In GOP State of the Union responses, different messages in English and Spanish on immigration
[Commentary] The Republican Party's immigration split was reflected in the two responses hand-picked party members gave -- one in English, one in Spanish -- to President Barack Obama's final State of the Union address. The Spanish version, offered by a Cuban-American congressman from Miami, was decidedly softer.
Here's what Gov Nikki Haley (R-SC) said in English: "No one who is willing to work hard, abide by our laws, and love our traditions should ever feel unwelcome in this country. At the same time, that does not mean we just flat out open our borders. We can’t do that. We cannot continue to allow immigrants to come here illegally. And in this age of terrorism, we must not let in refugees whose intentions cannot be determined. We must fix our broken immigration system. That means stopping illegal immigration. And it means welcoming properly vetted legal immigrants, regardless of their race or religion. Just like we have for centuries." Here's what Rep Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) said in Spanish (translation is ours): "No one who is willing to work hard, abide by our laws, and love the United States should ever feel unwelcome in this country. It's not who we are. At the same time, it's obvious that our immigration system needs to be reformed. The current system puts our national security at risk and is an obstacle for our economy. It's essential that we find a legislative solution to protect our nation, defend our borders, offer a permanent and human solution to those who live in the shadows, respect the rule of law, modernize the visa system and push the economy forward."
In GOP State of the Union responses, different messages in English and Spanish on immigration