The recent CNN Republican debate provided another chance for Republican presidential candidates to address the pressing issue of immigration reform. Let’s all agree: We need better border security. Now that we’ve agreed on that point, let’s move on to the broader challenges facing our state and country.
Voters have indicated that economic growth is just as important to them as immigration reform. Yet the candidates repeatedly refuse to connect the two.
Immigration has the power to grow our state’s economy from the manufacturing to the agriculture industries. With a successful immigration system, our nation can continue to compete economically. As we know, the February caucuses are the first step in choosing our nominee. However, we cannot forget that we also have to prepare for the general election. It is often tempting to recycle talking points on the issue, but we need to have candidates address this issue with the general election in mind.
Economic growth is critical for Iowa’s future, and a sound immigration policy will help promote sustained growth. Yes, border security is an important part of any immigration plan; all Republicans agree. We need our candidates to address realistic immigration solutions in order to keep our state and country’s economy growing.
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