*It is clear that we need both secure borders and an efficient process for admitting new residents to our country. For the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants already in the US, we need a humane solution. To leave them in the shadows would risk creating an underclass that never becomes "American" and feels permanently alienated from our society. That's why I support President Obama's plan for a path for them to earn a green card and eventually citizenship. The path would include passing a background check, paying taxes, paying a penalty, learning English, and getting in line behind those that are trying to come here legally.
*Republican extremists that propose an indiscriminate deportation policy that breaks up families are playing to the fears of many, but these policies would create more problems. Parents would be deported while their US-born children would be left behind in need of public support.
*Our foreign policy should recognize that instability and poverty south of our border create the conditions that encourage immigrants to travel north, while economic opportunities and safety at home will reduce illegal immigration. So we should continue to encourage economic development in Latin America and support Mexico in its fight against the powerful, violent drug cartels.
*Our foreign policy should make America more secure, support our economic interests through fair trade, and promote the growth of democracies around the world because democratic governments are key to advancing human dignity, security and prosperity.
*But US engagement shouldn't be predominantly military intervention in reaction to events. Our role should be to engage with our allies in the world's unstable countries to assist and build up local governments -- like the Marshall Plan returned Europe to stability after World War II. The principle non-military tools to use first include cultural, economic and educational outreach that builds bridges to other nations and people around the world and spreads American and western values of pluralism and democracy, while helping to promote economic and social progress and stability. We should be promoting opportunities for advancement that include education, worker rights, environmental protection and public health. Smart, consistent aid of this kind can help to avoid larger future military deployments to quell unrest.