Representative Duncan Hunter wants to deport the U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants.
Hunter represents California's 52nd Congressional District consisting of East and Northern San Diego County.
Hunter, who spoke at a tea party gathering in Ramona Saturday, said he does not believe children born to illegal immigrant parents should get automatic U.S. citizenship.
In a video posted Saturday on YouTube, Hunter appears to be taking questions from the crowd when he is asked if he would support the deportation of children born to illegal immigrants.
“I would have to,” he said.
“It’s a complex issue and it’s… you can look and say, ‘You’re a mean guy, that’s a mean thing to do, that’s not a humanitarian thing to do.’ We simply cannot afford what we’re doing right now,” he said. "California’s going under.”
“We’re not being mean,” he told the crowd. “We’re just saying it takes more than just walking across the border to become an American citizen.”
Our media partner the North County Times confirmed the statements when a reporter spoke with Hunter Tuesday.
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The congressman, whose district includes parts of Poway and Ramona in North County, told the paper that it makes sense that if the parents of illegal immigrant children are deported, that their children go with them. Hunter said he also supports a bill, House Resolution 1868, that would eliminate automatic citizenship for those children.
During the clip, Hunter is also heard supporting the controversial new legislation in Arizona calling it “a fantastic starting point.”
“This is a National Security issue,” he told the crowd. “It’s not complicated.”
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