The Massachusetts Coalition for Immigration Reform (MCIR) issued the following press release regarding its most recent ratings of candidates for the state legislature:
Ratings cover both incumbents and challengers. Incumbents were rated on the basis of their votes and/or sponsorship of laws that are in accord with MCIR Principles, particularly our opposition to open borders and illegal immigration, and for the protection of American workers and citizens. Incumbents are rated based upon public information without regard to whether the legislator wanted to be rated. Ratings for all incumbents who are running for reelection are posted.
Non-Incumbents (challengers) ratings are based upon their voluntary replies to the MCIR Survey. The Survey was sent to all non-incumbent candidates in contested races, regardless of party. It should be noted that less than 25% of races for the Massachusetts state legislature are contested.
The criteria that MCIR applied in rating candidates were:
Support of
✓ A residency requirement for the state’s Right to Shelter Law;
✓ Requirements for all employers in Massachusetts to use the Federal E-Verify system to authenticate the legal status of job applicants;
✓ Cooperation between state and local law enforcement and Federal immigration authorities, especially ICE, in identifying, apprehending, and removing criminal aliens;
✓ A “No” vote in June 2022 of the proposal to override Governor Baker’s veto of the state law authorizing driver’s licenses for persons who are in the country in violation of our laws.
Opposition to
✓ Sanctuary policies that shield criminal aliens from deportation;
✓ Proposals to give extra-constitutional rights to persons in detention for
crimes with respect to communication with ICE;
✓ Government subsidies (e.g., mortgages, in-state college tuition, public housing, etc.) for persons without lawful immigration status.
MCIR never endorses candidates. We recognize that voters may decide based on many issues, including judgments about the character and leadership of each candidate. What we offer is a way for voters to see which candidates share their goals and values.
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