SAUNDERS: Immigration law backlash not likely

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 3/28/6 | Debra J. Saunders

[SmithL]

OF COURSE, America needs immigrants. This is a country founded by immigrants and made richer by the imprint of newcomers in search of a land that rewards their hard work and determination to make a better life for their families.

The problem is that no country -- certainly, no country with a social safety net -- can afford to accommodate everyone who wants in. (Or as Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Huntington Beach, put it, "We can't be the HMO to the world.") That's why there are immigration policies that limit the number of people who can immigrate here legally.

The lack of an open-door policy has spawned this week's victim class, illegal or "undocumented" immigrants, who have flouted American law and apparently believe they should not have to pay the consequences of that choice. Hence Sunday's huge demonstration in Los Angeles, where activists carried signs that called for "Amnistía, Full Rights for All Immigrants."

The Los Angeles Times duly reported, "Some Republicans fear that pushing too hard against illegal immigrants could backfire nationally, as with Proposition 187 (the 1994 ballot measure that sought to deny benefits for illegal immigrants, that) helped spur record numbers of California Latinos to become U.S. citizens and register to vote. Those voters subsequently helped Democrats regain political control in the state."

Call that the Backlash Myth. In fact, Prop. 187 passed with 59 percent of the vote and GOP Gov. Pete Wilson, who championed the measure, was re-elected in 1994. In 2003, when Democratic Gov. Gray Davis signed a bill that would allow illegal immigrants to get drivers' licenses, he so enraged voters that he sealed his political demise. After Davis was recalled from office, the heavily Democratic California Legislature repealed the bill.

[Sans-Culotte]

Reagan admitted it was a mistake. It is something that blemished his otherwise sound decisions.

That, and the Sandra Day O'Connor pick.

[panthermom]

When you think of immigrants making this country strong, I think of people like my grandfather. He came from Italy at age 16, alone. But, there was not an Italian-American Coalition to greet him and walk him through applying for social service, no free healthcare, foodstamps, housing etc. It was sink or swim, that is why they were so productive.

[trubluolyguy]

When, not if Bush signs anything short of a tough enforcement bill, we need to swamp the RNC in these.

[Shuttle Shucker]

Can you believe this comparison of Mexican and U.S. immigration laws?

http://www.directory.com.mx/immigration

Talk about a racist legal system...