Op-Ed: Government Must Stand for Citizens, Not Illegals
By Dorothy Moon, IDGOP Chairwoman
Immigration is the defining issue of our time. For the better part of a century, America has struggled with illegal border crossings and visa overstays, with foreigners claiming refugee or asylum status, and with migrant workers we’re told are necessary for our economy to function. President Ronald Reagan believed he had struck a grand bargain in 1986—allowing those in the country illegally to remain in exchange for promises of tougher enforcement—but nearly four decades later, the problem is worse than ever.
Even Democrats once claimed we needed to defend the border and deport those here illegally. The internet is awash with clips of Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Hillary Clinton calling for a border wall and talking tough about deportations. Today, however, the Democratic Party is united in opposition to President Donald Trump’s efforts to enforce our immigration laws.
When President Trump asked Congress at the State of the Union address to stand if they believed the American government should serve American citizens rather than illegal aliens, Democrats stayed in their seats. Can you believe that?
This issue is existential for the opposing party, and here’s why. We already know that counting illegal aliens in the 2020 census shifted several electoral votes from red states to blue states. Idaho likely should have been allotted a third congressional district, but states like Minnesota overcounted illegal aliens, tilting the balance. The 2030 map looks even more brutal for Democrats, with states like Idaho, Texas, and Florida gaining seats, while California, New York, and Illinois stand to lose.
The Democratic Party lost the confidence of the American people long ago, and rather than moderating their extreme positions on taxes, immigration enforcement, or even basic questions of biology and gender, they are attempting to import a new electorate instead.
It won’t work. President Trump has closed the southern border that was allowing millions of unvetted illegal aliens to enter the country, and he is working to remove those already embedded in our communities.
This year, our Legislature has an opportunity to take a stand for the rule of law by passing bills to mandate E-Verify, to count the number of illegal aliens in our health care and education systems, to ensure local law enforcement cooperated with ICE, and to hold those who facilitate breaking the law accountable. Agriculture and dairy lobbyists are desperately trying to stop this common-sense legislation, so our lawmakers need to hear from you, the people of Idaho.
Making America great again means holding everyone to the same standard under the law. If you came here illegally, it’s time to go home and apply the right way. Our government must work for the citizens of this country—not against them.
