MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 6)
[Immigration was one of the hot topics among Republican presidential candidates in last night’s debate in Manchester. The debates were sponsored by Facebook, ABC News and WMUR at Saint Anselm College. WATD’s Primary 2008 Reporter Shelly Schwartz tells how the topic of illegal immigration heated up the stage in Manchester.]
Republicans differed strongly on what to do about the 12 million immigrants in the United States illegally. In the Facebook, ABC News, WMUR debate, Senator John McCain says he stands by his plan for a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants.
[“I do believe we need a temporary worker program. One with an electronic employment verification system and tamper proof biometric documents, and any employer who employs someone in any other way will be prosecuted to the highest extent of the law.” John McCain.]
In the Facebook, ABC News, WMUR debate former Governor Mitt Romney of Massachusetts argued that immigrants who come here legally should get first consideration to stay in the United States.
[“It is simply not right and unfair to say they’re going to all get to stay when there are people around the world waiting in line to come to this country. They should have the first chance.” Mitt Romney]
Romney has called for deporting illegal immigrants. But in the Facebook, ABC News, WMUR debate, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani said that’s not realistic.
4:21
[“I would focus on the illegal immigrants here who have committed crimes. They should be given priority. That’s a number we can deal with. That’s a number we can throw out.” Rudolph Giuliani] 9
Winner of the Iowa caucuses Mike Huckabee spoke just once on immigration in the Facebook, ABC News, WMUR debate. He says quickly building a wall along the border is the first step to controlling illegal entry.
[“If the Empire State Building can be built in 14 months, if some of the great works of this country can be built in a record period time, I’m convinced that we can secure our borders.” Mike Huckabee]
Romney and Giuliani also called for identification cards for immigrants. But in the Facebook, ABC News, WMUR debate Texas Congressman Ron Paul says that system is a slippery slope.
[“Anybody that is an immigrant or looks like an immigrant would have to have an ID. And then you can’t discriminate so everybody has to have an ID, and then you’re opening the door for the national ID and you have to be very, very careful about that.” Ron Paul]
Republican candidates will face off again tonight on Fox News at 8 p.m. from Goffstown, New Hampshire. Ron Paul won’t be there because he did not win enough votes in Iowa to qualify.
This is Shelly Schwartz, reporting for WATD News, Election 2008, Manchester, New Hampshire.
(Shelly Schwartz, a broadcast journalism major, is covering the New Hampshire primary for WATD Radio in Marshfield, Massachusetts. http://www.959watd.com/)
-30-
