A few weeks ago, a group of right-wing leaders – including William Bennett, Robert Bork, Ward Connerly, Newt Gingrich, David Horowitz, David Keene, and Phyllis Schlafly – issued an open letter to Republican members of Congress opposing any sort of “amnesty” and demanding passage of an enforcement-only immigration bill.
Yesterday, another group of right-wing leaders fired back with its own open letter warning that “the way we position ourselves on immigration will determine whether we retain the mantle of majority leadership” and calling for a comprehensive immigration reform bill
And this new group – featuring the likes of Grover Norquist, Jack Kemp, J.C. Watts, Steve Forbes, and Jeanne Kirkpatrick – pulled out the big guns by boldly claiming the mantel of the GOP’s patron saint: Ronald Reagan
But let us remember the counsel of the great conservative standard-bearer, Ronald Reagan, who was in favor of strong borders — he once remarked that “a nation without borders is not really a nation” — but also constantly reminded us that America must remain a “beacon” and a “shining city on a hill” for immigrants who continually renew our great country with their energy and add to the nation’s economic growth and prosperity. Reagan was right. We need to do both things — secure the borders and allow for sensible levels of safe, open, lawful immigration.
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The best way — the only way — to realize President Reagan’s vision is through comprehensive immigration reform legislation. We urge the House and Senate to work out their differences and meet the demand of the American people that we act on this critical issue in a comprehensive way.
Looks like Reagan’s famous 11th Commandment – “Thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican” – is about to get seriously tested.
