E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSOSKALOOSA, Iowa—Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann waded into a sensitive area of immigration policy Saturday during a somewhat charged exchange at a campaign stop in southeast Iowa.
Bachmann entered an extended exchange with a college student (and Democrat) over how to handle the immigrants who are brought to the U.S. illegally as children.
After finishing a speech that focused in part on repealing the federal health care law and overhauling the tax code, Bachmann opened the floor to questions from the 100 or so people gathered at Smokey Row restaurant.
A 19 year-old college student, identifying himself as Latino, asked what Bachmann would “do to” the children of illegal immigrants.
Bachmann responded that she is “not doing anything to them,” and described why she is against the federal government rewarding citizenship to the children of illegal immigrants.
“Their parents are the ones who brought them here,” Bachmann said.
"They did not have the legal right to come to the United States," Bachmann added, of the parents. "We do not owe people who broke our laws to come into the country. We don’t owe them anything.”
Bachmann went on to draw a parallel to her own family’s journey to the United States more than 150 years ago.
"I dare say that probably every single person in this room descends from immigrants,” Bachmann said.
“I did—my immigrant family came here in the 1850s, and they came into the United States legally. They received zero benefits.”
The exchange was somewhat charged, because the student, Roy Aguillon, cast the question in personal terms.
“These guys were my friends," Aguillon said. "They are the guys who sit next to me in class, who I see in Walmart.”
Aguillon, who is from San Antonio and is a student at nearby William Penn University, is a second-generation American citizen and is active in local politics—serving as the vice president of the College & Young Democrats of Iowa.
In an interview with NBC News, Aguillon said he didn't intend to draw Bachmann into a discussion about the DREAM Act—legislation which would offer benefits, including citizenship, to the children of illegal immigrants.
Instead, he says, he was looking for a practical answer for young illegals, given Bachmann's hard line position.
“These guys don’t know anything else," Aguillon said during his interview with NBC. "What are you going to do, send them back to Mexico? The place is basically in the middle of a drug war.”
Aguillon says he didn’t attend the event to raise trouble, and despite his leadership role in the Iowa College Democrats, he would consider voting Republican in 2012.
He complains that President Obama abandoned the DREAM Act, and hasn’t been hard enough on Wall Street. He says, of Obama: “He’s not enough of a fighter to be my president right now.”
Despite the personal tone of their exchange, Aguillon and Bachmann chatted following the event, and they posed for pictures together afterward, along with Aguillon's girlfriend.
As the campaign team left the restaurant, Iowa state co-chair Brad Zaun, a state senator from Urbandale, pulled him aside.
“Thanks for your honesty,” Zaun said.
Leave a Comment:
To David,
What is her viewpoint? Are we commenting on this topic now?
What it comes down to is that these people here ILLEGALLY should not be rewarded (nor should their kids, no matter WHERE they were born) for their ILLEGAL acts.
The 14th Amendment says different.
The 14 Amendment....That's "Nice".... It's a law that's being abused and needs to be changed! There have been many stupid laws that have been changed...Women now have the right to vote, Slaves are Free, You can Drink alcohol legally... As long as this "Law" remains as written, we are heading for bankruptcy! We CAN'T Possibly support the Whole World who thinks they can come here "Pop" out a kid and we'll take care of them, (and eventually their whole family!)... You just stick with you "Moronic" chant cause it's "Politically Correct" and see where that takes ALL OF US!
Presudmably illegal immigrants could have all theabortions they wanted because this countryis not going todo anything for them,
Imagine a sick baby-an Nichelle does nothing. That's pro ilife? What a hypocrit!
The term "anchor baby" frankly makes me sick. I remember when I first heard the term. It was on Jon Stewart.
He said something to the effect of Today on Fox news they made a remark about babies. They said
WE HATE TO SAY NEGATIVE THINGS ABOUT BABIES, BUT....
I also do not like to hear someone say that illegals come here for the purpose of "DROPPING BABIES" in reference to having a baby.
Whew! that felt good.
If they change the laws to apply only to children of legal immigrants, then you know that term would disappear entirely.
Bluebird... Just stick your head in the sand and it will all go away! Who cares if you don't like the "terms"? It's a reality! You don't like the "verbiage" so we should just forget it? Typical left wing P.C. insanity. We should be all things to all people no matter what the cost... You haven't mentioned how to pay for it!
John P::: And YOU are the one that mentioned stupid laws-- women get to vote, slaves were freed. Who cares if you don't like the laws. It's a reality.
What's the point in even having borders if not to control who comes and goes through them?
What's the point of having immigration laws if you're not going to enforce them?
What's the point of even calling yourself a country once you've completely lost your identity?
Maybe borders are not a good thing.
Immigration laws can be enforced. Bush did little to enforce them. Obama has deported more immigrants than Bush did.
What's the point of having your country known as a melting pot, if only white christians ar welcome?
What lie are you into? Get out of your liberal agenda and stop thinking that only white christians are welcome. If that were the case, then I would not be here.
Great Post!
Jesus to people: Love your enemies
Jesus to people: Love your neighbors
What does this say about illegal immigration? Doesn't the bible say to obey the govt?
Read the Whole Bible next time! Not just the lines that fit your argument!
Both the Dream Act/In State Tuition and anchor babies just draw illegals to this country, it really needs to stop. It's embarrassing how weak this country is now. The majority of this country does not want illegal aliens here. It's really that simple. This forum represents the smallest fraction of public opinion and sentiment and the majority of the population in Cali, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, & Alabama do not want these laws/amendments on the books. Only the sleezy politicians looking to stay in office want this. It only does them good and makes them richer.
The bottom line is we don't have the money to support illegals. Why are we even talking about this? From 98'-06' there was money, but the bubble burst and the party is over. You aint got to go home, but you have to leave... sorry but that's how it is. I wish we could accommodate everyone but we can't, get over it and move on, that's the breaks... Don't like it see how it is elsewhere and get back to me...
You show me a way that can keep the illegals here and will not cost the tax payers a single cent and I'm all ears. Otherwise don't bother. Sorry extreme left, but we need to start cutting back and there is nothing left in the account. However anyone that wants to write a check to pay for is free to do so... I would rather use my money for a nice vacation instead... maybe I'll go to Mexico:)
Darrel Segers
if we give these children citizenship what does that say to other illegals. its says hey i come here illegally but rest assured my kids get citizenship. i dont think this is the message we should be sending to illegals especially considering all the loop holes they already take advantage of.
Michele Bachmann is a genuinely dumb person. She is not faking it. She just doesn't know anything about anything and that should not be a surprise to anyone. There are millions of people just like her which is why 100 represents the average IQ. Her statements, beliefs and her persona in general indicate a below average intelligence and there is nothing wrong with that. The only problem is that she thinks she has a shot at the White House since George W Bush was able to get elected using the same theme. Sorry Michele, but that happens only once in anyone's lifetime. Bachmann's campaign has folded already, but she may be looking for a face saving opportunity to exit the race and return to anonymity. She is done like a Thanksgiving turkey, as they say.
Maybe Bachmann knows this could be her last chance to move up in the polls. This is one topic that can make or break a campaign. According to numbersusa.com, she is the only candidate that is against illegal immigration. I do not see her as a viable candidate, but she may stir things up in favor of upholding the laws.
Done and Done.
and this woman calls herself a Christian??? What a joke. And probably the reason why Christianity is in decline in this country. Okay far Right.... there's your wonderful symbol of Christianity saying, "I wouldn't do anything for them." Yeah...probably Christ's response. This country is in trouble if even two people look up to her.
I feel the same way about Obama.
A lot more than two people lookto vote for Obama. Unhappy, you are making me unhappy too.
Obama 2012
You know, Sister, all of the posturing and puffing by the tea baggers and other intellectual midgets on this site is not going to change anything at the next presidential election. The GOP is publicly collapsing in on itself and people are backing away from their right wing lunatic fringe hijinks like a @!$%# fight at the monkey house. The tea party started with high hopes as a force for governmental reform and it is now just a shrill voice wailing out from the wilderness of the far right. Now the Republican Party is whittling their viable choices down to a pizza chain manager and a not-very-successful ex-governor who has been saddled up and ridden around town by the other GOP wannabe candidates just because of his religion. Hell, the primary races haven't even started up in earnest yet and the Republican Party is already on the ropes! The polls show the numbers are so low for these blithering idiots that they make Obama's numbers look positively incandescent!
So don't worry about it. Obama will definitely be reelected next year, whether these nimrods like it or not.
Love the "Christians" crapping on Bachmann. They get their "Religion" from Cliff notes and "Bibles for Dummies" READ THE WHOLE BIBLE! She might be off her rocker on alot of things but this immigration mess has to Stop! Otherwise WE will be the "New Mexico" ... Broke and corrupt... We're on our way! We've lost our "Identity" and tried to become everything to every Religion and Race, while compromising on what made this country great... Just to be politically correct and not offend anyone. How about not offending OUR Country, OUR Constitution, OUR Sovereignty?
...Sailcat you make fun of the "Pizza Chain Manager" and an "Ex Governor"... If you voted for Obama... These other 2 have alot more experience than he did. If that's your barometer WTF did you Vote for Obama? "If you Voted for Obama in '08 to prove you're not a racist, then in '12 you have to vote for someone else to prove your not an IDIOT!"
Actually, I voted for McCain in the last presidential election and I'm proud of it, but there is no way in hell I will vote for any of the current crop of losers the GOP is desperately trying to prop up for the 2012 election. I will vote for Obama precisely because I am not an idiot.
The GOP used to stand for something good and decent, but the disrespect they are currently showing the voters by offering up such pathetic wannabe candidates clearly means it deserves the overwhelming loss they are going to receive in the presidential elections in '12.
The polls, the pundits, and the votes are all pointing the inevitable reelection of Barack Obama and the credit goes to the Republican Party. Shame.
Just love the people who "Claim" to be or vote Republican, and then go vote for the exact opposite of the ideals of the Republicans because... Blah, Blah, Blah,. You shouldn't be "allowed" to vote because of your 3rd grade mentality. Either you believe in certain principals or you don't. that's Why RhINO's got their name. The Zoo is looking for you apparently you've gone AWOL! I voted for McCain NOT because I liked him or because I thought he was the best Candidate, but because he possessed more of the Ideals I was looking for in a Candidate. I almost didn't vote I was so disgusted with the selection of Candidates. I AM SO FRIGGIN' TIRED OF CHOOSING OF THE LESSOR OF 2 EVILS! With all the people we have out there...IS THIS THE BEST WE CAN DO? REALLY??!!!!!
I believe in the principles of the Constitution, the law, and the government of the US...concepts with which you are completely unacquainted, obviously. It is exactly the dark, ignorant ravings of people of your ilk, John, that are driving me and millions of other moderate Republicans away from the GOP, which is exactly why Obama will be reelected. Soon the Republican Party will be reduced to being merely the voice of the right wing lunatic fringe and it will ultimately be marginalized until it is irrelevant. Hopefully, it will return to its former position as the champion of middle Americans and not of the bottom-feeding right-wing brain-dead extremists of the sort that you so richly exemplify.
Until then, it will be Obama by default. America is holding an election and the Republican Party is not going to show up. Read 'em and weep.
John P::: What about those who claim to be republithugs and vote for any person who carries the (R) after his name. Boy, if the dog catcher had a (R) after his name you would vote for him.
Damn, Susie, if the dog himself had an (R) by his name some of these tea baggers would vote for him. It's shameful.
Here are my thoughts for what it is worth. So many people here are beating their breasts shouting, me, mine, ours, territorial rights and whatever. Has it occurred to anyone that we live in a global economy? Every thing that affect OUR Country affects all other Countries in the World. Why can we not all work together for the betterment of all mankind? We all need each other. If we are going to survive as a human race, on this planet, shouldn't we all work together? Or, is that asking too much?
good point lets all band together and stop illegal immigration work as a team here!
What needs to be done is that any company that hires illegals need to be fined severely and criminally charged.
But since Uncle Sugar isn't enforcing that law all the time the states can enforce that law without any repercussion from the feds.
I wish I could vote for your comment 50 times. What a profound thing to say. It really stands above
some of the comments here. Is it asking too much? I hope not, but to get people on board with your
comments, the entire country would have to smarten up. Your intellectual superiority will be lost on
most of the right wing people here. My hats off to you sir or maam.
Is obeying the laws of this country "Asking too much" The rest of that is just "fuzzy feel good" B.S.... Leading to the Decline and Decay of this Country. Why is it that they come here and try to make it like their country? Learn English, assimilate into OUR country! Otherwise go back to your own if it's so great! No more press 2 for Spanish or Voting / Drivers License materials in a foreign language.
The correct answer would be to say that the Federal Government needs to enforce the law. Deport all illegal aliens, secure the border and fine anyone who hires an illegal. That is the law. She should have said that she would like to see the Federal Government start doing its job.
I am an independent and a moderate, and disagree with a lot of the right wing T puppet agenda, but I agree with you Galactus. When did it start becoming okay to break the laws, of this country? Why are people chastising folks,who only want to see these laws enforced.
It would cost billions to deport all the illegal aliens. There is roughly 7-20 million in the US. It costs about $30,000 per person to deport. That means it costs from 210B to 600B to deport all those illegals. And that's at current prices. The immigration legal system is stuffed right now and backed up years. Add 7 to 20 million more and it could be decades. We could be pushing 1 Trillion dollars. And can you imagine how much it would cost to hunt down 7 to 20 million people?
Enforcing immigration law is part political will and big part ability. Securing borders and policing every single person is impossible. The fed doesn't want to enforce the law to your liking because it knows it can't. Bottom line: enforcing immigration policy effectively is tough (understatement intended).
Forrest Gump 2.0 you need to look in depth to what was intended by that amendment. Had they came here legally they would be citizens, but by breaking a federal statute the child even if born here is not an American citizen.
Come here legally then they can become citizens, half of my ancestors on my mother's and father's side came here legally the others were Native Americans.
What will you get if you vote for a Replublican for president? You will get nothing. The same thing you got when Bush and his Wyoming crony were in office. What have you been getting as far as constructive leadership from the Republican Party? Right, nothing, nothing and nothing. While the people of the United States wait for some action from the Grand Old Party, some constructive action, you get NOTHING. What did the Republican Party do for you in eight years. Quick now, it was nothing. And now, they are paralyzing the country because NOTHING is all they amount to.
Fortunately, she will never be in a position to implement the succession of blithering, vacuous blurts which issue from her. Democrats could use 50 more of her. She is a fitting spokesperson for what is ahead if the Republicans win. Her only mistake is she says what they think. For that, she is invaluable--so we know what intellectual rot we are dealing with. Keep it up--the base, which is very base, loves it.
Well said, sig. Bachmann is the public face of a failed political movement. Let her rant, rave, and foam all she wants...she is the Republican Party's worst enemy, next to Perry. And Gingrich. Let's not forget about Paul. Then there's Romney...oh, yes; then there's Cain...
Obama is going to walk into reelection next year thanks to the GOP.
Or get thrown out!
Not likely, Unhappy. The GOP's pathetic choice of candidates and their right wing lunatic fringe ideology will ensure Obama is reelected!
Thank you, Republican Party for cinching the reelection of Barack Obama and for giving intellectual midgets like Unhappy a place to play that is far away from normal people!
Snow White and the 7 dwarfs. Except it's reality-TV.
The GOP makes anarchy look good. By that standard, socialism is right-wing. If they progress to disorganized and intelligible, that's Network News, details at 11:00. However: fat chance.
Bachmann could be Cinderella. Except they don't carry her size, brain-wise.
When the Republican Barbour "leadership" from Mississippi has to tell the mainstream to stop saying Obama is Kenya ("colored feller"), the GOP has a great future behind them.
PS. Barbour still defends the White Citizens Councils! It's all so confusing.....it you think momentarily...
She received large state checks for her "foster" kids, then lied about how many she had and how long she had them.
^ Now it makes sense. I could never reconcile the obviously hate driven Bachman with foster kids.
Her own compaign staff in New Hamshire called her rude and unprofessional.
Yep. Now, that's the Bachmann i've seen!
This is one of the few areas where I actually find myself in uncomfortable agreement with Michele Bachmann.
Just because your parents brought you here as a toddler doesn't give you the right to live here. If you want to blame anybody, blame the parents.
if there illegal then they all need to go, and if there here just to make a living for there families then they need to be legal, duh
Did Bachmanns family come to the US legally? There were no real laws governing immigration but get here and not be sick, so the Mexicans who cross the border into the US and are not sick got into this country the same as Bachmann's forebears.
Marco Rubio says, "...Que Sera Sera". He only cares about children BEFORE they're born' he doesn't want to pay for birth control, but wants us to pay for his Viagra, just ask Rick Santorum... can anyone take these guys seriously?
never thought I'd say this BUT I agree with Bachmann on this one... if they're illegals--send them back to their country.... take a look at what Mexico does to illegals.
anyone notice the word "Illegal". In this case pertaining to the highest level of National Security. Is thr any better responce? Has it gottn to th point where we expect our leadrs to be in support of illgal activity on a national level? Take a step back and find out how many children Bachmann LeGALLY supports. Yes i was born in the US. No i dont expect for support for performing any illegal activity. Nor do i wish to support out of my paycheck in which I indeed labor for.
Republican policies have no chance of helping anyone and Bachmann knows it. She is only interested in money and power. Since she can't solve problems, she needs someone to blame them on. Immigrants are the scapegoat. She can make things worse and worse and no matter how badly her policies fail, she can always blame the failure on immigrants.
If your a Presidential Canidate making a speech to a group of College kids the worst thing you could do is turn a question into a personal issue and a heated aurgument with one of the crowd. You give your answer and you move on. If you don't agree then so be it. It just goes to show you that this woman is dangerously stupid and dosn't know how to handle herself in an aurgument with a empty headed know it all punk college brat. How then is she going to be able to deal with the major leauge professional brats that we have up in the whitehouse.
The people they are calling illegals are not that at all... way more than a simple majority of the latinos in the americas are not spanish they are natives...They were here first period...So all the racist land stealers ought to at least allow them to work without looking over thier shoulder..If they choose to migrate freely over a shabby border allow them to...and the republicans are christian please.....that is a joke....what would jesus do
Jesus is on the Southern border in Mexico sitting in a gun tower with a machine gun waiting for a Guatemalan to try to cut through Mexico to get to the US..
Right on! They expect us to just let them in, while you cannot move from state to state in Mexico without papers. And woe to the Guatamalan who tries to enter Mexico!
And to all the fox news watchers you can keep your hannity o'reilly etc. comments to yourself...we watch too because smart people get different opinions also...If you have your own ideas posted we can tell because they are full of errors and are illegible. like our instead of are or vice versa or your instead of you're etc. now everyone makes mistakes but informed people know it you do not.
You don't even make sense.
I confused as well...
Learn to speak, read, and write English!
The only thing I left out was punctuation..This is the internet after all...maybe you can't read..I write great..I just leave out puctuation sometimes when typing after all I work with my hands...and would love to use them on you...I am not an illegal I am Irish and my family was treated the same way by the likes of you when they came here..I have empathy un-like you...you little office twerp...that is excactly what my comment was about people who do not use the correct words but are spewing hate..stop by southwest philly and talk your trash office guy.