McCain talks immigration reform at USC
By Faith Miller, Posted 4/30/13
Listen to the full audio story
- Immigration Forum WH.mp3
Both McCain and Bennet came to USC's campus Tuesday to discuss the bill. They spoke at a USC Schwarzenegger Institute forum.
Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger kicked off the event. "When we work together, and we work without fear, nothing can stop us," Schwarzenegger said. "And that's why I know we will solve this issue this year, and we will have immigration reform."
The bill the two senators and the rest of the gang of eight wrote includes a path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. today. It also promises to better secure the border, which could win over hesitant conservatives. McCain says he's doing even more to get House Republicans to support and pass the bill.
"I appeal to the better angels of themselves. We shouldn't have eleven million people washing around in our society in the shadows," McCain said. "But I also appeal to their base instincts."
He said republicans know the Hispanic vote can no longer be ignored, but passing the bill won't automatically win them voters.
"But if we don't do this, then you can't begin the conversation with Hispanic voters," McCain said.
He said his other tactic for convincing Republicans is calling attention to crimes happening along the border. "Coyotes" take advantage of people who want to cross the U.S.-Mexican border illegally. They offer to help them, then kidnap and hold them hostage for ransom.
"This is about not allowing in our own country the abuse of people in unspeakable ways. I'm trying to appeal to my republican colleagues that we have a tradition of speaking up for human rights and doing what we can."
Senate leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) promises to bring the bill to the floor for a vote by June.
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