They need to shut the heck up and let the 2020 Democratic Party nominees keep going. But, then, it actually doesn’t matter, because in just 2 1/2 years the Democratic Party has become so extreme that they won’t listen. Also, it is too late, that cat has been let out of the bag, and even if they change their tune, Trump will use it too bash them
Democrats warn push for border crossing decriminalization will prove costly in 2020
Top former Obama administration officials are warning Democratic presidential candidates to back off from their proposals to decriminalize border crossings, saying that it’s bad policy and a surefire general election loser that gives President Trump an opening on immigration.
In an op-ed in The Washington Post this week, former Obama Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said that decriminalization would attract hundreds of thousands of new migrants to the southern border. He described the proposal as “tantamount to declaring publicly that we have open borders.â€
Several of former President Obama’s top homeland security officials interviewed by The Hill went on the record to express shock and dismay after eight of the 10 Democratic presidential contenders on stage at the second night of the debate raised their hands when asked if they support the decriminalization of border crossings.
“We can’t go too far to the left for what people could describe as open borders,†said Marsha Catron, a former deputy assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security during the Obama administration.
“I think all of those people onstage who raised their hands will have to walk it back if they make it to the general election or the White House. I understand the emotion involved, we want for people to be treated humanely and with respect, and that’s not happening with the Trump administration. But Jeh Johnson, [former Homeland Security Secretary] Janet Napolitano, these people who have worked in these situations understand, you just can’t have it this way. It’s unworkable.â€
Again, even if they walk it back, Trump will hit them up on Twitter, in interviews, in campaign ads, and on the debate stage with their original position of decriminalizing illegal entry.
At the heart of the issue is Section 1325, a statute in the law that makes crossing the border illegally a federal misdemeanor.
Castro is calling for repeal, arguing that those who cross the border illegally can still be deported if they are charged with a civil offense. He has pointed to the origins of the law to describe it as racist, noting that it was passed in 1920 after being promoted by former Sen. Coleman Blease (D-S.C.), who supported segregation.
The thing is, even though 1325 authorizes fines and/or incarceration, we usually do not impose jail on those who are unlawfully present for a first offense. Just deportation, which is authorized under 1227 (and a few others). Further, Democrats freak out and try to protect illegal aliens charged with felonies, much less an illegal charged with DWI, minor drug offense, and other “civil” violations. We’ve seen sanctuary jurisdictions protect illegals who are arsonists, robbers, possess weapons illegally, murderers, child sex abusers. So why would we believe that they would allow deportation for any illegal?
1325 really is about being caught entering illegally. Do we even impose a fine of $50 to $250? We would prefer to simply put them back across the border. What Castro and the others want is to release them into the U.S. with a promise to return for a court date, then, years later when they are still here, say they’ve broken no laws and give them amnesty.
Regardless, Open Borders Democrats are going to Open Borders Democrat. This plays well with their uber-moonbat base, including all the Hollywood and other moneyed nuts who give them a lot of campaign funding, and all live in their own bubble world. It won’t play well in the general election, and plays right into Trump’s hands.
