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Immigration Questions for Democrats

Persecutors and the persecuted. (AP)
August 25, 2015

Republicans get asked about immigration all the time, mostly to get their reactions to something Donald Trump said, but not always. Democrats hardly ever get asked about immigration, and when they do it's always to get their reaction to something a Republican said (in response to an actual question about immigration).

Immigration is a controversial issue, and far more complex than the media coverage would have you believe. For example: "Should there be a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants?" is not the only question that requires an answer in the debate over immigration reform. If reporters really wanted to, they could force Democrats to weigh in on some of the more contentious (and severely under-covered) aspects of the immigration debate, by asking questions like...

1. You supported the Senate immigration reform bill, which would dramatically increase legal immigration. According to the latest Gallup poll, only 33 percent of Americans favor increased immigration. Can you explain why you think two-thirds of the country is wrong?

2. The Senate immigration bill, which you supported, would allow for higher levels of low-skilled immigrants to legally enter the country, even though polling suggests that most Americans don't even want to increase the current level of high-skilled immigration. Should increasing the existing level of low-skilled immigration be a priority when it comes to reforming immigration laws?

3. Polls show that Americans prefer an immigration system that prioritizes high-skilled workers and employer demand over one that prioritizes allowing immigrants currently living in the United States to bring their family members into the country. Do you agree, or do you think immigration reform efforts should focus on family reunification, regardless of skill set?

What do you say?

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