Ehrlich Meets With Real “New Americans,” Pledges To Protect Citizenship From Illegal Immigration

ANNAPOLIS – Flanked by naturalized U.S. citizens and Maryland residents, Bob Ehrlich today outlined the stark differences between himself and Martin O’Malley on the meaning of the term “New American” and the issue of illegal immigration.  In this month’s Washington Post debate, incumbent Martin O’Malley degraded citizenship and naturalized U.S. citizens by referring to illegal immigrants as “New Americans.”

“There is a clear difference between Martin O’Malley and me on what citizenship means in the United States,” said Ehrlich.  “We should be encouraging individuals who use legal means to become U.S. citizens, not insulting them by putting them on the same level as illegal immigrants.  Governor O’Malley’s comments reflect a broader disrespect toward citizenship that has been a hallmark of his tenure as Governor.”

Ehrlich also outlined three priorities he will pursue as Governor to protect citizenship in Maryland.

In-State Tuition:  Unlike Martin O’Malley, Bob Ehrlich opposes giving in-state tuition to illegal immigrants, especially since fewer Maryland residents are attending Maryland colleges today than four years ago.  Under Martin O’Malley, the cost a student pays to attend the University of Maryland College Park increased 35% and O’Malley is planning another 26% increase if he’s reelected.

Public Funding:  Ehrlich supports funding organizations that help legal immigrants assimilate in the United States, but he will prohibit public funding of organizations that knowingly helps illegal immigrants evade the law.

Drivers Licenses:  Ehrlich will seek to close a loophole created by Martin O’Malley that allows certain illegal immigrants to obtain a Maryland drivers license through 2015.