While California’s 14th congressional district has traditionally taken a more liberal stance on immigration, business owner Jan Sweyer’s views represent the opposite end of the spectrum.

In her own experience as manager of the Woodside Baker, Sweyer finds that immigrant employees can sometimes lead to communication problems with customers, and she describes immigrants as “more dedicated than any other group,” but working with them has proven to be “challenging.”

While Sweyer does believe immigration can be beneficial to the economy, she also thinks that the US is too dependent on it; “we would really be in a mess” without it. “Citizens are refusing to take these lower-end jobs,” she said, “so of course the aliens come in and... take whatever they can get.” In her opinion, if the US was to “use [its] own internal resources,” then it “would be so far ahead of the game.” She thinks that immigrants help the economy “by keeping the industries rolling,” but hurt it by “drain[ing] our public service system because they know how to work it.” As a result, Sweyer said that she is in favour of closed borders.

Regarding illegal immigration, Sweyer does not believe amnesty should be granted and she hopes to see a program established that would effectively deport undocumented workers in the US. She envisions a program that would sponsor and ensure the safety of the people who “come forward” and report illegal immigrants. Her plan would also entail a separate program to increase border security simultaneously and “in conjunction” with the former to maximize efficiency. She hopes to see such a program in effect soon as she believes the US to be overpopulated as it is and claims that people “send pregnant women over the border,” further worsening the issue.

Jackie Speier, the district’s congresswoman, has voted predominantly in favor of immigration. This June, she voted No on a bill that would prohibit funding a program for amnesty. In 2011, she supported a bill that would repeal Green Card limitations and as well supported the DREAM Act one year prior. Speier said that she “support[s] the President’s blueprint for immigration reform,” and believes that “our country should welcome immigrants—individuals and their families--who want the opportunity to thrive and succeed on our shores.”

The district itself is rich and diverse. Its proximity to the world-renowned Silicon Valley attracts immigrants from various countries. The district is also known for its coast, including Half Moon Bay, which hosts the annual Pumpkin Festival as well as the world-class Maverick’s surfing competition. According to the 2000 Decennial Census, the per capita income in 1999 dollars is $43,755. In 2006, it was the third wealthiest district in the nation. 

Woodside town manager Kevin Bryant has views on immigration similar to the Congresswoman’s. He doesn’t believe there should be more restrictions on amnesty; he said that the US has “needs” for a larger labor force which immigrants can fulfill, and thus he doesn’t think there should be many requirements that much be met to be granted citizenship. Bryant feels that borders should be more open to immigrants, as he is “generally in favor of finding ways to allow people to come in legally.” He doesn’t view overpopulation as a potential problem, as ‘the historic trends point to an influx [of immigration] over a period of decades,” and said that the economy adjusts according to the inflow of immigrants.

Brian Flegel, owner and manager of Flegel’s Home Furnishings in Menlo Park also believes that immigration benefits the country. Flegel’s has several employees of its own who have immigrated to the US, and Flegel believes that they have “affected us positively.” He says that borders should not have more restrictions and that “without [immigration], we wouldn’t have a country foundation.” 

As for border control, Flegel wants to see more border security and believes that “there are probably easier solutions” for illegal immigration than the current policy, which he alluded to a “cat and mouse scenario.” He supports amnesty in certain cases and believes that citizenship should be granted to those who are skilled workers and who will contribute to the labor force. “If they have specific skill sets,” he said, “they should really have a smooth road [to citizenship].” Flegel also is a strong supporter of the DREAM Act, describing it as “spot on.” As a result of the act, he expects that the education people will receive will come back to benefit the country in the long run, and this “matters a lot.” 

Other issues in California’s 14th district include rapidly-rising household prices, basic infrastructure problems, and in some areas, homelessness.

 

Fact Box

Total Population: 653,935
Male: 50.1%
Female: 49.9%
White: 60.1%
Black: 2.5%
American Indian or Alaska Native: 0.5%
Asian: 21.7%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: 0.8%
Hispanic or Latino: 9.8%
Two or More races: 4.7%
Democrat: 51.62%
Republican: 22.01%
No preference: 21.83%
Winner of 2012 election in CA-14: Barack Obama
(Source: 2000 Decennial Census)

 

Reach guest contributor Erin Perrine here.