Marco Rubio and immigration reform: the devilry is in the detail

Marco Rubio insists he supports immigration and a pathway to citizenship but has shifted from backing a comprehensive overhaul to a more piecemeal approach. Rubio says he has changed his tactics not his overall position on the issue. Critics, however, argue that Rubio neglects to identify the metrics and timetables of the situation which could be the most crucial. Knowing the growing influence of the Latino voters it would prove to be beneficial to sway this demographic. Rubio has said he is personally open to green cards but emphasizes an enforcement first approach. His step by step process begins with controlling the border and modernizing the legal immigration system. He argues that only after these two are accomplished can he deal with the 11 million undocumented immigrants. The three issues he continuously raises are: illegal immigration that is out of control, a broken legal immigration system, and that fact that millions of immigrants are already in the country illegally. He says, "You’re not going to round up and deport 11 or 12 million people, and you’re also not going to blanket award 11 or 12 million citizenship cards.” His plan includes "beefing up personnel and fencing off certain sections; set up an entry-exit tracking system to crack down on visa overstays; move toward a merit-based visa system, away from the current family-based system." As for green cards he says "undocumented immigrants would pass a background check, learn English, pay a fine, start paying taxes and get a work permit. They would remain in that status for at least 10 years, after he would “personally support” allowing some to apply for a green card." Advocates, however, are far from sold. Daniel Garza, executive director of the Libre Initiative, and  Frank Sharry, director of America’s Voice, a progressive immigration reform advocacy  are concerned that Rubio has not adequately defined the particulars about his reform. Sharry argues "For years Republicans have kept moving the goalposts on what constitutes a secure border because it allows them to avoid the issue of legalizing undocumented immigrants, an issue that divides the GOP.” Democrats have also attacked Rubio’s narrative, arguing that his immigration plan would postpone the debate over a path to citizenship until after his presidency

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/oct/18/marco-rubio-immigration-reform-2016-elections