Conservatives: GOP Needs New Direction on Immigration
Washington, D.C — Key leaders from the law enforcement, business and evangelical communities highlighted the new political landscape on immigration in the wake of the presidential election. As the GOP commences a period of soul-searching, top Republicans are reading the demographic writing on the wall and calling on their party to embrace a pragmatic approach on immigration or risk continuing to alienate the fastest-growing segment of the electorate: Latino voters.

A new, powerful bipartisan alliance from across the country is gearing up to exert the grassroots pressure necessary to get immigration reform past the finish line in 2013. The curtain raiser for this bipartisan push for reform will be a national convening in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 4 and 5. Faith, law enforcement and business leaders from across the political spectrum will come together to call on the president and the new Congress to make immigration reform a must-pass priority.

The statements below can be attributed to the following speakers:

The Honorable Mark Shurtleff (R), Attorney General, Utah:
“There is an opening door right now for Congress to take up bipartisan immigration reform. I call upon the John McCains and Orrin Hatches in the Senate, who were strong advocates of workable immigration policies, to lead the way on immigration reform and reject the extreme right-wing rhetoric that has hurt our party with Hispanic voters.

“The House of Representatives needs to commit on pragmatic, just and uniquely American comprehensive immigration reform. I am confident that our nation can move forward on immigration.”

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference:
“The Republicans can begin to redeem the narrative with the Latino community by passing comprehensive immigration reform. GOP leaders in the House of Representatives have a historic opportunity to realign themselves with the values of Lincoln and Reagan. We encourage business, faith and law enforcement officials who respect the rule of law but also appreciate the opportunities embedded in the full engagement of this community to pressure Republican congressional leaders to pass immigration reform.

“The question arises: Is the Hispanic alienation by the GOP temporary or permanent? Going from 44 percent Hispanic support of the GOP ticket in 2004 to today’s reality, can the Republicans afford not to pass immigration reform? It’s the family values things to do. It’s the moral thing to do. It’s the evangelical and Christian thing to do. It’s the right political thing to do.”

Allie Devine, attorney and lobbyist for the Kansas Business Coalition:
“The Kansas business coalition continues to push for immigration reform and work authorization. Our economy needs for the federal government to address the immigration issue and to provide a stable workforce for America’s businesses.”

Ali Noorani, Executive Director, National Immigration Forum:
“To pass immigration reform in 2013 requires conservatives across the nation to encourage their members of Congress to be a part of a solution. As the base of the Republican Party, faith, law enforcement and business leaders will play an important role in this work. And, because of their work over the past two years to forge a new consensus on immigrants and America, these constituencies are ready.”

 TAG:  Top Republicans are reading the demographic writing on the wall, The Honorable Mark Shurtleff (R), Attorney General, Utah, Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, Allie Devine, attorney and lobbyist for the Kansas Business Coalition, Ali Noorani, Executive Director, National Immigration Forum,  pass immigration reform in 2013, GOP Needs New Direction on Immigration