Backtalk
More (Legal) Immigration, Please!
COMMENTARY
I
N THE COMING MONTHS, PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA Today it’s estimated that there are at least 12
and congressional Democrats are planning million illegal aliens in the United States, with
“immigration reform” legislation. an average of 500,000 entering the country each
Perhaps the Republicans in Congress could year. Meanwhile, the fl ow of legal immigrants now
offer their own reform plan. stands at about 650,000 a year, according to the
If the GOP is to make a serious, long-lasting Pew Hispanic Center.
comeback, it has to change its image from being The plan I outlined in 2005 was simple. First,
the “party of no.” we must secure the borders, not just for economic
Step one: Become the pro-immigration party — reasons, but for national security concerns as well.
the party of “yes, you too can make it in America.” Second, and only after the borders are secured,
Immigrants who come to our shores are seeking we open the United States to legal immigration,
opportunity, and for a long time, the Republican perhaps allowing as many as 3 million to 4 million
Party was considered the party of opportunity. After new immigrants into the country.
all, Lincoln was the fi rst Republican But we can’t welcome everyone who chooses to
president. And it was Republican come here. Instead we put would-be immigrants
Ronald Reagan who pushed for the to the test to see what they offer us. We open the
Immigration Reform and Control Act United States to the world’s best and brightest:
of 1986, which granted legal residency scientists, engineers, doctors, artists, researchers,
to 2.7 million illegal aliens already in and others who have demonstrated excellence. And
the United States. less-skilled applicants could be offered positions in
Many believe the myth that the military or public service that would put them
Republicans are the party of the on the path toward citizenship.
CHRISTOPHER
rich and do not feel compassion for We should open the doors to new citizens from
RUDDY
immigrants. But it was Obama who every continent, of every race and creed, and drain
EDITOR IN CHIEF
beat John McCain among wealthy the world of some of its best minds. This would
voters last year. Exit polls showed that make America a more competitive nation, and a
52 percent of voters who earn $200,000 a year or stronger one, too.
more voted Democratic in 2008. You might call The United States needs new people. In
them the guilty rich. 1950, there were 16.5 workers for each Social
Wayne Allyn Root, author of Millionaire Security benefi ciary. That ratio fell to 3.4 by 2000.
Republican, has noted that Republicans aren’t By the time the last of America’s 77 million
necessarily rich, they are just people who would like boomers retire in 2030, there will be only two
to become rich, to share in the American Dream. covered workers per benefi ciary. That will place
With demographics changing so quickly, tremendous strain on not only Social Security but
this myth about immigration and the GOP is also on Medicare.
troublesome for the party’s political fortunes. Boston University economist Laurence Kotlikoff
As one who has his fi nger on the pulse of folks has observed that an aging population with
in the heartland, through
Newsmax.com, I can see extended life span will require benefi ts that far
reactions minute by minute, click by click, and I exceed the capacity of workers to pay for them.
know Republicans don’t oppose immigration. They The Coming Generational Storm, which
do oppose illegal immigration and porous borders. Kotlikoff co-authored, estimates that the United
They are angry that we can’t control our borders in States would need from 4 million to 6.5 million
a post-9/11 world. They are furious that taxpayers immigrants each year between 2010 and 2030 to
can’t get basic government services, but illegals can. deal with the demographic shortfall and bring the
Back in 2005, I called for an increase in legal numbers of workers and benefi ciaries into balance.
immigration. You might think my audience would There’s no doubt the GOP can champion a wise
be indignant about that call. Instead, I got an immigration policy and become not only the party
overwhelmingly positive response. of opportunity, but the party of “yes” as well.
106 NEWSMAX / NOVEMBER 2009
106_backtalk.indd 106 9/30/09 7:05 PM
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