The Split-Level Politics of Immigration

Writes: E. J. Dionne Jr.

EXCERPTS:

A Latino backlash against the Republicans could hurt their nominee for president, even as a backlash against illegal immigration could help some Republicans running for Congress.

In the presidential election, Latino votes could well tip Western states that voted for President Bush in 2004 to the Democrats, who are enjoying a Latino surge.

A study released last week by the Pew Hispanic Center found that in 2007, 57 percent of registered voters who are Hispanic identified themselves as Democrats, compared with 23 percent who are Republicans — a 34-point advantage. A year ago, the Democratic Latino advantage was just 21 points. Immigration has a lot to do with this. Hispanics gave Democrats a 41 percent to 14 percent edge on dealing with illegal immigration.

In the end, we won’t solve the immigration problem until we offer a path to citizenship to the 12 million or so immigrants who are in the country illegally.

A compassionate approach is also the most practical approach. But in the short run, especially in the House, the politics of the issue will be very bumpy. Politics, for better or worse, is often about the numbers.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

| More Articles by E. J. Dionne JR. | E. J.’s Precinct |

REFERENCES:

1. Obama’s American Idea - By New York Times Op-Ed Columnist - Roger Cohen

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