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Bright future ahead for GOP

by Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.) - 03/31/11 7:53 PM ET

A recent article (“Hispanic
vote in critical 2012 states could hold key to GOP Senate majority,”
March 24) claims pro-enforcement policies often held by Republicans
alienate Hispanic voters. But this argument is unfounded. The facts
actually paint a bright picture for the Republican Party’s future with
our nation’s growing Hispanic population.

During the November 2010 midterm elections, the Republican Party had historic levels of Hispanic support. In fact, exit polls showed that 38 percent of Hispanic voters cast ballots for House Republican candidates. This is more than in 2008 and 2006. Also, the Senate saw seats held by pro-amnesty incumbents change to pro-enforcement candidates.

Many Hispanic voters support efforts to enforce our immigration laws. Republican Latino candidates in Florida, New Mexico and Nevada — all of which have large Hispanic populations – won statewide races while calling for enhanced border security and enforcement of immigration laws.

{mosads}The pro-enforcement movement is not strictly Republican; it is American. And it is not anti-Hispanic; it is pro-rule-of-law. Time and again American voters have overwhelmingly defeated amnesty attempts, including the 2007 comprehensive immigration reform and last year’s push for the DREAM Act. To attract even more Hispanic voters in the future, Republicans should continue to emphasize our shared values of economic growth, improved education, and strong national security.

Gallegly is chairman of the House Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement.