What's Best For Us, Not What's Best For Them
Democrats once again show themselves to be the party of other people -- people who aren't actually taxpaying citizens of this country -- by complaining that the immigration plan favors the needs of American businesses over the needs of immigrant families. Well, gee, imagine that. Can't we get something out of the deal? (Not that I'm for rewarding millions of people for illegal behavior.) Julie Hirschfeld Davis writes for the AP:
The proposal constitutes a far-reaching change in the immigration system that would admit future arrivals seeking to put down roots in the U.S. based on their skills, education levels and job experience, limiting the importance of family ties. A new class of guest workers would be allowed in temporarily, but only after the new security measures were in place — expected to take 18 months."This is a bill where people who live here in our country will be treated without amnesty but without animosity," Bush said.
Kennedy hailed it as "the best possible chance we will have in years to secure our borders and bring millions of people out of the shadows and into the sunshine of America."
Kyl said the measure wasn't perfect, "but it represents the best opportunity that we have in a bipartisan way to do something about this problem."
It was clear, however, that many Republicans and Democrats were deeply skeptical. Reid said it needed improvement.
"I have serious concerns about some aspects of this proposal, including the structure of the temporary worker program and undue limitations on family immigration," Reid said.
Conservatives on both sides of the Capitol derided the deal as "amnesty" for illegal immigrants, using a politically charged word that figured prominently in campaigns across the country last year.
"I don't care how you try to spin it, this is amnesty," said Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C.
The proposed agreement would allow illegal immigrants to come forward and obtain a "Z visa" and — after paying fees and a $5,000 fine — ultimately get on track for permanent residency, which could take between eight and 13 years. Heads of households would have to return to their home countries first.
They could come forward right away to claim a probationary card that would let them live and work legally in the U.S., but could not begin the path to permanent residency or citizenship until border security improvements and the high-tech worker identification program were completed.
A new crop of low-skilled guest workers would have to return home after stints of two years. They could renew their visas twice, but would be required to leave for a year in between each time. If they wanted to stay in the U.S. permanently, they would have to apply under the point system for a limited pool of green cards.
The need for a so-called "comprehensive" bill has never made sense to me. Why not just go ahead and secure the border, see how that goes, and then figure out how to deal with the illegals? Any legislation to deal with illegal immigration/guest workers is meaningless until we can control the flow of people over our borders - if people can still get in and get a job illegally, many will certainly do so rather than going through the red tape to get a guest worker visa.
justin case at May 21, 2007 11:17 AM
The republicans (excepting some conservative ones) won't touch enforcement because it's anti-business. And the left-leaning democrats won't touch it because they say it's not compassionate to the law-breakers. And congresspeople on all sides want the Latino vote. Since none can agree, they toss around the issue, make speeches, make sure their constituents know their point of view on the matter, but never dare pass a coherent, comprehensive bill. Even the one on the table has big holes in it, and according to this article, no provision for enforcement.
beansworth at May 21, 2007 1:48 PM
m784k
ro402ck at July 17, 2007 9:27 PM
m378k
ro52ck at July 17, 2007 10:08 PM
m629k
ro812ck at July 18, 2007 5:34 AM
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