President Barack Obama’s nominee to replace Eric Holder as Attorney General of the United States, Loretta Lynch, said on Wednesday during a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing that she thinks illegal aliens have the same right to work in America as American citizens do.
“Senator, I believe the right and the obligation to work is one that is shared by everyone in this country, regardless of how they came here,” Lynch said when asked by Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) who has a greater right to work: Illegal aliens, or lawful immigrants and American citizens?
“Certainly, if someone is here—regardless of status—I would prefer that they be participating in the workplace than not participating in the workplace,” Lynch said.
She also said she doesn’t believe that Obama’s executive action on immigration is an “amnesty.”
“With respect to the provision about temporary deferral, I did not read it as providing a legal amnesty, that is that permanent status there,” Lynch said.
With respect to whether those individuals would be able to seek redress for employment discrimination, if that is the purpose of your question, again I haven’t studied that legal issue. I certainly think you raise an important point and would look forward to discussing it with you and using, and relying upon your thoughts and experiences as we consider that point.
When asked by Sessions whether she agrees with Holder’s stated opinion that amnesty–and citizenship–for illegal aliens in America is a civil right, Lynch dodged the question saying she hasn’t “studied the issue enough” to give a legal opinion.
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