Tempers Flare on Immigration in Debate in the Desert

Immigration, and driver’s license eligibilty, came up in the Democratic Presidential debate at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas last night.  For a video and transcript to the debate, with a link to the immigration line of questions, click here.

Several things struck about the give-and-take on immigration.  The use of the term “illegal aliens” or “illegal immigrants” in much of the questioning, and answers (including by Senator Barack Obama), surely stuck out.  Representative Kucinich was the only candidate to object to the use of “illegal” in referring to undocumented immigrants.

Also, the opening question on immigration referred to a driver’s license and charging in-state fees to resident undocumented students, as “benefits” and questioned why undocumented immigrants should be eligible for these benefits.  Why isn’t it a benefit for citizens, as well as immigrants, for all drivers to be subject to safety-testing and to be able to secure liability insurance?  And how is it a benefit to charge in-state fees applicable to all residents of the state to undocumented residents of the state?

It was noteworthy that Senator Clinton backed down from her support for driver’s license eligibility for undocumented immigrants.  She joined Senators Biden and Dodd in that position. Gov. Bill Richardson emphasized that he had ensure undocumented immigrant eligibility for licenses in New Mexico.  John Edwards would allow all undocumented immigrants on the path to legalization, obtain a license.

KJ