We are a nation of immigrants. A frame work of legal immigration law exists at the federal level. These laws have been long antiquated. The quality of life, our long standing of commitment to freedom and the advancement of technology in the United States has resulted in the best and brightest moving to the country. A better life has long been the quest of people around the world.
As long as we maintain the standard of life, liberty and protect the pursuit of happiness, this country will be a beacon to those who want to achieve the American dream. Whenever legislation sets up a system contrary to our founding, abuses will result in breaking the path to liberty. Programs such as welfare, unfunded mandates, and other give-aways result in lack of work ethic, creating a sense of entitlement. This resentment of unearned entitlement leads to anti-immigration sentiment.
When there are dangers, such as war, limiting immigrations may be a prudent move. The United States at this time is not at war. Congress has passed no such formal declaration since June 5, 1942 (Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania).
In 1875, the Supreme Court declared that regulation of US immigration is the responsibility of the Federal Government and as Governor, I would be sworn to follow the constitution. New Hampshire is one of the few states with an international border and open seas. As Governor, my obligations are to follow the Constitution and the laws of New Hampshire.
References
New Hampshire Constitution [Art.] 7. [State Sovereignty.] The people of this state have the sole and exclusive right of governing themselves as a free, sovereign, and independent state; and do, and forever hereafter shall, exercise and enjoy every power, jurisdiction, and right, pertaining thereto, which is not, or may not hereafter be, by them expressly delegated to the United States of America in congress assembled.June 2, 1784
US Constitution Article 1 sect 8To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;
To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;
Article 4 Section 4 The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.
Bill of Rights Amendment IX The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people
Also see www.lp.org/issues/immigration