APPOINTMENTS

Monday, November 24, 2008 10:30 AM

Napolitano On Border Security

Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, reported to be President-elect Barack Obama's choice for Homeland Security secretary, has made a name for herself in the illegal immigration debate. Last December, she spoke with National Journal's Lisa Caruso about the terms of the debate, crafting policy and the federal government's responsibilities.

NJ: On the national level, the Democratic presidential candidates seem wary when it comes to illegal immigration. What should they say?

Napolitano: You say, "Here's my enforcement strategy. It's multitiered: It's manpower. It's technology. It's equipment. And in my budget I'm going to put the money not only to do it but sustain it over time. Unlike my predecessors' budgets, my budgets every year will call on the Department of Homeland Security and ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] and local law enforcement at the border to be properly resourced so that we have continual operational control at the border.

"I'm going to direct the secretary of Labor to tell us what our labor market needs are, and we're going to adjust the visas accordingly, and we're going to put in place a process to do that, protecting jobs for American workers but realizing that we will have a national labor shortage moving forward. I'm going to pay specific attention to certain areas such as H-1B visas [for skilled workers], where there is such a demonstrated need and there's more than enough work for everyone to go around. The third thing is, we're going to deal with the 12 million in this country. We're not going to have a permanent underclass. They're going to have to pay a fine, get in line, and pay their taxes. And I don't call that amnesty."

The full interview is available to subscribers, as is Napolitano's profile in the Almanac of American Politics.

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