There's so much food for thought in this post that I hardly know where to begin, but this is as good a place to start as any:
People like to pretend they’re only opposed to illegal immigration. But, when they start to list the reasons why, it usually boils down to the fear that American culture is changing for the worse. And, whether it’s about language or food or customs, it is not just illegal immigrants who bring those changes. It’s also legal residents and U.S.-born Hispanics.
So, not surprisingly, a large swath of the Hispanic community takes offense — and, in the case of an embattled political party, takes names.
Texas is a good example of this pull between old guard (largely white) and the newcomers (largely brown). And I've seen some of these same arguments used when discussing illegal immigration.
There's some evidence that supports the fear. When you observed hundreds of Mexican flags at the May Day protests for immigrants, it's easy to see why some would be concerned about reconquista.
But the fact is that most immigrants don't want to retake the southwest for Mexico; they want to be Americans like the rest of us, adding their culture to ours. That means eating at the taqueria one day and Whataburger the next. Or celebrating Cinco de Mayo and Independence Day.
Republicans need to tread carefully when it comes to immigration because the treatment of this issue is key to GOP survival. Legal immigrants don't like illegals anymore than any other Americans because illegals cause problems for them, as well. As long as immigration reform includes border enforcement and a path to legalization, Republicans should support it.
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