A DACA Immigration Compromise

Last week, the Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, shut down the government, denied healthcare for 9 million children, and withheld paychecks for our military demanding that we grant amnesty for DACA illegals. Crying Chuck and other liberals grossly misrepresented the facts about these illegal aliens who fall under the category of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Liberals claim that we need to take care of these “children”. To qualify for DACA, one need to be between the ages of 20 and 36. To call someone within that age range a “child” is political theater. They claim that these “children” know no other country. Isn’t it interesting that these “children” (who know no other country) wave flags of other countries while marching on our streets demanding amnesty? Furthermore, if the only country they know is America, they should be able to speak English and we don’t need to spend money on English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, right? While we are at it, please spare us that nonsense of Republicans having a majority but failing to prevent a shutdown. Senate rules require 60 votes to avoid a filibuster and pass a budget; Republicans have 51 Senators, so they need 9 Democrats. Let’s stop misrepresenting the facts to the American people.

While Crying Chuck would like you to believe that Republicans are against immigration, the fact is, we are against illegal immigration and open borders. We are in favor of immigration that is orderly, legal and limited. We do not care if an immigrant is from Nigeria or Norway so long as we are bringing in the best and the brightest. Apple doesn’t hire everyone who comes through their door, Harvard doesn’t accept every applicant, and America shouldn’t grant legal status to anyone who illegally walks across the border.

Despite all the misinformation and misgivings, President Trump and Congressional Republicans are open to finding a compromise. Back in 1986, America granted blanket amnesty without border protection resulting in a much bigger problem today. We want to avoid a repeat of this. In return for legalizing these DACA illegal immigrants, it is a reasonable ask to include funding for border security (wall, drones, Border Patrol, etc.) as part of the bill. Along with that, let’s end chain migration and the lottery system. The bill should also ensure that no future President can take the funding away or unilaterally encourage illegal immigration like President Obama did. I think that is a reasonable compromise where both sides gain something while giving up something.

One final point: Democrats claim they are merely trying to help these DACA illegals gain legal status, and this has nothing to do with electoral calculus. I am taking their claims at face value. Since DACA is meant to solve the problem of illegal status, we can grant the DACA folks three-year extendable work permits (allowing them to work and be part of our community and enjoy most of the benefits) but none of those gaining legalization through this process should be eligible for citizenship. That way they can never vote in an election. What say you, Shutdown Schumer?