[NormalGuy]

I'm a strongly pro-immigrant libertarian GOP activist. There are several pro-immigrant factions in the GOP big tent.
I'm in a faction with libertarians like Eric Dondero who trust the free market.
Dubya (and my local GOP leader) are compassionate social conservatives. They are pro-immigrant for the same reason they are pro-life.
A third faction are the Mercantilists whose companies benefit from a supply of labor that cannot be found without immigrants.
The Roveites don't want to alienate a voting block. Since my local compassionate conservative GOP leader and I have done very well with the local Hispanic and Indian vote, maybe we have two reasons.
And then there are the moderates in the GOP who are afraid someone will call them racist if they don't support immigration. They don't have the courage of any particular conviction.

Only a few in the last group would not welcome Tancredo in the big tent. We disagree on a point of policy. I don't like my tax money going to farm subsidies but I'm not trying to kick those misguided farm-state politicians out of the party. I'd only kick out the corrupt ones in the Illinois-bi-partisan-combine who line their pockets with taxpayer money.

It could be noted that those favoring more restrictions on immigration also probably have factions. A few are blatantly racist. But most are just nervous that the invisible hand of capitalism will not work and fear that the sky is falling.

[Shermy]

A third faction are the Mercantilists whose companies benefit from a supply of labor that cannot be found without immigrants.

You really believe that? It's a wage depressing policy profitable whether the labor is "unavailable" or not.

[GarySpFc]

Dubya (and my local GOP leader) are compassionate social conservatives. They are pro-immigrant for the same reason they are pro-life.

Let's not have any of this nonsense of being pro-illegal immigrant and hiding behind the pro-immigrant label. I am married to an immigrant, and am strongly pro-immigrant, but I am also strongly anti-illegal immigrant. Additionally, I was an officer in one of the largest pro-life organizations in the country, and I don't see any connection between being pro-immigrant and pro-life. That is simply nonsense.

[rmlew]

No, we understand supply and demand. We are importing a new underclass, while ensuring that our native undercalss cannot rise. It is economic and political suicide.

[sauropod]

Tell you what. You and your Mercantilist friends can fund the shortfall in MediCal from your paychecks.

[Dan from Michigan]

It could be noted that those favoring more restrictions on immigration also probably have factions.

With me it's national security most of all. Hezbollah terrorists have snuck in through the Southern Border.

[chronic_loser]

GREAT POST!!!!!