The Republican Establishment’s Immigration Insanity

The GOP Washington establishment is launching an attack on Scott Walker because he tentatively (and vaguely) suggested that Republicans need to do a rethink on immigration.

What does the establishment propose instead? It favors a bill that increases the number of future low-skill immigrants relative to the number of future high-skill immigrants. This is the least popular immigration policy option among Democrats, Republicans, and independents.

It’s clear that the Republican establishment’s immigration policy preferences aren’t based on the need for “inclusion” or the need to “grow” the party. The Republican establishment has its current immigration priorities because of the influence of the business lobbies and the inbreeding of the Washington lobbyist/consultant/office holder classes.

An enterprising politician might find the political space for an immigration policy that takes into account the views of most Americans. 

Pete Spiliakos is a columnist for First Things. His previous articles can be found here.