There was supposed to have been a huge Republican red wave during the 2022 midterm elections. It never happened. Voters seemed reluctant to send incumbent Democrats their walking papers. Maybe voters knew something.
The Republicans had proclaimed a “new order of business” during the campaign. However, now that they’ve managed to at least reclaim control of the U.S. House of Representatives, it may be more of the same old “Washington, D.C., business as usual.”
One major issue on voters’ minds as they headed to the polls was the crisis at the U.S. southern border. A wave of illegal migration is overwhelming border towns. The crisis is gradually bleeding all across the country.
It’s a huge problem that the Biden administration simply denies. When pressed on border policy, Democrats deflect blame back on Republicans for not addressing the root causes of illegal immigration. The problem is U.S. immigration policy and the liberal’s push for open borders.
It’s been a serious issue for decades. However, while Democrats say Republicans won’t come to the bargaining table on immigration, neither side has produced bipartisan solutions. One point of contention has always been the thousands of migrants already living in the U.S.
Some of these people were caught up in bad immigration enforcement. Most arrived as children. They’ve been protected against deportation. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is the name of their program.
Democrats want blanket amnesty for the millions who fall under this DACA umbrella. Most conservatives insist the scope of full amnesty is too widespread. Many want to input a minimum baseline of criteria to qualify.
The debate over DACA is at a stalemate, or at least it seems that way. Less than two weeks after their underwhelming performance during the midterms, Republicans seem to be giving in to the DACA demands of their liberal colleagues.
Reportedly, a small contingent of Republicans Senators has initiated talks with illegal aliens enrolled in and eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. At the same time, Democrats have teamed with corporate special interests to pass an amnesty law.
The progressive left sees an open window of opportunity during the lame-duck Congress. The DACA question is one that needs to be discussed. However, openly handing over this key negotiating piece of the immigration debate is foolish.
If Democrats want amnesty for these DACA migrants, they must compromise with a truly strong border policy. As soon as Republicans give up this bargaining chip, they’ve lost. Democrats will revert back to their radical, hard-line stance that wants totally open borders.
As soon as Republicans agree to blanket amnesty, DACA-eligible migrants will secure green cards and, eventually, become naturalized American citizens. Without a renewed emphasis on securing the southern border and fixing U.S. immigration policy, nothing will improve.
This will be nothing more than “kicking the can down the road.” Kowtowing to activist and lobbyist demands will allow Democrats to harden their position for open borders. It may be worthwhile to debate DACA amnesty.
However, without fixing our broken immigration system, it will set a dangerous precedent. This is a foolish move by congressional Republicans. Democrats will refuse to negotiate. They will double down on an open border policy that will ultimately destroy the country.