The June 4 edition of The Washington Times included at least two articles related to the Gang of Eight’s Immigration Reform Bill. Touted as the “best immigration reform plan in decades,” the bill cleared an important hurdle on June 11. Every day we hear or read in the news as to how problematic this bill is. And now Sen. Mark Rubio, the GOP’s current future hope and “golden boy” indicates that he could abandon the bill he helped author.

Perhaps the bill is reaching too far; trying to cover too many facets of the immigration system. If it could be implemented in stages, say, it might have a better chance of succeeding. The Dream Act could have been a basic step in the right direction if expanded correctly. The US needs an educated, tax-paying population; it’s federal law to provide undocumented students with an education through 12th grade – why stop then? Offering in-state community college-level tuition seems reasonable and could be perceived as even more reasonable if it were linked to mandatory citizenship classes within a specified amount of time.

The Dream Act could cast an even wider net to encompass the parents of those students through adult education and citizenship programs. And perhaps students who choose fields of study in which the U.S. desperately needs workers (science, math, technology) there could be a “fast-track” option to legal status, as well. This issue should be completely separated from the border-control controversy. If the Gang of Eight continues to try to please everyone, ultimately it will please no one.

-A message from MDGOP Chair Diana Waterman reminds us that the deadline for the Red, White and Blue Dinner featuring Congressman Paul Ryan has now been extended to June 14. Tickets for the dinner are priced at $200 per person; $250 after June 14.  House Budget Committee Chair and 2012 VP nominee Ryan will speak at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel located at 202 E. Pratt St. To RSVP, you may contact www.mdgop.org/redwhiteblue for additional information.

-The St. Mary’s County Republicans will host a table at the Annual St. Mary’s County Juneteenth African-American Celebration to be held in Lexington Park on Saturday, June 15. To participate or to volunteer, you may contact St. Mary’s County Republican Central Committee Community Outreach Coordinator Kevin Cioppa at: kevincioppa@gmail.com.

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