The guest worker plan I propose is neither amnesty nor a guaranteed path to citizenship.
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Posted on 01/13/2004 9:46:33 AM PST by Sabertooth
The principles for immigration reform outlined by President Bush last week show both his understanding that our nation has failed to solve our immigration crisis and his strong resolve to end the status quo.
It was encouraging to see that, among the principles, is a critical component of reform that largely mirrors an important element of my Border Security and Immigration Reform Act: a work-and-return policy.
The current economic and demographic conditions in Mexico illustrate the need for such a policy, and the president wisely included incentives to encourage guest workers to return to their home country.
Our policy fails
In my recent visit with government leaders in Mexico City and again during Foreign Minister Ernesto Derbez's visit to the United States, I repeatedly was told that they want their workers back; they want entrepreneurs to return with capital and skills. But our current immigration policy fails to encourage such a return.
That must, and will, change.
The key to economic recovery in Mexico -- without which there will be no end to illegal immigration across our southern border -- is to encourage the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs. But many of Mexico's risk takers and entrepreneurs are heading north, and they haven't been given a reason to return.
Our border shouldn't be a one-way street; guest workers should be allowed to work and then return home.
The problem is clear, and the need for reform should be as well. But for too long, we have failed to identify the millions of undocumented immigrants now living, unaccounted for, within our borders.
For too long, we have allowed special-interest groups at both ends of the political spectrum to scuttle nearly every attempt at updating our immigration policy for fear it wouldn't comport to their narrow views.
Unacceptable
Rather than accept reforms that would secure our open borders, they effectively chose the status quo. But the status quo is unacceptable.
To be clear, I believe that the majority of the estimated 8 million to 10 million undocumented individuals in this country have absolutely no desire to harm us. They are here to work hard and to provide for their families.
Nevertheless, our homeland security demands that we identify those hardworking individuals so that we are able to concentrate our limited enforcement resources on smugglers, drug dealers and terrorists.
I am encouraged that we are closer to making a fresh start with our immigration policy, because we must be pragmatic and do more to protect our borders and strengthen our homeland security.
Toward that end, I introduced legislation last summer to create a guest worker status that will allow immigrants to work in the United States for a limited time, earn skills and capital, then return to their home country.
A significant part of the legislation will be a new, serious enforcement mechanism for those who continue to flout the law, fail to apply for guest worker status or abuse and exploit immigrants.
The guest worker plan I propose is neither amnesty nor a guaranteed path to citizenship.
Instead, it acknowledges the vital role that hardworking immigrants play in our economy and creates a comprehensive program as an important step toward re-establishing respect for our laws and restoring safe working conditions for immigrants who work here.
Protect millions
It will enhance America's homeland security, facilitate enforcement of our immigration and labor laws, and protect millions who labor today outside the protection of the law.
My proposal will encourage undocumented immigrants to come out of the shadows, to work within the law and then to return to their homes and families with the pay and skills they acquire as guest workers in the United States.
In America, the rule of law matters. To Americans, homeland security matters. For immigrants, alleviating exploitation matters.
We must act now.
We must reform both the security of our borders and the immigration policy for those who seek to work within the framework of our laws.
I urge Congress to act without delay, follow our president's leadership and pass meaningful immigration reform. Our economy and our homeland security depend on it.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, is a member of the immigration, border security and citizenship subcommittee.
The guest worker plan I propose is neither amnesty nor a guaranteed path to citizenship.
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Ok, show of hands, who believes the esteemed Gentleman from Texas?
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Sabe, when will you anti-Bush guys realize the majority of people support what the President is doing. Your views, as much as I respect them, are way in the minority. This plan will pass and america will become an even better country. We promise.
Another fool spinning his own incompetence. He came out for the AW ban during his campaign. In Texas. I am almost surprised Texas voters didn't abandon him the way they did another politician with foot-in-mouth disease, Clayton Williams.
In the end, I suppose we all decided it's better to have a fool (Cornyn) than a criminal (Kirk) in the Senate.
The real poll is how many votes he'll get in the house and senate. This will pass and it's long overdue.
The real poll is how many votes he'll get in the house and senate. This will pass and it's long overdue.
Depends. Did he swear an oath on the flag?
And if so, was it red, white and blue, or red, white and green?
-archy-/-
Poll Hints Bush Immigrant Plans Unpopular
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1057048/posts
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