2016: Voted to invoke cloture on S. 2193 to increase penalties for repeat illegal border crossers and criminal aliens (Cruz) Sen. McCain voted to invoke cloture and begin debate on S. 2193, Kates Law. S. 2193 would impose increase penalties, including mandatory sentencing requirements, for repeat illegal border crossers and criminal aliens. The bills sponsor is Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)

2015: Cosponsored legislation to reimburse states for incarcerating illegal aliens Sen. McCain has cosponsored S. 2395. The bill would reauthorize the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) that reimburses states for incarcerating illegal aliens. The bill was introduced by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).

2015: Cosponsoring legislation to enforce and strengthen immigration laws Sen. McCain cosponsored S. 1752, the Criminal Alien Deportation Act. This legislation would require the Department of Homeland Security to detain criminal aliens who commit serious crimes and complete the removal process within 90 days, thereby preventing their release and jeopardizing public safety. The bill would also encourage in increase in the number of immigration judges and promote Operation Streamline, which focuses on stopping illegal immigration along the U.S.-Mexico border.

2015: Cosponsored legislation to increase chain migration Sen. McCain cosponsored S. 153, the I-Squared Act. This legislation would increase H-1B visa numbers by more than 100,000 per year and allow certain other visa holders to renew their visas. This legislation would also allow family members of H-1B holders to remain in the country and receive work permits.

2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to expand chain migration (Schumer) Sen. McCain in favor of invoking cloture on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The motion passed 82-15. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.

2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor in favor of increasing chain migration.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of a second motion to invoke cloture on S. 1639 which would increase chain migration by approximately 251,000 per year. The motion to invoke cloture would have limited further debate on the bill and moved it to a final vote. A vote in favor of cloture was effectively a vote in favor of the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture failed by a vote of 46 to 53.

2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor in favor of increasing chain migration.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of a motion to invoke cloture on S. 1639, which would increase chain migration by approximately 251,000 per year. The motion to invoke cloture was a move to initiate debate on the proposal and limit further discussion of amendments to a previously-agreed upon set of proposals -- thus a vote for cloture was effectively a vote in favor of the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture passed by a vote of 64 to 35.

2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor in favor of increasing chain migration.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of a motion to invoke cloture on the substitute amendment (SA 1150) to S. 1348, a bill to increase chain migration by approximately 251,000 per year. The motion to invoke cloture would have ended debate on the proposal and limited further discussion of amendments to a previously-agreed upon set of proposals -- thus a vote in favor of cloture was effectively a vote in support of the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture failed by a vote of 45 to 50.

2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to increase chain migration.
Sen. McCain voted against the Menendez Amendment (SA 1194) to S. 1348 to increase near-term legal immigration by more than 100,000 each year by changing the cut-off date for reducing the backlog of family-sponsored immigration applicants from May 1, 2005, to January 1, 2007. The Menendez Amendment failed by a vote of 53 to 44.

2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to expand chain migration.
Sen. McCain voted against the Clinton Amendment (SA 1183) to S. 1348 to significantly increase legal immigration by adding an unlimited number of spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents to the uncapped immediate relative category that currently is for the spouses, minor children and parents of U.S. citizens only. The spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents currently are allocated some 87,000 visas each year. The Clinton Amendment failed by a vote of 44 to 53.

2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to increase chain migration.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the Akaka Amendment to S. 1348 to increase chain migration by exempting children of Filipino World War II veterans naturalized pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990 from numerical limits on worldwide immigration. The Akaka Amendment passed by a vote of 87 to 9.

2006: Voted on Senate floor in favor of S. 2611 to increase chain migration Sen. McCain voted in favor of final passage of S. 2611 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Arlen Specter [D-Pa.]), a bill to increase chain migration through an annual increase in the family-preference visa cap of 254,000. In addition, S. 2611 includes a one-time-only permanent increase of 105,660 visas for exempt family of unused employment-based visa holders between 2001-2005. S. 2611 passed by a vote of 62 to 36 on May 25

2006: Voted for an increase in chain migration.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of a motion to invoke cloture on S. 2611, which limited debate on the bill to increase chain migration through an annual increase in the family-preference visa cap of 254,000. In addition, S. 2611 includes a one-time-only permanent increase of 105,660 visas for exempt family of unused employment-based visa holders between 2001-2005. A vote to invoke cloture is essentially a vote for the bill. The motion to invoke cloture passed by a vote of 73 to 25.

2006: Voted against procedural move to increase chain migration Sen. McCain voted against cloture on SA 3424, a compromise amnesty proposal by Sens. Hagel (R-Neb.) and Martinez (R-Fla.). The purpose of voting against allowing a final vote on this proposal varied from Senator to Senator

2005-2006: Cosponsored bill to increase chain migration (McCain)
Sen. McCain cosponsored S. 1033 (McCain) to increase permanent, legal immigration by adding an extra 254,000 family-based visas annually. This bill, sponsored by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), died in the Judiciary Committee.

1996: Voted against the Simpson Amendment to end chain migration.
The Simpson Amendment to S.1664 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Orrin Hatch [R-Utah]) would have ended chain migration which the Census Bureau projects will double the U.S. population again in the next century. The Senate voted 80-20 to kill the reform sponsored by Sen. Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.).

1996: Voted against Feinstein Amendment which would reduce chain migration
Sen. McCain voted against the Feinstein Amendment to S 1664 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Orrin Hatch [R-Utah]) that would have significantly reduced chain migration by lowering annual admissions of spouses and minor children of citizens to 480,000 a year. The Feinstein Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), was defeated by a vote of 74 to 26.

1989-1990: Voted for bill that increased immigration limits (Kennedy)
Sen. McCain voted for S.358 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Ted Kennedy [D-Mass.]), a bill that ultimately removed or increased limits in most immigration categories. Senator McCain voted to dramatically increase immigration levels by voting for this bill. S.358 passed 81-17, ultimately becoming the Immigration Act of 1990.

2013: Cosponsored legislation to end the visa lottery (Schumer) Sen. McCain has cosponsored S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States, both visa traditional work visas and via chain migration. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.

1996: Voted against the Simpson Amendment to reduce the immigration lottery.
The Simpson amendment to S.1664 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Orrin Hatch [R-Utah]) would have reduced the annual number of visas allocated to the lottery category from 55,000 to 27,000. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.), failed by 80-20 on the Senate floor.

1996: Voted against the Feinstein Amendment which would eliminate the immigration lottery
Sen. McCain voted against the Feinstein Amendment to S 1664 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Orrin Hatch [R-Utah]) that would have eliminated the immigration lottery and significantly reduced chain migration. The Feinstein Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), was defeated by a vote of 74 to 26.

1989-90: Voted for bill that created the immigration lottery (Kennedy)
Sen. McCain voted for S.358 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Ted Kennedy [D-Mass.]), the bill that became the Immigration Act of 1990 and created the visa lottery. The Immigration Act of 1990 ultimately removed or increased limits in most immigration categories. S. 358 passed 81-17.

2017: Voted in favor of increasing foreign worker visas Sen. McCain voted in favor of H.R. 244, the 2017 omnibus spending bill. A provision of the bill allows DHS to raise the H-2B cap by 70,000 in 2017 by excluding returning H-2B workers. The spending bill, and the H-2B provision, covers half of 2017.

2017: Cosponsored legislation creating a state-based guest-worker program (Johnson) Sen. McCain cosponsored S. 1040, the State Sponsored Visa Pilot Program Act of 2017. This legislation would create a new guest-worker program where states would be able to sponsor foreign guest-workers, adding 500,000 indefinitely renewable worker visas per year, plus their spouses and minor children. Furthermore, the bill would allow illegal aliens who have been present in the United States for a certain period of time to be eligible for the visas. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI).

2017: Cosponsored legislation increasing SIVs for Afghanis (Shaheen) Sen. McCain cosponsored S. 630, the Keeping Our Promise to Our Afghan Allies Act. This legislation would increase the number of special immigrant visas for Afghani nationals from 8,500 to 11,000. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

2015: Voted against the FY2016 Omnibus Spending bill to increase foreign guest workers Sen. McCain voted against H.R. 2029, the Omnibus Spending bill for 2016. This legislation would increase the number of H-2B low-skilled, non-agricultural guest worker visas issued in 2016 from 66,000 to 264,000. The legislation would exempt foreign workers who had received an H-2B visa in any of the past three years from the 2016 cap.

2015: Voted in favor of H.R. 2146 to grant President authority to expand immigration levels without Congress consent via Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) Sen. McCain voted in favor of final passage of Trade Promotion Authority bill, H.R. 2146. (NOTE: in order to pass TPA the House of Representatives split the original bill Senate-passed bill H.R. 1314 into two bills, one dealing with Trade Adjustment Assistance and one dealing with the TransPacific Partnership. As a result, when the legislation came back to the Senate for a final vote, the Senate had to attach the TPA language to another House-originated bill, H.R. 2146 and vote to pass that legislation). This legislation would set up fast-track procedures for the passage of trade deals negotiated by the president. Although Ambassador Froman, the U.S. Trade Representative, repeatedly assured Members of Congress that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will not include immigration provisions that require the United States to change its laws, the Living Agreement provision of TPP means by its very terms that President Obama, or his successor, can change the provisions of the agreement however he chooses with no input whatsoever from Congress and regardless of what TPA instructs. H.R. 2146 passed the Senate by a vote of 60-38.

2015: Voted in favor of granting President authority to expand immigration levels without Congress consent via Trade Promotion Authority in 2015 Sen. McCain voted in favor of final passage of Trade Promotion Authority bill, H.R. 1314. This legislation would set up fast-track procedures for the passage of trade deals negotiated by the president. Although Ambassador Froman, the U.S. Trade Representative, repeatedly assured Members of Congress that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will not include immigration provisions that require the United States to change its laws, the Living Agreement provision of TPP means by its very terms that President Obama, or his successor, can change the provisions of the agreement however he chooses with no input whatsoever from Congress and regardless of what TPA instructs. H.R. 1314 passed the Senate by a vote of 62-37.

2015: Cosponsored legislation to increase foreign worker numbers Sen. McCain cosponsored S. 153, the I-Squared Act. This legislation would increase H-1B visa numbers by more than 100,000 per year and allow certain other visa holders to renew their visas. This legislation would also allow family members of H-1B holders to remain in the country and receive work permits.

2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to increase foreign worker visas (Schumer) Sen. McCain in favor of invoking cloture on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The motion passed 82-15. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.

2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor in favor of increasing foreign worker importation.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of a second motion to invoke cloture on S. 1639, which would increase the importation of both temporary and permanent foreign workers. S. 1639 would increase the importation of temporary foreign workers by 340,000 year and also add 106,877 permanent workers a year for 5 years. The motion to invoke cloture would have limited further debate on the bill and moved it to a final vote. A vote for cloture was effectively a vote in favor of the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture failed by a vote of 46 to 53.

2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor in favor of increasing foreign worker visas.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of a motion to invoke cloture on S. 1639, which would increase importation of temporary and permanent foreign workers. The motion to invoke cloture was a move to initiate debate on the proposal and limit further discussion of amendments to a previously-agreed upon set of proposals -- thus a vote for cloture was effectively a vote in favor of the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture passed by a vote of 64 to 35.

2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor against reducing foreign worker importation.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of a motion to invoke cloture on the substitute amendment (SA 1150) to S. 1348, a bill to increase importation of temporary and permanent foreign workers. The motion to invoke cloture would have ended debate on the proposal and limited further discussion of amendments to a previously-agreed upon set of proposals -- thus a vote in favor of cloture was effectively a vote in favor of the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture failed by a vote of 45 to 50.

2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to sunset guestworker provisions of a bill.
Sen. McCain voted against the Dorgan Amendment (SA 1316) to S. 1348 to sunset the guestworker provisions of the bill in five years. This was the second vote on the Dorgan Amendment which previously failed by a vote of 48 to 49. This time it passed by a vote of 49 to 48.

2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to sunset guestworker provisions of a bill.
Sen. McCain voted against the Dorgan Amendment to S. 1348 to sunset the guestworker provisions of the bill in five years. The Dorgan Amendment failed by a vote of 48 to 49.

2006: Voted in favor of a bill that rewarded illegal aliens with amnesty.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of final passage of S. 2611, which includes an amnesty (both immediate and deferred) for 10.2 million illegal aliens (6.7 million illegal alien workers and 3.5 million illegal alien spouses and/children). S. 2611 passed by a vote of 62 to 36.

2006: Voted against an amendment to cap employment-based visas.
Sen. McCain voted against the Bingaman Amendment to S. 2611, which caps the number of employment-based visas for workers, spouses and children at 650,000. Robert Rector of the Heritage Foundation estimates that the Bingaman Amendment would reduce employment-based visas available under S. 2611 by about 150,000 a year. The Bingaman Amendment passed by a vote of 51 to 47.

2006: Voted against an amendment to limit a proposed guestworker program.
Sen. McCain voted against the Dorgan Amendment to S. 2611, which limits the proposed H-2C guestworker program to five years instead of 10 years. This would have reduced the number of new guestworkers under S. 2611 from two million to one million (200,000 per year for five years instead of 10 years). The Dorgan Amendment failed by a vote of 48 to 49.

2006: Voted for increasing foreign worker visas.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of a motion to invoke cloture on S. 2611, which would have limited debate on the bill to increase foreign worker importation by approximately 600,000 visas per year. A vote to invoke cloture is essentially a vote for the bill. The motion to invoke cloture passed by a vote of 73 to 25.

2006: Voted against an amendment that increases guestworker visas.
Sen. McCain voted against the Hutchison Amendment to S. 2611, which creates a Secure Authorized Foreign Employee (SAFE) visa for nationals of a NAFTA or CAFTA. Its effect would have been to create an unnecessary guestworker visa category. The Hutchison Amendment failed by a vote of 31 to 67.

2006: Voted to increase greencards for foreign workers.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of a motion to table the Kyl amendment (SA 3969) to S. 2611. The Kyl amendment would have prevented 200,000 guestworkers a year from adjusting to lawful permanent resident status on the basis of their status as a guestworker. This would have resulted in 2 million less greencards over a decade. The motion to table the Kyl amendment passed by a vote of 58 to 35, effectively killing the amendment.

2006: Voted for an amendment to weaken worker protections.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the Kennedy amendment (SA 4066) to S. 2611. The Kennedy amendment weakens Sen. Cornyns amendment (SA 3965) by not requiring Federal certification of the employers need to import foreign workers. The Kennedy amendment passed by a vote of 56 to 43.

2006: Voted against an amendment to increase worker protections.
Sen. McCain voted against the Cornyn amendment (SA 3965) to S. 2611, which provides modest protections to American workers by requiring employers to employ aliens in the position they were hired for and requiring DHS to certify that there is, in fact, a labor shortage in that particular field before visas are made available. The Cornyn amendment passed by a vote of 50 to 48.

2006: Voted to kill amendment that would cap guestworker visas.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of a motion to table the Bingaman Amendment (SA 3981) to S. 2611. The Bingaman Amendment would cap the number of H-2C visas available annually for issuance at 200,000 and remove the 20%-a-year increase in annual guestworker visas. This would reduce the 10-year increase in foreign workers and their dependents from 8.4 million, as provided in the original bill, to two million. The motion to table the Bingaman amendment failed by a vote of 18 to 79 and the Bingaman amendment ultimately passed by voice vote.

2006: Voted to kill an amendment that would strike guestworker provisions.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of a motion to table the Dorgan Amendment (SA 4017) to S. 2611. The Dorgan amendment would have stricken the guestworker provisions of the bill that would add an estimated 8.4 million foreign workers and their dependents over the next ten years (according to a May, 2006 study by the Heritage Foundations Robert Rector). The motion to table passed by a voted of 68 to 29, effectively killing the Dorgan amendment.

2006: Voted against procedural move to increase foreign worker importation Sen. McCain voted against cloture on SA 3424, a compromise amnesty proposal by Sens. Hagel (R-Neb.) and Martinez (R-Fla.). The purpose of voting against allowing a final vote on this proposal varied from Senator to Senator

2005-2006: Voted against Byrd Amendment that would prevent additional foreign-worker importation
Sen. McCain voted against the Byrd Amendment to the Budget Reconciliation bill. The Byrd Amendment would have stripped a provision to increase permanent, employement-based immigration by as many as 366,000 annually. The Byrd Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), failed by a vote of 14 to 85 on November 3, 2005 (2:16 PM).

2005-2006: Cosponsored bill to increase foreign-worker importation (McCain)
Sen. McCain was a cosponsor of S. 1033 to add an extra 150,000 employment-based visas (mostly for unskilled workers) each year. Additionally, it would create a brand new guest worker program that would bring in 400,000 unskilled workers the first year. Depending on how fast U.S. employers grabbed up those visas, the total could increase by anywhere from 10 to 20 percent each year thereafter. This bill, sponsored by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), died in the Judiciary Committee.

2004: Cosponsored bill to increase low-skill worker importation (Kennedy).
Sen. McCain cosponsored S. 2252 (Sen. Ted Kennedy) to increase by 40,000 the annual cap for 2004 on H-2B visas for low-kill, temporary foreign workers. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.), died in the Judiciary Committee.

2003: Voted in favor of worker importation program in Singapore free trade agreement Sen. McCain voted in favor of H.R. 2739, the Singapore free trade agreement, that permits an unlimited number of workers from Singapore to enter the U.S. each year as treaty traders or investors* who are coming to the U.S. to carry on trade between the U.S. and Singapore or to *establish, develop, administer or provide advice or key technical services* to the operations of a business in which they have invested capital. The Singapore Free Trade Agreement, sponsored by Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas), passed the Senate by a vote of 66-32.

2003-2004: Voted in favor of bill to increase foreign-worker importation (DeLay)
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the Chile Free Trade Agreement, H.R. 2738 that permits an unlimited number of workers in Chile to enter the U.S. on L-1 visas. H.R. 2738, sponsored by Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas), passed the Senate by a vote of 66-31.

2003-2004: Cosponsored bill to create a guestworker program (McCain).
Sen. McCain cosponsored S. 1461, a bill to create a guestworker for almost all illegal aliens who will then be eligible for green cards after 6 years. The bill, sponsored by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), did not come to a vote.

2000: Voted for a foreign worker bill with no American worker protections.
Sen. McCain voted for S. 2045, which nearly tripled the number of foreign high-tech workers. Despite a GAO report finding no evidence of a worker shortage and suggesting fraud in the H-1B program, Sen. McCain voted for this bill that included no worker protections or anti-fraud measures. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), passed 96-1.

1998: Voted against an amendment, consequently allowing American workers to be fired and repalced with foreign workers.
Sen. McCain voted against the Kennedy Amendment (A-2418) to S.1723 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Arlen Specter [D-Pa.]) that would have protected American workers from being fired and replaced by a foreign worker (H-1B visa holder). The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), was defeated 38-60.

1998: Voted for a bill to nearly doubling hi-tech worker visas.
Sen. McCain helped the Senate pass S.1723 in a 78-20 vote. Enacted into law, it increased by nearly 150,000 the number of foreign workers high-tech American companies could hire over the next three years even though U.S. firms were laying off thousands of workers at the time. The primary sponsor was Sen. Spencer Abraham (R-Mich.).

1998: Voted against an amendment to offer jobs to Americans first.
Sen. McCain voted against the Kennedy amendment(A-2417) to S.1723 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Arlen Specter [D-Pa.]) that would have required U.S. firms applying for H-1B visas to check a box on a form attesting that they had first sought an American worker for the job. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), failed 39-59.

1989-1990: Voted in favor of bill that increased immigration limits (Kennedy)
Sen. McCain voted for S.358 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Ted Kennedy [D-Mass.]), a bill that ultimately removed or increased limits in most immigration categories. Senator McCain voted to import more foreign workers by voting for this bill. S.358 passed 81-17, ultimately becoming the Immigration Act of 1990.

2015: Voted against the FY2016 Omnibus Spending bill to increase foreign guest workers Sen. McCain voted against H.R. 2029, the Omnibus Spending bill for 2016. This legislation would fully fund the refugee resettlement program and include increases in funding to accommodate Pres. Obamas proposal to resettle an additional 10,000 Syrian refugees in the United States in 2016.

2014: Cosponsored legislation to expand refugee category for UACs (McCain) Sen. McCain cosponsored S. 2619. In attempt to address the surge at the Southwest border, this legislation redefines undocumented alien children (UAC). Unfortunately, in doing so, it actually expands the definition to include all children who cross the border without a parent or legal guardian. Under current law, a UAC must not have a parent or legal guardian inside the U.S. Therefore, such an expansion would place an enormous number of children who were otherwise ineligible through the UAC process. While the bill would add immigration judges and ICE attorneys, criminalizes spotting and other illegal alien activity, and fines parents whose children fail to appear at immigration proceedings, it also expands the use of alternatives to detention. Most egregious, this bill increases refugee admissions from Central America by 15,000 per year and begins in-country refugee processing. The bills main sponsor is Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).

2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to increase refugee and asylum fraud (Schumer) Sen. McCain in favor of invoking cloture on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The motion passed 82-15. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.

1990: Voted for bill that increased annual number of asylum seekers granted residence (Kennedy)
Sen. McCain voted for S. 358 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Ted Kennedy [D-Mass.]), which doubled the number of asylum seekers who could be granted permanent residence each year, thus increasing the incentive to file fraudulent asylum applications. Ultimately, the 1990 bill passed 81-17.

2018: Cosponsored legislation to amnesty Dreamers Sen. McCain cosponsored S. 2367, the USA Act of 2018. This legislation would amnesty all illegal aliens who entered the U.S. as minors prior to December 31, 2013. The bills main sponsors are Sens. Chris Coons and John McCain.

2017: Cosponsored legislation creating a state-based guest-worker program (Johnson) Sen. McCain cosponsored S. 1040, the State Sponsored Visa Pilot Program Act of 2017. This legislation would create a new guest-worker program where states would be able to sponsor foreign guest-workers, adding 500,000 indefinitely renewable worker visas per year, plus their spouses and minor children. Furthermore, the bill would allow illegal aliens who have been present in the United States for a certain period of time to be eligible for the visas. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI).

2015: Voted against Attorney General nominee who supports amnesty Sen. McCain voted against Loretta Lynchs confirmation as Attorney General. The Office of the Attorney General, the top law enforcement office in the country, is a position that should be reserved for qualified individuals with the utmost regard for the rule of law. Unfortunately, while Ms. Lynch served honorably as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, she indicated during the confirmation process that she did not have that regard for duly enacted immigration laws. She deemed reasonable President Obamas unprecedented and unconstitutional amnesties. Her dismissive attitude about the seriousness of enforcing immigration laws was largely explained in her initial answer to Senate questioning about whether the priority for U.S. jobs should be that they go to unlawfully present foreign workers or to legal workers of our nation. Ms. Lynch answered that everybody should be getting U.S. jobs regardless of their legal status, despite the fact that the primary purpose of immigration laws is to protect vulnerable American workers. As a result, NumbersUSA took an unusual step and scored the vote for the confirmation of Ms. Lynch as a vote against against the rule of law, and against the interests of American workers. Ms. Lynch was confirmed by a vote of 56 to 43.

2015: Voted in FAVOR OF McConnell substitute amendment to H.R. 240 to fund Executive Amnesties Sen. McCain voted in FAVOR OF the McConnell amendment to substitute the text of HR 240 with language that would provide full and unrestricted funding for President Obamas unconstitutional and illegal Executive Amnesties. After a series of 4 failed attempts to invoke cloture and move to debate on H.R. 240 (the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill that included language to de-fund Pres. Obamas Executive Amnesties), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) struck a deal with Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to move a clean DHS bill that would fund the amnesties through September 2015. Voting in favor of the McConnell substitute amendment was a vote against protecting struggling American workers who will have to compete for scarce jobs with millions of unlawful immigrants. It was also a vote to cede Congress constitutional powers to a President who has shown absolute disdain for the rule of law and the separation of powers at the very core of our Constitution. Senators cannot expect the judicial branch to reclaim the legislative powers for which they are unwilling to fight. The McConnell Amendment passed by a vote of 66 to 33.

2015: Voted FOR Executive Amnesty by voting against Sessions/Lee motion to allow possibility of de-funding Executive Amnesty in DHS Appropriations Sen. McCain voted against the Sessions/Lee motion to table the amendment tree on H.R. 240. After a series of 4 failed attempts to invoke cloture and move to debate on H.R. 240 (the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill that included language to de-fund Pres. Obamas Executive Amnesties), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) struck a deal with Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to move a clean DHS bill that would fund the amnesties through September 2015. As part of this deal, Majority Leader McConnell filled the amendment tree in order to provide full funding for President Obamas unconstitutional and illegal amnesties and block all other amendments to H.R. 240. This was especially outrageous given that Leader McConnell promised to restore regular order and an open amendment process when he became Senate Leader in January 2015. In response, Senators Sessions (R-AL) and Lee (R-UT) filed a motion to table the amendment tree, thus allowing amendments to the bill and the possibility of restoring the de-funding language. Thus, a vote against the Sessions/Lee motion to table the amendment tree was a vote for amnesty and lawlessness a vote against the open process. The Sessions/Lee motion to table failed by a vote of 34 to 65.

2015: Voted for SECOND Motion to bring H.R. 240 (DHS Appropriations bill) to de-fund Executive Amnesty to Senate floor Sen. McCain voted in favor of the SECOND cloture motion to allow the Senate to begin debate on the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) that includes language to de-fund President Obamas Executive Amnesties, including DACA and his November 2014 amnesty to give work permits to up to 5 million illegal aliens. DHS funding runs out at the end of February 2015 and President Obama has threatened to veto any appropriations bill that includes language to de-fund his amnesties, essentially saying his amnesty is more important than funding for DHS. No Senate Democrats voted to allow the bill to the Senate floor for debate. The motion failed by a vote of 53 - 47 (60 votes required for passage).

2015: Voted for THIRD Motion to bring H.R. 240 (DHS Appropriations bill) to de-fund Executive Amnesty to Senate floor Sen. McCain voted in favor of the THIRD cloture motion to allow the Senate to begin debate on the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) that includes language to de-fund President Obamas Executive Amnesties, including DACA and his November 2014 amnesty to give work permits to up to 5 million illegal aliens. DHS funding runs out at the end of February 2015 and President Obama has threatened to veto any appropriations bill that includes language to de-fund his amnesties, essentially saying his amnesty is more important than funding for DHS. No Senate Democrats voted to allow the bill to the Senate floor for debate. The motion failed by a vote of 52 - 47 (60 votes required for passage).

2015: Voted for FIRST Motion to Proceed to Debate on DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) to de-fund Executive Amnesty Sen. McCain voted in favor of a cloture motion to allow the Senate to begin debate on the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) that includes language to de-fund President Obamas Executive Amnesties, including DACA and his November 2014 amnesty to give work permits to up to 5 million illegal aliens. DHS funding runs out at the end of February 2015 and President Obama has threatened to veto any appropriations bill that includes language to de-fund his amnesties, essentially saying his amnesty is more important than funding for DHS. No Senate Democrats voted to allow the bill to the Senate floor for debate. The motion failed by a vote of 51-48.

2015: Voted for FOURTH Motion to bring H.R. 240 (DHS Appropriations bill) to de-fund Executive Amnesty to Senate floor Sen. McCain voted in favor of the FOURTH cloture motion to allow the Senate to begin debate on the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) that includes language to de-fund President Obamas Executive Amnesties, including DACA and his November 2014 amnesty to give work permits to up to 5 million illegal aliens. DHS funding runs out at the end of February 2015 and President Obama has threatened to veto any appropriations bill that includes language to de-fund his amnesties, essentially saying his amnesty is more important than funding for DHS. No Senate Democrats voted to allow the bill to the Senate floor for debate. The motion failed by a vote of 47-46 (60 votes required for passage).

2014: Voted Against Blocking Obamas Mass Amnesty Sen. McCain voted against the Point of Order raised by Sen. Ted Cruz as to the constitutionality of the executive amnesty issued by President Obama. Doing so during a vote on H.R. 83, the CROmnibus, acted as a vote to stop this unlawful amnesty, and a vote against Sen. Cruzs Point of Order was a vote in favor of the presidents amnesty.

2014: Voted in favor of motion to help end DACA (Sessions) Sen. McCain voted in favor of an amendment to 2648, the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2014. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had already offered the maximum number of amendments (in a practice called filling the tree) to the legislation with the express purpose of preventing Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex) from offering his legislation to defund DACA. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) offered an amendment, # 3751, to remove all of Sen. Reids amendments so that Sen. Cruzs could be considered. This motion failed 43-52.

2013: Voted in favor of an amendment designed to pass overall amnesty bill (Schumer-Corker-Hoeven) Sen.McCain voted in favor of the Schumer-Corker-Hoeven amendment to S. 744, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty legislation. This amendment was a political ploy by pro-amnesty Senators to pass a bill (S. 744) that was otherwise headed for defeat. As such, a vote in favor of the amendment is graded here as a vote in favor of the full S. 744 amnesty. The Schumer-Corker-Hoeven amendment promised a so-called border surge after 11-18 million illegal aliens receive legal protected status, work permits, and de facto amnesty. In fact, however, the amendment would weaken current law (calling for entry-exit system at only airports and seaports as opposed to all ports of entry and calling for single layer border fencing as opposed to double-layer fencing) and weaken the already-loose enforcement provisions of S. 744 by setting up a rolling amnesty for future visa overstayers. The amendment was designed to give cover to Senators who could claim they supported strong border security amendments by voting for the amendment and then voting for final passage of the bill. The amendment passed 67-27 (24 June 2013).

2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to amnesty illegal aliens (Schumer) Sen. McCain in favor of invoking cloture on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The motion passed 82-15. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.

2010: Voted against the DREAM Act amnesty.
The DREAM Act would have granted amnesty to illegal aliens under the age of 30 who have been in the United States for five consecutive years and came illegally to the United States before the age of 16. Such a reward for illegal immigration serves as an incentive for more illegal immigration.

2010: Voted against the DREAM Act amnesty.
The DREAM Act would have granted amnesty to illegal aliens under the age of 30 who have been in the United States for five consecutive years and came illegally to the United States before the age of 16. Such a reward for illegal immigration serves as an incentive for more illegal immigration.

2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor in favor of rewarding illegal aliens with amnesty.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of a second motion to invoke cloture on S. 1639, which would reward up to six million illegal aliens with amnesty. The motion to invoke cloture would have limited further debate on the bill and moved it to a final vote. A vote for cloture was effectively a vote in favor of passing the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture failed by a vote of 46 to 53.

2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor in favor of amnesty for illegal aliens.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of a motion to invoke cloture on S. 1639, which would reward illegal aliens with amnesty. The motion to invoke cloture was a move to initiate debate on the proposal and limit further discussion of amendments to a previously-agreed upon set of proposals -- thus a vote for cloture was effectively a vote in favor of the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture passed by a vote of 64 to 35.

2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor against reducing amnesties for illegal aliens.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of a motion to invoke cloture on the substitute amendment (SA 1150) to S. 1348, a bill to reward illegal aliens with amnesty. The motion to invoke cloture would have ended debate on the proposal and limited further discussion of amendments to a previously-agreed upon set of proposals -- thus a vote in favor of cloture was effectively a vote in favor of the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture failed by a vote of 45 to 50.

2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to bar certain criminals from amnesty.
Sen. McCain voted against the Cornyn Amendment (SA 1184) to S. 1385 to bar criminal aliens from receiving amnesty. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff has estimated that 15% of illegal aliens are criminals. The Cornyn Amendment failed by a vote of 46 to 51.

2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to strip amnesty provisions from a bill.
Sen. McCain voted against the Vitter Amendment to strip the amnesty provisions from S. 1348. The Vitter Amendment failed by a vote of 29 to 66..

2007-2008: Cosponsored a bill to reward illegal aliens with amnesty (Durbin).
S. 774 would reward illegal aliens under the age of 21 who have been physically present in the country for five years and are in 7th grade or above with amnesty. An estimated 500,000 to 600,000 illegal aliens would qualify for this amnesty. Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) is the main sponsor of this bill.

2007-2008: Cosponsored AgJOBS to reward illegal agricultural workers with amnesty (Feinstein).
Sen. McCain is a cosponsor of S. 340 to reward illegal immigration by protecting illegal aliens granted temporary resident status from prosecution for Social Security fraud. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) was the main sponsor of this bill.

2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to create a disincentive to apply for amnesty.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the Cornyn Amendment (SA 1250) to S. 1348 to discourage applicants from applying for amnesty by eliminating the provisions protecting the confidentiality of the information contained in amnesty applications and, instead, requires the sharing of application-related information upon the request of a law enforcement agency, intelligence, or national security agency, or DHS component when requested in connection with a duly-authorized investigation of a civil violation. The Cornyn Amendment passed by a vote of 57 to 39.

2006: Voted on Senate floor in favor of S. 2611 to reward illegal aliens with amnesty Sen. McCain voted in favor of final passage of S. 2611 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Arlen Specter [D-Pa.]) which includes an amnesty (both immediate and deferred) for 10.2 million illegal aliens (6.7 million illegal alien workers and 3.5 million illegal alien spouses and/children). S. 2611 passed by a vote of 62 to 36 on May 25, 2006 (5:39 PM).

2006: Voted for amnesty for illegal aliens.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of a motion to invoke cloture on S. 2611, which includes an amnesty (both immediate and deferred) for 10.2 million illegal aliens (6.7 million illegal alien workers and 3.5 million illegal alien spouses and/children). A vote to invoke cloture is essentially a vote for the bill. The motion to invoke cloture passed by a vote of 73 to 25.

2006: Voted against amendment to reward 2 million illegal aliens with amnesty Sen. McCain voted against the Feinstein Amendment to S. 2611 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Arlen Specter [D-Pa.]) to create an orange card that would allow an estimated two million illegal aliens to pay a fine. The amendment failed by a vote of 37 to 61.

2006: Voted against an amendment to end amnesty provisions.
Sen. McCain voted against the Vitter amendment (SA 3963) to S. 2611, which removes provisions authorizing the earned legalization and agricultural worker amnesty schemes that would grant amnesty to an estimated 16 million illegal aliens and their families (according to a May, 2006 study by the Heritage Foundations Robert Rector). The Vitter amendment failed by a vote of 33 to 66.

2006: Voted against procedural move to amnesty illegal aliens Sen. McCain voted against cloture on SA 3424, a compromise amnesty proposal by Sens. Hagel (R-Neb.) and Martinez (R-Fla.). The purpose of voting against allowing a final vote on this proposal varied from Senator to Senator

2005-2006: Cosponsored a bill to reward illegal aliens with amnesty (Durbin).
S. 2075 would reward illegal aliens under the age of 21, who have been physically present in the country for five years and are in 7th grade or above, with amnesty. An estimated 500,000 to 600,000 illegal aliens would qualify for this amnesty. Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) was the main sponsor of this bill. The bill died in the Judiciary Committee.

2005-2006: Cosponsored bill to reward illegal aliens with amnesty (McCain)
Sen. McCain was a cosponsor of S. 1033 to reward virtually all illegal aliens (except those with criminal records or terrorist connections) with amnesty. This could potentially reward 9 million illegal aliens with amnesty. This bill, sponsored by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), died in the Judiciary Committee.

2005-2006: Voted in favor of amnesty for agricultural workers
Sen. McCain voted to invoke cloture, a procedural move requiring 60 votes to limit debate and ensure a vote on the AgJOBS amnesty amendment for up to 3 million illegal aliens, introduced by Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho), to the Iraq supplemental spending bill. The Senate voted 53 to 45 not to invoke cloture, effectively keeping the amnesty off of the final bill on April 19, 2005.

2005-2006: Cosponsored AgJobs to grant amnesty to illegal aliens (Craig)
Sen. McCain was a cosponsor of S. 359 to encourage more illegal immigration by rewarding certain illegal aliens who work in agriculture with amnesty. Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho) was the primary sponsor.

2003-2004: Cosponsored bill to grant amnesty to illegal aliens (Craig).
Sen. McCain cosponsored S. 1645 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Larry Craig [R-Idaho]) to encourage more illegal immigration by rewarding certain illegal aliens who work in agriculture with amnesty. This bill died in the Judiciary Committee.

2003-2004: Cosponsored DREAM Act to reward illegal aliens with amnesty (Hatch).
S. 1545 would have rewarded illegal aliens under the age of 21 who have been physically present in the country for five years and are in 7th grade or above with amnesty. An estimated 500,000 to 600,000 illegal aliens would have qualified for this amnesty. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) was the primary sponsor.

2003-2004: Cosponsored bill to reward illegal aliens with amnesty (McCain).
Sen. McCain cosponsored S. 1461, to create a legalization process for almost all illegal aliens who will then be eligible for green cards after 6 years. Amnesty has been shown to increase rates of illegal immigration. The bill, sponsored by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), did not come to a vote.

2000: Voted against including illegal immigration amnesty in the Senate H-1b bill (Hatch).
Sen. McCain voted against including an amnesty for illegal aliens from Central America in the Senate H-1B bill (S.2045). This not necessarily a vote against the amnesty, but rather a vote against including it in the H-1B legislation. The move to attach the amnesty failed 43-55.

1990: Voted for a bill that provided family-based amnesty (Kennedy)
Sen. McCain supported S.358 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Ted Kennedy [D-Mass]), which provided an amnesty for up to 165,000 spouses and minor children of illegal aliens who were granted amnesty in 1986. Ultimately, the 1990 bill passed 81-17.

2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to amnesty illegal aliens (Schumer) Sen. McCain in favor of invoking cloture on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The motion passed 82-15. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.

2010: Voted for an amendment in support of Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the DeMint amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010. The amendment, SA 4464, would have prevented the Department of Justice from participating in any lawsuit against Arizonas immigration enforcement law, SB 1070. Unfortunately, the amendment failed 43-55 on the Senate floor. By supporting this amendment, Sen. McCain made it clear that illegal aliens should not be rewarded for breaking immigration laws.

2010: Voted for an amendment in support of Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the DeMint amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010. The amendment, SA 4464, would have prevented the Department of Justice from participating in any lawsuit against Arizonas immigration enforcement law, SB 1070. Unfortunately, the amendment failed 43-55 on the Senate floor. By supporting this amendment, Sen. McCain made it clear that illegal aliens should not be rewarded for breaking immigration laws.

2009-2010: Voted for an amendment that prevented illegal aliens from acquiring credit cards.
Sen. McCain supported the Vitter Amendment to H.R. 627, The Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights Act of 2009, and it would have required the banks that issue credit cards to ensure that those granted credit cards are in the United States legally by obliging the banks to verify the identity of applicants using REAL ID-compliant documents. The amendment failed 28-65.

2009-2010: Voted for an amendment that prevented illegal aliens from acquiring credit cards.
Sen. McCain supported the Vitter Amendment to H.R. 627, The Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights Act of 2009, and it would have required the banks that issue credit cards to ensure that those granted credit cards are in the United States legally by obliging the banks to verify the identity of applicants using REAL ID-compliant documents. The amendment failed 28-65.

2007-2008: Cosponsored a bill to reward illegal aliens with in-state tuition (Durbin).
S. 774 would reward illegal aliens under the age of 21 who have been physically present in the country for five years and are in 7th grade or above with in-state tuition rates at colleges and universities. Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) was the main sponsor of this bill.

2007-2008: Cosponsored AgJOBS to reward illegal agricultural workers with amnesty (Feinstein).
Sen. McCain is a cosponsor of S. 340 to reward illegal immigration by protecting illegal aliens granted temporary resident status from prosecution for Social Security fraud. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) was the main sponsor of this bill.

2006: Voted to kill an amendment to prevent Social Security for illegal aliens.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of a motion to table the Ensign amendment (SA 3985) to S. 2611. The Ensign amendment would have prohibited the payment of Social Security benefits for many illegal aliens. The motion to table the Ensign amendment passed by a vote of 50 to 49, effectively killing the amendment.

2005-2006: Cosponsored a bill to reward illegal aliens with in-state tuition (Durbin).
S. 2075 would have rewarded illegal aliens under the age of 21, who have been physically present in the country for five years and are in 7th grade or above, with in-state tuition rates at colleges and universities. Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) was the main sponsor of the bill. The bill died in the Judiciary Committee.

2005-2006: Voted to shield illegal aliens from prosecution for Social Security fraud
Sen. McCain voted to invoke cloture, a procedural move requiring 60 votes to limit debate and ensure a vote on the AgJOBS amnesty amendment, introduced by Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho), to the Iraq supplemental spending bill. The Senate voted 53 to 45 not to invoke cloture, thus effectively keeping the amnesty, which would reward illegal immigration by protecting illegal aliens granted temporary resident status from prosecution for Social Security fraud off the final bill on April 19, 2005.

2005-2006: Cosponsored AgJobs to protect illegal aliens from prosecution (Craig)
Sen. McCain was a cosponsor of S. 359 to reward illegal immigration by protecting illegal aliens granted temporary resident status from prosecution for Social Security fraud. Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho) was the primary sponsor.

2003-2004: Cosponsored bill to protect illegal immigrants from prosecution (Craig).
Sen. McCain cosponsored S. 1645 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Larry Craig [R-Idaho]) to reward illegal immigration by protecting illegal aliens granted temporary resident status from prosecution for Social Security fraud. This bill died in the Judiciary Committee.

2003-2004: Cosponsored DREAM Act to reward illegal aliens with in-state tuition (Hatch).
S. 1545 would have rewarded illegal aliens under the age of 21 who have been physically present in the country for five years and are in 7th grade or above with in-state tuition rates at colleges and universities. This bill, sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), did not come to a vote.

1996: Voted in favor of bill that denied illegal aliens in-state tuition (Hatch)
Sen. McCain voted in favor of S. 1664 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Orrin Hatch [R-Utah]) that denied illegal aliens in-state tuition, in addition to almost all forms of federal welfare.

2017: Cosponsored legislation reauthorizing SCAAP funding (Flake) Sen. McCain cosponsored S. 745. This legislation would reauthorize the SCAAP program for 10 years. The SCAAP program reimburses states and local jurisdictions for the costs to jail criminal illegal aliens. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ).

2017: Cosponsored legislation strengthens border security (McCain) Sen. McCain cosponsored S. 725, the Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act. This legislation would levy penalties for spotters along the border and individuals that destroy border security equipment. The bills main sponsor is Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

2015: Voted in favor of McCain amdt to S. Con. Res. 11 to support expedited removal of illegal aliens Sen. McCain voted in favor of the McCain amendment to the Senate Budget Resolution, S. Con. Res 11. Sen. McCains original amendment called for the expedited removal of unaccompanied minors from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Those three countries were the source of the unprecedented border surge along the U.S.-Mexico border during the summer of 2014. But his original amendment also included a provision that would allow for the creation of in-country processing of refugees in those three countries. After NumbersUSA pointed out to Senators that the Central American migrants are not fleeing government persecution, and so do not qualify as refugees, but are instead seeking the benefits of the Presidents rewriting of our immigration law, Sen. McCain removed the in-country processing language, and NumbersUSA supported the amendment. Since the amendment was part of a Budget Resolution, it is non-binding and doesnt force a change in the current policy that allows unaccompanied minors from those three countries to be treated differently than those from Mexico or Canada. If the provision, however, remains in the budget resolution thats eventually approved by both chambers of Congress, it allows appropriators later to set spending levels for the 2016 fiscal year that call for the expedited removal of illegal aliens from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The amendment passed 58-to-42 (including the support of three Democrats and one Independent also Sens. Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Angus King of Maine, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, and Claire McCaskill of Missouri.

2013: Voted against amendment to increase border security (Cornyn) Sen. McCain voted in favor of tabling the Cornyn amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. This amendment would have required 90% operational security along the entire U.S. - Mexico border before illegal aliens could receive citizenship. The amendment failed 43-54 (20 June 2013).

2013: Voted against an amendment to increase border security (Paul) Sen. McCain voted in favor of tabling the Paul amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. Sen. Pauls amendment would have required Congressional approval before RPI status was given to illegal aliens and required completion of the border fence. The amendment failed 37-61 (19 June 2013).

2013: Voted against amendment to ensure border security (Lee) Sen. McCain voted against the Lee amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. The amendment would have required Congress to sign off on DHS implementation of border security strategies and certify that the strategies are operational. As the bill is written, there is no Congressional oversight or approval needed. The amendment failed 39-52, with a 3/5ths vote needed for passage (19 June 2013).

2013: Voted against amendment to build double-layered border fence (Thune) Sen. McCain voted against the Thune amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. Sen. Thunes amendment would have required the completion of the 350 miles of reinforced, double-layered fencing described in section 102(b)(1)(A) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 before registered provisional immigrant status could be granted and to require the completion of 700 miles of such fencing before the status of registered provisional immigrants may be adjusted to permanent resident status. The amendment failed 39-54, with a 3/5ths vote necessary for passage (18 June 2013).

2013: Voted against amendment to ensure effective control of the border (Grassley) Sen. McCain voted in favor of tabling the Grassley amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. The amendment would have prohibited the granting of registered provisional immigrant status until the Secretary has maintained effective control of the borders for 6 months. As written, illegal aliens receive RPI status almost immediately after the bills passage. The amendment failed 43-57 (13 June 2013).

2013: Cosponsored legislation to help secure the border (Schumer) Sen. McCain has cosponsored S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States, both visa traditional work visas and via chain migration. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.

2010: Voted for an amendment that promoted border security and supported Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the DeMint amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010. The amendment, SA 4464, would have prevented the Department of Justice from participating in any lawsuit against Arizonas immigration enforcement law, SB 1070. Unfortunately, the amendment failed 43-55 on the Senate floor. By supporting this amendment, Sen. McCain made it clear that the federal government is not doing enough to secure the border and states should be allowed to assist in the effort.

2010: Voted for an amendment that promoted border security and supported Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the DeMint amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010. The amendment, SA 4464, would have prevented the Department of Justice from participating in any lawsuit against Arizonas immigration enforcement law, SB 1070. Unfortunately, the amendment failed 43-55 on the Senate floor. By supporting this amendment, Sen. McCain made it clear that the federal government is not doing enough to secure the border and states should be allowed to assist in the effort.

2010: Voted for an amendment to increase the number of men and women patrolling the border.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the McCain amendment to H.R. 4899, the 2010 Emergency Supplemental bill. This amendment would have funded the deployment of 6,000 National Guardsmen and women to the U.S. - Mexico border, thereby making it more difficult for human, drug, and arms traffickers to cross the border. The amendment failed 51-46 (a 3/5 vote was required for passage).

2010: Voted for an amendment that would have helped stop the flow of drugs across the border.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the Cornyn amendment to H.R. 4899, the 2010 Emergency Supplemental bill. This amendment would have increased funding for drug enforcement along the Southwest border. The amendment failed 54-43 (a 3/5 vote was required for passage).

2010: Voted for an amendment that would have helped the Justice Department handle immigration-related cases on the border more efficiently.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the Kyl amendment to H.R. 4899, the 2010 Emergency Supplemental bill. This amendment would have increased resources within the Department of Justice to expedite immigration-related cases along the border. The amendment failed 54-44 (a 3/5 vote was required for passage).

2010: Voted for an amendment to increase the number of men and women patrolling the border.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the McCain amendment to H.R. 4899, the 2010 Emergency Supplemental bill. This amendment would have funded the deployment of 6,000 National Guardsmen and women to the U.S. - Mexico border, thereby making it more difficult for human, drug, and arms traffickers to cross the border. The amendment failed 51-46 (a 3/5 vote was required for passage).

2010: Voted for an amendment that would have helped the Justice Department handle immigration-related cases on the border more efficiently.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the Kyl amendment to H.R. 4899, the 2010 Emergency Supplemental bill. This amendment would have increased resources within the Department of Justice to expedite immigration-related cases along the border. The amendment failed 54-44 (a 3/5 vote was required for passage).

2010: Voted for an amendment that would have helped stop the flow of drugs across the border.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the Cornyn amendment to H.R. 4899, the 2010 Emergency Supplemental bill. This amendment would have increased funding for drug enforcement along the Southwest border. The amendment failed 54-43 (a 3/5 vote was required for passage).

2009-2010: Voted for an amendment to complete 700 miles of border fencing.
Sen. McCain voted for the DeMint amendment to H.R. 2892, the DHS Appropriations bill., which mandates that the 700 miles of border fencing (which was previously approved and appropriated for) be completed. The DeMint amendment passed 54-44.

2009-2010: Voted for an amendment to complete 700 miles of border fencing.
Sen. McCain voted for the DeMint amendment to H.R. 2892, the DHS Appropriations bill., which mandates that the 700 miles of border fencing (which was previously approved and appropriated for) be completed. The DeMint amendment passed 54-44.

2006: Voted for a bill to create a border fence.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of H.R. 6061 to create a 700-mile reinforced fence along the U.S.-Mexico border, and to provide for other barriers for border control. H.R. 6061 passed by a vote of 80-19.

2006: Voted for an amendment to fund a border fence.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the Sessions amendment to H.R. 5631, the Department of Defense Appropriations bill. The Sessions amendment would provide for $1.8 billion for the construction of 370 miles of border fencing and 461 miles of vehicle barriers along the southern border. The Sessions amendment passed by a vote of 94-3.

2006: Voted against an amendment to extend the border fence.
Sen. McCain voted against the Sessions Amendment to H.R. 5441, the Homeland Security Appropriations bill. The Sessions Amendment would have added 370 miles of fence on the southwest border. The amendment failed by a vote of 29 to 71.

2006: Voted in favor of an amendment to create a border fence.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the Sessions amendment (SA 3979) to S. 2611, which calls for the construction of at least 370 miles of a border fence along the southwest border. The Sessions amendment passed by a vote of 83 to 16.

2005-2006: Voted in favor of amendment (Ensign) to DHS appropriations bill to fund U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the Ensign Amendment (SA 1219) to H.R. 2360 (Rogers), the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill. The Ensign Amendment transfers appropriated funds from the Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the purpose of hiring 1,000 additional Border Patrol agents. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.), failed by a vote of 38 to 60 on July 14, 2005 (10:04 AM).

2005-2006: Voted against the Byrd Amendment to fund additional Border Patrol agents
Sen. McCain voted against the Byrd Amendment to H.R. 1268 (an emergency supplemental spending bill) to provide funding to hire 650 more border patrol agents. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), passed 65-34 on April 20, 2005 (3:18 PM).

2002: Voted for a bill to increase border control with an alien tracking and identification system.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2001 that would increase border control efforts by creating an entry-exit system for checking each alien as they enter and leave the U.S. H.R. 3525, sponsored by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), passed the Senate unanimously by a vote of 97-0.

2001-2002: Cosponsored bill to increase border control with an alien tracking and identification system (Kennedy).
Sen. McCain cosponsored the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2001 to create an entry-exit system that would check every visa holder as they enter and exit the U.S. S. 1749, sponsored by Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), did not come to a vote.

1996: Voted in favor of bill to reduce illegal immigration with border control, such as increased Border Patrol forces (Hatch)
Sen. McCain voted in favor of S. 1664 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Orrin Hatch [R-Utah]), a large omnibus bill with dozens of provisions aimed at reducing illegal immigration. It included major increases in Border Patrol forces. As well, it barred from any kind of legal entry for 10 years any illegal alien who had been apprehended and deported. S. 1644 passed by a vote of 97-3.

2016: Voted to begin debate on legislation to end sanctuary cities (Toomey) Sen. McCain has voted to invoke cloture on S. 3100, the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act. The bill would help end sanctuary policies that aim to protect criminal aliens by defining sanctuary jurisdictions as any state or local jurisdiction that fails to communicate with federal immigration agents and refuses to comply with detainer requests. The bill would also block certain federal funds from sanctuary cities and shield local police from liability when acting on behalf of a federal immigration request.

2015: Voted to end Sanctuary Cities in 2015 (Vitter) Sen. McCain voted in favor of cloture to open debate on S. 2146, the Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act. This legislation would withhold certain federal funding from jurisdictions that enact sanctuary policies, require the Department of Homeland Security to create a public list of jurisdictions that have sanctuary policies in effect, protect local law enforcement from liability in holding criminal aliens for ICE pick-up, and increase penalties for illegal re-entry into the United States. The bill is sponsored by Sen. David Vitter (R-La.).

2015: Cosponsoring legislation to crack down on sanctuary cities Sen. McCain is cosponsoring S. 1814, the Stop Sanctuary Cities Act. This legislation would block certain DHS funding to jurisdictions that fail to cooperate with immigration enforcement agents. Unfortunately, the bill would stop short in that it does not require jurisdiction to notify ICE when they arrest an illegal alien, making it slightly weaker than similar legislation.

2015: Cosponsored interior enforcement legislation Sen. McCain cosponsored S. 1843, the Criminal Alien Notification Act. This legislation would require the Department of Homeland Security to create a system by which the agency can share information on illegal aliens with local jurisdictions. The bill would require DHS to notify local authorities when they release criminal aliens.

2015: Cosponsoring legislation to enforce and strengthen immigration laws Sen. McCain cosponsored S. 1752, the Criminal Alien Deportation Act. This legislation would require the Department of Homeland Security to detain criminal aliens who commit serious crimes and complete the removal process within 90 days, thereby preventing their release and jeopardizing public safety. The bill would also encourage in increase in the number of immigration judges and promote Operation Streamline, which focuses on stopping illegal immigration along the U.S.-Mexico border.

2013: Voted against an amendment to implement full entry/exit system (Paul) Sen. McCain voted in favor of tabling the Paul amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. Sen. Pauls amendment would have required implementation of a biometric entry/exit system at all points of entry. The amendment failed 37-61 (19 June 2013).

2013: Voted against amendment to require biometric entry/exit system (Vitter) Sen. McCain voted against the Vitter amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. This amendment would have required the implementation of a biometric entry/exit system (the US-VISIT System) at all ports of entry before illegal aliens could be granted temporary legal status or citizenship. Sen. Vitters amendment failed 36-58, with a 3/5ths vote being required for passage (18 June 2013).

2013: Cosponsored legislation to mandate use of the E-Verify system (Schumer) Sen. McCain has cosponsored S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States, both visa traditional work visas and via chain migration. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.

2010: Voted for an amendment that promoted interior enforcement and supported Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the DeMint amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010. The amendment, SA 4464, would have prevented the Department of Justice from participating in any lawsuit against Arizonas immigration enforcement law, SB 1070. Unfortunately, the amendment failed 43-55 on the Senate floor. By supporting this amendment, Sen. McCain made it clear that the federal government is not doing enough to prevent illegal aliens from living openly in the United States (including taking American jobs) and states should be allowed to assist in arresting and processing illegal aliens.

2010: Voted for an amendment that promoted interior enforcement and supported Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the DeMint amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010. The amendment, SA 4464, would have prevented the Department of Justice from participating in any lawsuit against Arizonas immigration enforcement law, SB 1070. Unfortunately, the amendment failed 43-55 on the Senate floor. By supporting this amendment, Sen. McCain made it clear that the federal government is not doing enough to prevent illegal aliens from living openly in the United States (including taking American jobs) and states should be allowed to assist in arresting and processing illegal aliens.

2009-2010: Voted against tabling an amendment that would have denied federal funding to states and localities with sanctuary policies for illegal aliens.
Sen. McCain voted against tabling an amendment (SA 2630) sponsored by Sen. David Vitter to the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) spending bill (H.R. 2847). The Vitter Amendment, if adopted, would have prevented federal funds from going to states and municipalities with sanctuary policies in place that protect illegal aliens, criminal aliens, and potential terrorists. The vote to table the Vitter Amendment passed 61 to 38 (7 October 2009, 5:56 PM), effectively killing the amendment.

2009-2010: Voted against tabling an amendment that would have denied federal funding to states and localities with sanctuary policies for illegal aliens.
Sen. McCain voted against tabling an amendment (SA 2630) sponsored by Sen. David Vitter to the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) spending bill (H.R. 2847). The Vitter Amendment, if adopted, would have prevented federal funds from going to states and municipalities with sanctuary policies in place that protect illegal aliens, criminal aliens, and potential terrorists. The vote to table the Vitter Amendment passed 61 to 38 (7 October 2009, 5:56 PM), effectively killing the amendment.

2009-2010: Voted for an amendment to permanently reauthorize the E-Verify system.
Sen. McCain voted against a motion to table the Sessions amendment to H.R. 2892 (the DHS Appropriations bill) which reestablishes E-Verify permanently, mandates that any business getting a federal contract must run all new hires through E-Verify, and mandates that every existing employee who works on the government contracts must be run through E-Verify. The pre-existing employee provision only applied to the employees actually working on the government contract. The motion to table the Sessions amendment failed 44-53 and the amendment passed with a voice vote. H.R. 2892 was signed into law on October 28, 2009.

2009-2010: Voted for an amendment to permanently reauthorize the E-Verify system.
Sen. McCain voted against a motion to table the Sessions amendment to H.R. 2892 (the DHS Appropriations bill) which reestablishes E-Verify permanently, mandates that any business getting a federal contract must run all new hires through E-Verify, and mandates that every existing employee who works on the government contracts must be run through E-Verify. The pre-existing employee provision only applied to the employees actually working on the government contract. The motion to table the Sessions amendment failed 44-53 and the amendment passed with a voice vote. H.R. 2892 was signed into law on October 28, 2009.

2009-2010: Voted for employment verification by supporting a 5 year extension of E-Verify.
Sen. McCain voted against tabling Sen. Jeff Sessions amendment to the 2009 Omnibus Spending Bill (H.R. 1105). This amendment would have reauthorized the E-Verify electronic employment eligibility verification program for a period of five years. E-Verify, with a 99.4% accuracy rate, is the most effective tool in keeping illegal aliens out of U.S. jobs. The 5-year extension was an effort to stop the program from being used as a trade-off for various amnesty plans. The Senate leadership decided to table Sessions amendment rather than allow a floor vote. By voting against the tabling of Sen. Sessions amendment, Sen. McCain supported the long-term reauthorization of E-Verify. The final vote was 50-47.

2009-2010: Voted for employment verification by supporting a 5 year extension of E-Verify.
Sen. McCain voted against tabling Sen. Jeff Sessions amendment to the 2009 Omnibus Spending Bill (H.R. 1105). This amendment would have reauthorized the E-Verify electronic employment eligibility verification program for a period of five years. E-Verify, with a 99.4% accuracy rate, is the most effective tool in keeping illegal aliens out of U.S. jobs. The 5-year extension was an effort to stop the program from being used as a trade-off for various amnesty plans. The Senate leadership decided to table Sessions amendment rather than allow a floor vote. By voting against the tabling of Sen. Sessions amendment, Sen. McCain supported the long-term reauthorization of E-Verify. The final vote was 50-47.

2007-2008: Voted for increasing interior enforcement by funding state and local law enforcement assistance in enforcing federal immigration laws.
Sen. McCain voted against tabling the Dole Amendment to H.R. 3093, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008. The Dole Amendment would have appropriated $75 million to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for general support of state and local law enforcements assistance in the enforcement of Federal immigration laws. The vote to table the amendment passed by a vote of 50 to 42, effectively killing the amendment.

2007-2008: Voted against sanctuary policies for illegal aliens.
Sen. McCain voted against tabling the Vitter Amendment to H.R. 3093, the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) spending bill. The Vitter Amendment would have denied Federal Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) funding to state and local governments who refuse to share information with Federal immigration authorities. The vote to table the Vitter Amendment passed 52 to 42, effectively killing the amendment.

2007-2008: Voted for an amendment that deters employers from hiring illegal aliens.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the Sessions Amendment to H.R. 2, the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007. The Sessions Amendment would prohibit employers who hire illegal aliens from receiving government contracts. The Sessions Amendment passed by a vote of 94-0.

2006: Voted against an amendment to fund immigration investigators.
Sen. McCain voted against the Sessions Amendment to H.R. 5411, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill for 2007. The Sessions Amendment would have added $86 million for 800 additional staff to investigate immigration law violations. The amendment failed by a vote of 34 to 66.

2005-2006: Voted for an amendment to add detention beds to increase interior enforcement.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the McCain amendment to H.R. 2360, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act. The McCain amendment would have increased the number of detention beds to those called for in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. The McCain amendment failed by a vote of 42 to 56.

2005-2006: Voted against the Byrd Amendment to fund additional immigration investigators and agents
Sen. McCain voted against the Byrd Amendment to H.R. 1268 (an emergency supplemental spending bill) to provide funding to hire 250 new immigration investigators, and 168 new immigration enforcement agents and deportation officers. The Byrd amendment also provides funds for 2,000 additional detention beds as well as funding to train the new personnel. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), passed 65-34 on April 20, 2005 (3:18 PM).

2002: Voted for a bill to create a comprehensive alien tracking and identification system.
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2001 to significantly reduce future population growth from illegal immigration by making it much harder for temporary visa holders to stay in the country illegally after their visas expire. H.R. 3525 includes an entry-exit system and an integraded data system with biometric identifiers. H.R. 3525, sponsored by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), passed the Senate unanimously by a vote of 97-0.

2001-2002: Cosponsored bill to decrease illegal immigration with an alien tracking and identification system (Kennedy).
Sen. McCain cosponsored the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2001 to create a comprehensive alien tracking and identification system by implementing an entry-exit system with an integrated database of biometric identifiers for every visa holder. This would have greatly reduced the ability for a visa holder to overstay their visa and become an illegal alien in the U.S. S. 1749, sponsored by Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), did not come to a vote.

1996: Voted in favor of the Abraham Amendment, which would get rid of a voluntary workplace verification program
Sen. McCain voted in favor of the Abraham Amendment to strip the voluntary workplace verification program from S. 1644 (Hatch). Workplace verification programs help reduce illegal immigration by withdrawing the job magnet from illegal aliens. The Abraham Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Spencer Abraham (R-Mich.), failed by a vote of 54-46.

1996: Voted in favor of bill to reduce illegal immigration using interior enforcement, such as restrictions on sanctuary policy (Hatch)
Sen. McCain voted in favor of S. 1644 (whose main sponsor was Sen. Orrin Hatch [R-Utah]) a bill with dozens of provisions aimed at reducing illegal immigration. It included interior enforcement provisions such as restrictions against sanctuary policies for illegal aliens and employer sanction provisions. S. 1644 passed by a vote of 97-3.