Platform Issue: Immigration Rights

The incredible growth of the immigration movement presents an ideal opportunity for Democrats to cultivate the synergy between grassroots activism and political strategy that is critical to their effectiveness as a party. They must embrace immigration rights and denounce the racist anti-immigration policies emanating from the right as well as watered-down compromise measures. This strategy would appeal to the disillusioned and disappointed Democratic base by reclaiming the principles of economic and social justice the party ostensibly stands for while gaining support from millions of immigrants and their friends and families, including the many who can vote. Simultaneously, Democrats can hammer a wedge into the heart of the Republican election machine by forcing GOP candidates hoping to exploit the Latino vote to choose between supporting truly pro-immigrant, anti-racist immigration policy or towing (and getting strangled by) the racist party line. This is not a time for bi-partisan compromise or capitulation ; this is an opportunity to start building a foundation of strong political alliances.