Its amazing how quickly the newly-introduced, bi-partisan immigration reform bill has come together. Do you think the Republican party’s lack of Latino supporters during the last Presidential election has something to do with this? I’m being facetious, clearly the Republicans are done licking their wounds from 2012 and looking toward 2016.
Here’s what I know, immigration reform is paramount for any party that wants to enter the White House at the end of President Obama’s term. The Dream Act, (acronym for Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) has been unsuccessfully introduced and re-introduced for over a decade now. Most recently, the Dream Act was killed again in Congress last year. Fast-forward to Obama’s re-election, largely due to support from Latino voters, and NOW all of a sudden everyone is ready and the time is ripe for reform.
“The Republican Party has failed to understand to a significant degree the importance of this issue to our Hispanic voters. I think the trend will continue of lack of support from Hispanic voters and also as you look at the demographics of states like mine, that means we will go from Republican to Democrat over time.” ~John McCain
I seriously doubt the Republican Party failed to understand the “importance of this issue” but they certainly understand votes or lack thereof! The Republican Party knows it cannot get back into the White House without addressing this issue and gaining the support of Latino voters in particular. Well, I’ll take immigration reform in whatever way it comes but this just goes to show you the power we possess in the form of a vote!
