• 7th District
  • Immigration Reform

    Babbage will propose cuts of publicly funded subsidies to illegal immigrants, yet offer training commensurate with a residency formula that assists illegals who seek citizenship through legal means, including English as a Second Language classes (179,000 residents do not speak English). Re-establish English as the primary language for business in Georgia. Further plans are to deport illegal immigrants with criminal offenses and reduce funding of sanctuary cities. We will develop partnerships with nonprofit and religious organizations to meet the needs of undocumented residents who require subsidies due to identified need: children, health, or senior status. Engage the 100,000 undocumented residents not currently in the workforce as well as the 29,000 unemployed ages 16 and older as part of our economic reforms in manufacturing. Provide temporary insurance benefits, fee scaled, for undocumented workers and their families.

    Babbage will propose cuts of publicly funded subsidies to illegal immigrants, yet offer training commensurate with a residency formula that assists illegals who seek citizenship through legal means, including English as a Second Language classes (179,000 residents do not speak English). Re-establish English as the primary language for business in Georgia. Further plans are to deport illegal immigrants with criminal offenses and reduce funding of sanctuary cities. We will develop partnerships with nonprofit and religious organizations to meet the needs of undocumented residents who require subsidies due to identified need: children, health, or senior status. Engage the 100,000 undocumented residents not currently in the workforce as well as the 29,000 unemployed ages 16 and older as part of our economic reforms in manufacturing. Provide temporary insurance benefits, fee scaled, for undocumented workers and their families.

    As a Congresswoman for Georgia, Lisa Noël Babbage will help:

    1. Streamline process for remaining 21,000 residents to be eligible for DACA extensions where applicable, then reduce numbers drastically as a result of other reforms
    2. Continue ICE efforts for those residents who pose national security, public safety, or other security concerns in Georgia’s communities
    3. Increase opportunities for civil defense attorneys battling deportation cases for heads of family and legal wage earners age 16 and older
    4. Support partnerships between the Latino, Indian, and Sub-African communities to strengthen their documented work force in Georgia in partnership with the American Immigration Council and other organizations
    5. For immigrants from border nations, Babbage proposes family sponsorship of all undocumented (family member) workers age 16 and older

    DACA Eligible residents

    Lisa Noel Babbage will partner with state agencies and community agencies to assist undocumented youth currently registered in Georgia’s public school system in registering for DACA and DACA extensions through age 21. She believes that children who have come to this country illegally prior to 2012 deserve the opportunity to become citizens in the United States provided their meet criteria, such as that in the DACA guidelines, and have a desire to become citizens. She further believes these students deserve the opportunity to attend state colleges and universities and be eligible for in-state tuition. She pledges to work with the state Board of Regents to achieve in-state tuition at all public institutions of higher learning Georgia.

    DACA residents will not be exempted from receiving the HOPE scholarship based on their immigration status in a Babbage administration. Students receiving HOPE scholarships will unilaterally be eligible upon graduation from a public Georgia High School.

    Babbage will comply with federal legislation concerning DACA residents arriving after 2012. The Administration will also develop subsidiary programs that address assimilation and immigration in Georgia, and the benefits thereof. Use of various petitions for permanent residency on the part of parents is a critical component of these assimilation and statewide immigration plans.

    ICE Detainees and Criminal Offenders

    Illegal immigrants charged and found guilty of felony or misdemeanor crimes will be processed within the full limitation of the law. Felony changes resulting in guilty pleas and/or guilty verdicts will result in immediate processing by ICE for deportation or extradition from Georgia. For illegals found not guilty, or those charged with misdemeanor offenses, an option to apply for permanent residency will be granted provided the resident:

    • Completes a background check
    • Chooses to apply for permanent residency
    • Completes an application for permanent residency
    • Offers financial consideration for filing permanent residency application
    • Completes all necessary paperwork required for immigration status change in a timely manner
    • Has minor children in their care and/or
    • Is gainfully employed
    • Has resided in the State of Georgia for the last 5 consecutive years.

    A Babbage Administration understands the difficulties many face in obtaining citizenship as they attempt to learn a new culture, language, and custom. In an effort to assist those who wish to remain in Georgia legally, a gubernatorial liaison to the community will facilitate the processing of permanent residency.

    Legal Defense and Family Sponsorship

    Choosing to work with community organizations, schools, hospitals, and other social service organizations to identify potentials for deportation that have minor children is a commitment of the Babbage Administration. We believe in families and understand that many have sacrificed to come to this country for a better opportunity. However, we will not sacrifice our citizenry as a result of illegal immigration. Therefore, the Administration seeks to assist agencies that provide legal defense for potential deportees that are the sole wage earners in their home housing children under the age of 21. The programs are a commitment to honor the development of children already in our communities.

    Families facing this challenge may be eligible for expedited permanent residency applications, payment vouchers, or other assistance from community groups. The administration is committed to assisting these families establish permanent residency paths that lead to naturalization for non-criminal residents facing deportation. For some families, family sponsorship will be sought to streamline the process toward legal immigration status.

    Conclusion

    Lisa Noel Babbage believes families are our greatest asset, and recognizes the compassion of Georgians toward immigrants in our communities. She believes immigrant families should have a clear and fluid path toward naturalization and is willing to work with state and federal agencies as well as ICE to ensure that due process of law, protection of civil liberties under the Constitution, and humanitarian outreach on behalf of immigrant children is a foremost priority.