Most of the democratic presidential candidates appear to be in favor of some degree of immigration reform. Senators Joseph Lieberman, and Bob Graham and Representatives Richard Gephardt and Dennis Kucinich appear to be the most inclined towards change.

Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), the grandson of immigrants, says he would create a temporary visa program with the hopes of reducing migrant deaths, eliminate “bureaucratic obstacles” facing immigrants, and would work towards earned legalization status for immigrants in this country.

Representative Richard Gephardt’s (D-MO) voting record shows support for more work visas and extended residency for immigrants. In addition, Gephardt was honored by The National Council of the Raza in 1999 for his accomplishments regarding immigration, education, and civil rights.

Senator Bob Graham (D-FL) supports allotting more temporary work visas to Mexican migrants. Also, Graham would support a policy of earned amnesty for those who have already entered the United States undocumented (Democratic Primary Debate, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 9/4/03).

Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) strongly favors immigration reform. At the Democratic Primary Debate in Albuquerque, Kucinich declared: “Yes, I’m for amnesty. Yes, I’m for legalization of status. Yes, I’m for broadening citizenship possibilities. Yes, I’m for enforcing the Fair Labor Standards Act and making sure that all those who come from Mexico have all of the protections of federal law including universal healthcare” (9/4/03). However, Kucinich voted against allowing more immigrant visas for skilled workers in 1998 (Bill HR 3737), which can perhaps be explained by his concern for protecting U.S. jobs. (Kucinich has vowed to cancel NAFTA and pull out of the WTO as president.)

Howard Dean’s (Governor-VT) position is that the United States is historically a nation of immigrants and thus should be welcoming to those entering from various regions. Dean adds: “I think for 9/11 to have affected our immigration policy with Latin America is ridiculous. The last time I looked, not one of those hijackers was Latino. The problem with this administration is that they . . . are bogged down in Iraq . . . and they are not paying any attention to Latin America, which is the most important hemisphere in American history” ( Democratic Primary Debate, Albuquerque New Mexico 9/4/03). Overall, Dean expresses a desire to work more with Latin America.

Ambassador Carol Mosely Braun supports more federal aid and services for immigrants. At the Democratic Primary Debate in Albuquerque she affirmed: “We need to normalize our relations with documented as well as undocumented people who are here in the U.S. It doesn’t matter if you came to this country on the Mayflower or a slave ship, across the Rio Grande or through Ellis Island, we are all in the same boat now” (9/4/03). However, while in the Senate Braun voted against a bill that would have allowed foreign workers into the U.S. for farm work (S.2260, 7/23/98).

Senator John Edwards (D-NC) appears to be changing his stance on immigration. According to Edward’s campaign website: “In a new effort to combat terrorism, Senator John Edwards co-sponsored legislation to tighten immigration controls and improve the use of technology at borders and ports of entry into the United States” (11/2/01). However, at the Democratic Primary Debate in Albuquerque, Edwards said that those who have worked hard and are responsible have earned the right to become U.S. citizens.

Senator John Kerry (D-MA) has voted against three different Senate bills that would have provided more opportunities for foreigners to work in the U.S. Kerry would also like to further increase border security. Although, Kerry now says that he would expedite the naturalization process, the family reunification process, and the naturalization of those serving in the Armed Forces.

Finally, Rev. Al Sharpton defines himself as an advocate for racial and ethnic equality. He relates that the immigration system is discriminatory and biased against Latinos. “Our whole set of immigration laws seems to be biased and archaic. They need to be reviewed and made more humane. I think we need to sit down and have a respectful relationship with Mexico where we deal with them as a partner” (Al On America, Rev. Al Sharpton, 1/1/02).

General Wesley Clark has not formally taken a position on Mexico or immigration reform.

For more specifics on the candidates' positions click here