I remember a photo-op in a lettuce packing plant, I remember a border patrol dune buggy and cowboy hat, and I remember the phrase “see you at the signing”. Reagan left the door unlocked, Bush I didn’t fix it, Clinton opened the door, Bush II put out a welcome mat, and Obama now hands out money, groceries, and keys to an apartment at the door. Lots of blame to go around.
The Immigration Bill Reagan signed had tough new laws in it. Those laws included holding businesses accountable for employing illegal immigrants.
Had those new laws been enforced, we wouldn’t have the problems we do today.
Recall that the illegals in country in 1986 had come over in the previous 30 years. We had a very low yearly illegal immigration rate with the old laws. The new laws could have made it a lot tougher.
Bush I, Clinton, Bush II, and Obama all refused to enforce those laws.
Don’t talk about Reagan leaving the barn door open. It isn’t true.