Republicans Emphasize Immigration Issues on Second Night of Republican National Convention

On the second night of the Republican National Convention, speakers emphasized a sharp contrast between legal immigrants who follow U.S. laws and "illegal" immigrants, framing the discussion within the evening's "Make America Safe Once Again" theme. The rhetoric focused on the dangers posed by those who cross the border illegally, a central message in the GOP's campaign and a recurring theme in former President Donald Trump's public statements. Several speakers shared their own families' experiences as exemplary models for other immigrants.

Vivek Ramaswamy, who ran for the GOP nomination, highlighted the importance of character and adherence to the law in his speech on Tuesday. "People get ahead in America not on the color of your skin, but on the content of your character and your contributions," Ramaswamy stated. He emphasized the significance of the rule of law, drawing from his personal background as the child of legal immigrants. "That means your first act of entering this country cannot break the law. That is why we will seal the southern border on day one," he asserted, referring to a pledge by Trump if he wins the upcoming election.

Ramaswamy, who has expressed interest in the Ohio Senate seat currently held by Trump's running mate, JD Vance, argued that every legal immigrant deserves the chance to secure a better life for their children in the U.S. However, he also sent a clear message to illegal immigrants: "We will return you to your country of origin, not because you’re all bad people, but because you broke the law, and the United States of America was founded on the rule of law," a statement that garnered enthusiastic applause from the convention attendees in Milwaukee.

Virginia's Republican candidate for the Senate, Hung Cao, recounted his family's escape from Vietnam before the fall of Saigon to the communists. Cao, who aims to unseat Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine in November, criticized immigrants who do not "embrace" American culture and laws. "Millions of illegal aliens flood our borders," he declared. "They fly Hamas flags on our campuses, and they shout 'death to America.' As an immigrant to this great country, let me be very clear: To everyone who comes here, don’t ask for the American dream if you’re not willing to obey the American law and embrace the American culture."

Other speakers echoed these sentiments, focusing predominantly on the enforcement of immigration laws. Rep. Jim Banks of Indiana, who is running for the Senate, promised that under Republican leadership, the border would be secured. "If you came here illegally under Joe Biden, you’re going back to where you came from under Donald Trump," he proclaimed.

Kari Lake, a Senate candidate in Arizona, accused Democrats and her Democratic opponent, Rep. Ruben Gallego, of surrendering control of her state and the border to drug cartels. Lake repeated a line often used by Trump: "Criminals and deadly drugs are pouring in. Our children are dying."

The night's speeches underscored a major theme in the GOP's platform: a strong stance on immigration and the enforcement of existing laws. The emphasis on personal stories of legal immigration aimed to highlight a contrast with illegal immigration, reinforcing the party's commitment to border security and the rule of law. As the convention continues, these themes are expected to remain at the forefront of the Republican campaign strategy, shaping the party's message to voters ahead of the upcoming election.

The emphasis on these issues aligns with broader GOP strategies aimed at securing their voter base, which prioritizes strict immigration enforcement and the upholding of legal pathways to citizenship. The rhetoric at the convention served to solidify these themes, ensuring they resonate with the party's core supporters. The personal anecdotes shared by speakers were designed to humanize the legal immigration process while simultaneously denouncing illegal immigration as a threat to national security and societal order.

The Republican National Convention, thus, became a platform for reinforcing the GOP's stance on immigration, aiming to present a unified message of law and order. This approach is expected to play a significant role in the Republican campaign strategy as the election season progresses, positioning immigration enforcement as a key differentiator from their Democratic opponents.