Perhaps still healing from its massive loss during the 2012 presidential election, members of the Republican party have been making an effort to better connect with communities of color. From honoring the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act to Governor Chris Christie signing the New Jersey Dream Act, it appears the GOP may finally be ready to accept the changing demographics of America and actively work towards passing comprehensive immigration reform.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie
That, thankfully, does not bode well for the anti-immigrant movement or their efforts.
In an interview with Telemundo that aired on January 12, Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R –VA), revealed:
“If we can have a way to get [enforcement] up and operating, I see no reason why we can’t also have an agreement that shows how people who are not lawfully here can be able to be lawfully here – able to live here, work here, travel to and from their home country, be able to own a business, pay their taxes […]”
Though that admittance doesn’t stray too far from the GOP’s longstanding focus on enforcement, it does reveal nativists are losing their grip on the party. Goodlatte received a “B” grade on NumbersUSA’s Immigration-Reduction Report Card, meaning by the group’s standards he is, or maybe was, doing a satisfactory job in stopping progressive immigration measures.
We’re only a couple of weeks into 2014, but as a recent assessment from America’s Voice reveals, it’s looking like this may not be a good year for nativists and the anti-immigrant movement.
From America’s Voice:
“Just a few years ago, some of the groups founded by the controversial John Tanton – Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), the Federation for Immigration Reform (FAIR) and Numbers USA – seemed to be influential and on offense. Today, they are increasingly marginalized.”
Read more at America’s Voice