Election Day 2024 looms large. For those still uncertain about candidates’ stance on issues regarding immigration reform, City Times Media continues its coverage with “What Did the Candidates Say?”

Engineering student Max Murillo had one question for candidates who are competing for his vote. 

“What would you do about the border crisis?” Murillo asked in a response to the City College Community Agenda, which is available in both English and Spanish. 

The Community Agenda is designed to identify issues and elicit questions that City Times Media reporters use to engage political candidates and focus their election reporting.

Immigration reform is one of the top concerns of San Diego City College students, faculty, staff and community members, according to the Community Agenda. 

38% of the respondents identified immigration as an issue they would like to hear candidates talk about, making it the eighth most important issue to the San Diego City College community.  

In City Times Media’s immigration reform issue guide, bioengineering major Yuly Mendez looked at the issue of immigration through the lens of a scientist.

“I believe that there should be immigration reform to allow anybody with Indigenous American descent or DNA to get a pathway to citizenship,” Mendez said. 

To the survey respondents, the topic of immigration reform focuses largely on two things: The lengthy immigration process and the need to support undocumented individuals who want to contribute to society. 

To address community members’ questions and provide insight into candidates’ plans to address immigration reform, City Time Media analyzed statements made by candidates for the U.S. presidential race (Democrat and Republican parties, Green party), U.S. senate race, San Diego City Council Districts 3 and 9 and the San Diego Mayoral race in forums and speeches.

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