[Cboldt]

Grassley's amendment indicates the folly of hurry - Grassley is willing to negotiate the number of H1B visas, which is part of his amendment, but without time to discuss this, the issue gets "settled" in a distorted way.

As framed; 200,000 cap on H1B visas (including exemptions) + $2,000 fee (an increase from present), the amendment is CERTAIN to fail.

Grassley complains to Specter that he (Grassley) has been trying to negotiate this with Specter for weeks, and Specter was not responsive to the offer. Hahahahaha. Collegiality at its finest.

Kyl points out that the "go to the back of the line" selling point is bogus. "It's not fair to those who are playing by the rules."

Kyl is also peeved about the hurry up to vote stance. At this time of the day, this hearing could become interesting. ;-)

[Txsleuth]

Kyl DID make the good point that Kennedy is wrong that a majority of these people want to become CITIZENS...

If anyone has paid any attention to the protests, they most certainly do NOT want to become AMERICAN citizens, they want to be Mexicans living in America legally, will ALL benefits, but NO ASSIMILATION...

[Cboldt]

Kyl reiterates his amendment that requires the alien to return to his home country, and literally get in the back of the line when applying for permanant status.

Graham says "no."

Kyl uses the example of a kid who snuck into a movie. The usher catches him. Instead of having to leave the movie, the usher lets the kid buy a ticket from his seat; but "back of the line" would have the kid leave the theater and standin the back of the line.

Good analogy, but doesn't reflect the predetermined solution here, which is to legitimize a certain segment of aliens who are presently in the country illegally, without much disruption to their activities.

The Kyl amendment failed.