Immigration

While it would be ideal to erase borders between countries, that would be impractical without reciprocity between nations.

I seek that reciprocity as a practical goal. Immigration issues must be considered from an international standpoint, taking into account international labor and environmental standards, and human rights.

While I recognize that there must be some controls on immigration, if only for the sake of national security, I propose a friendlier, less intimidating attitude towards immigration in all nations taking into account the following guidelines:

 

  • Preferential quotas based on race, class, and ideology should be abandoned for immigration policies that promote fairness, non-discrimination and family reunification.

 

  • I support policies that reflect our constitutional guarantees of freedoms of speech, association, and travel.

 

  • Particular attention should be given to those minorities who are political exiles and refugees.

 

  • Our relationship with our neighbor to the south, Mexico, needs to be given added attention due to the special historical and cultural relation it has with the southwest portion of the United States. Our border relations and reciprocal economic opportunities should be a central concern of a government that is looking to improved economic, environmental, and social conditions for both peoples.

 

  • Permanent border passes should be granted to all citizens of Mexico and Canada whose identity can be traced and verified. Work permits for citizens of Mexico and Canada must be easily obtainable, thereby decriminalizing the act of gainful employment. This action would help eliminate exploitation of undocumented persons by criminals engaged in human contraband (coyotes) and unethical employers. It would also help ensure that taxes will be paid in each corresponding nation per its laws. These measures will also help temporary residents from Mexico and Canada to secure driving privileges and liability insurance.

  • Labor laws must be adjusted to take into account seasonal foreign workers. Employers must provide full rights to wages and health benefits to immigrant workers who make voluntary contributions to pension plans and pay Social Security taxes.

  • I advocate an end to employer sanctions, which have been shown to hurt not only undocumented workers but also U.S.-born workers (especially those of color). A fair and equitable legalization program will provide equal access to working people of all nationalities, not tied to a specific employer or guest worker program. Programs involving temporary worker status must include the option of permanent residency for immigrants already in the U.S. and protection of migrant worker savings.

 

  • I oppose "English-only" legislation. I would propose legislation to ensure that federal funds marked for communities to provide ESL (English as Second Language) training, and health and social support services to immigrants actually go to them. When funds are spent in other areas, immigrants are being deprived of benefits that they earn as productive workers in their communities.

 

  • I oppose the use of racial profiling. I am very concerned about reports of illegal raids and traffic stops based on ethnic appearance and not probable cause of a traffic violation. I would further advocate funding or education programs designed to reduce racism and bias against ethnic minorities.

 

  • I advocate adoption of certification standards for translators.

 

  • I oppose those who seek to divide us for political gain by raising ethnic and racial hatreds, and by blaming immigrants for social and economic problems.

The United States of America through the Congress and the executive has created a tragic situation in America.  Free trade agreements like NAFTA passed during the Clinton administration and continued under the Bush administration supported by both corporate parties have permitted us to ship billions of tons of cheap corn into Mexico over the last decade.  Mexican farmers have lost their farms and after watching their children starve in the slums of Mexico City come to the United States in order to do anything just to stay alive.

 

Our policies have created a new slavery of 12 million undocumented aliens.  Please help me change the situation.  We must prevail in this effort.  I know you are committed to the cause of human rights here and around the world.  Please help me get my message to the voters so that our hopes and desires and the desires of millions of people who wish to become Americans can be heard above the lies being told by the leaders of both corporate owned parties.  I will not only be representing the people of Pennsylvania but, as a US congressman, I will be representing every American.  Please be as generous as possible.  Even a donation of $50 can go a long way but if you can afford $75 or even $100 you can help me balance the odds against the $500,000 in the campaign war chest of my Republican opponent.

 

 

 

Thank you, John Murphy

"The Corporate-Free Candidate"