Amnesty for some Illegal Aliens

President Obama ended the first phase of the general election today with the news that he is halting deportation of illegal aliens who meet certain categories. Those who were brought here illegally before the age of 16 and who are under 30 and who either finished high school or served in the armed forces will no longer be deported. Further, these folks will get work permits for two years which can be renewed without limit into the future. In other words, Obama is announcing that he is implementing the essence of the Dream Act without Congressional action.

After the conclusion of the bitter Republican primary season, there was much discussion about whether or not the GOP voters would be enthused about voting for Romney. Recent polls has shown most Republican voters backing Romney, but Obama's amnesty action probably just cemented that support. Amnesty for illegals is one of the most unpopular things among Republicans. Indeed, while there still may be voters who are luke warm about Romney, the need to get rid of Obama will bring them all out to the polls. Obama has, in essence, secured Romney's right flank.

There is also the question as to whether or not Obama can take the proposed actions without approval from Congress. Can Obama just change the law on his own through executive order? Could another president undo this action taken by Obama? The fight over this will go on for a long time.

Then there is also the question of the impact on other illegals. If a person gets a work permit, can that person's spouse also stay here if he or she does not otherwise meet the criteria? How about parents and other relatives? And what happens with regard to jobs that this person held for the last five years on which he or she did not pay taxes? Where does that all go?

Supposedly, Obama is doing this to help him win Nevada, Colorado and Florida. Personally, I do not think it will help on balance in Florida. Too many of the Hispanics there are Cubans who are not affected in the same way by the illegal immigration issue, and a great many older voters will come out to pull the lever against Obama after outrage over this move. I also believe that in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan Obama has just moved a big chunk of independent voters towards Romney. Even some of the blue collar Democrats who have been such a sore point for Obama in these three states were just lost to Romney. In other words, I believe that what Obama may win in Nevada and Colorado, he will more than lose in the Rust Belt.