Immigration
I believe immigration is a serious issue and requires a thoughtful and comprehensive solution. I believe securing the United State’s border is of the utmost importance to the security of this country and its citizens. If we don't define our borders, terrorists and illegal immigrants will continue to secretly enter the United States.
If America needs immigrants for economic reasons as some business interests have alleged, then these companies should be willing to pay the costs of them becoming legal citizens and assist them through the citizenship process.
I oppose a guest-worker program for illegal immigrants because it would create a permanent underclass in America. If we, as a nation, decide that immigrants are needed, then they should be given an opportunity to become citizens and not made into second-class citizens. Similarly, I also oppose resident college tuition rates for children of illegal immigrants because we should not provide an incentive for immigrants to come here illegally.
I will immediately set up a task force of industry, community, and advocacy leaders to determine the best methods to review and substantiate legal credentials for working in the state of Nebraska. I would assign the task force to make the review and a report within 30 days. Common sense business and community people can do the job in that amount of time.
I will send the Legislature a package to implement a computerized program that will allow employers to easily comply with legal hiring practices. This system would be called the Nebraskan Plan. Once perfected, it could provide the state with additional revenues by having it licensed to other states.
I will immediately open negotiations with the Department of Homeland Security to re-open a facility in Hastings for illegal immigrants from the Midwest region to stay until appropriate legal action can be taken in each case.
I will continue to voice the concern of Nebraskans that border security is a must-do first step to solve the problem of illegal immigration, and not shy away from making those views known to the President of the United States.
Hahn: Governor is being divisive
David Hahn's Statement on Immigration
Hahn: Open HCC to detain illegal immigrants
Candidate says it's time to get tough
