To the editor:
The GOP is a minority party that now controls the three branches of our government. How did this happen? (“Trump is transforming the GOP against legal immigration. Will Congress follow?” Jan. 12)
After the 2012 election, the Republican Party issued an “autopsy” that, among other things, cited immigration reform: “Among the steps Republicans take in the Hispanic community and beyond, we must embrace and champion comprehensive immigration reform. If we do not, our party’s appeal will continue to shrink to its core constituencies only. We also believe that comprehensive immigration reform is consistent with Republican economic policies that promote job growth and opportunity for all.”
Republicans have apparently repudiated that support for immigration reform and found a way to succeed with their core constituencies.
Rather than becoming inclusive, Republicans try to restrict the ability of Democratic voters to cast their ballots. Reducing immigration and keeping those who may eventually vote for the opposition out of the country logically follows, as do appeals to the alt-right, the anti-immigrant group NumbersUSA and even neo-Nazis.
It’s now apparent what President Trump meant with his campaign slogan: Make America white again.
Gilbert H. Skopp, Calabasas
