House Gets Tough, Will The Senate?
The House passed a new illegal immigration reform bill last night that is tougher on many things than the White House wanted, has a fence provision, and doesn't include a guest worker program.
The President will probably buy off on all of this bill as a start if it went through the Senate unchanged, but it won't. The Senate is working on it's own version, with John McCain and Ted Kennedy leading the way. It will probably include the guest worker program, and not the fence.
One of the more controversial bits that didn't make it into the bill was an ammendment to end birthright citizenship for those born to illegals in the country. The 90 or so House sponsors were pressured to not put it in, as it would have jeopardized the entire bill. I'd like to see it taken up at some point though.
Employers could face up to $25,000 in fines for hiring illegals, and would be required to go through a national database of Social Security numbers to verify the records an employee shows are correct. If nothing else an entire new cottage industry of birth/social security verification companies will show up because of this.
While the fence provision doesn't cover the whole border, it will cover nearly 700 miles of the border in some of the most popular crossing areas.
Finally, the lack of a guest worker program is shortsighted. I'm sure that it will be rectified when the conference committee meets to work the two bills into a passable law, but should be in both of them in some form. Whether some folks like it or not, we have a requirement for immigrant labor in this country. I'd like to see that need controlled, and the ability to attain it put above the board.
Technorati Tags: immigration, politics and opinion
The President will probably buy off on all of this bill as a start if it went through the Senate unchanged, but it won't. The Senate is working on it's own version, with John McCain and Ted Kennedy leading the way. It will probably include the guest worker program, and not the fence.
One of the more controversial bits that didn't make it into the bill was an ammendment to end birthright citizenship for those born to illegals in the country. The 90 or so House sponsors were pressured to not put it in, as it would have jeopardized the entire bill. I'd like to see it taken up at some point though.
Employers could face up to $25,000 in fines for hiring illegals, and would be required to go through a national database of Social Security numbers to verify the records an employee shows are correct. If nothing else an entire new cottage industry of birth/social security verification companies will show up because of this.
While the fence provision doesn't cover the whole border, it will cover nearly 700 miles of the border in some of the most popular crossing areas.
Finally, the lack of a guest worker program is shortsighted. I'm sure that it will be rectified when the conference committee meets to work the two bills into a passable law, but should be in both of them in some form. Whether some folks like it or not, we have a requirement for immigrant labor in this country. I'd like to see that need controlled, and the ability to attain it put above the board.
Technorati Tags: immigration, politics and opinion
posted by Crazy Politico at 5:58 AM
9Comments:
This is a matter of differing opines and is not meant as a personal attack: You're crazy.
You've got to let go of this panacea of a guest worker program. It will never work as advertised. Even with huge government money behind it.
I see it as a giant loop-hole.
The house bill sounds good but anything that Kennedy and McCain are leading the way on sounds very scary to me. Can't be good.
I don't trust the guest-worker program. Just look at the track record of other government-run programs!
Maybe it will be difficult to do, but I want the employers of illegals held accountable. The penalties for hiring illegals should be harsh enough to make a difference.
One last point...We must end the birthright citizenship for offspring of illegals. That birthright citizenship is costly and dangerous.
I'll just be happy to get any reform. As a start.
I'm one of the folks who wants a fence and a guest worker program. Simply put, We need to be safe and they need to be law abiding.
asacan's concerns are valid, and legal immigrants need to feel secure.
As far as simply crossing over the border whenever you feel like it goes I'm concerned that it is too easy. I am not worried about Mexicans who honestly want to get paid to pick tomatos or something like that, but I am very concerned about terrorists and narcotics sneaking in amongst them. Any guest worker program would need very strict controls including a photo ID, a knowledge of exactly where they're going, proof that they are going there and access to their personal police records in Mexico; otherwise it is a very bad idea.
Ascan,
Last time I checked your wife is here legally, so why would it affect your kids? I want ILLEGAL ALIENS kids to NOT be citizens. They were also born to an already legal US Parent (you), so again no problem.
Now, if you were to divorce, and your wife still isn't a citizen, then she'd need to go. But, the kids would be welcome to stay, as children of a US Citizen.
What ticks me off is the women who cross the border in labor simply to have the kids in the states. Then the kids are citizens, and it's impossible to make mom go away. Instead, my taxes go to pay the hospital, and the welfare, etc. That is BULLSHIT plain and simple. Your situation is completely different.
Mark & Always, I understand your opinion, however, a guest worker program won't be perfect, but it would be a hell of a lot better than "catch and release", or the current "no program".
Steve, the purpose is to reduce illegal immigration, and put some teeth into the current set of gums we call illegal immigration law.
LMC, I know what you mean.
Ahem, the "catch and release program" has been tried -- here.
No workie. The Oober-maden sayth, "Within thine law cops shant hath no such authority! Only thy Fed shall walk with such power! And decry to all! Only the Fed shall we obey the laws of the Republic".
Come back to Arizona and your views will change.
Pisses me of because, like many who would "judge" our opinion here in the desert, you don't see the consequences.
Not sure who you were referring to Maricopa, but I agree with you on catch and release (see my last response).
Post a Comment
<< Home