Democrats have always embraced our country’s diversity, but we also recognize that our current immigration system is broken. 

2. Democrats support complete reform with regards to immigration grounded in the “principles of responsibility and accountability”:

Responsibility from the federal government to secure our borders: The Obama administration has dedicated unprecedented resources to securing our borders and reducing the flow of illegal traffic in both directions. 

Responsibility from unscrupulous businesses that break the law: Employers who exploit undocumented workers undermine American workers, and they have to be held accountable. 

Responsibility from people who are living in the United States illegally: Undocumented workers who are in good standing must admit that they broke the law, pay taxes and a penalty, learn English and get right with the law before they can get in line to earn their citizenship.

3. Comprehensive immigration reform is essential to continue the tradition of innovation that immigrants have brought to the American economy and to ensure a level playing field for American workers."

(Source: http://www.democrats.org/issues/immigration_reform)

Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney:

1. Romney believes that legal immigration is a boon to America.

2. Romney said he will strengthen the U.S. immigration system “so that it benefits the U.S. economy, ensures the nation’s security, bolsters the rule of law and carries on America’s tradition as a nation of legal immigrants.”

3. Romney said he will “protect legal immigration and the 4.5 million who are waiting in line to enter the United States legally by taking a strong stand against illegal immigration.”  He said he “will complete a high-tech fence and provide the necessary number of border patrol to finally secure the nation’s southern border.”

4. He opposes all “magnets” that entice illegal immigrants to come to our country illegally and stay here.

5. He believes in the rule of law, and said he will fully enforce federal immigration law.

6. Romney opposes amnesty because he believes that it acts as a magnet encouraging illegal immigration.

(Source: http://www.mittromney.com/issues/immigration)