Is Bush Right on Immigration?

In her column on May 25th, Eleanor Clift of Newsweek discusses the benefits President Bush is gaining in the debate on new immigration policy. Her overview of the complex political views of Democrats who will most likely support Bush's initiative under the guidance of Ted Kennedy is an interesting dynamic since most Democrats have tried to distance themselves as much as possible from the Bush Administration on almost all issues posed to them. Ironically, Bush will likely have more opposition from Republicans who think the immigration bill does not do enough to curb illegal immigration.

In reality, among all the issues surrounding Iraq and the War on Terror, the Bush Administration pre-9-11 was very focused on immigration policy and building stronger ties with Mexico and a Free Trade Agreement of the Americas. His efforts did not go unrewarded, gaining 41% of the Hispanic vote from 21% during his years in office.

Despite small successes in his Immigration Policy, Bush also has had much criticism of his years in office regarding Border Security. In a report issued by the organization The Third Way, it was found that apprehensions on the Southwest border have declined by 350,000 per year, almost 30 percent from the Clinton years. In addition, the number of deportable aliens found at the northern border and border locations other than the Southwest has dropped by almost 40 percent.

Despite the study and opposition from his own party, any progressive movement on the immigration front is positive in comparison to criticisms about Iraq and everlasting current scandals to hit the White House. Clift suggests that the biggest problem in a Republican position against the proposed Bill is that it is likely to take more votes away from the Republicans in states where the Hispanic vote may make the difference between it becoming a Blue or Red state. In any case, Bush might have some luck in pushing the Bill through, although not from traditional allies of the President.