Why Comprehensive Immigration Reform May Be Next On Trump’s Agenda
Fabrizio Moreira, Contributor
Politician, Business Mentor, Talent Manager, Public Relations Specialist
Why Comprehensive Immigration Reform May Be Next On Trump’s Agenda
Wishful thinking? Consider this.
05/08/2017 08:49 am ET | Updated 7 hours ago
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A move towards comprehensive amnesty is certainly within Ivanka’s wheelhouse, not just because Ivanka’s a Democrat, but it’s consistent with many of her other positions
It was said countless times during the 2016 US election cycle, but it bears mentioning again that the people’s votes represented a referendum on “the status quo.” Voters from all walks of life expressed deep frustration with the political elite on both sides of the aisle. However, Donald Trump was by far the biggest beneficiary of this sentiment.
As I reflect on last year’s election, it is clear to me that Trump saw something that no one else noticed. At least, not until it was too late for the other candidates to do anything about it. He knew that anger had built up to a boiling point in average ordinary adults across the nation. He also understood that this frustration cut across party lines but more importantly he understood why people were angry ― illegal immigration.
Some felt that by looking the other way as migrants crossed the U.S. border that our nation’s leaders were putting the priorities of others above its own citizens. Still, others are concerned for their families’ safety, while many blame illegal immigration for the soft labor market. But whatever the case, during the campaign Mr. Trump zeroed in on these sentiments and put illegal immigration at the center of his campaign.
Why the Nation’s Immigration Policy Needs Reform
It isn’t the migrant’s fault that Mexico and several other Central American countries are collapsing under the weight of a brutal drug-induced crime spree. Left to choose between staying in a country where either you work for the cartels or you die, is it any wonder that so many flee for safety across the U.S.-Mexico border?
Just on this basis alone, there’s a case to be made that at least those affected by the violence be allowed asylum in the U.S. However, there are other issues at play, as well. Such as the fact that many of these undocumented workers have lived here most or all of their lives. As such, asking them to go back is inhumane.
Past Immigration Failures
One of the reasons it’s been so hard to pull off a comprehensive immigration reform package in the past is that given the country’s lax enforcement, the will to get it done has been weak.
The so-called “Gang of Eight” was made of four Republicans and four Democrats and, including Mr. Rubio represents the most recent attempt. They teamed up in 2013, to draft an immigration bill. Although the bill made it out of the Senate, conservative opposition in the House prevented it from making its way to then President Obama.
The core framework of the immigration bill (S-744) proposed by Schumer and Rubio in 2013 was based on the failed Kennedy–McCain legislation of 2005. On amnesty, for example, Schumer–Rubio granted illegal immigrants immediate “provisional” status.
One of the reasons opponents of the Schumer-Rubio voted against it is that while it included no immediate border security timetable, illegal immigrants were granted immediate amnesty, albeit through ‘probationary’ status.
Indeed, the bill was so unpopular that former Tea Party darling, Marco Rubio, fell out of favor with conservatives and was unable to regain his stature within the Right’s grassroots community. It’s no wonder that many credit the failed initiative with rousing up the same anti-immigrant sentiment that got Trump elected.
Comprehensive Immigration Could be a Win-Win
Most of the DACA employment authorization documents (EADs) that former President Obama granted to undocumented minors expire within the next year. Their expiration represents a perfect opportunity for the Trump administration.
Although some within his party don’t want President Trump to renew the status of the undocumented who came as minors, it may be in their best interest. If the public’s lukewarm reception to the American Healthcare Act is anything to go by, the Republicans could use a solid win. And who wouldn’t want to be seen as the side that solved this long-standing issue?
That’s what makes Trump the right person for the job. He can convince his party that he’s serious about enforcing the law and that the right “deal” could gain the support of all sides, while make enforcing the law more cost-effective.
How It Could Play Out
Wishful thinking? Consider this ― since Bannon’s influence in the administration began to wane, Ivanka Trump has emerged as one of Trump’s most influential advisors. The result has been a steady move to the center on Trump’s part.
A move towards comprehensive amnesty is certainly within Ivanka’s wheelhouse, not just because Ivanka’s a Democrat, but it’s consistent with many of her other positions. So, the only question is whether she could convince her father that it’s in his best interest to act.
Anyone who doubts her ability to do so need only recall the Syrian strike for proof that it’s indeed possible.
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