Is The GOP Anti-Immigration?
What could possibly make a Hispanic Catholic mother, with strong pro-life beliefs, go out and vote for a pro-abortion candidate–and not only a pro-abortion candidate, but also one who also believes and defends partial birth abortion and infanticide? That to me is a wakeup call my friends.
Recently, I have seen a lot of buzz on Conservative websites, Conservative blogs and social networks regarding Senator Rubio and his push to give 11 million illegal immigrants amnesty. But is the proposed plan really amnesty? Legislation has not yet been written.
It is fair to say that the Democrats own this issue. They are the ones perceived to be the defender of those that want to come to the land of opportunity and make a better life for themselves and their families. And according to the left, the GOP, well they are just anti-immigration, period. So are we anti-immigration? I have always believed us to be anti “illegal” immigration. In fact, Rubio himself addressed this in a recent interview with Rush Limbaugh.
“Look, I think there’s this false argument that’s been advanced by the left that conservatism and Republicans are anti-immigrant and anti-immigration. And we’re not. Never have been. On the contrary, we are pro-legal immigration. And we recognize that our legal immigration system needs to be reformed,” Rubio contends.
So why are we perceived in this manner? What can we do to change our image? I honestly believe that our Party is not against immigration, but is instead pro “legal” immigration and we recognize the importance of obeying the laws of our land.
Would we as Conservatives be more supportive of a proposal that would force those who are living here illegally, to be made to go to the back of the line and apply for legal status? Is it considered “amnesty” if they have to go to the back of the line, behind those who have taken the legal steps and are waiting patiently to obtain citizenship? And what happens if they are not guaranteed citizenship? Isn’t it our ultimate goal to stop the flow of illegal immigrants into our country as well as to enforce our borders? Or are we to round up 11 million illegal immigrants and ship them home in order to support any kind of proposal offered to help solve the problem?
I for one am not opposed to a proposal that would enforce the borders and that would lead to an acceptable conclusion that would require those living in our country to obtain legal status or be forced to return home. One way or another, something has to be done.
Many in our Party appear to be afraid to touch this issue. Political ramifications are a certain risk and it is no wonder that we have many big talkers, yet very little doers. So I say kudos to Senator Rubio for daring to take this on. We will not immediately know what, if any, political ramifications this may have on his career, but at least someone in the Party is willing to bring this issue to the people and refuse the Democrats the complete platform on the immigration issue. Personally, I’m curious to see legislation when it becomes available. Until then, I will withhold any objections give my support to any part of this, until it is proposed in writing. Rubio believes that he can convince the base. He may very well be just what we need to change our image as far as the Hispanic community is concerned. Who knows, maybe they will be relieved when they can finally go to the polls and vote for a candidate that has the same core values as they do–even if that candidate has an “R” after his name.
