The key to a DACA deal: Stick to your principles
We’re at a crossroads in the United States of America when it comes to our immigration system. Many Americans’ feel like the system isn’t working to benefit them, but to benefit foreigners at the expense of people who are already American citizens. Many people who have spent their life working hard-labored jobs feel that the importation of immigrants from poor parts of the world have cost them their job or forced their wages to go down. The decline in wages and accessibility to these types of blue-collar jobs likely have more to do with the technological revolution and automation than with immigration, but that doesn’t mean people who feel this way don’t have a point. The reality is that America does bring in low-skilled immigrants and needs to transition to a more modern, merit-based immigration system. At the same time, immigrants from poor parts of the world are more likely to appreciate the American dream and have respect for values such as freedom of speech and free enterprise, which brings me to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. By all account the majority of the 800,000 recipients in the DACA program, are good people, and I don’t think anybody faults them for the law-breaking actions of their parents. These kids were brought here as minors and those who have been law-abiding, and sought out a job and an education deserve the opportunity to continue to be a part of the American dream. However, a pathway to citizenship cannot be provided for anybody who happens to be here illegally if we don’t secure our borders first. While the immigration debate can bring out the worst in some people, the need to secure our borders should be something that transcends ideology. The constitution demands that the United States government secure our border, which is something they have clearly failed to do over the past few decades. If a path to citizenship is provided for any group of undocumented immigrants, without the guarantee of first securing the border — that is simply poor public policy and an invite for people to bring their families across our border, with the guarantee that their kids get to stay. I believe that there is a dark side to today’s immigration debate. Folks on the far-right, whom will slur anybody prepared to go to the negotiating table as shills for “amnesty,” or “open borders,” even when those same people are demanding border security. Those on the far-left will ridicule Democrats who agree to border security as racist. Both Democrats and Republicans should understand that the loudest voices in the immigration debate don’t speak for the American people or the majority of either party’s voters. I urge all lawmakers on both sides: block out the noise and stick to your principles. Don’t be afraid to tick off some folks. Only then will real, comprehensive immigration reform be possible. ••• William Davis is a sophomore at the University of Alabama. There he is involved in various conservative groups and organizations.
Ted Cruz super PAC takes swipe at Marco Rubio in new digital ad
A new digital spot produced by the super PAC supporting Ted Cruz hits airwaves this week, taking a gentle swipe at rival Marco Rubio, with whom the Texas senator has been battling over national security and immigration. As reported by Katie Glueck of POLITICO, “Trust” is a 60-second ad from Keep the Promise I and the Keep the Promise PAC. The digital ads are part of six-figure media buys running in four early primary states, as well as Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi, where Cruz recently finished a campaign swing. The ad uses clips from recent debate performances, with Cruz saying he is someone “who at has actually stood up not just the Democrats, but to leaders in our own party.” As he speaks, the ad shows images of both Rubio and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Also shown in the ad are voter testimonials with comments such as, “He’s not afraid to say the honest truth, even from the Senate floor, even if it’s unpopular,” and “he has been consistent on every issue.” Glueck writes that “Trust” comes at a time when Rubio’s campaign is hitting Cruz hard on questions of consistency in his opposition to immigration reform. “Trust” will appear on both Facebook and YouTube and is expected to run through the end of the year.
Mo Brooks secures commitment from Paul Ryan: No amnesty bills
Rep. Paul Ryan (WI-01) has formally agreed to a letter committing to members of the House Freedom Caucus (HFC) he won’t bring amnesty or immigration-reform legislation to the House floor while President Barack Obama is still in office unless it is supported by a majority of Republican House Members. This past Thursday Brooks and other members of the HFC met with Ryan regarding his candidacy for Speaker where they discussed border security. According to a statement released by Brooks, he and other House Freedom Caucus members had concerns Ryan may use the role of Speaker to push through immigration policies that will suppress the wages of and take even more jobs from struggling American families. After the meeting, Brooks hand-delivered a formal letter to Ryan on the House floor detailing what he believed were his immigration representations. “I need your assurance that you will not use the Speaker’s position to advance your immigration policies … because there is a huge gap between your immigration position and the wishes of the American citizens I represent,” Brooks wrote in the letter. “Your words yesterday constitute the needed assurance.” “If my portrayal of your words errs in any respect, please deliver to me… a written communication correcting my errors,” Brooks continued. Less than two hours later, Ryan called Brooks confirming the accuracy of his letter, giving his word to keep his commitments. Tuesday morning Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05) addressed the U.S. House of Representatives telling of them of Ryan’s agreed-upon commitment and submitted the letter for Congressional Record. You can watch the video of Brooks floor speech here:
