When Bilbray addressed the San Diego Chapter of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly, he was asked if deportations might separate families and disturb neighborhoods.
Bilbray replied: "You're going to have displacement."
Since Bilbray was elected, you can conclude that he dodged a bullet. But in truth, Bilbray gave the wrong answer. When asked how deportation might break up families, Bilbray should have said: "Not necessarily. Families can remain intact by returning to Mexico together."
We are going to hear a lot more about family displacement as the Senate and House confer. I suggest we make our point early and often about togetherness being a family choice and not something imposed by federal immigration policy. Let's not let "family unity" become "Jobs Americans won't do."
Being sent home is not a death sentence. They will be returning to their native land—you know, the place where they have Starbucks, WalMart and Blockbuster.