Feeds: 
symbol identifies content for paid subscribers only.
HOW SHOULD DEMOCRATS TALK ABOUT IMMIGRATION?
I'm one of the most frequently pro-immigrant voices here at TAPPED, but that doesn't mean I'm naive about the electoral challenges progressives are facing on the issue. E.J. Dionne writes at The New Republic:
One poll finding this week that shook Democrats came in a survey conducted by Democracy Corps, a consortium organized by party consultants Stan Greenberg, Al Quinlan and James Carville. It asked voters to pick two from a list of seven problems that explained "why the country is going in the wrong direction."The survey found that among independent voters, 40 percent -- by far the largest group -- picked this option: "Our borders have been left unprotected and illegal immigration is growing."
By contrast, a lack of action on health care was named by only 24 percent of independents as a core problem, and Iraq by 23 percent.
Dionne points to the Dodd/Clinton driver's license debate as a harbinger of controversies to come, but doesn't offer a policy solution for Democrats running for president. I'll give it a whack. Here's my three point plan for talking about immigration:
1. Remind voters that George W. Bush and the GOP were so focused on Iraq that they failed to protect our borders in any meaningful way. Because of our federal government's failure to fix immigration policy, support programs -- like licensing drivers -- that make it easier for local communities to deal with the crisis.2. Emphasize the staying power of the American Dream -- despite all our troubles post-9/11, people around the world still hunger for the American way of life.
3. Talk about values-driven immigration policies. Refuse to penalize the children of undocumented immigrants. Support a path to legalization for immigrants already here in the U.S. that keeps families together. Mass deportation is not a practical or humane option.
The emphasis should be on making more immigration legal immigration, a proud American tradition.
--Dana Goldstein
COMMENTS (6)
I would also suggest saying "illegal immigrants" rather than "undocumented immigrants." Refusal to use the word "illegal" -- which, after all, is a perfectly accurate one -- may tend to create the impression that Dems don't really think the border security issue is all that big a problem.
Posted by: Shoshana | November 5, 2007 11:36 AM
And, here's how the GOP should respond:
1. Point out that the Dem leadership is completely corrupt and that they and their allies among the far-left and racial power groups have taken every opportunity to support massive illegal activity.
2. Point out that some Democrats have links to the MexicanGovernment or possible agents thereof. Let's put the "u" back in collaborateur.
3. Point out that the Dems want to not only reward illegal activity, but to do so at the expense of American citizens. For instance, by allowing foreign citizens who are here illegally to take college discounts from needy U.S. citizens, many of whom are black and Hispanic.
4. Point out that encouraging massive illegal activity undermines the U.S. Constitution and everything America stands for.
5. Point out that giving yet another amnesty will lead to millions more trying to come here illegally, together with massive fraud and terrorist infiltration.
Look, the Democrats had a good run, but perhaps it's time to move on.
Posted by: TLB | November 5, 2007 11:40 AM
I think some "political judo" in order. For example, if a Republican is trying to make hay with the driver's licenses for illegal immigrants issue, put out messages saying, "My opponent supports policies that will increase traffic accidents caused by illegal immigrants." By framing it this way, you can make a Republican anti-immigrant policy look like "coddling" illegal immigrants.
Posted by: jonp72 | November 5, 2007 12:01 PM
Democrats should engage the issue, rather than try to dodge it. And they should engage it by demostrating leadership and providing vision, rather than following a "me, too" approach to Republican proposals.
By trying to avoid it they are letting Republicans dictate the frame.
Let's not forget that Democratic Senators worked tirelessly to try to get to a solution, however complicated and flawed that bill may have been, with only a handful of Republicans interested. Democrats were trying, while Republicans simply obstructed the process -- because the latter party is more interested in building wedge issues than in solving problems.
And voters want people who are interested in solving problems.
But dodging the issue or playing Republican "light" on immigration won't serve Democrats well -- and that is where they seem to be moving towards. They'll only end up reinforcing Republican frames and back themselves in a corner.
Dems need to craft a vision that is workable and fair, engage the American people, and not succumb to throwing people under the bus -- a strategy that will haunt them over the medium and long term, and has not really demonstrated results in the short term.
Posted by: ForSolutions | November 5, 2007 2:15 PM
Jon, you clearly don't understand the emotional salience of this issue. For a lot of americans, competition with illegal aliens has meant lower wages, a more unsafe work place, and a complete lack of bargaining power.
You seem to believe that the American people are just out to punish wrong doing. They aren't. They are out to make life on illegal aliens as hard as possible so they just fucking leave.
Posted by: Soullite | November 6, 2007 10:06 AM
There are more than 12 million people who cheat on their taxes. Putting them all in jail is neither humane nor practical.
We have more than 12 million pot users. You know the drill.
In fact, there are a lot of laws that are so stupid that a large percentage of the population ignores them. And conservatives aren't the only ones who support those dumb and/or, overly onerous laws.
Posted by: Adam Herman | November 6, 2007 3:12 PM