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
