Book Exclusive: Lou Dobbs Said He'd Be Happy To Triple Immigration Levels

A new book by a prominent progressive author contains a rather ironic revelation: CNN's Lou Dobbs -- the disgruntled television voice of anti-immigration sentiment -- says he would actually welcome millions of new immigrants into the United States.

"If we are to have a national debate and a national dialogue and a decision about national policy and we make a judgment that we are going to raise immigration levels - let's say that we double them, lets say that we triple them - sign me up," Dobbs is reported as saying in February 2007. "There is nothing in me that is a restrictionist whatsoever, and I realize that separates me from others who are against illegal immigration on the basis that there is too much immigration. I don't believe that. I do believe that we are not in control of our immigration policies or what is happening in this country. And that leaves me in despair."

The remark comes courtesy of David Sirota's just released book: "The Uprising: An Unauthorized Tour Of The Populist Revolt Scaring Wall Street And Washington," which documents the conflict between business interests, government policies and popular opinion on a variety of issues, from trade and the economy to immigration to Iraq.

And if the image of Dobbs welcoming immigrants arms-outstretched seems out of line with what the host, on his nightly show, seemingly represents, that's because it is.

While the CNN anchor was explicitly discussing a growth in "legal" immigration, he has rarely, if ever, expressed such a viewpoint on his show. Dobbs has built up his reputation and audience primarily on an ability to appeal to the fervent anti-immigration sentiment in some segments of the country. A recent Media Matters study showed that Lou Dobbs Tonight spent the most time of any cable news show "airing claims about immigrants draining government coffers and/or not paying taxes. Out of a total of approximately 260 broadcasts, Lou Dobbs Tonight featured these ideas on 71 programs, or more than one out of every four broadcasts -- and 39 percent of the programs on which he discussed immigration."

CINN did not return request for comment. But an earlier portion of Sirota's book does provide a window into what could be the anchor's defense: it's not about immigrants, it's about border security.

"'There is a group of people who would like to believe that somehow debating illegal immigration, the security of our borders or our ports, is somehow racially inspired,' [Dobbs] says, annoyed and tapping his hand on his desk. 'But there's never been an issue of race introduced into this discussion by me.'

Some of Dobbs's toughest critics grudgingly acknowledge that, at least rhetorically, the CNN anchor has not made bigoted remarks. 'Dobbs has steered clear of the racist comments,' acknowledged the Southern Poverty Law Center.

But these same critics say his one-sided focus on the wedge issue of illegal immigration - and his one-sided take on the issue - fuels anti-Hispanic xenophobia, because most illegal immigrants are Latino. He might respond to them with a 'my best friend is black' answer by citing his own marriage to a Mexican American. Or he might point to his move a few weeks ago to become a lifetime member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. But he does none of that. Instead, he normally responds to them, as he is to me right now, that for him, the issue has nothing to do with race or even legal immigration levels - it is all about border security."

Even so, Dobbs's position has riled immigrant groups and even mainstream politicians. At a fundraiser in Florida this past Thursday night, Sen. Barack Obama accused of "ginning up" anti-immigration sentiment to such an extent that there has been a rise in hate crimes against Hispanics.

Added Cecilia Muñoz, vice president of the National Council of La Raza, the largest Hispanic civil rights organization in the United States: "I think he likes to see himself as somebody whose only problem is with illegal immigrants, but if you look at who is on his show and how his arguments are framed, it takes just seconds for him to get to his concerns about illegal immigrants. It may not be the way he intends it, but boy is that the impact... It is not about illegal immigration, it is about something much bigger and it is the Latino community that continually feels under attack by him."

Comments

[mgloraine]

Dobbs probably isn't a genuine "hater", he's just doing whatever he thinks can make a buck, and complaining about immigrants sells soap to rednecks and ditto-heads everywhere. They tune in every night for the same old song and dance. They might as well be watching Jerry Springer or Howard Stern for a similar level of factual data and insightful reporting.

One problem with people saying they are only against the ILLEGAL immigrants, is that the policies and tactics proposed, as well as those presently in use, tend to target people with brown skin who speak Spanish regardless of their citizenship or immigrant status. The anti-immigrant attitude which the Dobbsians promulgate has wide-ranging undesirable impacts on large numbers of LEGAL immigrants and natural-born citizens who are unfortunate enough to fit the "profile".

Another problem is that illegal immigration has always been something of a problem, but it didn't become a nationwide media blitz until the Cheney-Bush gang decided they needed (a) to divert attention from their criminal activities, and (b) another reason to hand over billions of dollars to crony corporations for, say, a really big fence with a few concentration camps to be built and staffed by the usual suspects (Halliburton and the gang).

It's mostly a fake issue, like Reagan's big "war on drugs" to divert attention from his illegal wars in Central America, and his trafficking in arms to Iran and cocaine to America's ghettos. Anything for a buck - it's a Republican tradition!

[Calexico2U]

I would like to think that most "Americans" have no problem with our nation"s immigrant history and future, but to simply categorize people into two separate lists that rely on their residential status alone denies our American tendencies.

As observed in this highly heated primary, we focus heavily, almost obsessively, on image. We need to classify people by race, sex, religion, politics, etc. So, how do those who claim that their problem is "clearly" distinguishable between illegal and legal immigrants decide which one is which? I am an American Mexican (I was born and educated here, yet am rarely considered American first). While I claim an enlighten representation of myself in my country, I cannot neglect the physical qualities of my character that are associated with my brothers and sisters of the south. Being the case, I ask those whose objective revelations try to clear up this complicated debate, how do I distinguish my status of residence? Maybe I should wear a flag pin? Maybe we should force illegals to wear distinctive patches?

The reality is when illegal immigration is depicted on the MSM it is clear the Mexican image is being scrutinized (they account for a large portion of the immigration but they are not the only ones here illegally). I am not trying to say our illegal immigration dilemma is to be taken lightly, but we should understand all the issues surrounding legal and illegal immigration from a range of "American" perspectives.


Obama, 08! (Just cuz)

[deminmo]

One comment made over and over in the service industry
by employers is, they can't get good help. So they will put
Mexicans to work because Americans won't. In my neck
of the woods in Missouri a lot of motels, resorts and the
restraunts do employ Latinos. When you look into the jobs,
most offer no benefits and really low wages. No one is
making a "living" wage. And employers want the cheapest
labor they can find. It does cost jobs in the US. And it's not
fair to legal immigrants who want work either.

[dukeitout]

Lou Dobbs has been solid and steady on his opposition to "illegal immigration." Ilegal immigration is by definition to be opposed because it is illegal (duh!!!). I disagree with Mr. Dobbs on certain issues but not on this one. It is also entirely consistent for him to also want to triple the legal immigration rate if he feels we need more laborers. Only an unreasonable person or person with a dubious agenda would conclude that Dobbs is out of line on the issue.

[cheech62]

The evidence is mounting that Dobbs is playing fast and loose with the truth (see Media Matters new report on his obsession with immigration, including distorting the facts). On top of that, there's solid documentation that he regularly relies on hate groups and extremists as guests on his show and sources of information --- www.WeCanStoptheHate.org has some pretty damning information about the sources he uses on his show.

[Javani]

So I went to the site. Sadly, it's laughable. For example: (I pick the funniest)

"MYTH #2: Immigrant workers suppress the wages of American workers.
FACTS: The overwhelming majority of economists agree that immigrants increase the economic productivity and thus the wages of natives."

Let's look at this.

"MYTH #2: Immigrant workers suppress the wages of American workers."

Really? Meat packers used to have middle class wages, for one. Anyway, why would the business interests spend millions on this if it wouldn't profit them? Are they dumb?

"FACTS: The overwhelming majority of economists agree that immigrants increase the economic productivity and thus the wages of natives."

Listed is Giovani Peri's "study" and as agreement for him, none other than George Bush's own economists. Very flimsy.

All I can find at Media Matters is the reflexive white elite liberal belief that persons of HIspanic heritage must support Bush/Amnesty because they are Hispanic. A bit of a racist assumption, no?

[Delaware22]

Do you watch Lou's show? I do. His beef with illegal immigration is just part of his show. His is the only show that regularly discusses trade policy, job security, national debt, education, national security, corporate greed, political hypocrisy, healthcare, etc. Please don't be one of the MSM liberal sheeple that want to make him the poster boy for anti-immigration. If you truly watch, he regularly states that he is pro-immigration. There's a difference between legal and illegal. I'm a liberal dem, but I'm with him 100% on the illegal immigration issue...so are many of my friends and neighbors, liberal and conservative. On the topic of immigration, the Congress and the MSM are out-of-touch with the sentiments of the Americans I know.

[Javani]

"His beef with illegal immigration is just part of his show. His is the only show that regularly discusses trade policy, job security, national debt,"

Which, in descending order, would be the weighted focuses of all news shows if they actually reported on what really threatens/effects all Americans, short term and long.

[miatch]

It's true, but I think he could put that in every story on illegal immigration, which he does not. Instead of asking why we can't stop illegals coming over the border, he could rather ask:
Why is it so hard to legally immigrate?

I have not seen him ask any politician that question.

[ADVOCATE4ZPG]

Their wearisome, stock answer: ENFORCEMENT of EXTANT immigration law must AWAIT (wait for....) the passage of so-called Comprehensive Immigration Reform which is little more than INCREASED, legal immigration under a the guise of "reform" ALONG with a blanket AMNESTY for those 15-20 millions ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS already in the country. It merely REPEATS the mistake of 1986's Simpson-Mazzoli amnesty which was followed by effectively NO ENFORCEMENT of immigration law!!!

It's a kind of spiral/circular reasoning: Enforcement of EXTANT LAW must await reform which would DEBASE that law entirely. MOREOVER, that pseudo-reform does nothing about 'anchor babies,' the abuse of political amnesty provisions, the abuse/overuse of of so-called "preferences," and other means of FRAUD.

MOST of ALL, so-called reform (CIR) does nothing about respecting the generally/widely held desire of MOST of the U.S. citizenry for a general REDUCTION in all IMMIGRATION!!!

[randyjet]

As a long time liberal, anti-war and civil rights activist, i am glad to see so many liberals who agree with Lou Dobbs on the issues of illegal immigration, trade policies, national debt, jobs and all the other issues that are populist in nature. I have to admit I was surprised for a business reporter to take such stands, but I welcome any convert to our progressive populist cause. It is outrageous that some on the left support illegal immigration which is the position of the most reactionary powers in this country. THEY are the ones who are NOT on the left and betraying the populist cause. Such people are the ones who are doing the bidding of the rightwing nuts who are trying to drive our wages down.
It is quite telling that all of the critics have to say, well Dobbs is not racist per se, but he is playing their game! In other words, he is innocent of the charge, but who cares? I am also a yellow dog Democrat, but if Obama gets our nomination, with his latest outburst calling Dobbs, and by extension myself and others, racists, I will NOT vote for him under any circumstances. I will vote for a Democratic yellow dog, but when he BITES me when I try and make friends, he will NOT get my vote.

[publicinsanity]

All you do is throw around statistics and quotes made by other people and you call yourself a journalist? Your comments on Lou Dobb's are grossly manipulated. If you actually watched his show - instead of relying on other peoples interpretations - you would see that on an almost nightly basis he talks about many issues related to border security. Or should I say, lack of.

When he talks about the immigration issue it is NOT the only issue that is of a concern to him (and Americans like me). He ALSO talks about how more Cocaine, Meth, Marijuanna, and other narcotics come through Mexico than by any other means. He expresses that because of all of these issues - including the possiblility of a terrorist coming through our open border - is why we needed the border to be sealed 7 years ago after 9/11.

If you actually took the time to listen to him about what he says about illegal immigrants he NEVER lashes out at them. He lashes out at our government law inforcement agencies for not doing their jobs by inforcing immigration and securing our borders. He also lashes out at the EMPLOYER'S who exploit these people. He never lashes out at them, so quit pandering to illegal sympathisers and get your facts straight.

[ViciousOrphan]

someone should ask Mr. Dobbs if he had his wife medically screened for leprosy before she immigrated into this country.

[HopefulAgainInTX]

"Dobbs has built up his reputation and audience primarily on an ability to appeal to the fervent anti-immigration sentiment in some segments of the country. "

It's not fervent anti-immigration sentiment. It's fervent anti-ILLEGAL-immigration sentiment. There is a huge difference. Please get it straight.

[Christian]

Crap! You have been listing to the sound bites and not really following Lou, which I have for years and he has said things like this many times. As a life long dem and lib, I am firm supporter of Lou and it has bugged me that this blog has been coming down on him without all the facts or knowing exactly where Lou stood. And my father came here on a banana boat from Nicaragua in the late 40s. Make of it what you will.

[Elliott32]

Mr. Stein,

Your journalism skills are pathetic. If you, and the other mindless media minions keep lumping illegal immigrants with LEGAL immigrants, you will see just how pissed off most Americans are, when the people rise up to take back our government and media from the neocon stranglehold. Bush, Cheney, Rove, and most of the GOP think they are above the law, and now non-informed lazy writiers like you think that illegals are also above the law. So only the average American citizen should respect the laws of the land?

And, this is coming from a liberal and progressive Americans: STOP LYING TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. We are a nation of immigrants, LEGAL IMMIGRANTS, STUPID!

If you can't tell the difference between ILLEGAN AND LEGAL immigrants, like the majority of Americans, then you should go back to journalism school and learn how to report facts and follow the journo credo of truth in reporting.

I hope we'll get REAL AMERICAN JOURNALISTS whose mission is to inform the AMERICAN public of the truth. It's no wonder that more Americans read the British press because the US media is controlled by open border neocons who want Americans fighting wars for Israel, so illegals can replace American workers for a fraction of wage at home. These dual-agent journalists hate the American worker and they are killing our troops protecting criminals: Bush and illegal immigrants.

Mr. Stein, you don't speak for Americans. Try getting an assignment in Mexico. I dare you!

[Gasparilla]

There are too many people in this country now. We don't need more.

[ADVOCATE4ZPG]

If only there were more people in the U.S. with your appreciation of a unacknowledged truth: The U.S. is not so SPECIAL that it is exempt from the laws of history: The U.S. IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO OVERPOPULATION overpopulation. With only 143 millions, the U.S. fought a war on multiple fronts. By 1950 the population was 150 million; by 1965, 250 million; now, pushing 305 million..... DOUBLE in less than 50 years!!!

What figure is high enough, what with incipient shortages of water, medical care, social services, and open space/wild spaces to share with the flora and fauna. Sucking in the hordes of the Third World--for NO OTHER PURPOSE than some other vague expiation of "guilt" draws on sentiments abetting sado-masochism.....

[Gasparilla]

Actually the population was only just over 200 million in 1972, when the Rockefeller Commission on population said there was nothing to be gained by a further growth of the population. We are now looking at a population of over 400 million by 2050, most of it driven by immigration. Being an environmenalist, which I am, and not opposing more immigration into this country are contradictory on the face of it.

[whatsreallygoingonhere]

The issue is ILLEGAL immigrants and a lot of it is due to ILLEGAL employers. Enforce the laws. Stop making excuses. Why can other countries enforce their laws but the United States have one excuse after another why they can't. Not only laws with regard to ILLEGAL immigration but the entire Bush administration.

The WALL? That's where Dobbs loses me. It's a joke. No wall is going to make a difference if the laws within our own country aren't enforced. Fine ILLEGAL employers and the bait (jobs for ILLEGAL immigrants) won't be there. It won't solve the problem overnight but this didn't happen overnight. If the bait isn't there and employers that hire ILLEGALS over legal immigrants and American citizens are fined heavily ILLEGALS will go elsewhere...or they'll stay in their own country.

We don't need to round people up and deport them. If the bait (jobs) isn't here, they'll either leave or do what they need to to become LEGAL immigrants/American citizens.

Nobody believed that the no smoking in restaurants and public places or driving without a seatbelt laws could be enforced but here we are and the majority of people obey those rules. True, some still break the law but they're fined when they're caught. ILLEGAL employers should be fined until it's not worth it for them to break existing laws. Hire an ILLEGAL immigrant? Face a stiff fine or imprisonment.

[BillKen]

The statement that Dobbs is anti-immigrant is not true. He like myself has a problem with illegal
Immigrants not legal ones. I have heard this misleading characterization many times and the people
who subscribe to this position are not being truthful and show a high level of ignorance about the facts.
This is a very sensitive subject that does not need any misleading interpretation, get it right because when you don't everyone pays the price. Semper Fi

[ROBOT8]

"If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, THE TRUTH IS THE GREATEST ENEMY OF THE STATE." -- Joseph Goebbels, German Minister of Propaganda, 1933-1945

[lovethesinner]

Dobbs has used false statistics, reported outright falsehoods, and done it all to further his standing in the media. Without this issue, Dobbs wouldn't BE.

Obama got it right, Dobbs is not part of the solution... HE'S PART OF THE PROBLEM.