Conservatives Are Tired of Negative Immigration Rhetoric
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Whatever the base-rousing lines the Republican presidential candidates have planned for tonight’s debate, conservatives are standing for a positive dialogue around refugees, other immigrants and how to replace a broken immigration system.
Across the country, and from the national to the state and local levels, conservative faith, law enforcement, business and other leaders recognize that America is better when we address fear without sacrificing compassion—a message that has remained consistent.
And in an ad airing on Salem Radio before and after tonight’s debate, Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), calls for compassion toward refugees and other immigrants. NHCLC representatives were concerned by what they heard from Sen. Ted Cruz’s campaign in a meeting Monday.
“Candidates searching for a standout moment in order to claw ahead of their rivals are not the moral authority when it comes to immigrants and immigration,” said Ali Noorani, executive director of the National Immigration Forum Action Fund. “When they engage in ugly rhetoric, they are not speaking for their fellow conservatives.
“America is better when we address refugees and immigrants in ways consistent with our values and traditions. Our fear is real, but so must be our determination not to let it define how we respond to people fleeing desperate situations.”
