GOP needs immigration reform

Sen. Lindsay Graham, Sen. John McCain and others are warning Republicans that they need to get behind a total immigration reform bill if they expect to capture any of the Hispanic vote in 2016 (or maybe 2014.) But that doesn’t seem to deter the haters. Securing the southern border as the first priority in immigration reform comes across to the Hispanic voter in a manner similar to telling Des Plaines or Naperville flooding victims that before we can help them we have to build new water retention areas in northern Wisconsin. Come election time, Hispanics are going to need more than “we’re workin’ on it” if you expect their vote.

Holding out hope that Hispanics will be deported, be shot by aggressive sheriffs, or be fired by employers (who brought them here originally) will only send you to your grave with hate.

Bob Hammerl

Arlington Heights