A Bad Dream

In a vote that broke party lines, the U.S. Senate refused to consider the so-called "Dream" bill. As explained here, this legislation would facilitate the naturalization process for the children of illegal immigrants. Sen. Durbin, the bill's sponsor, believes that the sins of the parents should not be visited upon their children. Since the children did not cross the border of their own will, Durbin believes they should be given a break. There's a certain moral sense to what he says, but the Senator simply overlooks or disregards the fact that his bill would create a new incentive for illegal immigration.

The divisions within both parties on this question should serve as a warning for 2008. The immigration issue is volatile and can blow up in anyone's face, as Gov. Spitzer is learning in New York. Americans have an intellectual right to believe that this country should welcome anyone who wants to come in, but they also have an ethical obligation to respect the will of their fellow citizens, should it come to legislation or referenda, as the final word on the matter. Everyone should welcome debate, but the advocates of amnesty or similar schemes will have to do better than accusing their antagonists of bigotry or whining that nothing can be done about all the undocumented who are already here. The friends of unconditional immigration should not presume that anyone who disagrees is just a cranky Republican, because plenty who aren't may end up voting that way.