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Immigration Politics

Immigration has always been a contentious political issue in the United States, but never more so than today. It shapes the agendas of Democrats, Republicans and the Tea Party.

Obama's Immigration Record
President Obama couldn't deliver on comprehensive immigration reform during his first term but says he's determined to do it in his second.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis
U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, the daughter of immigrant factory workers, believes all workers in the U.S. deserve protection, even if they're in the country illegally.

Jeb Bush, Former Florida Governor
Republican former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush reverses himself on the pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants as part of comprehensive reform.

New Mexico Governor Wants Republicans To Soften Positions
New Mexico’s Susana Martinez, the nation’s first female Hispanic governor, has emerged as a Republican voice for moderation on immigration policy.

Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill
Senate's Gang of Eight releases details of historic proposal for a comprehensive immigration reform bill.

Republicans Covet Hispanic Voters
After their election defeat in 2012, Republicans are trying to reach out with new, more moderate policies to immigrant voters in general and Hispanic voters in particular.

What Are 'Anchor Babies'?
The term 'anchor baby' is a disparaging description for children born in the the United States to immigrant parents who came here intending to use birthright citizenship as a way to move their families here.

Obama, Romney Debate Immigration
President Obama and Republican Mitt Romney had a lot to say about immigration during their second presidential debate at Hofstra University.

The Top Election Quotations on Immigration
The top quotations from the candidates on immigration and illegal immigrants during the 2012 election campaign.

Immigration Policy in an Obama Second Term
If President Obama wins a second term and the political climate in Washington improves, he thinks he can pass comprehensive immigration reform and the DREAM Act.

Voters Cooling on Immigration
Pew survey of registered voters in 2012 finds that they think immigration is a less important political issue than in 2008 presidential election.

Benita Veliz Made History at Democrats' Convention
Benita Veliz made history when she became the first undocumented immigrant to make a speech at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte.

What Would Romney Do As President?
What would Mitt Romney do if elected president to reform the U.S. immigration system and deal with illegal immigrants?

Paul Ryan on Immigration
Republican vice-presidential nominee Paul Ryan of Wisconsin opposes the DREAM Act and legal residency for the country's 11 million illegal immigrants.

Republicans Oppose Obama DREAM Act Alternative
Republicans oppose President Obama's deferred action plan to allow the children of illegal immigrants to avoid deportation.

San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro
San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro delivered the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in 2012 and has become a rising star in the party.

John Morton, Immigration and Customs Enforcement director
President Obama selected John Morton to become director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2009, and he has tried to reform the agency.

What Is a Guest-Worker Program?
A guest-worker program allows a foreign worker to enter the country for a specified period of time and temporarily fill a specific job.

Hispanic Voters Carry Obama to Victory Over Romney
President Obama wins a second term because of his immigration policies that win the overwhelming support of Hispanic and Latino voters.

The Case for Workplace Enforcement
Enhancing workplace enforcement through E-Verify is an important part of comprehensive immigration reform and many Republicans and Democrats support it.

Obama Administration's Record on Immigration
The Obama administration postponed immigration reform because of battles with Congress over health care and the budget.

Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J.
Sen. Robert "Bob" Menendez played a key role in negotiating the bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform deal in the U.S. Senate during January 2013.

The Gang of Eight
'Gang of Eight' in U.S. Senate negotiates a compromise plan for comprehensive immigration reform.

Republican Candidates' Views on Immigration
Republican presidential candidates' positions on immigration.

Mitt Romney on Immigration
Mitt Romney's record as Massachusetts governor has drawn fire from rival Republican candidates for president.

Tea Party on Immigration
The Tea Party movement wants border fences and mass deportations.

Mexican-American Actress Makes Political Statements on Immigration
Eva Longoria addresses immigration issues at Democratic National Convention and moves from acting career into politics.

Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles Mayor
Antonio Villaraigosa, a two-term Los Angeles mayor, is a rising star in the Democratic Party and a leading national political leader for Latinos and Hispanics.

Cuban-Americans' Political Shift
As the Cuban-American exil community ages, its political views grow more moderate and less confrontational toward Cuba dictator Fidel Castro, a change that benefits Democratic candidates such as President Obama.

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, House Cuban-American
Republican Ileana Ros-Lehtinen fled Castro's Cuba when she was 8 and went on to push for the DREAM Act as a member of the U.S. Congress.

Heritage Report Criticizes Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Controversial Heritage Foundation report says that comprehensive immigration reform will cost the federal government $6.3 trillion.

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