Our View: Trump’s fake immigration plan
We don’t blame anyone for wanting to vote for a big-talking, fist-pumping, high-roller like Donald Trump. His fans are angry at what they see as waffling, weaseling, wimpy politicians. They yearn for someone who will get tough on those who spit on America’s ideals, who kick sand on hardworking people and who ignore our constitutional rights.
Oh, wait a minute; that’s Trump. He’s disparaging the concept of American citizenship that began with the birth of the nation; he’s threatening to take money from those who earned it, and he would violate the constitutional rights of millions. Apparently, that’s OK with his fans. The combed-over reality TV star has built a lead in Republican polls by promising to get tough on the millions of people who are here illegally.
Trump’s first policy paper lays out his get-tough approach to immigration. It ranges from nonsense to illegal. One of his big ideas is to have Mexico pay for an impenetrable wall along the 2,000-mile border. That idea is entirely bankrupt. If the Mexican government balks, Trump says he will impound “remittances derived from illegal wages.” How, exactly, he will discern which remittances are from illegal wages and which ones were sent home by people who earned that money legally, he doesn’t say. Such a confiscation would violate international law; it would be, essentially, outright theft.
Oh, and actual experts say such a plan would damage the economy on both sides of the border. Mexico is America’s second-largest trading partner, and it is the biggest export market for things made in California – by a large margin.
Next, The Donald would do away with birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants. Such a plan is unconstitutional on its face and at odds with the feelings of the majority of voters – regardless of what he contends with trumped-up statistics. Our nation is steeped in the principles of welcoming the poor, the downtrodden, the vulnerable; keeping such promises is what makes our nation great. By failing to recognize babies born in America as Americans, we give up any claim to remaining that nation.
Trump supporters get red-faced with anger when he accuses Mexico of exporting “rapists.” But there are thousands of highly skilled and educated Mexicans who are working here, as Tim Johnson of McClatchy Newspapers reports. These are the sort of determined and ambitious immigrants who have always strengthened America. Look around; you know dozens of people who weren’t born here but who are making our communities better.
Trump’s plan plays on fear and retribution. It is the plan of a tough-talking bully. And like plans concocted by bullies, it is nothing more than tough talk. It won’t work.
Responsible Republicans support reform that would strengthen the border, but also recognizes the reality of the millions of undocumented immigrants who have established lives here. We’re proud California is leading the way for creating humane policies to help them while working to deport those who would prey upon our hospitality.
Despite a campaign that consists of calling others names and bragging about himself, Trump keeps rising in the polls. It’s time to admit he’s become a serious candidate. But he should do the same and come up with some ideas we can take seriously.
This story was originally published August 19, 2015 at 4:38 PM with the headline "Our View: Trump’s fake immigration plan."