2.3- Political Partisanship and Political Debates

Katey Ann Klingel
Political Partisanship and Political Debates


    Since the United States was formed, there have been two central groups whose ideas differ from the other. For many years there were debates and disagreements about slavery and states, but in modern times there are more disputes over things such as immigration and health care. The two political parties are the Republicans and the Democrats, and their "rivalry" has been going on since the start of the U.S. One of the most prominent issues of this time is immigration. The majority of the last presidential election between Trump and Clinton was centered around their plans of impact for immigration laws. The Republican party is more focused on border control and keeping out illegal immigrants while the Democratic party is more focused on allowing immigrants the opportunity for a life in America. Considering immigration is the lead topic in modern politics, the missions these two parties are following need more explanation.

The Proportions of Nativism in the United States vs. Other Countries Based on Party 

    The Republican party is known to be more of a nativist in the world of immigration that the Democratic party. Nativism is "an ideology that countries 'should be inhabited exclusively by members of the native group'" (Washington Post: Republicans and Democrats). This meaning the majority of Conservatives believe the United States should be filled with workers and jobs for American services for American workers. With the growth of immigrants comes the growth of diversity. On The Atlantic: Why America is Fighting About Immigration, the article says that in 1960, five percent of the population was immigrants, and now thirteen percent of the population is immigrants. This being said, the immigrants most likely have support for the democratic party because they will restrict immigration laws, so Republicans want to keep these numbers out to keep their voting numbers out, along with avoid crime rates. One of the biggest issues in the mind of a Republican is that the immigrants coming in bring crime rates and creates a security issue. In the presidency of Obama immigration laws were lowered, and many immigrants came into the U.S. There is gang violence, terrorist attacks, and drug rings led by a mainly immigrant population that the Republican party would like to avoid. The Conservative side is also opposed to allowing children to be citizens of the United States if their parents come in illegally, and immediate citizenship rights for immigrants. The Democrats have a lot to put forth to their argument as well. 

The Views of Independents on the Views of the Two Parties

  The Democratic Party has been known to a large portion of the world as the "kitchen table issue group"  (Diffen: Democratic vs. Republican). This meaning that they focus on the moral issues whereas the Republican focuses more so on what makes themselves flourish. Democrats have been big defenders of the rights of immigrants, and believe that immigrants who become American citizens, pay taxes, pay fines, and learn English can come into the United States because this will benefit the economy. They believe in amnesty, and believe that children should be able to stay in the U.S. if brought in, and that there should be a priority to immigrants with a family in the United States. One of their main goals (according to Republican Views: Democratic Views on Immigration), is to decrease the wait time for a citizenship from two years to three months. Contrary to common belief, they do agree with border control and security, however they do not prioritize it like the Republicans, and believe immigrants are more beneficial to the economy (as seen in the chart above, immigrants are shown to be favored by Democrats over Republicans by a Independents knowledge). Although many differences between the two parties, there has to be some sort of conclusion.

Trump Talking to Group About Immigration While on International Lockdown

   In the current times the U.S. has been on lockdown trying to discuss the actions being taken for immigration. Republicans want less immigration and more nativism, while Democrats want more immigrants and a safe place for refugees. As I have done this project I have learned the major differences between the two parties, but have also found some commonalities. Whether you agree with one or another, both parties are fighting for what they believe is the correct way to benefit the U.S. through immigration. Sometimes we view the two parties as wrong or right, but the opinions of both are ones everyone should respect and take into account. Since Trump has become president he has changed many immigration laws including banning the entry of eight Muslim centered countries into the United States, shut down DACA, and "reduced refugee admissions to the lowest level since the resettlement program in 1980," (Washington Post: Republicans and Democrats). Although all parties may not agree with these new changes, it is what he believes will help, and has so far been very beneficial to the economy. I am going to challenge myself to research both sides of the spectrum before I choose a side from now on, and challenge other peoples ideas to learn new things about what I do not already know. 

The Washington Post: Republicans and Democrats are more polarized on immigration than parties in the U.K. or Australia. Here’s why.
Used for the ideas and thoughts that are put into the writing, opinions on each political party.

The Atlantic: Why America is Fighting About Immigration
Used for the ideas and thoughts that are put into the writing, opinions on each political party.