|
Gary Herbert on Immigration
|
|
|
Review Syrian refugee security, but keep accepting them
Gov. Gary Herbert is ordering a review of security checks for refugees coming to Utah, but he stopped short of threatening to stop accepting Syrian refugees.
Herbert said he wants to help those fleeing violence but that public safety is the top priority.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
, Nov 16, 2015
Find solutions to tough issues where feds abdicated
On issues like immigration, where the federal government has abdicated its responsibility and stepped aside, we must step forward. We have been sent here by the voters to find solutions to tough issues. Immigration reform is but one example of how we mus
achieve a new level of collaboration, commitment, and initiative. As we undertake this work, let us never forget our obligation to respect each other--even when we disagree.
Source: 2011 Utah State of the State Address
, Jan 26, 2011
Failure to secure borders emblematic of misplaced priorities
The failure of our nation to secure its borders is emblematic of a federal government with misplaced priorities. The number of immigrants who are in the US illegally is creating societal challenges and costs that simply can no longer go unaddressed.
I submit some guiding principles that should be considered as we discuss immigration reform options:- There must be respect for the law.
- The federal government has a responsibility to secure our borders, to enforce immigration laws, and to
draft meaningful immigration policy.
- There must be greater accountability from the private sector.
- The Utah solutions should recognize and respect the humanity of all people. Immigration reform efforts must be fair, colorblind and race-neutral.
-
We must provide appropriate tools for law enforcement.
- We must relieve the burden on taxpayers. There are significant societal costs associated with illegal immigration that simply must be addressed.
Source: 2010 gubernatorial campaign website, garyherbert.com
, Jan 1, 2010
Protect DREAMers instead of deporting them.
Herbert signed Letter from 11 Governors to Congressional leadership
Nearly 800,000 young people eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA)--known as "Dreamers"--played no role in the decision to come here and they have known no other home but the United States.
Already, more than 12,000 Dreamers have lost their protective status and are susceptible to deportation. This is not a theoretical peril, but in fact an immediate and urgent one, because more than 100 young people in our cities and towns are losing their protective status every day. Those numbers will accelerate dramatically without a legislative fix.
We stand with these young American immigrants not only because it is good for our communities and a strong American 21st century economy, but also because it is the right thing for our nation to do. DACA recipients have subjected themselves to extensive background and security checks in order to work and attend college.
They are studying at our universities. They are working to support themselves and their families, paying taxes and contributing to their communities in a myriad of ways. In the absence of congressional action providing for a permanent resolution, the termination of DACA puts these young people and their families in peril, and will destabilize our schools, workplaces and communities.
We recognize the complexities and challenges created by this issue, but swift, successful action is needed, action that can build momentum to reassure policymakers that progress on other immigration challenges is possible as well. As a bipartisan coalition of governors, we stand ready to help.
Source: Letter from 11 Governors to Congressional leadership 18LTR-DACA on Dec 20, 2017
Page last updated: Jun 27, 2020
