The momentum to approve immigration reform is taking on the characteristics of a runaway train.
U.S. Senate Democrats believe they have more than 60 votes to approve it, saying in fact that it might get 70 votes. That would mean fairly sweeping bipartisan support in the upper congressional chamber. It also would put enormous pressure on the Republican-controlled House of Representatives to follow suit, or else face the wrath of millions of people, U.S. citizens and non-citizens alike.
Immigration reform’s time has come.
The bill being discussed represents a classic case of compromise, the kind that makes government work. Liberals got their “path to citizenship” provision for those non-citizens who are here illegally; conservatives got their beefed-up border security with the addition of 20,000 border agents and construction of the wall across our nation’s southern border.
Still, some congressional Republicans are sticking to their opposition. They detest the so-called “amnesty” provision. To their credit, some key Republicans are backing the reform package – if only as a way to preserve the viability of their party. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., says the GOP is heading into a “demographic death spiral” if it keeps resisting immigration reform. The 2012 presidential election proves his point, with only 27 percent of Latinos voting for GOP nominee Mitt Romney, compared to 71 percent who voted for President Obama.
This is a wakeup call for national Republicans, and someone ought set the alarm for the likes of Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, among others, who continue to toe the hard line on immigration.
We can’t get rid of all those who are here illegally, folks. So let’s work with them, give those who have been here, worked hard, and sought to make a better life for themselves and their families some kind of a path toward U.S. citizenship.
Those who want it can obtain citizenship. Those who don’t can work toward becoming legal immigrants or … they know the way back home.