Conservative Latino Group Pens Letter Opposing GOP Immigration Rhetoric

NPR

By Asma Khalid

September 9, 2015

Conservative Latino Group Pens Letter Opposing GOP Immigration Rhetoric 

In a letter obtained by NPR, the Libre Initiative, a conservative Latino group funded by the Koch brothers, criticized the inflammatory immigration rhetoric that's characterized so much of the campaign season so far. The group made a clear, bold statement aimed at fellow conservatives. Here's the letter:

In recent days there has been public attention to America's immigration system, and many proposals to amend the system have been discussed. As the country continues this debate, we reject any proposal that suggest the following:

• an end to the longstanding practice of birthright citizenship in the United States; and,

• the mass deportation of millions of immigrants and U.S. citizens, particularly those who have obeyed U.S. laws and contributed to society since arriving in the country.

Such proposals are not in line with our principles and are not in the best interest of the country.

It is important that we enforce our immigration laws - and the federal government has clearly failed to do so. Enforcement efforts should be reasonable and broadly supported by the American people. However, they should not unduly intrude on the lives of law–abiding Americans, or impose an unwarranted cost on the taxpayers. Regrettably, the ideas listed above fail these prudent tests.

As we work to modernize our immigration laws, let us remember that America's ideals of freedom, liberty and opportunity will continue to call many to her shores. Immigrants willing to work in the United States contribute greatly to our economy, society and culture. May those who wish to work hard and contribute to the U.S. remain welcomed while we focus on curtailing the big government efforts that threaten to distinguish the very self-reliance and ingenuity that is essential to greater prosperity.

The letter does not mention any candidate by name, but names two proposals (mass deportation and an end to birthright citizenship for immigrants) that have been put forth by current Republican front-runner Donald Trump. He has used strong language that's alienated some conservative Latinos. Other candidates, including Chris Christie, Scott Walker and Bobby Jindal, have said birthright citizenship should be reexamined or curtailed.

"We will raise our voice against unrealistic, and what I feel are ineffective policies, that move us away from much needed reform," said Daniel Garza, executive director of the Libre Initiative.

The letter is perhaps the strongest statement the conservative group has made thus far in the immigration debate. The group said it wanted its opposition in written form, easily accessible to any candidate or policy maker.

"If you're somebody who's proposing bad policies, we're going to call you out. Period, without regard to political consequences, what the political winds are," said Garza. "We are going to stand on sound ideas and sound policy."

Garza said Latinos will be watching how the candidates discuss immigration reform, and call them out "when somebody goes so far beyond the pale."

The trouble for Republicans is that the same immigration rhetoric that's bothered some Latinos seems to be resonating in early primary states.

A majority of potential Republican voters in both New Hampshire and Iowa said they would be "less likely" to vote for a candidate "who supports a pathway to citizenship for undocumented or illegal immigrants," according to the latest NBC/Marist Poll.

For more information, go to:  www.beverlyhillsimmigrationlaw.com