Vanessa Cárdenas: “Though the Republican candidates’ comments on immigration last night were not surprising, none of it should be normalized or viewed as anything but an extreme, cruel, and unworkable reflection of the continued descent of the GOP”
Washington, DC – The following is a reaction from Vanessa Cárdenas, Executive Director of America’s Voice, to the immigration and border focus of last night’s Republican presidential primary debate:
“Though the Republican candidates’ comments on immigration last night were not surprising, none of it should be normalized or viewed as anything but an extreme, cruel, and unworkable reflection of the continued descent of the GOP. That the debate took place in Ronald Reagan’s presidential library – the same Republican President who spoke of the ‘shining city on the hill’ and enacted laws providing millions of immigrants a path to citizenship in 1986 – added a depressing cloud to the related discussion.
We heard more false ‘open borders’ disinformation – that our research shows helps drive migration to the U.S. border; more explicit calls for deadly violence against Mexico; more dangerous platforming of white nationalist ‘invasion’ conspiracies; more radical proposals to change what it means to be an American citizen and the definition enshrined in the 14th Amendment; and a refusal to answer direct and important questions trying to clarify plans for DACA and Dreamers. All in all, it was another reminder of the GOP’s preference for dangerous political rhetoric and fomenting division between Americans instead of real attempts to advance solutions and unite Americans on a range of issues, including on immigration and 21st century migration.”
Among the lowlights from last night:
- “Open Borders” Disinformation: During a broadcast co-hosted by the Spanish language network Univision, Ron DeSantis and Tim Scott peddled disinformation about “open borders” – just the day after first-of-its-kind polling and research released by America’s Voice underscores how pervasive disinformation about “open borders” – including from U.S. right wing politicians and right wing media – is a factor in driving migration to the U.S. from Central America. Read more from America’s Voice press release HERE and see the Dallas Morning News exclusive from longtime border chronicler Alfredo Corchado: “Poll: Disinformation about ‘open borders’ helps spur migrant surge”
- Calls to End Birthright Citizenship: Vivek Ramaswamy, a son of immigrants, wants to redefine citizenship, and attacked the 14th Amendment relying on a baseless legal argument that calls for turning our nation’s back on the Reconstruction era citizenship standard.
- Refusal to Define Plans for Dreamers and DACA: Mike Pence refused to answer a question about protecting Dreamers – an important line of questioning we had cited as a key topic to inquire about – dodging the question because he knows anti-Dreamer extremism is out of step with the vast majority of Americans who support a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients.
- More Platforming of Dangerous White Nationalist Conspiracy Rhetoric: Ron DeSantis and Doug Burgum used elements of the white nationalist “invasion” conspiracy that has inspired multiple domestic terrorists. This rhetoric tied to anti-semitism and specific acts of violence continues to be a main talking point of party leaders, candidates and right-wing media allies.
- More Scapegoating on the Fentanyl Crisis Instead of Solutions: Most all the candidates peddled pernicious lies about the fentanyl crisis, not offering any real solutions while again falsely trying to pin blame on migrants and make the issue a cudgel about Biden and Democrats’ border and immigration policies
America’s Voice’s pre-GOP debate preview and resources available HERE
