Durston for Congress

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Immigration

The United States is largely a country of immigrants. The issue of illegal immigration is a complex one, and the problem has been around for a long time. (Native Americans might say that it began in 1492.) While I believe in the rule of law, I oppose extreme measures such as the bill recently passed by the House of Representatives that would make felons of 11 million undocumented immigrants who, for the most part, are living peaceful and productive lives in into the United States. The House bill would also make felons of Good Samaritans who provide aid, which in some cases may be lifesaving, to undocumented immigrants. As a physician, I believe that it should never be a crime to care for another human being. I further believe that a measured, stepwise, sensible approach to illegal immigration is in order, and that this approach should include respect for the rule of law at the same time that it includes respect for the dignity of human beings and for the contributions of immigrants, whether documented or undocumented, to our society.

For more information on this issue, read Bill's August 4, 2006 speech, A Country of Immigrants (PDF, 33KB).

Watch the Durston-Lungren debate segment on Immigration.