Candidates Talk About Plans for Illegal Immigration
Reported by: Tom Tucker

Created: 5:46 pm
Last Update: 7:56 pm

Immigration a hot topic in Thursday night's debate between the 2 candidates running for the 45 district congressional seat.

Both candidates agree it's a pressing issue...but they differ on their solutions.

We reviewed the debate to pick out the specifics mentioned by Mary Bono Mack and Steve Pougnet to deal with the issue of illegal immigration.

The immigration issue now a hot topic, thanks to the controversial anti-immigration law in Arizona.

While talking about it, Republican incumbent Bono Mack used a term some consider non politically correct, "illegal aliens".

She supports what she calls a "non-amnesty robust guest worker program".

"I believe the Secretaries of Labor and Commerce should come together to determine which sectors of the economy would most benefit from a guest worker program, that is what i believe in," said Bono Mack.

She also supports the use of the E-verify system, which is now legally required in other states, including Arizona.

Its an internet based system run by the government to keep track of eligible workers.

Rancho Mirage voter Hernan Hernandez reacted to Bono Mack's plans.

"If they can keep track of the workers, that’s good," said Hernandez.

Using the term "undocumenteds", Pougnet favors a more liberal approach to the immigration issue.

"I want to secure our borders and enforce laws, create development opportunities between the 2 countries, and a pathway to citizenship," said Pougnet.

He also calls for background checks and medical checks for immigrants.

Rancho Mirage voter Laurie Cowall reacted to Pougnet's plan.

"I agree with that, there is no way you can send those millions of people back," said Cowall.

Both candidates support fining companies which hire illegal immigrants.


www.kpsplocal2.com