Cruz Immigration Crusade Has Republicans Fretting Over Backlash

Lawmakers and strategists from both parties say the campaign could feed an anti-immigrant narrative even in Republican-leaning states including Texas.

Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, talks to members of the media while walking through the U.S. Capitol basement in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, Dec. 12, 2014.

Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg
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Senator Ted Cruz of Texas wants to clamp down on illegal immigration, saying it’s a winning issue with many voters.

Some of his fellow Republicans fret that the party could end up losing big in Cruz’s home state.