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American Principles Project
President of the American Principles Project's Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles; first Chief of the Office of Citizenship at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services under George W. Bush
PROFILE
Alfonso Aguilar
Guest
FROM Alfonso Aguilar
To the Point
The Potential Power of Latinos in 2016 After President Obama's re-election four years ago, the Republican National Committee officially declared its intention to reach out to the growing Latino electorate. Four years later, a record 27 million Latinos are eligible — a 40% increase since 2008 – and both parties are vying for their support. But there's no such thing as the "Hispanic Vote." They're divided by religion, country of origin, economic class--and generation. There are liberals and conservatives. But one issue is uniting them as never before: Immigration — creating a special challenge for the Republicans, and not just because of Donald Trump. Will that increase their dismal rate of turnout in states where Latino votes could make a difference?
To the Point
Long Shots Are Changing the Short Game for 2016 Rank and file voters won't be heard from until January of next year, but Hillary Clinton is already getting an unexpected challenge from Bernie Sanders — and others as well. Earlier just an annoyance, the Vermont senator now is becoming a real threat to Clinton's "coronation" by the Democrats next year. Bernie Sanders Photo: Peter Stevens On the Republican side, it’s a political free for all. Donald Trump is hitting the top ten just in time to make the first debate next month as Republicans pick their way through a multitude of candidates. Donald Trump Photo: Gage Skidmore Controversial issues are piling up for both parties, from immigration to income inequality, and the early going is being shaped by unlikely contenders.
To the Point
What's Next for Immigration Reform? The US Senate has passed sweeping immigration reform, but it’s stalled in the House. Traditional Republicans support immigration reform in terms of free-market economics and family unity. Others worry about the growing Hispanic vote. But a growing number of GOP members are pledged to vote against any immigration bill—whatever it says—claiming it’ll turn into “amnesty.” This weekend, businesses, religious organizations and activists organized events in 40 states at 150 different locations and today, the Camino Americano: March for Dignity and Respect has arrived on the Capitol Mall. One group represented today are children brought to this country by their parents and raised as Americans. This summer, a group calling themselves the “Dream Nine” staged a different kind of protest on their own. The "Dream Nine” were released on parole in August and allowed to return home pending an immigration judge’s decision on their claim of asylum. That could take years.
To the Point
New Citizenship Test Launched Today Today's the day that a new citizenship test goes into effect. Instead of rote memory of facts about the United States, it emphasizes concepts and values. There's been a lot of advance notice, but many immigrants are worried that it's going to be harder. Alfonso Aguilar is Chief of the Office of Citizenship at the US Citizenship and Immigration Service.
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