Early-Primary State Coalitions Urge GOP Candidates to Define Plans on Immigration Reform

As the Republican presidential primary kicks off its first debates, the Iowa Alliance for Growth, the Granite Staters for Common Sense Immigration Reform and the South Carolinians for Responsible Immigration Reform urge GOP hopefuls to bring immigration reform to the forefront of the debates, according to a press statement.

Immigration reform is an issue affecting all 50 states, and voters deserve to have strong Republican leaders who can provide clear answers to fix our broken system. Specifically, these independent, state-based coalitions of conservative business, industry, community and political leaders want Republican candidates to explain how they plan to secure the border, deal with the 11.5 million undocumented immigrants already here, and reform our broken system for high-skilled and guest-worker visas.

Member of Granite Staters for Common Sense Immigration Reform and NH State Rep. Pamela Tucker, R-Greenland, noted, “As early states in the nominating process, we have a responsibility to present the candidates on a level playing field and ensure they are held accountable for their positions. GOP candidates must provide a cross-section of answers to how our nation is to handle the 11.5 million undocumented immigrants in our country right now, and WHY each candidate’s approach is the best one.”

On Aug. 3 in Manchester, the New Hampshire Union Leader and C-SPAN hosted the Voters First Forum, where 14 Republican presidential candidates came together—three joined remotely—to answer important questions on issues plaguing the United States. Immigration reform was the dominant issue of the evening, with many candidates focusing on securing the border. Reform of guest worker programs was also discussed, setting the show for a more robust conversation at the August 6 GOP debate in Cleveland and subsequent debates.

“Creating and implementing common sense immigration policies are actions that our lawmakers can take to continue to grow our economy here in Iowa and across the country,” said Jon Troen, President of Mittera Group in Des Moines and Iowa Alliance for Growth member. “As the presidential election continues to the Iowa Caucuses in February, it is important that candidates address immigration reform in a way that attracts top talent to our universities, but also supports a growing workforce,” said Troen.

“As part of the big three in presidential politics, immigration plays a significant role in South Carolina”, said Bob Hall, owner of Bush-N-Vines Farm in York, South Carolina and member of South Carolinians for Responsible Immigration Reform. “Our farms providing America’s fruit and vegetables, our tourism-heavy coast, and our newly thriving technology industry are all impacted by our nation’s immigration policies. Immigrant labor plays a vital role in our state’s economy and knowing where candidates stand on these issues is key.”

A robust, comprehensive immigration reform package should include reforming our guest worker and H-1B visa programs, as well as securing the border and addressing the 11.5 million undocumented immigrants currently in the states. The coalitions look forward to hearing each candidate’s plans to reform immigration going forward.

Iowa Alliance for Growth, Granite Staters for Common Sense Immigration Reform, and South Carolinians for Responsible Immigration Reform are independent, state-based coalitions of conservative business, community and political leaders who believe immigration reform is a critical issue affecting their state. Each coalition advocates for strong Republican leaders who will address the issue with concrete plans around border security, the 11.5 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., and H-1B visas and guest-worker programs.

For more information on each coalition or to sign-up to be a member, please visit the websites listed below:

• Iowa Alliance for Growth – http://www.iowaallianceforgrowth.com
• Granite Staters for Common Sense Immigration Reform – http://www.immigrationreformnh.com
• South Carolinians for Responsible Immigration Reform – http://www.scrir.com