Cruz is good on illegal immigration, but he’s bad on legal immigration. In being supportive of mass pro-democrat legal immigration, he is no different than the other likely nominees.
I've NEVER met a candidate with whom I agree on 100% of the issues.
There should be only a few "litmus test" issues on which to rule out a candidate: 2nd Amendment, for example.
Beyond that, I think we all eventually end up having to vote for a candidate with whom we disagree on at least 1 issue, probably more than 1.
It's really more about overall direction, passion, and vision (see Ronald Reagan). So, if Cruz wins the nomination, I'm sure there will be some disagreements over specific policy questions. But I can't see "legal immigration" as some sort of disqualifying litmus test.
I'm cautiously optimistic regarding Cruz. Is there at least a consensus here that he has no "natural born citizen" issues? Because I've seen some assertions here that he's not eligible; but my understanding is that he IS eligible. Basically, if you're an American citizen at birth, you're eligible...
I agree about the folly of trying to find a candidate who I agree with 100% of the time. There shouldn’t be a long list of litmus test issues.
But I diagree about placing legal immigration outside of the short list. Few issues impact so many other issues like immigrstion does. And no other issue has the demography-shaping power of immigration. Demographics is destiny, and current mass immigration (legal and illegal) is shifting the nation towards the left. If we increase legal immigration then the demographic shift will speed up.
So yeah, I agree that the Second Amendment should be a litmus test issue, and it’s great that Cruz is so good on that issue. But it is negated somewhat by his support of a mass immigration policy that has imported and will continue to import millions who consistently vote against the Second Amendment. It’s kind of like saying you support the Second Amendment, then voting to confirm an obvious anti-2A judge like Sotomayor to the Sup Court. Most immigrants, be they Asian, Hispanic, African, or European, are going to support much more gun control than the 2A was intended to allow.
But like I said, in holding liberal views on mass legal immigration Cruz is no different than the other front runners. But unlike say an insufferable holier-than-thou cretin like Jeb Bush or Senator Graham, I could still vote for Cruz if he got the nomination. For one thing, Cruz is better than them on most other issues. For another, despite using some platitude drivel in speaking about legal immigration, Cruz was respectful in disagreement with Senator Sessions on the need to limit legal immigration. And finally, I hold out some hope that Criz will see the light and realize that unending mass immigration (even if it’s all legal) is not good for the country.