GOP is Now the “‘Get Out’ Party” to Latino, APIA, and Immigrant Voters
Today, by a 219-197 margin, House Republicans approved legislation by Rep. Ted Yoho (R-FL) aimed at preventing the new Obama Administration immigration policy from taking effect. In addition to cementing the GOP’s anti-immigrant brand, today’s vote also provided an ugly glimpse into what we can expect from the GOP once they assume the majority in both chambers next year.
Democratic leadership and key immigration champions in the House made a valiant effort to stand up for American families with immigrant members who have been waiting for action from Congress and the President for years. But at the end of the day, only a handful of Republicans including Reps. Mike Coffman (R-CO), Jeff Denham (R-CA), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and David Valadao (R-CA) broke with their Party and voted to oppose Yoho’s legislation. Disappointingly, though, those same Members voted in lockstep against the very reasonable Motion to Recommit—a procedural motion that would’ve at least allowed the protection of military families and victims of domestic violence and trafficking.
A number of Republican House members—including Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO), Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Rep. Joe Heck (R-NV, and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI)—should have known better but voted with their “Get Out” Party anyway. Immigrant, Latino, and Asian Pacific Islander America (APIA) voters will have access to the full voting history of these and all other Members who disappointed and betrayed them today. Those who want to seek re-election—or transition to a higher office—won’t be able to erase this stain on their record.
According to Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice:
Instead of sending a message to President Obama, the GOP just sent a message to Latino, APIA and immigrant voters: ‘Get Out.’ Today’s vote is not just a vote against immigrants but it’s a vote against military families and victims of domestic violence and trafficking. Moreover, it’s a vote against our values as a nation. Message sent, and message received.
