Anyone who’s watched the news the last few days has seen very disturbing images from the US-Mexico border demonstrating that the illegal immigration problem is getting even more out of control.

Now, there’s hope among some that a bipartisan deal can finally be reached with Republican NC Senator Thom Tillis playing a major role. Tillis and Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema – a former Democrat suddenly turned Independent – have negotiated a proposal that would address border security with expedited asylum processing, faster removals, and the temporary continuation of Title 42.

These reforms would be implemented along with permanent legal status for Dreamers – “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.” That policy protects hundreds of thousands of immigrants who entered the United States unlawfully as children.

Nationally, the Tillis/Sinema plan has gotten mixed reviews, with some editorials applauding the joint effort and some arguing that an answer is needed but this isn’t the right one.

Tyler Voigt is the deputy state director of Americans For Prosperity -North Carolina, a conservative advocacy group dedicated to limiting the size of government. He stated this week that a whole lot of people would like to see this deal work.

Voight wrote in an email, “We are encouraged that members from both sides are taking this issue seriously and looking for a solution. Providing more resources for our border and giving certainty through an earned path to legal status in the country are both great steps to reforming our immigration process.”

Others are also hopeful a solution can finally be reached – though the immigration problem has proven recalcitrant for decades.

The Hispanic community limited government advocacy LIBRE Initiative is advocating for the legislation.  The Initiative brings people together “to advance the solutions that create the freedom and opportunity people need to discover and develop their potential.”

Daniel Garza, the president of the LIBRE Initiative, and Jorge Lima, Vice President of Policy at Americans for Prosperity, released this joint statement: “Action on our immigration system, particularly border security is long overdue by lawmakers in Congress. Our nation’s southern border has faced immense pressure throughout the years and needs to be addressed now by legislators on both sides. At the same time, the plight of Dreamers, who have no permanent way to become right with the law, continues to be threatened by uncertainty around their future in America. Dreamers are contributors to our economy, businesses, communities, and society and continue to have majority support among voters from both parties to find a permanent solution. Inaction has become the norm by Congress on immigration and it’s time for the status quo to change.”

The two go on to applaud Tillis and Sinema for taking a first step to address “voters’ overwhelming concern for border security and Dreamers.”

And add that people want to see a solution right now.

“Every day that passes without addressing either of these issues it is hurting America’s growth,” they stated. “We urge all members to come together and finally pass practical legislation.”

Polling data from last month suggests voters across party lines want to immigration reforms that strengthen border security and allow immigrants brought to the United States as children to earn citizenship, and an October poll found support for creating a path for Dreamers to become citizens was favored by a more than 4 to 1 margin.

 

 

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