Illegal immigration is one of the most significant problems facing our nation. For far too long, both Democrats and Republicans have allowed this crisis to continue unresolved. It is bankrupting our federal, state and local governments, and is increasingly a threat to our national security. The time to comprehensively resolve the problem is now.
First and foremost, our borders must be immediately enforced. For far too long, for purely political pandering reasons, this step has not been taken. It is neither impossible nor unaffordable. Second, realistic and practical solutions must be enacted to enforce the law concerning those who are already in the United States.
Speaker Gingrich has, for many years, thoughtfully discussed this issue. In addition to his very tough stand on controlling the border and revamping our broken immigration system, he has honestly addressed a portion of this crisis that has been used by the left as a means to block conservative-oriented approaches: the case of those who came as infants or children, have led productive lives, and are loyal Americans in all but name.
Recently, Gingrich discussed this specific problem by stating that this very particular and unique subset of immigrants should be treated differently than other illegals and given a path to legality. Despite his otherwise tough stand on illegal immigration, this humanitarian and practical position takes the sword out of the hands of the leftists who use examples of children who have never lived abroad and may be deported under strict immigration enforcement as a public relations tool to block all immigration enforcement.
Unfortunately, for taking this practical approach, Gingrich has been criticized by some on our side of the political fence. The left wing media has taken great joy in this, as it seeks to instigate a civil war among conservatives and defeat our goal of controlling the border and ending illegal immigration, without resorting to unacceptable tactics such as amnesty.
Our immigration system is clearly broken, another example of the utter failure of the federal government to live up to its responsibilities. Any objective observer would be forced to conclude that it is geared towards ignoring the vast numbers of illegals streaming across our southern border, and providing a de facto amnesty to the millions here illegally, while subjecting those from around the world who abide by our immigration laws and seek to become loyal, honest and productive citizens to great hardships.
We can’t let the left win this crucial battle. Gingrich’s goal of stopping illegal immigration and fighting the left’s support of amnesty is vital. His views on infants and children is both practical and a key weapon in the drive to win popular support for our overall immigration goals. His views on this matter deserve our support.
