Straight Talk On Immigration
When it comes to reasonable, well thought out answers, it’s difficult to picture anyone who gives more intelligent answers than Fred Thompson. Check out this exchange on immigration:
After the event, Thompson was asked by reporters what should happen to children who are born to illegal immigrants in the U.S., making the children citizens, if their parents are deported.
“The parents make that decision, just as parents would under any circumstances,” he said. “If they are going to be leaving the country, I would expect them to make the decision to take their child with them. But, if they make other arrangements with a loved one or someone who is here for that child, then they could do that, too.”
When asked if the policy allowing those children to have U.S. citizenship should be altered, he said that would require a difficult change to the Constitution.
“That’s not really as much of a current issue in terms of our illegal immigration problem as chain migration is,” he said. “These children can be used as so-called anchor babies and they can grow up and bring in many, many other members of their family. I think that ought to be limited … to spouses and children. I think that’s where our concentration needs to be focusing.”
Talk about pitch perfect. That’s a thoughtful exchange, especially considering the fact that it was an impromptu question that required an immediate answer. Thinking on one’s feet is essential to being a great president. Thinking clearly is even more important. In this instance, we got both.
Here’s another strong dose of straight talk from Sen. Thompson:
Thompson said the legal immigration system in the U.S. has inefficiencies and people get caught up in the bureaucracy. But he said the rule of law must be the top priority. “We have to look out No. 1 for what is right, what is the law. If you’re coming and saying ‘It’s against the law, but,’ I think you’ve got to have a very good reason, and I very seldom see a reason that justifies the ‘but’ if it’s against the law.”
Thompson said the U.S. is capable of making changes to immigration laws that allow employers to meet their work force demands. “We can address, I think, our needs … without succumbing to the notion that we have to have a constant flow of illegal immigrants,” he said. When the same man pressed Thompson further to talk about his plan for illegal immigrants already in the country, the former Tennessee senator said he believes the issue will be resolved through “enforcement by attrition.”
America is pining for a president that believes in the enforcement of existing immigration laws. That’s what they’d be getting from a Thompson administration. We shouldn’t accept anything less from the other candidates, whether they’re Republican or Democrat.
Simply put, this is the sanest immigration policy I’ve heard yet. What’s especially appealing is that there aren’t any equivocations or rationalizations to Sen. Thompson’s policy initiatives. The great thing about his replies is that, while they’re devoid of equivocations or rationalizations, they’re filled with nuances and thoughtful intelligence.
I’ve said it before and I’ll likely say it again: Fred Thompson’s policies are the benchmark, the gold standard in this campaign.
Technorati Tags: Fred Thompson, Immigration, Iowa Caucuses, Election 2008
Cross-posted at LetFreedomRingBlog