OPINION: Newt Gingrich’s Solution Regarding Immigration Merits Consideration

The topic of immigration - more specifically illegal immigration - is as contentious as any topic that has been discussed throughout the Republican primary debate season. Actually, it has been such a hot potato that I haven't heard it discussed with any great depth or clarity. That is why I took notice when Former Speaker Newt Gingrich presented his views on this subject during a recent debate.

In essence, I heard Mr. Gingrich pose this question: Will the party of family values really support tearing apart families that have lived in this nation for 25 years or so, who are active in their churches, and who have been paying taxes?

This is not a popular question to ask according to many who feel that a strict adherence to the Constitution dictates deporting all illegal immigrants no matter what their circumstances may entail. For those persons, illegal means just that - illegal, end of argument.

To learn more about Mr. Gingrich's stance on this issue, I read his policy statement on immigration on his website which he calls "Ten Steps to a Legal Nation." He outlines three principles and 10 steps towards a solution.

Former Speaker Gingrich's "Three Principles" regarding immigration begins with this principle:

1. No "comprehensive" plan can work. President Bush could not pass one during six years with a Republican Congress. President Obama could not pass one with a Democratic Congress. Immigration reform can be outlined as a complete proposal but has to be passed in a series of steps, with each one understood and passed on its own merits.

Click here to read Former Speaker Gingrich's other two principles plus his 10-steps that he would take to lead us to becoming a legal nation.

In my opinion, Newt Gingrich has outlined sensible principles, and I also like his methodical 10-step approach for solving the problem of immigration.

Former Speaker Gingrich's conclusion: If we embrace these ten steps, America will have created a truly efficient and fair system that embraces the rule of law, while acknowledging and celebrating the valuable economic, cultural and social contributions that both existing and future visitors and immigrants have to offer out country.

A goal of having a truly efficient and fair system regarding immigration that embraces the rule of law is one that I admire and can fully support. In my opinion, Newt Gingrich has put forth a concrete plan about immigration that is more comprehensive and thoughtful than any other ideas that I have heard expressed to date. I believe that it is a plan worthy of further study and consideration by those who will at some point be in charge of making administrative decisions on this issue.

Sources: Personal opinion; http://www.newt.org/solutions/immigration