SACRAMENTO BEE

January 27, 2008

Where the candidates stand: Farm guest workers

DEMOCRATS

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Co-sponsor of the Senate AgJOBS bill (S. 340), which could offer legal status to 1.5 million illegal immigrant farm workers. Says the legislation will keep the agricultural industry healthy while ensuring that agricultural workers receive fair wages and labor protections. Believes comprehensive immigration reform should include strengthening borders, providing strict penalties for anyone exploiting undocumented workers, and laying out a path toward legal status.

John Edwards: Supports the AgJOBS bill. Opposes new temporary guest worker programs that do not provide adequate workplace protections and a reasonable path to citizenship. Would expand the number of legal immigrants who can enter the country and calls for a path to earn citizenship.

Barack Obama: Co-sponsor of the AgJOBS bill. Says he recognizes the need to increase the number of people entering the country legally to a level that keeps families together and meets the demand for jobs that employers cannot fill. Calls for secure borders and a system that allows undocumented immigrants in good standing to pay a fine, learn English, and go to the back of the line for the opportunity to become citizens.

REPUBLICANS

Rudy Giuliani: Has not addressed the issue directly, but believes undocumented people should pay taxes and fines and not get ahead of anyone else seeking citizenship. Says real immigration reform must put security first.

Mike Huckabee: Has not addressed the issue directly, but opposes any type of amnesty program and would punish employers who hire illegal workers. Says securing borders is the No. 1 priority.

John McCain: Co-sponsor of the AgJOBS bill. Supports a temporary worker program. Has been an outspoken proponent of comprehensive immigration reform, which would require fines for some undocumented immigrants, deportation for others and movement to the back of the line for anyone seeking citizenship.

Ron Paul: Has not addressed the issue directly, but opposes any bill that would grant amnesty to illegal immigrants. Supports ending birthright citizenship. Says comprehensive immigration reform threatens the nation's sovereignty, and if illegal immigrants are allowed to stay today, millions more will follow suit in the future.

Mitt Romney: Has not addressed the issue directly, but opposes amnesty and any special pathway to citizenship for those here illegally. Says securing borders and developing an enforceable employment verification system are the top priorities. Says the nation needs to increase legal immigration, especially for those with needed skills and education.