Steve Benen writes on Rachel Maddow's Blog
Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.) has sponsored a proposal called the ENLIST Act, which seems like the sort of bill that could garner broad support: under the plan, young, undocumented immigrants who entered the United States before they turned 15 would be able to join the U.S. military. After their service, so long as they’re honorably discharged, these immigrants would become legal permanent residents and be eligible to apply for citizenship.
As we discussed in April, the legislation is in line with American traditions – many immigrants to the U.S. became citizens by serving in the military – and has already picked up some bipartisan support from 26 Democrats and 24 Republicans.
But GOP Majority Leader killed the proposal, and John Boehner is apparently in agreement with him.
In response, Doug Heye, spokesman for House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, said: “No proposed ENLIST amendments to NDAA will be made in order.”
Heye said no stand-alone vote on the measure would be permitted, either.
When the Associated Press asked House Speaker John Boehner’s (R-Ohio) office whether the Speaker agrees with Cantor’s decision, Boehner’s spokesperson said the GOP leadership is on the same page.
The GOP likes to invoke their support of the military as reason to vote Republican. Their idea of "support" is really skewed however. They're eager for military invasion as an all-purpose solution to every kind of international trouble. But in the GOPs view, immigrant soldiers are good enough to do the fighting, but apparently not deserving of US citizenship.
I find it hard to believe that this issue won't resonate with voters. After all, it's a widely held belief in every part of the country that our soldiers represent the best of America, and deserve to be rewarded. Does the GOP really view immigrants as cannon fodder and nothing more? We need to focus on this sickening decision in the upcoming Congressional elections.