Immigration As A Political Strategy

The Q and O Blog has a post up addressing a proposition from Mickey Kaus, that immigration is a natural issue for the GOP to get behind for 06 and even 08. Commenting on a Kaus idea - they see value in Bush taking his current soft stance on immigration while members of Congress take a harder line in their Districts, effectively playing to both sides of the issue. There's more to it, actually, you can read it here.

It might work. It may also be the issue that keeps the GOP in the majority on both sides of Congress. If it does, watch immigration become a major issue for the GOP going into 2008. As Kaus points out, its a sequel to the 1970 welfare issue.

The first problem they have is that there's going to be a vote. That would call for some pretty skillful figuring as to whether to support, or oppose. The theory being, Congress members in safe districts could support Bush, while those in tougher races would be free to oppose - assuming they want it to pass. That's if you believe recent analysis that to hurt Bush hurts the Party's chances in 06 and 08 because he's seen as the Republican brand.

I'd look at it another way, though I'm unsure if the politicians have the courage to try it. It's possible that immigration and even illegal are not really the main issues at all. We tolerate illegality every day in many forms. No one is asking for a sweep of every john, hooker, dope dealer, or pimp on every corner - nor do any of us drive 50 - 65 miles per hour. And there are plenty of other examples. What I believe really matters to people is the border.

I think people would even go along with amnesty, if only the legislation was written so that nothing happened until the border came under control. And I mean really under control, not some slick card trick of legislation which has no practical effect. If Republicans could get out in front and make the border as immigration control the issue, even going so far as to not even deal with the illegals here today in legislation, I think it could win.

Consequently, they wouldn't have to take a stance on amnesty or guest workers immediately. Walk that mind field another day. Tell Americans you are going to absolutely take control of our southern border and do it. Ultimately, amnesty or deportation are both simply sham politics as long as the border is open, neither measure would solve anything as long as new or the same immigrants can simply walk in.

See Q and O for more

Comments

[RJ]

Even though I have distaste for those here illegally as it affects the job market where I live, I agree the border must be controlled first. Drastic action should be taken to stop the flow and then deal with those that are hear illegally. They should be given the opportunity to become citizens in the legal way and if they refuse they are out of here. Protecting our borders is clearly mentioned in the constitution. It is one of the duties of our military and one that has been sorely affected by the war some say. I don't know if I agree with the lack of available guard to protect the border, sounds like an excuse, but it has to be done. I am sure The Guard could recruit many patrons who believe this is an important cause. I say Get Out There and start recruiting while this issue is on the hot seat.

[tester]

Hard to believe immigration will be a major issue when you have deficit, healthcare, social security, energy, etc, etc, etc...

I just don't see it.

[RJ]

Actually healthcare is majorly impacted by immigration as well as Social Security. Ever hear of Medicaid or any other state supported healthcare? Overrun with those recieving benefits illegally while those tax paying Americans cannot get health insurance for themselves and thier families. Stolen Social Security numbers and identity thefts help to support the flow of illegals. Now tell me again how you don't think it will be an issue?

[beel]

Remember, You Voted For It

So many Republicans are fighting against a amnesty guest worker program.

How easily they forget that this "guest worker program" was
a plank in the platform George Bush ran on and was elected
to accomplish.

Since you voted for him, and voted for his platform, you
obviously support his Guest Worker Program and all the
costs and problems inherent in it.

If you have a complaint look in the mirror and find the
cause there - you did vote for this travesty to happen.

[RJ]

I am a Democrat Thank You. I did not and never would vote for Bush

[Laertes]

We've created a system in which massive illegal immigration is inevitable. Since undocumented immigrants can be more readily exploited and penalties for employing them are few, employers in many sectors have a powerful incentive to hire them.

As for the illegals, they look at working conditions here and the presumably better opportunities ahead for their children, and go where they think they have a better shot.

Beefing up border control is an ineffective feel-good strategy. That appears to be where the action is, but to think this is to fundamentally misread the situation.

So the first question is: What exactly is the problem here?

For large-scale exploiters of illegal labor, the answer is: There is no problem.

Solution: Nothing. Leave things as they are. Step up the enforcement a little bit if you like, to appease the wingnuts, but don't seriously attack my supply of cheap workers.

Alternate bonus solution: Degrade our labor protections to the point where legal labor is no more expensive than illegal labor. No unions, no workplace safety regulation, no labor law of any kind. Strip American workers of all the nettlesome protections that make them so much less appealing than easily-exploited illegals and then I'll start hiring them again.

For bigots, fearmongers, and demagogues, the answer is: There's lots of brown people here with funny accents who wave scary foreign flags.

Solution: Throw all the brown people out. All those people marching last weekend don't scare me. They can't vote anyway. Latinos can't be citizens, can they?

For people who care about American workers, the answer is: Cheap readily-exploited laborers depress the market value of legal labor.

Solution: Serious sanctions for employers who exploit illegal labor. For some time now the idea of stepping up the penalties for employers, coupled with a big reward (such as a green card) to people who turn them in, has been bouncing around. It's a good one.

[RJ]

Well said. I know many who employ illegals and who believe they have a right to. They don't consider how they are making it difficult for others. It is a myth that Americans will not work for lower wages. How do I know? We own a construction company and DO NOT hire illegals. We have no shortage of help and find that many home owners prefer to not have illegals on their property. It is not racism it is patriotism. If you are legal great. If you are not you don't work simple as that.

[IMHERE]

If all the effort that is put in to solving this issue and to make the "US A BETTER PLACE: per Mr. Morales,

Charity begins at home, put that effort into making MEXICO A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK.