This week, Newsday sent 10 questions to all presidential candidates running for president.  Among the questions was the subject of immigration reform and bilingual education.

The candidates on immigration reform:

·         Barack Obama – "We need comprehensive immigration reform that creates a system that is fair consistent, compassionate, and emphasizes both maintaining the rule of law and the security of our borders while working to keep families together and putting the undocumented on an earned path to citizenship. 

·         Hillary Clinton – "I support comprehensive immigration reform that includes strengthening our border; placing stronger sanctions on employers; supporting family reunification; and providing a path to earned legalization for people who have been living in the US respecting the law, learning English, and willing to meet a high bar."

·         John McCain – "I believe a secure border is an essential element of our national security.  I believe that the federal government has utterly failed in its responsibility to ensure its security.  As president, I will secure the border and also require that border-state governors certify that the border is secure.

·         Mike Huckabee – "I will build the fence and increase the border patrol.  Illegal will be required to register within 120 days and leave the country, where they will go to the ‘back of the line.’ I believe cracking down on employers will result in attrition – if illegals can’t find work, they’ll go home.

On bilingual education:

·         Obama – "The federal government should be doing more to encourage transitional bilingual education.  Federal spending on bilingual education is stagnating while the number of students who lack English proficiency is growing rapidly.  Spending on bilingual education should at least keep pace with the expanding need."

·         Clinton – "Research has shown that children learn best when they receive instruction in their native language and, at the same time, are taught English.  That should be our approach, with the goal of having every child in a US school learn English because that skill will enable them to succeed.

·         McCain – "The primary objective of language programs targeted at English learners must be fluency in the English language.  In many cases, the best approach is targeted, bilingual education programs specifically designed to ensure children do not fall behind in their general educational development as they move to English proficiency.

·         Huckabee – "I support intensive immersion in English rather than bilingual education."

For the rest of the Q&A sessions, visit http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-candidates-qanda-pg,0,3230140.photogallery?index=2