I don't understand the cheering.
I was ambivalent about the latest Senate bill for reasons I will explain below. But I am not ambivalent about the fact that the failure to reach a compromise is the worst possible outcome.
The failure of compromise solution on immigration is not good for the country. It simply means two more years of the status quo. And a good status quo it is not.
My position on immigration
To me, the main issue in the immigration debate to me is compassion. A path to citizenship for people who are here now is a key part of any solution.
I will qualify this by saying that I don't mind people having a different position (and this can be argued elsewhere). But for me, and for millions of Americans who think like me, a path to citizenship is an important part of any solution.
I ask that you at least respect that this is what motivates my position. (I am a bit annoyed by people who make accusations about the "motives" and traits of people with my position -- especially those who claim that I am only interested in ethnic votes, or helping corporate profits. For the record I am a white, working stiff.)
Let me make this very clear: A path to citizenship for undocumented workers is an important goal of many American citizens who hold this position because of their deeply held values.
This is where I come from.
The Status quo
There are many interests involved in the immigration debate. There is my position. There are people who think that too many immigrants hurt Americans workers. There are people who think immigrants hurt American culture. There are people who feel that letting anyone "get away" with a crime hurts law and order.
The many competing interests lead to the status quo we have now.
There are cities passing anti-immigrant laws that are considered by many to be racist. There are cities passing "Sanctuary" laws that are considered by many to be treason.
There are lawsuits, and rallies and shouting. There is a burgeoning undergound economy that many feel compelled to participate in and that we have no control over.
There are many suggestions on how to change the status quo-- but each suggestion is blocked by one interest or the other.
And so, this situation that helps almost no one continues.
Finding a compromise
The compromise that we will eventually reach seems obvious to me (which is why I am a bit surpised it is opposed by so many).
My side of the debate will get a path to citizenship-- but we will have to accept some level of penalty and perhaps an English-only provision most of us don't like. The other side of the debate will get strict border and workplace enforcment after accepting the path to citizenship.
A big question is whether the specific Senate bill was a good compromise. This is an interesting discussion-- I particularly didn't like the temporary guest worker.
But, politics is the art of the possible and the path to citizenship is very important. Personally I would have accepted this compromise (with hope that in the House and Conference it would have been improved a bit).
Consequences of Failure
I am personally disappointed that this failed because good people I know and care about are affected. Their lives are now in limbo. They aren't going to leave (would you?), but they are still without the means to resolve their status.
But this isn't even good for the other side of the debate.
Let's look at what happens to the American workers (since a key argument in this debate is what happens to wages).
The lack of a bill means.
- We do nothing (i.e. border or workplace enforcement) to reduce the number of illegal immigrants.
- We keep them with no rights.
The prime beneficiary of the status quo is the unethnical employer since she is gauranteed a continued large vulnerable workforce to exploit. Giving them a path to citizenship takes away the ability to exploit them as a captive workforce.
Working together to solve this issue
I want to make a plea to my fellow progressives (as this is dailyKos).
I feel strongly that resolving this is important for the country. The lack of a resolution to this contentious issue, given the current dysfunctional system, is very important no matter what your position is.
I understand the arguments made by others; that too many workers lower wages, and that people shouldn't break the law. But, shouting at each other while we block progress isn't helping solve this important issue.
So, now you know where my side stands... and you also know that many of us are willing to discuss ways to compromise.
Finding a solution
It is my belief and hope that we can find a solution that addresses my concerns about compassion and understanding, while protecting the concerns about American workers and the rule of law.
The key, as is often the case, will be compromise. Although the Senate attempt had a lot of things to not like, it was undoubtably a step in the right direction.
Can you get behind a compromise?