COMMENTARY | The numbers are startling – 11 million-plus illegal immigrants currently reside in the United States. It is an important issue where voters must attain perspective and truly appreciate where the candidates stand.
There are no easy answers to this problem. On the one hand, it is impractical to deport that incredible number of people from the United States regardless of how much conservatives detest that fact. Conversely, those committing crimes in this country should be deported immediately.
Considering all the candidates positions, it appears to me that the plan of Newt Gingrich is the most humane and practical of the Republican field. While lacking the softness of Rick Perry’s “have a heart” pitch, Speaker Gingrich’s plan is a solid starting point, if not an ultimate solution, to the problem of illegal immigration in America.
This is a key issue that has persuaded me to support Speaker Gingrich in the upcoming primaries.
It is important to note that Speaker Gingrich’s plan does NOT amount to amnesty. As he states on his website, newt.org, the plan calls for a systematic method under which there would be an “earned legality” of residing in the United States. In other words, citizenship would not be a guarantee; however, the right to reside in this country could be earned under a fair and equitable process of checks and balances.
Additionally, Speaker Gingrich supports the notion that English should be the official language of government and that young non-citizens should have the right to join the armed forces. Just as importantly, he favors strict penalties including deportation for those individuals who break U.S. laws including gang-related criminal activity.
Speaker Gingrich is also a supporter of maintaining a strong presence on our borders to prevent illegal entry into the United States.
In my view, Speaker Gingrich has great insight on the problems and solutions regarding immigration. In many ways, he is at odds with those on the far right who view his plan as weak. Yet no other candidate, with the exception of Rick Perry, has presented a proposal that combines humanity with the possibility of execution.
I applaud Newt Gingrich for his consideration of families, legal and otherwise, that reside in the United States. Like Speaker Gingrich, I believe we are a nation of immigrants and we are fully capable of coming to a reasonable solution to problems that will display this country’s greatness.
In my view, the issue of illegal immigration should be a paramount priority for the victor of the 2012 presidential election. Given Newt Gingrich’s thoughtful and adamant stand on immigration, I believe he deserves the attention and support of his Republican constituents.
References: newt.org; CBS News