-
Wastrel Government
May 6, 2013 | 27 comments
-
Why Business Supports Romney
July 20, 2012 | 17 comments
-
The List Could Be Longer
April 27, 2012 | 149 comments
-
Is Obama Administration the Most Anti-Business in Recent Memory?
October 12, 2011 | 52 comments
-
An Alternative to Unemployment
August 26, 2011 | 144 comments
A Further Perspective
The GOP’s Immigration Opportunity
Five tips for Republicans — if they are to prosper and we are to get out of our economic hole.
It is finally dawning on Republicans that they have the opportunity to be the pro-immigration party. It took losing the 2012 presidential election thanks in large part to overwhelming Hispanic and Asian-American support for President Obama, but Republicans are now beginning to understand that immigration reform is a key part of an economic-growth agenda. And we need growth to get us out of our economic hole.
Years of intense focus on securing the U.S. border with Mexico have given the impression that there is a stark contrast between Republicans and Democrats on immigration policy. In reality, the Republican and Democratic positions on immigration are remarkably aligned. Both favor highly skilled immigration and don’t want to penalize those who came here as children and see the U.S. as home. They favor penalties on businesses that hire non-documented workers, and they want border security. Finally, they want to provide the opportunity to stay in America to those who came here illegally but are English-speaking, productive contributors to society.
A comprehensive immigration effort is unfolding, and we will see how the parties resolve their disagreements. Responsible Americans realize our nation’s economy has a real problem that must be solved. For Republicans who see an opportunity to solve the problem and become the party embracing immigration, I suggest the following:
1. Humanize immigrants every time you speak. Immigrants are humans. One should never call them “illegals” or “aliens.” Doing so has created deep wounds that now must be healed. Immigrants simply want what we all want: a better life for ourselves and our children.
2. Focus on attracting the best and brightest. For the sake of the economy, we must implement an immigration system that attracts and keeps the world’s best and brightest scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians – these are the ninja innovators who will create products, brands, companies and jobs that will lead us back to prosperity.
3. Don’t make amnesty the issue. The word “amnesty” and even the phrase “path to citizenship” are the proposals dividing the nation and likely to doom passage of comprehensive immigration legislation. Those opposing it insist that those who came here as illegal adults should go to the “back of the line.” The problem is that the line is already full of relatives of existing citizens and immigrants from China, Mexico and India who will have to wait several years under the present law. More, there are paths to citizenship under present law for illegal immigrants including service in our military and marriage. My suggestion is to allow the 11 million people here illegally to stay here, provided they register within a year and do not commit crimes. Anyone not registered after a year can and should be expelled. Once here legally, they could then apply for citizenship.
4. Be careful about pushing for a national ID card. This solution will unwind any proposal as civil rights groups, privacy advocates and constitutional scholars may oppose anything that smells of a system encouraging people to be stopped and asked to show their paperwork. Today, unless flying, driving or entering a government or private building, Americans have no ID requirement and proposing a law requiring an ID card will doom a bill.
5. Put the burden on employers and government giving benefits. Before any American receives a job or government benefit, they should be required to prove they are here legally. Giving a job or benefits to those here illegally should have consequences.
We need to address our immigration issue in a positive way so our nation can grow and benefit from the best and the brightest. Immigration is a huge opportunity for Republicans to define themselves as for something consistent with Republican values and good for our nation.
Photo: UPI
About the Author
Gary Shapiro is president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the U.S. trade association representing more than 2,000 consumer electronics companies, and author of the New York Times best-selling books, Ninja Innovation: The Ten Killer Strategies of the World’s Most Successful Businesses and The Comeback: How Innovation Will Restore the American Dream. His views are his own. Connect with him on Twitter: @GaryShapiro.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (46) | Leave a comment
More Articles by Gary Shapiro
More Articles From A Further Perspective
http://spectator.org/archives/2013/03/05/the-immigration-opportunity
Follow us:
ADVERTISEMENT
Current Issue
- Way Beyond the Lemonade Stand
- Odds and Ends
- Drink Earlier, Drink Less
SPONSORED LINKS
FLASHBACK TO: 1995
-
Pope Culture
A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
-
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck
Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
-
Dames at Sea
-
In the Absence of Guns
In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
-
The Metaphysical Martini
-
Counting the Costs of Clintonism
The debacle of this president’s administration is both a cause and a symptom of the decline of American values. Unless Congress impeaches him, that decline will go on unchecked. An eminent jurist surveys the damage and assesses the chances for the recovery of our culture.
-
Chuck McHagel
It won’t take long for conservatives to scratch this presidential wannabe off their 2008 scorecard.
-
The Legacy of Old John and Mother Fresh-Roasted
-
It’s the Best Time of the Year
The American Christmas, like the songs that celebrate it, makes room for everybody under the rainbow. Is that why so many people seem to be hostile to it?
-
The Bush Crack-Up
Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?
Clip of the Day
ADVERTISEMENT
Michele San Pietro| 3.5.13 @ 6:44AM
There's nothing new with that. That's how immigration should be dealt with, in the United States and elsewhere. It is a pity there are people who just don't want to understand such simple matters.
C. Vernon Crisler | 3.5.13 @ 10:14AM
"One should never call them “illegals” or “aliens.” Doing so has created deep wounds that now must be healed."
Who is the bleeding heart bozo? Why is he infesting the pages of the AmSpec with such drivel?
Remember, every tear shed for an illegal alien is a hammer pounded onto our poorest (blacks, usually) who are forced to compete with cheap and illegal labor.
The true racists among us are the pro-amnesty, pro-mass-immigration Democrats and Republicans.
Quartermaster| 3.5.13 @ 12:33PM
The article is contradictory as well. Don't call them illegals, but make sure they are here legally? Silly.
Calling some one an illegal alien does not dehumanize, it simply states a fact about their status. I feel for people brought here as kids, but their parents are responsible and they can go back with them from whence they came.
Shapiro is just another lawless man asking us to be lawless with him.
markenoff| 3.5.13 @ 4:59PM
And don't call them "fetuses". Call them unborn babies. Otherwise you dehumanize them. Don't call it "choice". Call it infanticide.
Aristocat| 3.6.13 @ 2:34AM
Well done, Markie
mike 3/505| 3.6.13 @ 4:09PM
+1
davidh| 3.5.13 @ 1:05PM
What is interesting to me is how the Democrats are arguing for “democracy” in our republic.
Polls are displayed to show the will of the American people is being thwarted by the House of Representatives to stop:
1. Gun control
2. Immigration reform
3. Progressive tax and spend agenda
4. Abortion
5. Same sex everything
It is fascinating to watch the media whine about how the election settled these issues and the Republicans are obstructing the will of the people. Go to liberal sites and read the comments from their faithful about how democracy should rule over the concept of the Republic.
The position of the minority in the USA is not as weak as we are lead to believe.
1. Republicans control 30 governorships highest since 2000
2. House majority is relatively safe in Red States
3. 10th amendment gives power to the states, leadership should use it
Obama can never do what he wants to do to the USA as long as this structure exists.
Hold the Republicans feet to the fire and Obama will be stopped. That is why the media and democrats need to attack the Tea Party. This minority has power and needs to be conservative to wield it.
Bob K| 3.5.13 @ 8:17AM
We have been hearing this nonsense for years. There is nothing written here that hasn't been said before. And , as expected, there isn't a word in the article about the elephant in the room: Affirmative Action and what effect these people inundating the USA from south of it's borders will have on Country and on education, hirings and promotions and like matters.
Where do these people fit in that mix? Do they go to the head of the affirmative action lines too?
White people, especially white males, who compose a great part of the Middle Class and who are at the bottom of the rungs of the affirmative action ladder pay the great brunt of the taxes which makes this country attractive to these immigrants from south of our border.
Too many of them come here for free education, free medical care, free food stamp, Earned Income Tax Credits and free housing; and then they send part of their earnings back to Mexico.
The author makes no mention of how the nation can continue to afford handing out this largesse to this particular mass of people who return nothing in the form of taxes to help run the tax supported programs that are designed to help them.
PolishKnight| 3.5.13 @ 10:27AM
The Republican party and even conservatives have been falling for a shell game for some time of issues that are totally irrelevant to it's survival politically, culturally, and economically.
It's clear now why Obama won even with a bad economy: It's a no brainer for non-whites and feminists to vote for him. Most of the other issues we argue about here: abortion and even general economic issues, are irrelevant to a majority of race and gender entitlement seeking Obama voters.
Not only is direct affirmative action directly getting Obama's supporters out in droves but indirect policies as well such as the marriage penalty and divorce courts that shove men outside of the home and push the working class into the arms of the welfare state.
Those are the two biggies, gentlemen (and ladies.) Everything else is gravy.
markenoff| 3.5.13 @ 5:03PM
My wife is Brazilian. Her grandfather has dark skin and curly hair. So when our kids are born we check both "hispanic" and "African-American" (the Elizabeth Warren approach). Need to make sure their documents are set up so they can take advantage of the racial spoils system set up by our government. We also give them obviously latin first names and they go by my wife's last name. Don't want them to be burdened with anglo names. look what happened to George Zimmerman. If only he had been Jorge Rodriguez or illegal, he would have been the victim.
Bob K| 3.5.13 @ 5:58PM
It is my understanding that Brazilians are not recognized as "hispanic" although they may be direct descendants of people who immigrated there from that portion of the Iberian Peninsula known as Portugal. People from Spain are the only Caucasians from Europe who can claim to be "Hispanic."
These claims can be hard to prove so any claimants should hire the services of an adviser who can prove inheritance from a Southern Planter who could tell the difference between mulattos and quadroons on sight, or perhaps a 10th generation Mexican Kleptocrat of Spanish heritage who inherited the ability to whip native Americans from central America into shape!
Your wife potentially has 3 free tickets to the head of the Affirmative Action lines. She is a woman and can claim black heritage. The claim of being hispanic is questionable so she should give that free ticket to some white male from Northern Europe like Arne Duncan perhaps?
Sjccoach| 3.5.13 @ 8:17AM
A joke of a column. Why not just open the borders to the world. As soon as you arrive in this country you are a citizen. More liberal nonsense from the American Spectator.
cicero| 3.5.13 @ 8:41AM
What idiocy. This is the only country in the world that has open boarders, andd we feel guilty when we try to act like everybody else. Try to get into or out of any of the countries south of our borders without documentation, or paying a entry or exit fee. Try to work or buy property. Yet we are supposed to believe that we have a moral duty of accept and support the poor of other countries just because they show up in our living rooms.
We have enough uneducated people already here, and homegrown, who will not or cannot work productively without importing any more. If we can send men to the moon, we can certainly send men back to Mexico. Our enforcement practices are rediculous. See the Napolitano shuffle of last week. The simple solution is to require citizenship for services. Cut out the family chain migration silliness. Stop the baby drop. If we don't think we have enough unskilled workers to pick the fruit and veggies, stop with the free money for anyone who has a baby without benefit of a way to support it and them. Start with a program called, "Mommies to the Fields". Ten pick while one watches the little ones. Want a check? Work for it like the rest of us.
But don't get me started.
Ron M.| 3.5.13 @ 8:46AM
What an absurd 1st point, if an immigrant is here legally of course they're welcome. An illegal immigrant by definition is a criminal and should be refered to in that manor. A person that enters the country without following our rules does not belong here, it no more complex than that. There's nothing offensive in calling an illegal immigrant what they are. What's wrong with refering to a criminal as such?
Derek Leaberry| 3.5.13 @ 9:12AM
This fellow is the very same punk who is stabbing Virginia Attorney General Cuccinelli in the back in the governor's race. He supports an independent run by Bill Bolling in order to get Terry McAuliffe elected in November.
As for illegal aliens, that is what they are and are what conservatives should call them. Round them up and give the illegal aliens a kick in the posterior on their way back home on the rotten side of the Rio Grande.
Jakota| 3.5.13 @ 9:14AM
On Fox this morning Jeb Bush and some other hack were on promoting some insane immigration book and were asked what to do about the 12 million here already. As usual, they skipped right over that question.
I agree with Romney. Solve this issue through attrition.
markenoff| 3.5.13 @ 5:04PM
Round them up and ship them home. Start with the "criminal" illegal aliens. ICS has 34,000 of them in custody.
markenoff| 3.5.13 @ 5:05PM
We know where the rest are. Standing out in front of Home Depot.
loulou| 3.5.13 @ 9:42AM
What is this apcray?!
Albert Constantine Jr.| 3.5.13 @ 9:45AM
When Emma Lazarus wrote of the huddled masses, they were yearning to breathe free, not receive free benefits. While Mr. Shapiro writes that people immigrate for a better life for themselves and their children, he neglects to mention that in our current welfare/ nanny state, too often that is one which is subsidized with or paid for by the taxpaying others.
In order to qualify for most forms of immigrant visas, an immigrant needs a sponsor who will guarantee that the immigrant will not become a public charge for five years. Therefore, for at least half a decade, immigrants shouldn’t be in line for many government benefits, such as Mr. Shapiro describes in #5.
C. Vernon Crisler | 3.5.13 @ 10:32AM
One could argue that Lazarus's "huddled masses" supports mass immigration, but it more than likely refers mainly to Jewish refugees escaping from Russian pogroms, yearning to breathe free of such oppression. Being Jewish, Lazarus was very concerned about recent outbursts of anti-semitism.
Mass immigration for economic reasons created a number of social problems in the America of the late 19th century. America, however, always welcomes refugees from oppression.
Bob K| 3.5.13 @ 9:50AM
Here is a question for you Mr. Shapiro.
Since the taxes to educate these people are paid at the local and state levels by the citizens of the communities and the states they live in would you support state surtaxes on all the industries your US Trade Association, the CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) represents to help defray the added expenses needed to teach these immigrants English?
But maybe you are located in the Washington DC area where they don't have problems like the rest of the USA has from this influx of immigrants?
Just today my local paper had an article decrying the lack of translators and bi-lingual workers in nearby city that has a very large population of Spanish speaking immigrants. They are needed in the local health care industries and in the schools.
Considering that they were encouraged to come and work in local industries by the Chamber of Commerce to help keep wages low and competitive with Chinese imports don't you think that it is only fair that these Corporations bear the brunt of some of the costs that the tax payers living in the State and local municipalities have incurred?
The city and it's school district have been losing middle class taxpayers who, responding to the Law of Unintended Consequences, have been selling their homes and moving elsewhere since this influx began causing the municipal governments and the school board to have almost yearly budget crises.
Bob K| 3.5.13 @ 10:09AM
Mr. Shapiro,
Since your corporation (CEO) is located in Arlington, VA next door to the heart of the Federal Government; here is a question regarding the Elephant in the Room which you ignored in your article: Specifically Affirmative Action. In this case government jobs.
The black population of the USA amounts to about 12% of the overall population yet it has, overall, just under 18% of the Federal work force which is an area where Hispanics are underemployed.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/....._blog.html
Do you think that the Black community will take kindly to the Hispanic community getting preference over them in federal jobs and promotions?
Drunken Sailor| 3.5.13 @ 10:08AM
"One should never call them “illegals” or “aliens.”
Sorry but I stopped reading at that line. Are they here legally? If not then they are illegal, period, end of story. I really do not care if it offends them. Do I call a carjacker a undocumented driver? A rapist a noncosensual sex partner? No, they broke a law. Doesn't matter what their intentions were they broke the law.
Immigration and Border control needs reform but the english language and their definitions do not. Until the right learns to stop letting the left control the language, they are tying one hand behind their back.
buckeyeman| 3.5.13 @ 10:09AM
My list:
1. Make it a felony to enter or remain in this country illegally. Require mandatory jail time (3 months minimum) for violators and require the ILLEGAL ALIENS to clean up our southern border.
2. For those who are already here ILLEGALLY, provide a three to six month registration period wherein they receive a biometric (fingerprint) photo ID which permits them to stay an additional year to get their affairs in order. After this period, they MUST LEAVE OUR COUNTRY.
3. New entrance visas must be applied for in our embassy in the applicant's home country.
4. Deny citizenship to children born on our soil of foreign parents (anchor babies), whether they are here legally or not. Dropping a kid on our soil while on vacation or whatever should not be a criterion of citizenship.
5. Establish a guest worker program that is run by Americans for the benefit of America.
6. None of this will work unless welfare payments to able bodied adults are also cut.
Result: A humane way of controlling our population, permitting workers to enter only as WE see fit. The illegal alien population will self deport slowly if given some time and our domestic unemployment problem will be dramatically reduced.
Hint: We don't need ANY more population growth. Legal immigration should be reduced to a minimum. The incessant shriek for increased population is an outgrowth of the unsustainable welfare (social security/medicare) bubble/Ponzi scheme.
PolishKnight| 3.5.13 @ 10:22AM
It's a law (misdemeanor) that resident aliens MUST carry proof of legal residency at all times: http://www.immihelp.com/greenc.....ncard.html
This is for legal as well as illegal aliens although amazingly enough, federal courts, etc. have largely made it illegal to enforce the policy against illegals, er, "undocumented immigrants".
SUBVET| 3.5.13 @ 10:11AM
Gary......your the reason why we have this problem....I think you and Ben S. should go on vacation together.
You get paid to write this sh*t............?
George S| 3.5.13 @ 10:49AM
1. Okay, let's humanize immigrants. Does giving a citizen a social security number enhance the humanization process? Then take away SSN's for everybody. For humanity's sake.
2. Focus on "the best and the brightest". They are self-reliant and would not vote Democrat. Next!
3. Don't make amnesty the issue. If amnesty isn't the issue, then what is the fuss all about? Can you even put a thought together?
4. No national ID card. Wouldn't want to discourage illegals from voting, would we?
5. Put the burden on employers and the government. Government is the one that wants them in the first place, for they vote for big government. Let's instead make citizens INS agents if they own a business and punish them if an illegal (oops! undocumented -- oh the humanity) tricks them.
All in all, good points. There is nothing so intellectually honest as accepting the enemy's propaganda as stated fact.
Mike Daly | 3.5.13 @ 11:06AM
You can't overlook the illegal in illegal immigrants. Republicans need to keep pointing out that illegal immigrants by being illegal are an inherent drain. Yes there is alignment in Republican and Democratic approaches to immigration, but the key approach has to remain emphasizing responsibility - stop rewarding illegals for being illegal.
Harry the Horrible| 3.5.13 @ 11:08AM
And not a damn thing about fortifying our Southern Borders. Even a hint of allowing illegals to stay here, "provided they register within a year," and we would have a avalanche of invaders crossing the border.
7-08| 3.5.13 @ 11:24AM
Balderdash,
All this immigration capitulation is about is Rove waving about and ranting with a handheld chalkboard with Jeb Bush 2016 written on it.
C. Vernon Crisler | 3.5.13 @ 11:37AM
Yuck, if that happens, it's goodbye Republican Party.
Mike W| 3.5.13 @ 12:30PM
Makes me feel to good to see the responses to this rump munches' ideas. He is pushing a recipe for the end of the GOP and the end of the USA. This can't be overstated.
Amnestying 20 million ilegals will change this country's voting patter overnight. We won't be talking about sequestration. We will only be talking of higher taxes and the only argument will be if the top rate should be 80 percent or 75 percent.
Once legalized, they will vote to completely open the borders and the country then have another 50 million vibrants overnight.
People like Shapiro seem to be playing for the other team and I am surprised TAS would print this drivel.
Derek Leaberry| 3.5.13 @ 5:26PM
A native of northern Virginia, Shapiro has come out strongly against conservative Ken Cuccinelli in the Virginia governor's race.
loulou| 3.5.13 @ 7:26PM
Is Shapiro for McAuliffe then?
PolishKnight| 3.5.13 @ 1:15PM
Here's a neat political solution: Poison pill immigration reform.
For example, propose amnesty for certain illegals using the argument of the left and illegal immigration apologists on the right: Short term working visa status only for those who are working, do not have a criminal record (other than their illegal status, of course), and key here folks: Their kids do not get automatic anchor baby status, welfare, or racial preferences.
In other words, give them a little but take a lot back. Use their own language against them.
It's a daring plan, but workable. Certainly a lot better than putting in speed bumps to slow the panzers down or forming welcoming committees for the invaders as Shapiro does.
markenoff| 3.5.13 @ 5:05PM
They should follow the same path to citizenship my wife did. That path starts at the US consulate in their home country. Go back and get in line.
C. Vernon Crisler | 3.5.13 @ 5:14PM
Bravo! Glad your wife did it the right way. We welcome her with open arms as a true American.
PolishKnight| 3.6.13 @ 11:18AM
Yes, Markenoff, I agree. But the problem is that I'm not the only voter and the left has an amazing propaganda machine in place. So give a little but take a lot. Offer them limited amnesty they demand and then get a bunch of concessions we need.
The problem is that most on the right either don't know, or care, about the things our side needs. As long as affirmative action and anchor babies are in place, the Constitution and free-market capitalism are doomed. Considering that free-market capitalism seems to only care about the bottom line and would toss it's supporters to the wolves for a buck, I'm not optimistic.
Autorotate| 3.5.13 @ 2:40PM
11 million illegal immigrants--haven't we been hearing that figure for a decade? With an open border and given their reproduction rates, the figure has to be closer to 20 million if not more! But who's counting? (apparently no one.)
markenoff| 3.5.13 @ 4:57PM
Build the wall. It's a shovel ready stimulus project.
markenoff| 3.5.13 @ 5:08PM
Fight human trafficking. Build the wall.
markenoff| 3.5.13 @ 5:08PM
Fight drug trafficking. Build the wall.
Biff| 3.5.13 @ 5:58PM
Would you stop it? Nobody, except Democrats and the stupid people who listen to them, has ever said that the GOP was "anti-immigration". Legal immigrants have always been welcome; the sad fact is that the argument has been hijacked by the left.
We are now supposed to feel badly, and provide a "pathway to citizenship" for those who violated our immigration laws, rewarding them with the very thing which makes them criminals in the first place.
The folks in Washington claim we don't have the money to deport these people. What garbage is that? They found enough money to buy $1.6 billion rounds of ammunition, and 2700 light-armored vehicles. Why not drive the illegals to the border with their shiny new 'tanks' and keep them out with the 1.6 billion rounds of amm0? I'll bet that would do more to keep them out than anything else we've tried over the past three decades...
hrgfue | 3.5.13 @ 7:52PM
thank you for your New post on that site.which is the best blog for us.we are enjoy it and will show them to everyone.
Mark30339| 3.6.13 @ 10:58AM
Humanize is a concept clearly beyond the reach of most AmSpec commenters. I'm sure there is something Freudian about the ugly contempt these commenters harbor for immigrants when they themselves are the descendants of earlier immigrants -- immigrants who happened to arrive when America's residency policy was far more generous. Go ahead and seal the border if you can, but give immigrants who are already here a guest worker status and move on; the hard right has hated on these human beings long enough.