2003-2004: Cosponsored bill to increase chain migration (Gephardt).
Rep. Kennedy cosponsored H.R. 3271, a bill to increase chain migration by increasing the annual cap on family-based legal immigrants by about 250,000. Rep. Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.) was the primary sponsor.

1996: Voted for the Chrysler-Berman Amendment that would continue the practice of chain migration.
Representative Kennedy voted for the Chrysler-Berman Amendment to H.R.2202 (Smith). Had the amendment failed, H.R.2202 would have eliminated or significantly reduced several extended-family immigration categories. It would have reduced overall legal immigration by almost 2.5 million over a ten-year period. Instead, the amendment, sponsored by congressmen Chrysler, Berman and Brownback, passed by 238-183.

2005-2006: Voted against a bill to eliminate visa lottery.
Rep. Kennedy voted against final passage of H.R. 4437 which included a provision to eliminate the visa lottery that each year awards 55,000 visas on a random basis. H.R. 4437 was passed by the House by a vote of 239 to 182.

2005-2006: Voted against an amendment to eliminate visa lottery.
Rep. Kennedy voted on the floor of the House against the Goodlatte amendment to H.R. 4437. The Goodlatte Amendment would eliminate the visa lottery program that each year awards 55,000 visas on a random basis. The Amendment passed by a vote of 273 to 148.

1996: Voted for an amendment that increased the number of visas in the visa lottery.
Rep. Kennedy voted for the Chrysler-Berman Amendment to H.R.2202 (Smith). This was a vote against a 50 percent reduction in the number of visas allocated to the lottery category. H.R.2202 would have reduced overall legal immigration by approximately 27,000 a year by cutting the lottery in half, which would have been a reduction of 270,000 over 10 years. Ultimately, the Chrysler-Berman Amendment, sponsored by congressmen Chrysler, Berman and Brownback, passed by a vote of 238-183, stripping legal reforms from the bill.

2005-2006: Voted against CAFTA, foreign worker importation program (Delay)
Rep. Kennedy voted against H.R. 3045, the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (CAFTA), on July 28, 2005 (12:03 AM). It is expected that CAFTA would create the expectation of immigration and lead to an increase in illegal immigration. H.R. 3045 was sponsored by Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas).

2005-2006: Voted against an amendment to prohibit foreign-worker importation provisions in Free Trade Agreements.
Rep. Kennedy voted against the Tancredo Amendment to H.R. 2862 to prevent the U.S. Trade Representative from including immigration provisions in Free Trade Agreements. The Tancredo Amendment failed by a vote of 106 to 322.

2003-2004: Voted against a bill to create worker importation program (DeLay).
Rep. Kennedy voted against the Singapore Free Trade Agreement, H.R. 2739 that would permit an unlimited number of tech and professional workers to enter the U.S. on L-1 visas. H.R. 2739, sponsored by Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas), passed by a vote of 272-155.

2003-2004: Voted against a bill to increase foreign-worker visas (DeLay).
Rep. Kennedy voted against the Chile Free Trade Agreement, H.R. 2738, that would permit an unlimited number of tech and professional workers from Chile to enter the U.S. on L-1 visas. H.R. 2738, sponsored by Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas), passed by a vote of 270-156.

1998: Voted for a bill to almost double H-1B foreign high-tech workers (Smith).
Rep. Kennedy helped the House pass H.R.3736. 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. The primary sponsor was Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas).

1996: Voted against the Burr Amendment which would continue a foreign nurse guestwork program
The Burr amendment to H.R.2202 would have continued a foreign nurses guestworker program. The amendment, sponsored by Richard Burr, was defeated 154-262.

1996: Voted for an amendment that would have increased the importation of foreign workers.
Representative Kennedy voted for the Chrysler-Berman Amendment to H.R.2202 (Smith). It was a vote in favor of a continuous stream of unskilled workers--those who compete with Americans and other immigrants for low-wage jobs and further depress the wages for those jobs. Had the amendment failed, H.R.2202 would have reduced overall legal immigration by almost 2.5 million over a ten-year period. Instead, the amendment, sponsored by congressmen Chrysler, Berman and Brownback, passed by 238-183.

2007-2008: Cosponsored a bill to grant amnesty to Liberian refugees (Kennedy).
Rep. Kennedy cosponsored the Liberian Refugee Immigration Protection Act of 2007, a bill which would grant permanent lawful resident status to Liberian national aliens (including those present in the United States who have been ordered excluded, deported, removed, or ordered to depart voluntarily) who were eligible for Temporary Protected Status This bill was sponsored by Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.).

2007: Voted against an amendment to reduce the time period of a countrys temporary protected status. Rep. Kennedy voted against the Forbes amendment to HR 2638, which would prohibit funds pursuant to this bill from being used to extend the temporary protected status designation of a country. This amendment failed 123-298.

None

2005-2006: Voted for amendment (Nadler) to strip asylum reforms (H.R. 418)
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of the Nadler Amendment to H.R. 418 to strip asylum reforms that would prevent terrorists from gaming our asylum system. The Nadler Amendment would have stripped provisions to ensure that our asylum system is consistent with our justice system in which the trier of fact is always allowed to use the credibility of the defendant and witnesses in deciding the case. The Nadler Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), failed by a vote of 185-236 on February 10, 2005 (1:55 PM).

2004: Voted in favor of bill to reduce asylum fraud (Hastert)
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of final passage of H.R. 10 that included a provision to reduce asylum fraud by reaffirming that the burden of proof is on the asylum claimant, and that the adjudicator may require corroborating evidence in certain cases. H.R. 10, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), passed by a vote of 282-134.

2004: Voted in favor of a Motion to Recommit (Maloney) on H.R. 10 to strip provision to reduce asylum fraud
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of the Maloney Motion to Recommit with Instructions to strip from H.R. 10 a provision to reduce asylum fraud by reaffirming that the burden of proof is on the asylum claimant, and that the adjudicator may require corroborating evidence in certain cases. The Maloney Motion to Recommit, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), failed by a vote of 193-223.

2004: Voted in favor of Motion to Instruct Conferees to strip asylum fraud reducing provisions from H.R. 10
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of a Motion to Instruct Conferees to strip a provision from H.R. 10 to reduce asylum fraud by reaffirming that the burden of proof is on the asylum claimant, and that the adjudicator may require corroborating evidence in certain cases. The Motion to Instruct failed by a vote of 169-229.

2004: Voted against reducing asylum fraud by voting in favor of amendment (Smith) to strip provision making it harder for terrorists to get asylum
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of the Smith Amendment to strip from H.R. 10 the asylum provision to make it harder for terrorists to receive asylum in the U.S. by no longer allowing aliens who allege they will be persecuted because of terrorist ties to automatically receive asylum based on that claim. The Smith Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Christopher Smith (R-N.J.), failed by a vote of 197-219.

2004: Voted in favor of amendment (Menendez) to H.R. 10 to strip provision to reduce asylum fraud
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of the Menendez Amendment to strip from H.R. 10 a provision to reduce asylum fraud by reaffirming that the burden of proof is on the asylum claimant, and that the adjudicator may require corroborating evidence in certain cases. The Menendez Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), failed by a vote of 203-213.

1996: Voted for an amendment which would have resulted in higher refugee admissions.
Rep. Kennedy voted for the Chrysler-Berman Amendment to H.R. 2202 (Smith) that stripped legal immigration reforms from the legislation. This was a vote against reducing annual refugee admissions, as recommended by the Barbara Jordan Commission. The amendment, sponsored by congressmen Chrysler, Berman and Brownback, passed by a vote of 238-183 and the comprehensive reforms were removed from the bill.

2010: Voted for the DREAM Act amnesty, which would have rewarded illegal aliens with 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. Fortunately, the DREAM Act did not pass.

2009-2010: Cosponsored AgJOBS, which rewards illegal immigration by granting amnesty (Berman).
Rep. Kennedy cosponsored H.R. 2414, which encourages more illegal immigration by rewarding certain illegal aliens who work in agriculture with amnesty. Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.) was the main sponsor of this bill.

2009-2010: Cosponsored the DREAM Act, which rewards illegal aliens with amnesty (Berman).
Rep. Kennedy is a cosponsor of H.R. 1741, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act of 2007. H.R. 1741 would grant amnesty to illegal aliens under the age of 35 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. Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.) is the main sponsor of this bill.

2007-2008: Cosponsored the Haitian Protection Act (Hastings).
Rep. Kennedy cosponsored H.R. 522, the Haitian Protection Act of 2007, a means by which the DHS may grant refugee status to aliens who would otherwise be prohibited from staying in the United States. This bill would encourage immigration fraud. Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.) is the main sponsor of this bill.

2005-2006: Cosponsored amnesty for illegal aliens from Liberia (Kennedy).
Rep. Kennedy was a cosponsor of H.R. 3450 to reward certain illegal aliens from Liberia who were previously granted Temporary Protected Status with permanent residency. Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) was the main sponsor of this bill.

2003-2004: Cosponsored a bill to reward college-age illegal aliens with amnesty (Cannon).
H.R. 1684 was a defacto amnesty to grant legal status to certain college-age illegal aliens who would qualify to receive in-state tuition rates. An estimated 500,000 to 600,000 illegal aliens would have qualified for this amnesty. This bills primary sponsor was Rep. Chris Cannon (R-Utah).

2003-2004: Cosponsored bill granting amnesty to illegal aliens (Gephardt).
Rep. Kennedy cosponsored H.R. 3271, legislation to grant amnesty to some 6.5 million illegal immigrants in the United States. Rep. Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.) was the primary sponsor.

2003-2004: Cosponsored bill to reward illegal aliens with amnesty (Diaz-Balart).
Rep. Kennedy cosponsored H.R. 2843, an amnesty for illegal aliens from Perus and Colombia. Amnesties have been shown to increase rates of illegal immigration. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Belart (R-Fla.) was the primary sponsor.

2002: Voted for amendment (Farr) to prolong the awarding of amnesty.
Rep. Kennedy voted for the Farr Amendment to H.R. 4775, a supplemental appropriations bill. The Farr Amendment would have re-instated for four months the Section 245(i) amnesty that encourages illegal immigration by allowing certain illegal aliens to pay a 1,000 fine, to apply for a green card in this country, and to stay without fear of deportation. The Farr amendment, sponsored by Rep. Sam Farr (D-Calif.), failed by a vote of 27-32.

2002: Voted for a resolution to reward illegal immigrants with the Section 245(i) amnesty.
Rep. Kennedy voted for H RES 365, a four-month extension of Section 245(i), an amnesty for illegal aliens that rewards illegal immigrants with residency by allowing certain illegal aliens to pay a 1,000 fine, to apply for a green card in this country, and to stay without fear of deportation. H RES 365, sponsored by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), passed by a vote of 275 to 137.

2001-2002: Voted for a bill to extend an illegal immigrant amnesty act (Gekas).
Rep. Kennedy voted to reward illegal immigrants with amnesty by voting in favor of H.R. 1885, or a four-month extension of Section 245(i). The bills primary sponsor was Rep. George Gekas (R-Penn).

1999-2000: cosponsored bill to pass another amnesty (Gutierrez).
Rep. Kennedy cosponsored H.R.36, which would have rewarded approximately one million illegal aliens from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Haiti, including their spouses and children, with a direct path to U.S. citizenship. The main sponsor of this bill was Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.).

1998: cosponsored a bill to award amnesty to illegal aliens (Gutierrez).
Rep. Kennedy cosponsored H.R.3553, which would have awarded amnesty to almost 1.2 million illegal immigrants, in addition to the almost one million who were granted amnesty in 1997. The primary sponsor of this bill was Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.).

1997-1998: Voted against a motion to strip an amensty from a bill.
Rep. Kennedy voted against the Rohrabacher Motion to H.R. 2267 to kill the Section 245(i) amnesty that allowed certain illegal aliens to pay a fee and avoid a 1996 laws provision that punishes illegal aliens by barring them for 10 years from entering the U.S. on a legal visa as a student, tourist, worker or immigrant. The Rohrabacher Motion, sponsored by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), failed by a vote of 153-268.

2009-2010: Cosponsored AgJOBS, which rewards illegal immigration by giving illegal agricultural workers blue card status (Berman).
Rep. Kennedy cosponsored H.R. 2414 to reward illegal immigration by protecting illegal aliens granted temporary resident status and later giving them and their families full residency. Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.) was the main sponsor of this bill.

2009: Voted against allowing consideration of verification amendments to the health care reform bill Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of the rule to H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. Despite high publicity about the big loopholes in the bill allowing illegal aliens to participate in many parts of the new federal healthcare plan, the Rules Committee brought a rule to the House floor that blocked a vote on any amendment giving the Members a chance to close the loopholes. NumbersUSA notified the Members of Congress that a vote FOR the closed rule would be graded as a vote to provide rewards and incentives for illegal immigration. In particular, the rule prevented the House from considering the Heller, Deal, and Wilson verification amendments to the bill. By supporting the rule, Rep. Kennedy signaled his/her support of a health bill that creates rewards or incentives for illegal immigration. The rule passed 242-192 (7 Nov. 09; 1:33 PM).

2009-2010: Cosponsored the DREAM Act, which rewards illegal aliens with amnesty and in-state tuition (Berman).
Rep. Kennedy is a cosponsor of H.R. 1741, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors [DREAM] Act of 2007. H.R. 1741 would grant illegal aliens permanent resident status and allow them to pay in-state tuition at Americas public colleges and universities. Such a reward for illegal immigration serves as an incentive for more illegal immigration. Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.) is the main sponsor of this bill.

2008: Voted for an amendment to prevent illegal aliens from receiving federal housing funds.
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of an amendment to H.R. 5818, the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008. This amendment would prevent illegal aliens from receiving Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds pursuant to this act. The amendment passed by a vote of 391-33.

2008: Voted for an amendment to restrict funding to businesses that hire illegal aliens.
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of an amendment to HR 5819 that would prohibit SBIR or STTR awards from going to a small business concern if an unlawful alien has an ownership interest in that concern or in a concern that has interest in the small business. The amendment also prohibits SBIR and STTR awards from going to businesses that have repeatedly hired, recruited, or referred unlawful aliens. The amendment passed by a vote of 406-0, with 3 present.

2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to prohibit Social Security funds from being used to administer benefits accrued from work performed in Mexico.
Rep. Kennedy voted against the Gingrey amendment to HR 3043, an amendment to prohibit the use of funds by the SSA to administer Social Security benefit payments, under any agreement between the United States and Mexico establishing totalization arrangements between the two countries. The amendment passed 254-168.

2007-2008: Voted to allow illegal aliens to vote in union elections.
Rep. Kennedy voted against a Motion to Recommit H.R. 800, the Employee Free Choice Act of 2007. The Motion to Recommit would have recommitted H.R. 800 to the Committee on Education and Labor with instructions to report the bill back to the House with an amendment that would require that all employees allowed to vote in union elections be citizens or legal residents of the United States. Although some Representatives voted against the Motion to Recommit because it would have delayed final passage of the bill, a vote in favor of the Motion to Recommit was clearly a vote in favor of interior enforcement and against allowing illegal aliens to vote in union elections. The Motion to Recommit failed by a vote of 202-225.

2005-2006: Voted for an amendment to aid states in conforming with minimum federally-mandated license standards.
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of the Obey amendment to H.R. 2360 to provide $100 million to fund grants under the REAL ID Act to assist States in conforming with minimum drivers? license standards. The Obey amendment passed by a vote of 226-198.

2005: Voted against the Rule that incorporated the Managers Amendment to H.R. 418 to reduce rewards for illegal immigration Rep. Kennedy voted against the Rule that incorporated the Managers Amendment to H.R. 418 to strike both the section of the bill that explicitly recognizes states ability to issue driving certificates that do not comply with the standards

2005: Voted against H.R. 418 to reduce rewards for illegal immigration Rep. Kennedy voted against legal presence requirement that would make illegal aliens ineligible for drivers licenses. As well

2004: Voted in favor of bill to prohibit drivers licensesfor illegal aliens (Hastert)
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of final passage of H.R. 10 that included provisions to set federal standards for the issuance of drivers licenses and birth certificates. H.R. 10 prohibited the issuance of drivers licenses to illegal aliens and require that drivers licenses of temporary visa holders expire when their visa expires. As well, H.R. 10 contained provisions to prohibit the use of consular-issued ID cards. H.R. 10, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), passed by a vote of 282-134.

2004: Voted in favor of a Motion to Recommit (Maloney) on H.R. 10 to prohibit issuance of drivers licenses to illegal aliens
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of the Maloney Motion to Recommit with Instructions to strip from H.R. 10 a provision to set federal standards for the issuance of drivers licenses and birth certificates. H.R. 10 prohibited the issuance of drivers licenses to illegal aliens and required that drivers licenses of temporary visa holders expire when their visa expires. As well, H.R. 10 contains provisions to prohibit the use of consular-issued ID cards. The Maloney Motion to Recommit, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), failed by a vote of 193-223.

2004: Voted against prohibiting drivers licenses for illegal aliens by voting in favor of a Motion to Instruct Conferees
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of a Motion to Instruct Conferees to strip a provision from H.R. 10 to set federal standards for the issuance of drivers licenses and birth certificates. H.R. 10 prohibited the issuance of drivers licenses to illegal aliens and required that drivers licenses of temporary visa holders expire when their visa expires. As well, H.R. 10 contained provisions to prohibit the use of consular-issued ID cards. The Motion to Instruct failed by a vote of 169-229.

2004: Voted in favor of amendment (Menendez) to H.R. 10 to strip provisions prohibiting issuance of drivers licenses for illegal aliens
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of the Menendez Amendment to strip from H.R. 10 a provision to set federal standards for the issuance of drivers licenses and birth certificates. H.R. 10 prohibited the issuance of drivers licenses to illegal aliens and required that drivers licenses of temporary visa holders expire when their visa expires. As well, H.R. 10 contained provisions to prohibit the use of consular-issued ID cards. The Menendez Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), failed by a vote of 203-213.

2004: Voted for amendment (Oxley) allowing use of foreign ID cards in U.S.
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of the Oxley Amendment to strip the Culberson Amendment from H.R. 5025. The Culberson Amendment would have prohibited the use of matricula consular ID cards. The Oxley Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Mike Oxley (R-Ohio), passed by a vote of 222-177.

2004: Voted against amendment (Hayworth) and in favor of rewarding illegal aliens with Social Security benefits.
Rep. Kennedy voted against the Hayworth Amendment to H.R. 5006 that would have effectively prevented the U.S.-Mexico totalization agreement from taking effect, and, as a result, prevented Social Security payments to illegal aliens from Mexico. The amendment, sponsored by Rep. J. D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.), failed by a vote of 178-225.

2004: Voted for amendment (Pastor) and against secure-ID amendment (Culberson).
Rep. Kennedy voted IN FAVOR OF the Pastor Amendment to strip the Culberson Amendment from the Treasury/Transportation Appropriations bill. The Culberson Amendment would essentially have prohibited the use of Mexican matricula consular ID cards for banking services in the U.S. The Pastor Amendment to strip the Culberson Amendment failed by a vote of 26-25.

2004: Voted for amendment (Goode) against preventing Social Security for illegal aliens.
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of the Goode Amendment to the Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations bill to prohibit funds being used by the Social Security Administration to implement the U.S.-Mexico totalization agreement that would allow illegal aliens from Mexico to collect Social Security. The amendment, sponsored by Rep. Virgil Goode (R-Va.), failed by a vote of 20-26.

2003-2004: Cosponsored bill to grant amnesty to college-age illegal aliens (Cannon).
H.R. 1684 would have rewarded illegal immigration by adjusting the status of certain college-age illegal aliens to legal permanent resident for the purpose of receiving in-state college tuition rates. This bills primary sponsor was Rep. Chris Cannon (R-Utah).

2003-2004: Voted against an amendment to fight the use of foreign IDs.
Rep. Kennedy voted against the Hostettler Amendment to put some major restrictions on consular-issued ID cards that are frequently issued to illegal aliens by foreign governments. These cards make it easier for illegal aliens to gain government services and to otherwise profit from their illegal activity. The Hostettler, sponsored by Rep. John Hostettler (R-Ind.), Amendment passed by a vote of 226-198.

2008: Has not Signed Discharge Petition to move H.R. 4088, a bill to increase border security Rep. Kennedy has not signed the Discharge Petition on H.R. 4088, the SAVE Act, to increase border security. If the petition collects 218 signatures, a simple majority, the bill can bypass the committee process and be placed on the House floor for a vote.

2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to increase funding for the construction of a border fence.
Rep. Kennedy voted against the Brown-Waite amendment to HR 2638. This amendment re-directs $89 million set to be appropriated to the Undersecretary for Managements account to the Border Security Fencing, Infrastructure, and Technology Account, with a view towards constructing at least 700 miles of fencing along the southern border. The amendment was adopted 241-179.

2006: Voted for a bill to prevent border tunnels.
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of H.R. 4830, the Border Tunnel Protection Act of 2006 to penalize any person who constructs or uses a border tunnel. H.R. 4830 passed by a vote of 422 to 0.

2006: Voted against border fence Rep. Kennedy voted against 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 283-138-1 (1 denotes a vote of present.) on September 14, 2006.

2005-2006: Voted against a bill to build 700 miles of a border fence.
Rep. Kennedy voted against final passage of H.R. 4437 which included provisions to create 700 miles of border fencing along the Mexican border and to require implementation of the entry-exit system. H.R. 4437 was passed by the House by a vote of 239 to 182.

2005-2006: Voted against an amendment to reinforce physical structures, including fences, to keep illegal aliens out.
Rep. Kennedy voted against the Hunter Amendment to H.R. 4437. The Hunter Amendment would shore up security by building fences and other physical infrastructure to keep out illegal aliens. The Hunter Amendment passed by a vote of 260-159.

2005-2006: Voted against amendment (Goode) to H.R. 1815 to authorize troops on the border
Rep. Kennedy voted against authorizing the Secretary of Defense to assign members of the military, under certain conditions, to assist in the performance of border control functions. H. Amdt. 206, sponsored by Rep. Virgil Goode (R-Va.), passed the House by a vote of 245-184.

None

2004: Voted in favor of bill to increase the number of Border Patrol agents (Hastert)
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of final passage of H.R. 10 that included provisions to increase the number of Border Patrol agents by 2,000 a year for 5 years and to increase the number of ICE inspectors by 1,600 a year for 5 years. As well H.R. 10 contained provisions aimed at better screening of airline passengers before they enter the U.S. H.R. 10, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), passed by a vote of 282-134.

2004: Voted in favor of a Motion to Recommit (Maloney) on H.R. 10 to strip provisions to increase border security
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of the Maloney Motion to Recommit with Instructions to strip from H.R. 10 provisions to increase the number of Border Patrol agents by 2,000 a year for 5 years and to increase the number of ICE inspectors by 1,600 a year for 5 years. As well H.R. 10 contained provisions aimed at better screening of airline passengers before they enter the U.S. The Maloney Motion to Recommit, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), failed by a vote of 193-223.

2004: Voted in favor of amendment (Souder) to H.R. 10 to help security screeners reduce illegal immigration
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of the Souder Amendment to H.R. 10 to give all security screening personnel access to law enforcement and intelligence information maintained by DHS. The Souder Amendment sought to help security screeners identify and stop illegal aliens. The Souder Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Mark Souder (R-Ind.), passed by a vote of 410-0.

2004: Voted against amendment (Ose) to H.R. 10 to increase border control with border fence
Rep. Kennedy voted against the Ose Amendment to ensure completion of the last 14 miles of the San Diego border fence. This would serve as a physical barrier to additional illegal immigration. The Ose Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Doug Ose (R-Calif.), passed by a vote of 252-160.

2004: Voted in favor of amendment (Menendez) to H.R. 10 to strip provisions reducing illegal immigration with border security
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of the Menendez Amendment to strip from H.R. 10 provisions to increase the number of Border Patrol agents by 2,000 a year for 5 years and to increase the number of ICE inspectors by 1,600 a year for 5 years. As well H.R. 10 contained provisions aimed at better screening of airline passengers before they enter the U.S. The Menendez Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), failed by a vote of 203-213.

None

2003-2004: Voted against an amendment (Goode) to authorize the use of the military to assist in border control.
Rep. Kennedy voted against the Goode Amendment to H.R. 1588 (Duncan) authorizing members of the military, under certain circumstances, to assist in border control efforts. The Goode Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Virgil Goode (R-Va.), passed the House by a vote of 250-179.

2002: Voted against an amendment to authorize the use of the military in border control efforts.
Rep. Kennedy voted against H. Amdt. 479 to H.R. 4546 to authorize the Secretary of Defense to assign members of the military to assist in border control efforts. The amendment passed 232-183.

2001-2002: Voted against the Traficant Amendment to authorize the use of troops on the border.
Rep. Kennedy voted against authorizing the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury to request that members of the Armed Forces assist the INS with border control efforts. The Traficant Amendment to H.R. 2586, sponsored by Rep. James Traficant (D-Ohio), passed by a vote of 242-173.

1999-2000: Voted against the Traficant Amendment to authorize the use of the military on the border.
Rep. Kennedy voted against authorizing the Secretary of Defense, under certain circumstances, to assign members of the military to assit the Border Patrol in their efforts. The Traficant Amendment to H.R. 1401, sponsored by Rep. James Traficant (D-Ohio), passed by a vote of 242-181.

2008: Voted for a bill that continues employment verification.
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of H.R. 6633, a bill to reauthorize the E-Verify program for a period of 5 years. The E-Verify program allows businesses to determine the legal status of new hires and prevents illegal aliens from being hired, thus making the program an important tool in the Attrition through Enforcement anti-illegal immigration strategy. The bill passed by a vote of 407-2.

2008: Voted against punishing sanctuary cities.
Rep. Kennedy voted against a motion to H.R. 5719, the Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act. This motion would have recommitted H.R. 5719 with instructions to add language to deny tax exempt interest with respect to bonds of sanctuary states and cities, thereby putting pressure on cities that do not enforce immigration laws and cities who do not cooperate with federal authorities on immigration matters. This motion failed by a vote of 210-210.

2008: Has Not Signed Discharge Petition to move H.R. 4088, a bill to increase interior enforcement Rep. Kennedy has not signed the Discharge Petition on H.R. 4088, the SAVE Act, to require use of the electronic employment eligibility verification system, E-Verify. If the petition collects 218 signatures, a simple majority, the bill can bypass the committee process and be placed on the House floor for a vote.

2007-2008: Voted on House floor for against an amendment to fully fund the training of immigration enforcement officers.
Rep. Kennedy voted against the Drake Amendment to H.R. 2638, the appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security. The Drake Amendment would fully fund the presidents budget request ($26.4 million) for the training and support for the voluntary participation of local law enforcement officers in immigration law enforcement. This amendment passed 286-127.

2007: Voted in favor of sanctuary cities for illegal aliens Rep. Kennedy voted against an amendment (H. Amdt. 294) to H.R. 2638 offered by Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO). The Tancredo amendment would prohibit funds from the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill from being distributed to states and localities that have sanctuary policies in place that prohibit or inhibit communications between Federal and state/local authorities. The Tancredo Amendment passed by a vote of 234 to 189.

2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to reduce funding for the visa waiver program.
Rep. Kennedy voted against the first Tancredo amendment to H.R. 2638, which would prohibit funding from H.R. 2638 from being used to fund the visa waiver program. This amendment failed 76-347.

2006: Voted against a bill that increases interior enforcement by allowing the federal government to remove aliens from El Salvador.
Rep. Kennedy voted against H.R. 6095 to clarify state and local law enforcements inherent authority to enforce Federal immigration laws and overturn a decades-old court injunction that impedes the Federal governments ability to remove aliens from El Salvador on an expedited basis. H.R. 6095 passed by a vote of 277-140.

2006: Voted against an amendment that disallows sanctuary cities for illegal aliens.
Rep. Kennedy voted against the King Amendment to H.R. 5441, the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill of 2007. The King amendment would deny federal homeland security funding to state and local governments who refuse to share information with Federal immigration authorities.

2005-2006: Voted against a bill to require their employees legal right to work in the U.S.
Rep. Kennedy voted against final passage of H.R. 4437 which would increase interior enforcement by requiring employers to use the Basic Pilot program to verify that new hires have the legal right to work in the United States. As well, it would bring state and local law enforcement agencies more into the enforcement fold and provide funding through both grants and reimbursement for their assistance in federal enforcement efforts. H.R. 4437 was passed by the House by a vote of 239 to 182.

2005-2006: Voted against an amendment to confirm local law enforcement has the authority to enforce current immigration law.
Rep. Kennedy voted against the Norwood Amendment to H.R. 4437 to reaffirm state and local law enforcements existing inherent authority to assist in the enforcement of immigration law. It would bring state and local law enforcement agencies more into the enforcement fold and provide funding through both grants and reimbursement for their assistance in federal enforcement efforts. The Norwood Amendment passed by a vote of 237 to 180.

2005-2006: Voted against H. Amdt. 288 (Tancredo) and in favor of sanctuary policies for illegal aliens
Rep. Kennedy voted against H. Amdt. 288 to H.R. 2862, the CJS Appropriations bill. The amendment would deny certain federal funding to states and cities that violate federal law by enacting sanctuary policies to protect illegal aliens. The amendment, sponsored by Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.), failed by a vote of 204 to 222 on June 16, 2005 (2:54 PM).

2005-2006: Voted against amendment (Norwood) to H.R. 1817 to clarify State authority concerning immigration law
Rep. Kennedy voted against the Norwood Amendment to the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill to clarify the existing authority of State and local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws and detain illegal aliens on May 18, 2005 (6:31 PM). Rep. Charles Norwood (R-Ga.) was the primary sponsor.

2005-2006: Voted against H. Amdt. 138 (Tancredo) and in favor of sanctuary policies for illegal aliens
Rep. Kennedy voted against H. Amdt. 138 to H.R. 2360, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2006. The amendment would deny federal homeland security funding to states and local governments who refuse to share information with Federal immigration authorities. The amendment, sponsored by Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.), failed by a vote of 165 to 258 on May 17, 2005 (5:23 PM).

None

2004: Voted in favor of bill to expand expedited removal provisions (Hastert)
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of final passage of H.R. 10 that included provisions to increase interior enforcement by expanding current expedited removal provisions. H.R. 10 required DHS to utilize expedited removal in the case of all aliens who have entered the U.S. illegally and have not been present here for five years. As well H.R. 10 contained provisions that would enhance entry-exit screening measures for people entering and exiting the U.S. H.R. 10, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), passed by a vote of 282-134.

2004: Voted in favor of a Motion to Recommit (Maloney) on H.R. 10 to strip provisions for expedited removal
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of a Maloney Motion to Recommit with Instructions to strip from H.R. 10 provisions to increase interior enforcement by expanding current expedited removal provisions. H.R. 10 required DHS to utilize expedited removal in the case of all aliens who have entered the U.S. illegally and have not been present here for five years. As well H.R. 10 contained provisions that would enhance entry-exit screening measures for people entering and exiting the U.S. The Maloney Motion to Recommit, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), failed by a vote of 193-223.

2004: Voted for amendment (Smith) to decrease interior enforcement by stripping expedited removal provisions
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of the Smith Amendment to H.R. 10 to strip the expanded expedited removal provision from H.R. 10. This is the provision that had the potential to dramatically increase deportations of illegal aliens by eliminating the appeals process. Somewhere around 2.5 million illegal aliens could be subject to the expedited removal provision. The Smith Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Christopher Smith (R-N.J.), failed by a vote of 203-210.

2004: Voted against expedited removal by voting in favor of a Motion to Instruct Conferees
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of a Motion to Instruct Conferees to strip a provision from H.R. 10 to increase interior enforcement by expanding current expedited removal provisions. H.R. 10 required DHS to utilize expedited removal in the case of all aliens who have entered the U.S. illegally and have not been present here for five years. As well H.R. 10 contained provisions that would enhance entry-exit screening measures for people entering and exiting the U.S. The Motion to Instruct failed by a vote of 169-229.

2004: Voted against amendment (Green) to H.R. 10 to create grounds of deportability
Rep. Kennedy voted against the Green Amendment to H.R. 10 to make all terrorist-related grounds of inadmissibility, grounds of deportability, as well. The Green Amendment sought to strengthen immigration law with regard to the deportability of alien terrorists. The Green Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Mark Green (R-Wis.), passed by a vote of 283-132.

2004: Voted in favor of amendment (Menendez) to H.R. 10 to strip expedited removal provisions
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of the Menendez Amendment to strip from H.R. 10 provisions to increase interior enforcement by expanding current expedited removal provisions. H.R. 10 required DHS to utilize expedited removal in the case of all aliens who have entered the U.S. illegally and have not been present here for five years. As well H.R. 10 contained provisions that would enhance entry-exit screening measures for people entering and exiting the U.S. The Menendez Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), failed by a vote of 203-213.

2004: Voted against the King Amendment to H.R. 4754 (Wolf) to enforce federal laws against sanctuary policies for illegal aliens
Rep. Kennedy voted against increasing funding to the Justice Department for enforcing current federal law against sanctuary policies that protect illegal aliens, criminal aliens, and potentially, terrorists. The amendment, sponsored by Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), failed by a vote of 139-278.

2004: Voted against the Tancredo Amendment to H.R. 4567 (Rogers) that would enforce Federal law against sanctuary policies.
Rep. Kennedy voted against prohibiting homeland security funding from going to states or cities that violate Federal law with sanctuary policies that protect illegal aliens, criminal aliens, and potentially, terrorists. Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.) was the primary sponsor of this amendment.

2003-2004: Voted against bill to increase interior enforcement through workplace verification (Calvert).
Rep. Kennedy voted against the Basic Pilot Extension Act of 2003 to extend for five years the voluntary workplace verification pilot program. This program is an important component of preventing illegal aliens from taking jobs from legal workers. H.R. 2359, sponsored by Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), failed by a vote of 231-170, but eventually passed as S. 1685 and was signed by President George W. Bush.

2002: Voted in committee in favor of the Serrano Amendment to prohibit local or state law enforcement officials from enforcing immigration laws.
Rep. Kennedy voted as part of the House Appropriations Committee in favor of the Serrano Amendment to a supplemental appropriations bill to prohibit implementation of Section 133, a provision that empowers local and state law enforcement officials to enforce certain immigration laws. The Serrano Amendment, proposed by Rep. Jose Serrano (D-N.Y.), failed by a vote of 23-33.

1996: Voted against an amendment that would have ended a workplace verification program.
Rep. Kennedy voted against the Chabot Amendment to H.R. 2202 to kill the voluntary pilot workplace verification program in 5 states. Workplace verification is an essential tool for withdrawing the job magnet from illegal aliens. The Chabot Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), failed by a vote of 260-159.

1996: Voted in favor of the Gallegly Amendment to increase interior enforcement through mandatory workplace verification pilot program
Rep. Kennedy voted in favor of the Gallegly Amendment to H.R. 2202 (Smith) to make the pilot workplace verification program mandatory in five states. This would have helped reduce illegal immigration by reducing the job magnet for illegal aliens. The amendment, sponsored by Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.), failed by a vote of 86-331.