Debate is time to discuss immigration reform

To the editor:

For the first time in the campaign cycle, we will see a majority of the Republican presidential candidates join together tonight for an official GOP debate.

Over the last few months, all candidates have held events throughout the state talking about their policies and hopes for our country. Tonight, many issues will likely be discussed, but one issue that should not be overlooked is immigration reform.

While Iowa is not a border state, our state sees immigration in the STEM fields, agriculture and manufacturing industries. All communities are affected by our broken immigration system. So far, the only detailed plan from the candidates we have heard is centered on border security. This is a step that is very important, but not the only challenge facing the immigration system.

There are over 11.5 million undocumented immigrants living in our country. Fixing the border will stop more from coming in, but what do we do about those are here? Some argue deportation, but I believe my fellow Republicans can agree that this step is financially and logistically difficult and a realistic solution needs to be addressed at the debate.

Jim Felker

Hiawatha