In Virginia, Republicans have taken off the mask. Republicans are throwing Dreamers to the wind to lock down their base. Just watch the most recent ad from the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) – the political arm of the House Republican Caucus – in Virginia’s Second Congressional District, a contentious battle between Scott Taylor and Democrat Elaine Luria.
The NRCC’s attack ad claims that that Pelosi “says amnesty for illegal immigrants and gun control…are what you’ll get, if Elaine Luria gets elected. Pelosi admits herself, in print, read it for yourself.”
The ad cites a Politico article from October 16, 2018, and we did read it for ourselves. Titled Pelosi details her plans for House majority, it includes this line:
After that, Pelosi said, Democrats are looking at lowering drug prices and then will try to work with Republicans on a gun background check bill and protecting so-called Dreamers, undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children.
In other words, the NRCC’s claim of “amnesty” relates to relief for Dreamers, a policy supposedly backed by prominent Republicans including Paul Ryan. Even Trump has stated support for Dreamer relief. Now, the political arm of the GOP House caucus is attacking Dreamers for political gain. And, doing it in a way that misconstrues what Pelosi said.
According to Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice:
We agree with the NRCC ad — people should read the Politico article. They’ll see that the NRCC is attacking Dreamers. This year, poll after poll showed that the American people have reached a consensus on Dreamers. But, the campaign arm of the Republican Party now takes the opposing view. They have sunk to new lows.
