President Reagan and Central American Refugees

A new television ad is pushing President Ronald Reagan as a positive visionary on immigration, a contrast to the views being expressed by Donald Trump and other Republican candidates for President.  Although President Reagan did sign into law the last piece of comprehensive immigration reform (Immigration Reform and Control Act), the Reagan administration took tough positions toward Central American asylum-seekers fleeing civil war, including mass detention in remote locations where it was extremely difficult to secure representation.  The administration also criminally prosecuted a number of sanctuary workers who provided assistance to Central American refugees.

KJ