WASHINGTON, D.C. -(Source: Univision) With the coming elections one year from now, Marco Rubio, the Republican senator for Florida, and possible vice presidential formula, is trying to take a different angle from his party. Rubio wants to refocus on the need to reform the immigration system, rather than face the problem of the eleven million undocumented immigrants who already are in the United States.
During a hearing on human trafficking of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, Rubio said "it is a growing problem, we need to create awareness about it. Reforms are needed to create a modern system of immigration." He added that the United States, although one of the countries to be reached by more smuggled immigrants, is processing only 103 cases, compared to 2,803 in Europe.
"There are times when we need many people from abroad to work here. We lack a system with which individuals can enter the country legally to work and go back to theirs without falling in the hands of abusive institutions," he said.
Asked whether his idea of reforming the immigration system includes the legalization of 11 million illegal immigrants, Rubio stressed that at this point it is too controversial. "Politically, it is a tough problem. Right now there is no political solution, there are no votes, nor the will to deal with it ..." ... "But if we have the first phase of a functioning legal system, not allowing abuse, the second phase is going to be a little easier. " "Until we create a functioning legal system, we will not reach the second stage of this discussion," he said.
Immigration and the Republican debates
Rubio showed some discomfort when asked about how Republican candidates have faced the issue: "I have always said that the tone is relevant. When we talk about immigration it is important for the Republican Party to position itself as a coalition is in favor of legal immigration, not just against illegal immigration."
Important issue
A study done in October by Latino Decisions and Impremedia to 600 people showed that immigration and the DREAM Act, with 42%, are among the three most important issues for the population.
Democratic response
Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat, said about Rubio's statements: "Rubio wants to ignore the tragedy that is happening in states like Alabama. The solution must be comprehensive and sooner than later, to give relief to families, many of which include US citizens. "