Georgia State Representative Casey Carpenter, a Republican who represents a strongly Republican district, is going against his party’s usual position on immigration by actively pushing for reform. His efforts come from a deep understanding of how important immigrants are to the economic health of his district, Dalton, Georgia, a city known for its history in the carpet industry.
In an interview with MSNBC, Carpenter’s advocacy started with a specific case: a college student born in Mexico who was arrested in Dalton for a traffic violation and then held for over two weeks in an ICE detention center. This event made Carpenter see the real human cost of current immigration policies and how they affect his community. He argues that many immigrants in his district are important members of the community, contributing significantly to the local economy and doing jobs that many Americans either cannot or will not do.
Dalton’s economy depends heavily on industries like construction, manufacturing, and hospitality, and immigrant labor plays a big role in keeping these sectors running. Carpenter says these immigrants are not taking jobs from Americans but are filling essential roles, doing work that many native-born workers often avoid. This view directly challenges the argument used by some in his own party, who often portray immigration as a danger to American jobs and economic stability.
Republicans breaking off from Trump’s immigration plans
Even though he represents a very conservative district where Donald Trump has strong support, Carpenter has found that many of his constituents, especially small business owners, recognize how much they rely on immigration for their businesses. He has noticed that many small business owners, including those who voted for Trump, depend on immigrant workers to keep their businesses going. This shows a more nuanced view of immigration among Republican voters, where economic needs often outweigh strict ideological positions.
However, Carpenter’s stance is not easy within his own party. The Republican Party has traditionally taken a tough stance on immigration, focusing on border security and stricter enforcement. Trump’s presidential campaigns made this position even stronger, making it politically risky for many Republican politicians to support any kind of compromise on immigration. Carpenter admits this political reality, pointing out that both Democrats and Republicans have used immigration as a way to raise money and stir up fear, making it harder to have real discussions or meaningful reforms.
Keep in mind that many on Trump’s side are immigrants too. However, while the DHS is busy threatening lawyers, they’ll continue to do as the administration demands.
Carpenter believes the current debate on immigration has become too political, with both parties using the issue more to gain an advantage than to find practical solutions. He criticizes the way immigration is often treated as a simple yes-or-no issue, arguing that it is much more complicated and needs a full, balanced approach. He supports finding a way for immigrants who have been in the country for years, who have contributed positively to society, and who have American-citizen children to gain legal status.
