For John, BLUF: Current immigration reform is a joke. Nothing to see here; just move along.
The answer to the Post Title Question, of course, is absolutely. On the other hand, regarding the current bill, I am doubtful.
From Law Professor Glenn Reynolds (InstaPundit) we have this:
If “Amnesty” will make the GOP loved by Latinos where are the Latinos holding signs for Gabe Gomez? He’s Latino and pro-Gang of 8, but not getting any love because the Latino vote is owned by the Democrats. So why do the Republicans think they’ll win if they enlarge it?Please note. Immigration reform should not be about getting more votes, but about doing what is right, doing what reflects the good parts of our past and points to a better future.
Senator Marco Rubio is correct in saying that doing nothing is providing de facto amnesty. We need to find a way to fix our border, help Mexico and other Latin American nations build economies that will keep people home, and provide a path to Citizenship for those who wish to become Americans, while providing a path home for those who are just economic migrants with strong ties back home.
One of the things in any bill should be a reciprocity clause that holds that when the home nation restricts or encumbers Americans in that nation, then those citizens will be so encumbered in the US. For example, if there are restrictions on Americans owning property in Mexico, then Mexican immigrants should face similar restrictions in the US. I would not impede the education of children in a tit-for-tat way, but otherwise I think it is fair and reasonable.
The worst thing about this current Immigration Reform bill is that it is very long and it is likely that amongst the 535 Congress Critters few really understand what they are voting for or against. It is as though those 535 US men and women are voting on their emotions, rather than serious analysis. Pitiful. Feckless.
Regards — Cliff
2 comments:
It can take years, and sometimes generations, for political sea changes to register and become ingrained within the electorate. Which is to say, Republicans of Lincoln's day would be likely be somewhat confused by the evolution of the party's stance on many things. As for Latinos, as with the Democrats needing a good century to become the party of Civil Rights, it will take more than a few weeks of Gabe Gomez ads to undo a standing perception that Republicans represent the "un-welcome" mat.
I can see the generations thing. Even today I think of the Democratic Party as the Party of Jim Crow. And that is notwithstanding my Mother and H H Humphrey and even the actions of LBJ.
Regards — Cliff
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