Secure the Border
The first step in federal immigration reform must be a stronger commitment to secure the border from the steady influx of illegal immigration. This is both a national security issue and the first priority in resolving the challenges of illegal immigration. Meg believes the federal government should complete the construction of the border fence and ensure that adequate resources and manpower are deployed to secure the Mexican border.
Establish an Economic Fence Against Illegal Immigration
Meg will oppose any attempt by the Legislature to weaken employer verification requirements. In addition to putting more resources at the border, Meg believes the federal government and California need to work together to establish a system that allows employers to better verify the immigration status of their workers. The “Economic Fence,” an enhanced e-verification system, will help keep employers honest and will be a major deterrent to illegal immigration.
Eliminate Sanctuary Cities
Meg will seek a legislative solution to prevent cities, such as San Francisco, from shielding undocumented immigrants from federal immigration laws.
Conduct Workplace Inspections of Suspected Businesses
Modeled after drug seizure raids, Meg will institute a system where state and local law enforcement agencies conduct inspections of workplaces suspected of employing undocumented workers. First-time offenders will be required to pay a fine and have their business license suspended for 10 days. Second-time offenders will pay an additional fine and have their business license suspended for 30 days. Third-time offenders will have their business license permanently suspended and pay a substantial fine and other penalties.
Deploy the Resources of the National Guard
If Congress fails to pass comprehensive immigration reform with enhanced border security, Meg will develop a strategic plan for utilizing the resources of the California National Guard to provide logistical support to the border patrol along the Mexican border. This plan will account for the competing pressures on the state’s National Guard to ensure that traditional priorities, such as responding to fires and other natural disasters, are not shortchanged.
Ban the Admission of Undocumented Students to UC, CSU and California Community Colleges
As governor, Meg will support policies that will not allow undocumented immigrants admission to state-funded institutions of higher education, such as UC, CSU and community colleges.
Prohibit Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants
Meg will oppose any attempt to provide a California driver’s license to undocumented immigrants.
Enforce English Immersion
Meg is opposed to bilingual education. She will defend Prop. 227’s English-immersion requirements. English is America’s national language. Immigrants should be required to learn it as part of obtaining legal status in our country.
Sue the Federal Government to Recoup Prison Costs
Meg will work with California’s next Attorney General to pursue a legal recourse for the federal government’s failure to pay its full share of the costs associated with incarcerating undocumented immigrant criminals in California prisons. This is an area where she believes the Office of the Attorney General could do considerably more for California taxpayers.
"The California Congressional Delegation really needs to step up to the plate on immigration reform and provide a remedy to the costs of incarcerating illegal immigrants. Some of the most powerful members of Congress are from our state. We need them to solve this problem, once and for all."
— Meg Whitman
We invite you to share Meg's vision for A New California. Please feel free to pass along our original news from the campaign trail.
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