As the immigration debate roars to life, a right-leaning Hispanic group is suggesting the G.O.P. change its terminology to appeal to a larger Latino voter base.
The Hispanic Leadership Network is co-chaired by Governor Jeb Bush and former Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez, both Republicans. Their objective is clear: court the Hispanics vote.
In a memo obtained by The Hill, the group lays out the “Dos and Don’ts of Immigration Reform.” It’s a politically correct roadmap for political speech as the national conversation on immigration reform begins.
For example, the memo takes a conservative approach when talking about someone who has crossed the border illegally and now lives in the United States. “Do use 'undocumented immigrant' when referring to those here without documentation.” Don’t, as the memo suggests use “illegals or aliens.”
In the same tone, the memo suggests not using the word “anchor baby."
When talking about border security, the memo suggests: "Do use the wording 'enforcement of our borders includes more border patrol, technology, and building a fence where it makes sense."
However, "don't" use a phrase like: "send them all back." Or, "electric fence."
The memo is also a guide in talking points about such loaded words as “amnesty.”
"When addressing amnesty and earned legal status:
Do acknowledge that the true meaning of amnesty is to pardon without any penalty. Don't label earned legal status as amnesty. Don't characterize all Hispanics as undocumented and all undocumented as Hispanics.”
Check out the full "dos and don’t" list from The Hill:
"When engaging in conversation or doing an interview on immigration reform:
Do acknowledge that 'Our current immigration system is broken and we need to fix it.' Don’t begin with 'We are against amnesty.'
Note: Most everyone is against amnesty and this is interpreted as being against any reform.
"When talking about a solution for the millions here without documentation who could qualify to get in line first with a temporary visa, then legal residence and finally citizenship:
Do use the phrase 'earned legal status.' Don't use the phrase 'pathway to citizenship'
Note: This has a different meaning and can denote getting in front of the line to get citizenship – this is not true. Most Republicans and Democrats, along with 70% of Americans, support a fair system by which those who are undocumented can come forward, register with the government, pass a background check, pay a fine, learn English and get legal status first – that is earned legal status, not automatic citizenship.
"When addressing securing our borders:
Do use the wording 'enforcement of our borders includes more border patrol, technology, and building a fence where it makes sense.' Don't use phrases like 'send them all back,' electric fence,' 'build a wall along the entire border'
"When talking about immigrants:
Do use 'undocumented immigrant' when referring to those here without documentation. Don't use the word 'illegals' or 'aliens' Don't use the term 'anchor baby'
"When addressing amnesty and earned legal status:
Do acknowledge that the true meaning of amnesty is to pardon without any penalty. Don't label earned legal status as amnesty. Don't characterize all Hispanics as undocumented and all undocumented as Hispanics
"When broadly addressing reforms:
Do acknowledge that President Obama broke his promise and failed to propose any immigration reform for five years, while using this issue as a political wedge. Do talk about the issues you support like overhauling the bureaucratic visa system, creating a viable temporary worker program, a workable e-verify system, and border security. Don’t focus on amnesty as a tenet of immigration reform. Don't use President Reagan's immigration reform as an example applicable today
Note: That legislation was true amnesty; in addition, border security, fixing our visa system, and a temporary worker program were parts of the reform which were never implemented."
