A quick history lesson...
In the 1850's, the United States received a flood of European immigrants, including 2 million+ Germans and 1 million+ Irish. Native-born Americans (Nativists) formed an anti-immigrant political party known as the Know Nothing Party.
The xenophobic Know Nothings believed that:
The new immigrants were unwanted competition for low paying jobs.
The Irish Catholics were more loyal to the Pope than to the President.
The new immigrants didn't share "our values".
The new arrivals increased the crime rate and "welfare" costs in the United States.
They called for:
Harsh restrictions on immigration.
The exclusion of "foreigners" from voting or holding political office.
A 21 year waiting period to become naturalized citizens.
American corporations and factories to boycott "foreign" workers.
Is the 2016 version of the Republican party becoming an equivalent of the Know Nothings?
Currently we have 42 million "new" immigrants in the United States, including 11.7 so-called undocumented immigrants, consisting of a huge segment of our population and economic engine...yearning to breathe free.
My advice to the GOP:
Every person in America matters and can "make us great" again.
Immigrants should be loved, embraced and celebrated.
Being an American should not be based on performance or merit.
Anti-immigrant/ anti-human policies does not equal immigration reform.
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