Jeb Bush on Immigration: Testy Exchange With DREAMer Student Over Immigration Reform
Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush nearly lost his cool when he was questioned by an undocumented immigrant student about his stance on immigration reform.
While giving a speech at the College of Southern Nevada last Wednesday, the former Florida governor said that he supported giving undocumented immigrants, who were brought to the United States as children, a pathway to citizenship, reports the Las Vegas Sun.
"DREAM Act kids ought to be given the chance to earn citizenship, particularly if they serve in the military, graduate from high school. They can make a contribution as well," he said, at the the event, which was sponsored by Libre Initiative, according to Fox 4 Vegas.
However, after the speech, Bush tried to dismiss a question from a student when she pressed him on why he would exclude the parents of children brought to the U.S. illegally from receiving citizenship.
"I want to know your position about a path to citizenship," said Dulce Valencia.
Bush snapped back saying that she had already heard his position.
"I'm wondering why it's okay for your wife but not my parents," Valencia retorted. "Why do you want to just give them "legal status" - what do you mean by that? Why not a path to citizenship?"
In response, the former Florida governor told the student his Mexican wife did not come to the U.S. "illegally, so there's a difference."
"What's the difference?" Valencia asked. "You mentioned [citizenship] for 'dreamers,' but how about my parents?"
The GOP candidate then turned away for a moment, before looking over his shoulder to answer Valencia.
"I gave you my position," Bush snapped. "We talked about this before. Yes, I have -- just did. I believe in a path to legalized status for -- because I don't think with 11 million people we'll be able to get the consensus needed."
He then thanked Valencia and turned away again.
Aftewards, Valencia posted a video recording of the testy exchange on Facebook, along with a note that reads:
"Governor Jeb Bush came to College of Southern Nevada (where I go to school) for a public forum. I used this opportunity to ask him why he didn't support a pathway to citizenship for my parents. He attempted to ignore my question and even answered at one point, 'My wife didn't come here illegally.' Even though 40 [percent] of undocumented immigrants overstayed their Visas. This answer proves to me that even though he may speak Spanish, he doesn't stand with my family or my community."
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