Community Corner

Will Immigration Be the Achilles' Heel of Virginia's Political Candidates?

A letter to the editor by Stafford resident Daniel P. Cortez.

Changing political attitudes regarding immigration reform remains a contentious issue in Virginia’s conservative ranks….today more than ever. 

But for Republican gubernatorial candidate Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, now is the time for augmentation of a previous immigration position that many in the Hispanic community find untenable.  Cuccinelli, the preverbal Tea Party darling, remains under severe criticism for his past actions and comments.

Case in point was then State Senator Ken Cuccinelli’s introduction of bill SJ131 in 2008 to the General Assembly urging Congress to amend the constitution revoking citizenship rights for children of illegals.  The pejorative “anchor baby” issue remains a major concern for Hispanic voters.   Not because of their desire to validate the illegal action of the child’s parents, but the zeal in going after an innocent baby whose only issue is being born in the United States. 

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Hard line Tea Party organizers and Republicans correctly can suggest Cuccinelli’s rule of law persona is justification enough by his previous statements and actions.   But it brings home what Hispanic leaders and moderates who desire to support Cuccinelli find extremely offensive.   Attempting to disenfranchise defenseless infants simply does not demonstrate compassion to a heavily Catholic Hispanic voting community. 

Lately conservatives at the highest levels correctly are attempting to demonstrate greater humanity towards immigrants with the knowledge their compassion can lead to a greater infusion of minority support.  That’s not pandering, just Christian.

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Florida Senator Marco Rubio, another Tea Party favorite, is clearly setting the example in an effort to gain consensus on the immigration front with community leaders and liberals.

Virginia’s First District Congressman Rob Wittman also sees the urgency of the situation in the GOP.   He acknowledged the problems with our antiquated immigration system and suggested the need for fairness and equity.

“We have to engage the Hispanic community," he stated.  With specificity he spoke to the national presence of Rubio.  “I think Marco is on the right path.”   Wittman endorsed the need to embrace external groups in a meaningful dialogue outside the Congress and across the aisle.

Sadly, numerous Virginia politicians remain conflicted following the leadership example of senior statesmen like Wittman, Rubio or Governor Bob McDonnell, all tremendously popular in the minority community with their positive compassionate message. 

Even the libertarian leaning Senator Rand Paul has demonstrated reflection and reform regarding immigration.   He recently acknowledged America will not deport the millions of illegals present. This correctly suggests, without demonstrating sensitivity to America’s largest minority voting bloc, his chances for political advance are slim.

So are Cuccinelli’s, so perhaps a Mea culpa would strengthen his standing amongst moderate Latinos who are on the fence over his candidacy.  Clearly fearing their support by a hard hearted base candidates hesitate showing a compassionate stance regarding immigration as the May Republican convention nears.

So will Hispanics forgive Cuccinelli for his previous unchristian actions towards innocent children of illegals?  Well both have a dilemma.  Many in the Latin community ask, “Can America forgive the violations of immigrants seeking a better life with Christian opportunity to right their wrongs with new legislative resolve towards inclusion?” 

If the answer is a collective yes, Virginia can elect another Governor with the sensitivity to represent all its present and future citizens.  Cuccinelli then will be more worthy of the Commonwealth’s 183,000 Hispanic votes not only for Governor but future office.

The race for the Virginia Mansion will indeed be about race….the human race and all of our collective imperfections.  Ken Cuccinelli and other conservative candidates have everything to gain by presenting an open mind and a bigger heart. 

Daniel Cortez, a 30 year Stafford resident is a political writer and broadcaster active in veterans and minority affairs.  Reach him at dpcortez1969@yahoo.com


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