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Will GOP change approach to immigration?

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    Debate over potential for future reform

  • Duration 5:59
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Just heard former president George W.

Bush at the top of the hour giving a speech about immigration reform in Texas.

A hot button issue that is sure to be a topic tonight at an event featuring two rising stars of the Republican Party.

Florida senator Marco Rubio and Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan will both lay out their visions for the future of the GOP.

This as another group of pro immigration conservatives are taking to Capitol Hill today.

To try to make their case for reforms that they believe would help grow the Republican voter base.

So will any of this reach key Republicans joining us for a fair and balanced debate Simon Rosenberg he is a former Clinton Campaign advisor and president and founder of and the end.

Just for clarity Democrat.

And does it -- Kate does the Republican Party need to change its position on immigration.

Well and doesn't -- know it he's actually start talking about immigration looks some strategic decisions were made in the last election.

To stay away from some issues that a fact a lot of these demographic that the Republicans did terrible -- And what happens then if there's a vacuum in the Democrats define you -- positions us anti immigration or as the president of -- Republicans.

As the enemy of looking as he actually use that words Republicans have to start being funny and real -- that they -- message.

Is the one it truly does appeal to immigrants the one of hope and opportunity why immigrants come to United States.

For freedom and prosperity.

Republicans have -- start can betting that they weren't a party of freedom and prosperity.

And start talking about.

Legal immigration I mean look at these people around the world who have spent their life savings wanting to -- To the land of the free.

Legally there are planning -- the -- Immigration program that encourages that -- that science and technology and mathematics training.

To stay here let's being Smart about how we talk about immigration.

And some of the leaders that.

We put forward to espouse conservative positions on immigration we're just actually running away from the issue -- we need to embrace the free market principles around legal.

Free and legal immigration Simon I'm old enough to remember when Ronald Reagan reform immigration it was supposed to be the be all end all fix all.

But he did and a number of people who you know -- in the country illegal illegally want amnesty.

But I guess there isn't the memory of that among among those who want a similar deal today.

Well it is important to recognize John as you say that Republicans have long been leaders in trying to make a better immigration system whether it's Ron Reagan or.

George Bush or John McCain this is historically not been a terribly by part of -- being terribly partisan issue has been in.

Recent years but for my generation there was sort of broad bipartisan support.

For.

Reforming immigration system the way that Reagan and others try to do I think that.

But I'm an optimist that something meaningful can get done next -- I think you're seeing the Republicans recognizing.

That they've got to get Smart about this is not just about politics is also about.

Solving problems -- -- it -- if the Republicans stay focused.

On making through immigration system is better than it that it meets in these -- economy does so in a way that's consistent and our values.

I think the two parties can come together next year -- continue to make changes that'll make the current immigration system better than it is today.

OK but -- let's let's just say that happens.

Does President Obama and maybe the Democrats then get all the credit.

Well it's not gonna really happen that way because of President Obama.

His goal is to vilify the Republican Party -- talk about and my -- divider in chief and constantly.

Portraying -- as hostage takers the enemies so.

We abandon all of our principles go along with the mainstream media and the Democrats and what they wind.

Still it's not going to be enough and that of Obama's gonna continue to -- vilify them.

What the Republicans need to do is focus on what they've ignored -- street strategy identifying this Hispanics and members of other demographic groups that could be swing voters.

Identified -- and get -- targeted message out there to them.

So we can really have a genuine debate that focuses on the issue instead this Billick I half of the public that disagrees with the president.

Let's discussion about as Simon said the economic benefits how we can do this in a way.

That will benefit all Americans.

Instead of just saying -- -- -- we lost an election we're just gonna abandon all of our principles.

Simon I like what you had to say and I think the whole country is looking for bipartisan solutions to you know some of these thorny questions that are out there but.

From a Republican standpoint and knowing your Democrat from a Republican standpoint what is the motivation.

To help the president do some thing that he is likely -- take or at least get the credit for.

I think if the Republicans are earnest and work with the -- the president though got a lot of credit to I I don't think this is about credit taken I think that.

I grew up under Bill Clinton who always said the best -- you know the best politics is good governing and I think that.

We need to see more focus on solving problems and getting things done in Washington and playing politics and I think.

To recognize there's been real progress made by the borders safer today the immigration system is better the two parties worked together to do that over the last few years but they're still.

Some meaningful things that need to get done the DREAM Act we got to fix the low end high end visa system.

The Mexicans for example are about to stand up a whole new border -- system which will help prevent.

Undocumented immigrants are coming United States we have to help them do that together -- both parties so I think there's going to be a lot of room to work together next year.

To get something meaningful done and if the Republicans are earnest and play it straight I think they'll get a lot of credit for working with the Democrats.

To fixing the broken immigration system and make it better.

Getting something meaningful done it seems like it's been a long time since that's happened.

We'll we'll look forward to it Simon Rosenberg -- -- Jane thank you both.

Thank you thank you John one now we.

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