Gov. Huckabee does not support the DREAM Act

Gov. Huckabee was on the Laura Ingraham radio show and they discussed the DREAM Act.

While McCain originally supported Amnesty and was blasted for it by the talk radio crowds, Huckabee did not, but was still blasted for his compassion to those children who were brought here illegally by their parents.

In the 2007/2008 debates Huckabee was labeled as soft on immigration because in his home state of Arkansas he signed onto a bill that would allow illegal children who had been brought up through the Arkansas school system an opportunity to be eligible for scholarship.  In defense of this bill, during the CNN Youtube debate Huckabee said, “We’re a better Country than to punish children for what their parents did. We're a better Country than that.” 

  

Huckabee to this day, still stands by that bill’s provision. Twice in his conversation with Laura Ingraham he talked about those children, giving one example of a young four year old who went through the Arkansas school system, graduated as valedictorian of his class, and yet was denied the opportunity to receive a scholarship.  These scholarships would not have taken anything away from “legal” kids, but would have extended the opportunity to illegal kids who met the same guidelines.

Huckabee has always said that the border needs to be closed and reinforced with better security and technology.  He received the endorsement of the minute men founder Jim Gilcrest after he posted his Secure America Plan: A 9-Point Strategy for Immigration Enforcement and Border Security. 

While this plan came across as much tougher, he still kept the same principle and tone regarding illegals-the USA needs to treat them humanely, allowing them to come out of the shadows with their heads held high on their quest to become American Citizens.

As to Huckabee’s stance on the DREAM Act, which the Democrats in congress are trying to get passed during this Lame Duck Session, Huckabee stated:

*  He does not support it

* Too expansive

* Too many loop holes

* Should be a state issue, not a federal issue.  Allow each state to make the decision on education and citizenship of its students.

* Age limit goes way beyond young adult up to age 35

* Not a good idea the way it is written

My sense is that Huckabee will continue to defend the plan that was defeated in Arkansas.  He will also stand strong for closing off our borders, increasing the presence of National Guard troops along the border, and building a national secure fence.  Huckabee will continue to treat illegals humanely while telling them they need to go to the back of the line and enter the United States legally.