Joe Biden Was Opposed To Driver's Licenses For Undocumented Immigrants In 2008

In a 2007 debate, Biden simply replied "no" when asked if he supported granting drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants.

Hillary Clinton in April came out in support of driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants, reversing a stance she took during her 2008 campaign after a vague answer during one of the Democratic primary debates left her open to criticism from her rivals.

But when then-Senator Joe Biden of Delaware was asked the same question, he left no room for interpretation on where he stood on this issue.

"Senator Biden opposes issuing driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants," read Biden's 2008 immigrant plan, a position he reiterated with a firm "no" when asked if he supported granting drivers licenses in a 2007 debate.

Biden's plan included vague language about a pathway to citizenship and called for increasing border security.

From his plan:

Increasing border security – finding out exactly who is coming in and out of our country – and expanding resources for border patrol.

Holding employers accountable. With a wink and a nod, we've permitted employers to hire undocumented individuals or those with obviously fake social security cards. It's time for that to stop. Economic growth should not be built on the broken backs of desperate people.

Providing a path to bring out from the shadows over 12 million people living and working in the United States; at least 1.6 million of whom are children.

Creating a worker visa system that is driven by the needs of employers and workers, not adherence to arbitrary numbers.

Maintaining a worker visa program with safe and fair working conditions that provides a pathway to citizenship to keep talent and promise in America.

In a debate, he noted it would be impossible to kick out everyone living in the United States illegally. Biden said the best path forward was to give everyone a background check, get rid of criminals, and provide a path to "earned citizenship" over the course of decade.

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