Letters: Republicans should embrace smart immigration reform

Like Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers and Reps. Gary Clary and Todd Atwater, I believe it is time for immigration reform at the national level.

Deporting 11 million illegal immigrants isn’t the answer; it would cost taxpayers $600 billion. However, if we deport violent criminals and make immigrants who haven’t committed crimes pay back taxes, receive a background check and learn English, and then let them work legally, South Carolina would gain $200 million in taxes and a $5.8 billion cumulative increase in gross state product over 10 years.

As a member of the USC College Republicans, I think a lot about expanding our membership. If we embrace commonsense immigration reform, reject mass deportation and open our party to new voices, we will win back the White House.