Frum in the latest issue of National Review (cover story of the dead tree edition):

No issue, not one, threatens to do more damage to the Republican coalition than immigration. There’s no issue where the beliefs and interests of the party rank-and-file diverge more radically from the beliefs and interests of the party’s leaders. Immigration for Republicans in 2005 is what crime was for Democrats in 1965 or abortion in 1975: a vulnerable point at which a strong-minded opponent could drive a wedge that would shatter the GOP.

He concludes that “Republicans need a new and better approach�one that holds their constituency together and puts security first.” Among other things, “Republicans should develop and practice a new way of speaking about immigration, one that makes clear that enforcement of the immigration laws is not anti-immigrant or anti-Mexican.” In addition, “Republicans can no longer deny the truth underscored by the 9/11 commission: Immigration policy is part of homeland-security policy. Non-enforcement of the immigration laws is non-protection of Americans against those who would do them harm.”

Go buy the magazine and read the whole thing.

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