Sunday, November 3, 2013
Next Hurdle for Republicans: Immigration
After backlash from the recent government shutdown, Republicans now face a new issue in immigration. Some think the Republicans will lose their hold in the House if they do not "embrace and champion immigration reform." Others think that while immigration may be an issue nationally, they won't lose their majority in the House because they are from "safe districts."
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If the Republicans do not "embrace and champion immigration reform" they will not only lose the Hispanic and Asian vote, they will also start to head down a slippery slope to losing elections and ultimately House dominance. The GOP as a party, is backed into a corner with only one palpable solution, embrace immigration reform or be stubborn and watch their own fall.
ReplyDelete"The problem is the several dozen members in House who will vote against any measure, even those they support, suspecting that they could be falling into a trap leading to a deal with the Senate." WHAT? Isn't the point of the US government to make legislature that improves the lives of its citizens? It frustrates me that elected officials are so scared to make a deal with the other side that they refuse to vote in favor of an issue that they agree with. Compromise and bipartisanship should not be four-letter words. Congress needs to (yet again) get its act together.
ReplyDeleteI am absolutely opposed to changing political positions simply because they are unpopular—a party that does that fails to stand for anything at all. At that point, what benefit comes from having it be a viable party? You do not sacrifice principles in order to win elections. Rather, you emphasize the issues where you and the general public agree. However, on the immigration issue, I do believe that reforming immigration is important. First, we should reform the legal immigration system. Anybody who wants to come to America, work hard, and live the American dream should be welcomed with open arms. I would also be willing to grant work permits to the younger illegal immigrants. However, any immigration deal must come with immediate securing of the border—the endless stream of illegals cannot continue. Or else we will end up in the same situation we are not thirty years down the road.
ReplyDeleteI am absolutely opposed to changing political positions simply because they are unpopular—a party that does that fails to stand for anything at all. At that point, what benefit comes from having it be a viable party? You do not sacrifice principles in order to win elections. Rather, you emphasize the issues where you and the general public agree. However, on the immigration issue, I do believe that reforming immigration is important. First, we should reform the legal immigration system. Anybody who wants to come to America, work hard, and live the American dream should be welcomed with open arms. I would also be willing to grant work permits to the younger illegal immigrants. However, any immigration deal must come with immediate securing of the border—the endless stream of illegals cannot continue. Or else we will end up in the same situation we are not thirty years down the road.
ReplyDeleteThis is a perfect example of how the electorate can influence politics. The Republicans are finally feeling the pressure to reform immigation. The "several dozen members in House who will vote against any measure, even those they support" is exactly what Mike Lofgren criticized. I understand the Republican hesistancy on immigration reform because of the fear of losing votes, but I don't think fear should govern the lives of present and future citizens.
ReplyDeleteI'd really like to see an immigration reform bill passed, and it seems like at least some Republicans are willing to compromise on the issue. As far as party politics are considered, it's definitely going to be beneficial for Republicans to unify and pass some sort of reform. They might need to convince their more stubborn colleagues to put less resistance up against the bill, even if they don't vote for it themselves. Republicans need to show that they can do something, anything, without splitting up into the two groups that are seemingly becoming more distinct.
ReplyDeleteThe Republican party can gain some credibility back by supporting an immigration reform bill. The recent government shutdown has put Republicans in a tricky position, so they need to tread lightly on what they support and what they oppose. The Tea Party Republicans will likely be stubborn as usual, so the more moderate Republicans will need to make a strong case to convince other members of the party to support such a bill. If they can get in some kind of agreement, I think it will benefit the Republicans in the long run.
ReplyDeleteIf the Republican party is smart, they will work together and look like a unified party in this debate. It is unfortunate that such a problematic issue is being discussed right out of the shutdown, but it is a very good opening for the Republican party to show that they aren't a hot mess like they've been portrayed as. This will either be a blessing or a curse.
ReplyDeleteThe Republican party needs to make a united front, as has been stated earlier. A failure to do so on this issue will not only demonstrate the lack of leadership and cooperation in the party but will highlight the party's weakness. This weakness, caused by a lack of strong leadership and cooperation, is the reason the Republicans have been struggling since how can people put trust in a party to run government responsibly if they can't stop taking potshots at each other. But I digress. Immigration reform is the moment for the Republican party to show the American people that they are united but not necessarily that they are willing to cave on their values simply to win an election. This is also their chance to show that they are effective in government, and increasing border security would be a great example. Once the American people see a party of reasonable, respectful, responsible, and unified members they will maybe go beyond blaming the Republicans at every chance they get and start voting for them.
ReplyDeleteJust like Olivia said, this article is perfect evidence backing up Mike Lofgren. The Republicans today really are going nuts. To me, any law supporting immigration should be passed almost right away. Maybe it's just me, but I don't understand why immigration is such a controversy. People should be able to come to America and apply to be a citizen after a reasonable amount of time living here. Back to the Republicans, it is disappointing to see the two groups dividing even more. Hopefully the Republicans who are willing to pass this bill can change the minds of the Tea Party. The party as a whole needs to make a better effort in making the GOP look better. Especially after the shutdown, the Republicans really need to get their act together and now would be the time.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Emily on her views on immigration. Anyone should have the right to apply for citizenship. This country was built on immigration and is made up of immigrants and there descendants. If we want to really claim ourselves as the meting pot nation we can't be exclusive. As for the republicans as the subject of the article, they are making these simple mistakes that are making their party look foolish. More and more divisions among the republicans or over shifting to the right will not gain any support of the moderates needed to win votes.
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