The Immigration Time-bomb
Published August 23, 2005
The immigration issue is the political equivalent of a time-bomb in American politics. Depending of whether it is defused or explodes, it will either strengthen or blow apart existing American electoral coalitions.
The issue is dangerous to the current political alignment because opinions cut across existing fault lines, whether ideological, racial or economic. Where things would ultimately shake out if or when the explosion happens depends largely on the responses of the political parties.
In Republican terms, it is the one issue that could endanger the long-term stability of the present coalition of economic, social and cultural/religious conservatives. It is the emergence of this coalition that has led to the current electoral success of the Republican Party. In fact, it is still growing, as more and more cultural conservatives, (particularly in the South), continue to abandon the Democrats at all levels of governance.
For years neither party has made much in the way of serious effort on the issue, but it seems that finally some politicians are beginning to see its growing importance, or at least the political mileage that can be gained from it.
On the Democrat side, possible presidential contender Hillary Clinton has begun to reposition herself on the issue, commenting on the need for better border enforcement. Within the past two weeks, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano have both declared "states of emergency" in their respective states, (or portions of them), with regard to illegal immigration. From a bureaucratic perspective, these declarations free up more government funds that can pay for law enforcement overtime, equipment and other supplies that can be directed against illegal immigration.
On the Republican side, President Bush has been advocating a new "temporary guest worker" program that would allow foreign nationals to enter the country and work for a limited period of time. The plan has yet to gain much traction in Congress however, as many perceive some of its details as being tantamount to an amnesty program for illegal aliens already in the country.
North Carolina GOP Rep. Sue Myrick recently introduced legislation that would raise the penalties on businesses that hire illegals from the current $250 to $10,000 each and give local law enforcement a cut of the fines to help secure their assistance with enforcement. The rationale behind this approach is that of attacking the "demand" side of the problem, as opposed to just the "supply" side which, given the expanse of our borders is difficult to say the least.
Still others advocate more simple and tangible solutions, such as following the Israeli example and constructing a wall (or fence) along the border.
- The Immigration Time-bomb
- Published: August 23, 2005
- Type: Opinion
- Section: Politics
- Writer: Drew McKissick
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- Drew McKissick's personal site
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The governors of both NM and Arizona are doing what they need to do, the government does need to do more so there is not the need for civilians like the MinuteMen to have to be there. Kudos to the governors for stepping up to the plate.
I have no problem with tighter borders, I would love it, in fact. But I don't think it should be citizens doing it.
In terms of the Hispanic/Latino vote that RJ talks about, my thought is that there are enough within our country now, and have been here long enough, to no longer be single issue voters. They can be won, like any other group, with the appropriate promises of jobs, health care, protection, and opportunities for a better life.
Democratic legislators in Colorado are trying to get out in front of the immigration issue, too.
The Cherry Creek News reports, "Colorado legislators are taking a more serious look at immigration than the recent grandstanding and demogoguery on the issue.
At the request of the majority House and Senate leadership, The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) will hold a regional seminar for state legislators on "Immigration and the States" in Colorado.
Immigration is a growing issue that needs thoughtful discussion based on reliable information. NCSL has invited policy experts from across the country to inform lawmakers about this issue and how it affects their state. Legislators have been invited from four neighboring states-Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah-they will review national policy, and hear from policy leaders about different aspects of immigration including the past and future of federal immigration policy and the economic effects of immigrants in the workforce."
the story is at http://www.thecherrycreeknews.com
Link to Cherry Creek News
You do see how the right is working its fancy footing in the shadow boxing tournament don't you?
This is all about diverting American attention away from the war and giving incoming veterans something to do when they get home. Nationalization is the first of the last three steps of a civilization.
Add your comment, speak your mind
(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/34672)
Great post.
You left something out, however. The GOP knows that Hispanics/Latinos are the largest minority group in the country, and they are growing.
The GOP, for decades, has been making half-hearted attempts to increase their % of the black vote. It hasn't happened, and shows no signs of happening in the near future.
However, the H/L vote has shown some signs of moving in a pro-Republican direction, and the national GOP wants to keep up the momentum.
Therefore, the national GOP is VERY concerned about proposing or supporting laws that would be viewed as "anti-immigrant."
Large chunks of the electorate felt alienated by the fact that neither major political party was addressing this hugely important issue.
But now the Dems have made their move. The governors of both NM and Arizona (both Dems) have taken a tougher stance on the Mexico-US border.
This could lead to even more H/L fleeing from the Democrat Party to the Republican Party.
Or, it could mean the Dems will steal social conservative single-issue voters away from the GOP.
This is all very interesting. Time will tell which side has the upper-hand...