Events Detail

Download the Audio File of Gov. Pete Wilson's Speech Regarding Immigration

Transcript: Illegal Immigration: Past, Present and Future

Pete Wilson, former governor of California
John O'Sullivan, senior fellow and director, Hudson Institute Center for European Studies

In 1994, Governor Pete Wilson was re-elected in the California gubernatorial elections. During that same election, California's voters agreed to Proposition 187, which attempted to stem the flow of illegal immigrants by denying them access to non-emergency public services. Controversy erupted nation-wide at the time over the issue. Today a very similar national controversy over illegal immigration has been revived. Wilson will share his thoughts on immigration policy today-looking towards the future and analyzing the past.

Pete Wilson served as California's governor from 1991 to 1998, and previously as a U.S. senator, mayor of San Diego, and a California state assemblyman. Wilson is credited with enacting numerous reforms while governor, including turning around California's economy, reforming California's education system, enforcing tougher crime measures such as the "three strike" rule, and creating terms limits for the governorship. Pete Wilson holds a law degree from UC Berkeley and has also served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

To RSVP, please email name and affiliation to Ioannis Saratsis at Isaratsis@hudson.org