Civil Liberties
Thompson is a supporter of the USA Patriot Act. His positions on such controversial issues as wiretapping, the use of torture, and the U.S. detention camp at Guantanamo Bay are unclear. Thus far, he has given no indication that he opposes the administration’s policies on important issues like habeas corpus, torture, and surveillance. He believes that national security is the chief responsibility of the U.S. government.
Is Fred Thompson a Small-Government Conservative?, Cato-at-Liberty, May 31, 2007
Immigration
Thompson opposes amnesty for illegal immigrants. He believes that illegal immigration should be reduced in two ways: increased enforcement of current immigration laws and improvement of the legal immigration process. Thompson supports using computers to check whether an immigrant has authorization to work in the U.S. He favors the abolition of sanctuary cities, and believes that welfare incentives for illegal immigrants should be eliminated.
Thompson also believes in reducing "chain migration" by giving family preference in the allocation of lawful permanent resident status only to spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens, and to no one else (no siblings, no parents, no adult children, etc.). In addition, he favors eliminating the diversity visa lottery. Thompson believes that those who immigrate legally should be rewarded by having their visa and citizenship applications expedited.
Fred Thompson 08 campaign website
Iran
Thompson believes the U.S. must oppose Iran's reported quest for nuclear arms and nuclear technology. He fears what he views as the religious militarism of the Iranian government. He believes that a combination of increased sanctions and international diplomacy is the best way to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, but does not rule out the use of military force.
“Tougher sanctions or a blockade on Iran could help foment growing internal dissent to topple the government,” said Thompson in a June 19, 2007 speech in London. "I think regime change might be an option ... but you can't take the military option off the table."
Republican Thompson highlights serious Iran threat, Reuters, June 19, 2007
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