The debate over illegal immigration recently took an especially alarming turn.
Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., said President Barack Obama had told him privately he would not secure the border with Mexico unless Congress goes along with the so-called “comprehensive immigration reform” that Mr. Obama wants.
“Comprehensive immigration reform” is coded language for granting amnesty and a “path to citizenship” to millions of illegal aliens.
According to Sen. Kyl, this is what President Obama told him: ” ‘The problem is,’ he said, ‘if we secure the border, then you all won’t have any reason to support comprehensive immigration reform.’ “
Sen. Kyl said that remark shows the administration is holding border security hostage to politics.
“They don’t want to secure the border unless and until it is combined with comprehensive immigration reform …,” Sen. Kyl said. “That’s why it isn’t being done. They frankly don’t want to do it. They want to get something in return for doing their duty.”
The Obama administration denies saying any such thing to Sen. Kyl, and no one else was at their meeting in the Oval Office. But if Sen. Kyl’s version of events is true — and he is standing by it — then the Obama administration’s priorities on immigration are disturbing.
There is disagreement on how to confront the issue of illegal aliens. But the securing of our border with Mexico, which so many illegals have crossed, should not be delayed to force Republicans to go along with an amnesty scheme.