Cedric Richmond Quotes

Like all other law-abiding Americans, I fully support legal immigration.

I think what we need to do is to have an immigration system where legal immigration is easier.

You cannot grant amnesty. If the American people see us granting amnesty they will never again believe in legal immigration. They will never again support it, and that's wrong for our country, bad for our future.

Of all the questions I get asked as an undocumented immigrant in the United States, there are two - asked in various permutations via email, social media or in person - that chill me to the bone: 'Why don't you just make yourself legal?' And: 'Why don't you get in the back of the line?'

I love immigrants. Legal, illegal - they're not to be despised.

In order to create real, long-lasting reform, we must create a pathway to legal status for the millions of undocumented immigrants who have made lives for themselves and their families in the United States.

If I ran for president, the first thing I'd do is legalize everyone who's been here paying taxes, working, paying taxes. Mothers and fathers of kids born in the U.S. should get a green card.

Open borders would be clear access to this country without going through a legal immigration process, and that's exactly what Mrs. Clinton is wanting us to do.

I support immigration, provided the people come through legally, and that is based upon merit.

After this interview, I'm going to immigration to try to sort out my Green Card, just like any other normal person.

It would be a travesty, in my opinion, to treat those who violated our laws to get here much better than those who have patiently waited their turn to come to the United States the right way.

There are compelling reasons to implement a true America First immigration plan, starting with border security. We are a land of immigrants. Immigration, with assimilation, has generally been good for America.

Whether we start with a provisional status and legal permanent residence... or we set up some other way to assimilate legally, you can't ever put in something that says, 'You can never become a citizen.' That's un-American.

As Congress continues to debate ways to address illegal immigration, we must remember the many hard-working legal immigrants that contribute so much to our nation's economy and culture.

America deserves common sense immigration reform that reflects our interests and our values as Americans.

Every time anybody in Washington talks about legal status, amnesty, anything of that nature, it becomes a magnet that lures people in quickly into the United States.

Americans believe in the value of immigration. We are the most generous nation on earth to immigrants, allowing over one million people a year to come here legally.

As you know, I'm an immigrant. I came over here as an immigrant, and what gave me the opportunities, what made me to be here today, is the open arms of Americans. I have been received. I have been adopted by America.

The current diversity visa program does a disservice to our immigration policy and to those immigrants who have moved through the more traditional process that allows them to lawfully reside in this country.

We don't want two-tier people in America. Those who are legal but not citizens, and citizens.

Of course, everyone in the New World is an immigrant or a descendant of immigrants, and immigrants have built America and continue to do so. Legal or illegal, they are almost universally good people who work to better their lot and that of their children.

I support legal immigration.

The factual reality is that the vast majority of immigrants - legal and illegal - contribute more to this country than they take out in social services.

Immigration policy should be based on what is good for America, not what is good for Mexico. Immigration to America should not be the safety valve for Mexico.

The reason we have to close the back door of illegal immigration is so that we may keep open the front door of legal immigration.