Less politics, more leadership on immigration in 2013
With “fiscal cliff” drama coming to a close, new issues are set to take center stage in the 113th Congress. At the same time, both parties are still responding to the demographic changes in the country that gave President Obama a resounding victory. Democrats feel comfortable that Latinos, who came out strong for the party down ticket, will once again play a vital role in the 2014 midterm cycle. Republican leadership, likewise, is reexamining messaging and policy to ensure they remain competitive in national elections.
At the heart of this recalibration of both parties is immigration; the country is demanding common sense immigration reform that entails both genuine policy discussions and compromise. One can be sure there will be finger pointing from party leaders as the fiscal cliff negotiations evinced. Latinos, however, have a sharp warning to both parties: Do not play politics with immigration.
Republicans will suffer the sharpest backlash if they allow their antiquated talking points, like “secure the border first”, which is only marginally more tolerable than “self deportation,” to dominate the discussion. Republicans remain concerned that President Obama will receive the credit for any immigration reform; but the party should be more concerned of the high cost of not acting at all.
Scores of reports have outlined the decrease of illegal crossings and crime at historic lows across border states. Republicans can still win if they begin with a practical and humane immigration proposal; or at this point just level the playing field. An era of anti-immigrant, anti-Latino rhetoric and figures like Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach is coming to an end.
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