Immigration Debate Splits GOP

Fears for party's future amp up rhetoric for and against legalization path for immigrants
By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff
Posted May 28, 2007 1:13 PM CDT
Immigration Debate Splits GOP
Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. makes comments about the Iraq war as former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, right , watches during the Republican Debate at University of South Carolina's Koger Center for the Arts, Tuesday, May 15, 2007, in Columbia, S.C., during a debate...   (Associated Press)

Deep divisions within the GOP over immigration reform have become increasingly bitter in recent weeks, the LA Times reports, with senior figures on both sides  engaging in a rare public spat. On one side are those who fear alienating the mostly white conservative base; on the other those who want the party to woo the fast-growing Latino community.  

Bush was unusually harsh last week in criticizing conservative opponents of the bipartisan bill that would offer a route to citizenship to illegal immigrants;  Rush Limbaugh attacked the Bush-backed plan as the "Destroy the Republican Party Act."
(Read more Bush administration stories.)

We use cookies. By Clicking "OK" or any content on this site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed. Read more in our privacy policy.
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X