Free Republic

The Bush administration needs an extra $400 million to complete its fence along the country's Southwestern border, and government investigators say that may not be enough to finish construction by the end of this year. To complete the 670-mile fence -- already half-built -- the administration has asked Congress to approve the use of $400 million set aside for other programs, said Jayson Ahern, the deputy commissioner of Customs and Border Protection. Higher costs of fuel, steel and labor have led to the shortfall, he said. Ahern is scheduled to testify on Capitol Hill today....the Government Accountability Office will tell...

GRANJENO - Border residents are being asked to act as witnesses to any “abuses” perpetrated by the Department of Homeland Security or its agents during construction of the border wall. Documented evidence of “abuse” is being sought by the No Border Wall group in the hope that it can be used as testimony at congressional hearings held to review the border wall project... Although the No Border Wall group originated in the Rio Grande Valley, No Border Wall spokeswoman Stefanie Herweck said....."The feeling is that we have until now and January, when the new Congress meets and the new administration...

Radio Row to Showcase the Largest Gathering Ever of Radio Hosts Broadcasting Together Live as a Unified Voice Demanding Immigration Enforcement, Secure Borders and No Amnesty. Federation for American Immigration Reform Congressional Task Force (FAIRCTF) announces September 10th and 11th as the dates for its annual Hold Their Feet to the Fire in Washington, D.C. Currently 20 radio hosts are confirmed to broadcast live from Radio Row with upwards of 50 to 75 others expected, thus doubling the size of the broadcast over previous years. In spring of 2007, 37 radio talk hosts attended Hold Their Feet to the Fire...

Do you know the story of the Incredible Disappearing Border Fence? It's an object lesson in gesture politics and homeland insecurity. It's a tale of hollow rhetoric, meaningless legislation and bipartisan betrayal. And in the run-up to the Iowa caucuses, it's a helpful learning tool as you assess the promises of immigration enforcement converts now running for president. Last fall, Democrats and Republicans in Washington responded to continued public outrage over border chaos by passing the "Secure Fence Act." Did you question the timing? You should have. It's no coincidence they finally got off their duffs to respond just before...

Though I have formally endorsed no candidate, I made no secret of the fact that my favorites are Tancredo and Rep. Duncan Hunter – both, admittedly, long shots to get the Republican nomination. Bu I feel compelled to offer some more encouragement to Tancredo for his decision to boycott the recent Spanish-language debate. And he was the only candidate to do so. Tancredo got it right. "If they can't understand the English language, then, of course, they shouldn't be citizens," Tancredo explained. "They shouldn't be voting. And we shouldn't be pandering to them." That's what I like about Tancredo. Simple....

For the connoisseur of political hypocrisy, the shifting immigration stands of three GOP candidates are a veritable banquet. Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney have started doing passable impressions of Lou Dobbs. But can you trust a candidate whose record contradicts his campaign rhetoric? (That was a rhetorical question.) The CNN/YouTube debate was a hoot. Romney and Rudy squared off on what’s shaping up to be the defining issue of Campaign 2008 -- with the dignity of a couple of rabid mongooses. Rudy – who wants to “secure the border” (is there anyone, including Hillary, who says they don’t?)...

So, too, has a striking increase in the number of Californians who blame illegal immigration for the state's problems. "There is more unity among Republicans in this state on illegal immigration than on anything else, including taxes," said Tom Hudson, chairman of the Republican Party in Placer County, near Sacramento, one of the most conservative counties in the state. Among the GOP candidates, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has seized the issue with vigor, and U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo of Colorado has made border security the centerpiece of his long-shot campaign, even airing a campaign commercial comparing illegal immigration with...

Last week, in an article titled "Walking a Tightrope on Immigration," The New York Times made the fact-defying claim that the illegal immigration issue poses a risk for Republicans who appeal to voters "angry" about illegal immigration. (This is as opposed to voters "angry" that they spent good money buying a copy of The New York Times.)

* First and foremost, control the borders and enforce the laws we have. Immigration laws aren't effective if we dodge or ignore them. And amnesty is not the answer. * We need to quit condoning illegal immigration through couching language and compromising justifications. Using terms like "undocumented immigration" only complicates the issue. Illegal is illegal. To justify or exempt one illegality will only open the floodgates for others. Haven't we condoned enough already? * Don't just write your representatives – hound them about the issues of illegal immigrants and terrorist importations. To speak against illegal immigration is not racist but...

In summer 1991, beginning a long air trip on a National Review Institute delegation to the Far East, I opened a 14,000-word submission to National Review and settled down to read. My mood was a good deal more optimistic than it usually was toward 14,000-word submissions. Its author was a friend and gifted writer, Peter Brimelow, then a senior editor at Forbes, who had long wanted to write this piece. But was the topic “hot� enough to command as much as 20 pages in a national magazine? I was soon blown away by one of the most powerful and lively...

Border Patrol agents have directed my attention to a letter their union, the National Border Patrol Council, sent to the City of Newark: August 10th 2007 Dear City of Newark If your city officials had reported Mr. Carranza as an illegal alien to DHS while he was in your jail for raping children, the three young people murdered by Mr. Carranza would be alive. Other sanctuary cities pay heed, because it is only a matter of time until it happens to someone in your town. Jose Carranza, Illegal Alien Mass Murderer Several promising lives snuffed out in an instant by...

My fellow Americans, we have a problem. We spend billions of dollars on homeland security, but our government can't even track and deport convicted criminal aliens. These are not the well-meaning "newcomers" who just want to "pursue economic opportunities" by "doing the jobs no one else will do." These are foreign-born thugs, sex offenders, murderers and repeat drunk drivers who are destroying the American Dream. If our immigration and entrance system cannot effectively monitor, detain and kick out convicted criminal aliens -- including illegal border-crossers, illegal visa overstayers, fugitive deportees, and green card holders who have committed serious crimes and...

The Senate vote on immigration failed. The issue is dead. Or is it? No, it isn't – and Americans better not be complacent about it. The politicians will be back with another version, regardless of which party wins the next election. Locally, the same mentality prevails to circumvent law, logic and morals on the part of politicians, activist groups and churches and the media are cheerleaders. Example: Front page, Contra Costa Times in Northern California, July 11. Complete with intentionally emotional pictures, it described a 1.3-square mile area on one street in Concord with 91 apartment complexes housing some 38,000...

A Pennsylvania district attorney who has drawn national attention for his raids on businesses that employ illegal aliens is considering a run for state attorney general to broaden his effort to secure the nation's borders. Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli, however, has had to scramble to bury a report – from his own camp – that he will make a third bid for state attorney general in 2008. An e-mail from Morganelli's political action committee, Us Securing America, announced the veteran prosecutor's intentions and asked for grassroots and financial support. ''I have decided to seek the office of Attorney...

President Bush and his pro-amnesty allies both in and out of Congress suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of the American people. Like any other public controversy, there are vested interests served on both sides of the amnesty issue, but I'd like to raise some ordinary non-rocket-science questions to the pro-amnesty crowd, many of whom are my libertarian friends. Do people, anywhere in the world, have a right to enter the United States irrespective of our laws pertaining to immigration? Unless one wishes to obfuscate, there's a simple "yes" or "no" answer to that question. If a "yes" answer...

In a bizarre twist to a dispute over a four-foot-high fence near the U.S.-Canada border in Whatcom County, President Bush on Tuesday fired Dennis Schornack as U.S. Commissioner to the International Boundary Commission and member of the International Joint Commission. "I would like to extend my best wishes in your future endeavors," wrote presidential assistant Liza Wright in conveying Bush's order. The letter told Schornack that he is "terminated effectively immediately." The firing came without warning. The legal counsel to the International Boundary Commission described Bush's order as improper. He argued that Schornack holds a quasi-judicial position with an international...

Contrary to continuing media propaganda, the 2006 election and the killing of the Senate "comprehensive" immigration bill do NOT prove that anti-amnesty is a loser for Republicans. The Democrats who won in 2006 campaigned with Republican-rhetoric messages calling for border security, and they kept their promises in the decisive cloture vote on June 28. Republican Senators voted "no" by a 3-to-1 majority (37 to 12), and they were conspicuously joined by three new Democratic senators who defeated incumbent Republicans in November after criticizing the failure of the U.S. government to stop the flow of illegal immigrants across U.S. borders. They...

It is among the odder ironies of modern political life that the Fourth of July, a holiday set aside to celebrate American exceptionalism, has become an occasion to proclaim multicultural pieties. For a vivid demonstration of this tendency, look no further than the habit of our high-minded commentators to lecture every Independence Day that “we are a nation of immigrants.” In in its most extreme incarnation, this claim holds not only that America has been “a nation of immigrants from its very inception” – an observation equal parts true and misleading – but that any reflection on the American character...

As Mark Twain might say, reports of the Immigration Bill's death have been highly exaggerated. The bill might have been killed for the second time, but today's Wall Street Journal reports that at least three key parts of it may still have life (one of which, the Dream Act, I've previously written about). Yes, it's like Freddy Kruger. The bill never completely dies. These, too, must be killed: It ain't over 'til it's over.

President Bush's public approval ratings are at an all-time low. It's difficult to imagine how he could improve them dramatically with just about 18 months left in office. But I do believe there is one speech he could make that would instantly increase his popularity by 50 percent to 100 percent. It's a speech he will never give. Here is a rough draft of the text: "My fellow Americans, I come before you today to admit a mistake and correct our course. "I have made my case for comprehensive immigration reform as the proper way to address concerns over our...

RUSH: 46 to 53, and it is over. We have some audio sound bites from the debate that happened on the floor of the Senate this morning. It's truly astounding, and I want to you hear these sound bites. Here's what's going to happen next. Just a little prediction here, and I told you, we went out on a limb yesterday and predicted to you this thing would go down in flames. There were 18, as I counted, 18 switch votes, and, by the way, I want to tell you one thing, everybody is going to try to portray this...

Everyone—from President Bush to his critics to Ted Kennedy—is dead set against "amnesty," and yet the word overshadows all else in the immigration debate. Despite its proponents' claims to the contrary, amnesty is the cornerstone of the Senate's immigration bill. Indeed, this legislation, with its many provisions, guarantees one thing only: that a population of individuals defined solely on the basis of their illegal status will receive legal status and a privileged path to permanent residency and citizenship. Everything else in the bill—border security, worker verification, the temporary worker plan, a new merit-based immigration system—would be contingent on future political...

Why am I not surprised? While Washington is roiled in the divisiveness of the immigration/amnesty bill, the pencil pushers are working on the building of "THE FENCE"! I'm talking about the fence that's supposed to be built along the Mexican border to cut down the number of illegal aliens sneaking into this country every day. Well, it's not really a fence, as any normal person would imagine. This is a new-fangled one. It's a high-tech "fence" that depends on towers, radar, cameras, video terminals, detectors and all kinds of technology – so much in fact, that Border Patrol agents will...

If you listen to George W. Bush and his small, fringe-like cadre of amnesty supporters, you would hear that it is virtually impossible to get more than 15 million illegal aliens out of the country. They try to get you to imagine 50,000 747s filled with deportees taking off for Mexico and returning empty. They try to get you to imagine concentration camps filled with families who only sought a better way of life for themselves. They try to get you to imagine the cost of hiring millions of new immigration enforcement officials, building new holding facilities and transporting of...

President Bush insists if we just shut up, blindly listen to him and support his so-called "comprehensive immigration reform plan," we can solve the problem "once and for all." I have a better idea. Since Bush has, for nearly seven years, deliberately, consciously and overtly refused to uphold his sworn constitutional duty to execute and administer the duly enacted border and immigration laws already on the books, he should be disqualified from participating in any further negotiations regarding new border and immigration laws. Doesn't that make sense? Why would we turn to a scofflaw president, one who, out of some...

I don't know whether this sham of an immigration bill is dead or just resting "in the shadows" like a fine upstanding member of the Vampiric-American community About five years or so back, I started making references in columns to "fine upstanding members of the Undocumented-American community." But from the lame Steyn joke of yesteryear to the reality of tomorrow is a mere hop and a skip. A few days ago, Harry Reid, the Senate majority leader, declared: "This week we will vote on cloture and final passage of a comprehensive bill that will strengthen border security, bring the 12...

The "comprehensive immigration reform plan" worked out secretly by the staff of the White House and Senate is a fraud meant to deceive the American people with an elaborate Ponzi scheme of proposals – none of which will secure the border or deal effectively with 15 million to 20 million illegal aliens who are already inside the country. It's a daunting task even to know where to begin in dissecting this bill, which I have actually taken the trouble to read – something I doubt most members of the Senate have done, including those endorsing it. The fundamental flaw with...

Boston, MA - Romney for President today launched its newest television ad, "Secure Borders." The ad highlights Governor Romney's support for reforming our immigration system by strengthening our borders and implementing an employment verification system. The remarks were made at an "Ask Mitt Anything" forum on April 3 in Derry, New Hampshire. The ad will be a part of the campaign's spot rotation starting this weekend in markets in Iowa and New Hampshire. Scripts and viewing links are below. Script For "Secure Borders" (TV:60): GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "Yes Sir?" QUESTIONER: "How would you deal with the border issue?" GOVERNOR ROMNEY:...

First, secure our borders Editor's note: Arnold Schwarzenegger was invited to appear on "Lou Dobbs Tonight" to discuss immigration, but he declined. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today called our current immigration system "bad policy" in a Wall Street Journal editorial. As the leader of the largest border state on the frontline of the illegal immigration crisis, Gov. Schwarzenegger today for the first time partially adopted the position I've advocated for the past two years: First, secure our borders, then deal with the illegal immigration crisis. I've repeatedly called for immigration overhaul that's humane, reasonable and effective. I have said straightforwardly...

A lot of people are hyperventilating over the massive protests in American cities by illegal aliens and their supporters. Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh? Personally, I'm not concerned. Hundreds of thousands of illegals may be able to protest in the streets, buy they can't vote in November. I can. Thousands of high school kids may be able to protest in the streets, but they can't vote in November. I can. Thousands of apologists for illegal aliens may be able to protest in the streets, but most of them probably won't vote in November. I will. Will...

For Immediate ReleaseApril 8, 2006 President's Radio Address       Audio      In Focus: Immigration      THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This week, Members of the United States Senate reached a promising bipartisan compromise on comprehensive immigration reform. Unfortunately, this compromise is being blocked by the Senate Democratic leader who has refused to allow Senators to move forward and vote on amendments to this bill. I call on the Senate Minority Leader to end his blocking tactics and allow the Senate to do its work and pass a fair, effective immigration reform bill.  Radio Address 200620052004200320022001  Radio Interviews 20052004 Immigration is an emotional...

PA elements are furious because Israel proposes constructing a buffer zone between northern Gaza and mainland Israel - even though it is to be built in Israeli territory. The planned protective zone is to be at least seven kilometers (4.5 miles) long and 150 meters (165 yards) wide. Israel has two critical strategic areas in close proximity to northern Gaza: the crude oil tanks of the Ashkelon-Eilat oil pipeline, and the Rothenberg power station in Ashkelon. Arutz-7's Haggai Huberman reports that a fence already exists along the Gaza-Israel border - part of which is concrete - and another fence...

It was 35 years ago when a phalanx of police officers fired tear gas at a crowd of Latino war-protesters, but Jaime Cruz remembers the event as if it was yesterday. A student at what was then San Fernando Valley State College, Cruz is among a handful of organizers and participants whose lives have been shaped by the Chicano Moratorium, an Aug. 29, 1970, anti-war protest that degenerated into a deadly riot. The march marked an awakening of political consciousness for many of those who are now leaders in the Latino community. Decades later, some of the original organizers are...

My wife and I just printed this petition and filled it out. It took 5 minutes to print, fill it out, and put in an envelope. THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. GET OFF BUTT AND DO IT NOW! IT IS A PETITION TO STOP THIS ILLEGAL ALIEN LUNACY. INITIATIVE MEASURE TO BE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO VOTERS The Attorney General of California has prepared the following title and summary of the chief purpose and points of the proposed measure: DRIVER’S LICENSES. COLLEGE EXPENSES. PUBLIC BENEFITS. ELIGIBILITY OF ILLEGAL ALIENS. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. Prohibits aliens unlawfully in United States from obtaining: a driver’s...

It didn't take long for President Bush to betray those who returned him to office for another four years. The first big insult to his base came this week when he moved to resurrect his ugly plan to relax rules against illegal immigration – as if they weren't relaxed enough. Bush reportedly met privately in the Oval Office with Sen. John McCain to discuss re-igniting his badly misguided initiative to grant legal status to millions of immigrants who broke the law to enter the United States. McCain is one of the Senate's most outspoken supporters of expanding guest-worker programs and...

<p>You wrote in the Monday editorial "Bush's conservative support" that "the president showed why conservatives will support him in November: Because he is one of them." Unfortunately, he is not.</p> <p>Under President Bush, the Republican Party has become the party of big government. The government has grown bigger and bigger, with more agencies, bureaucracies and enforcement programs. This president and a Republican Congress have given us an 8.2 percent annual increase in discretionary domestic spending (that's non-defense, non-entitlement), far greater than anything during the Clinton administration or any other administration since Richard Nixon's. This administration has given us the largest new entitlement program in almost four decades. Mr. Bush has yet to veto a single spending bill.</p>

Please take a look at the following petition on Grassfire and consider signing it and passing it on to as many people as you can. This is a critical issue that needs to be addressed and resolved as soon as possible. it is being politicised and all politics needs to be set aside regarding this IMHO. IMMIGRATION PETITION TO SECURE OUR BORDERS Illegal immigration is one of the most serious threats facing our nation’s security. To this end, our nation MUST make this a NUMBER ONE priority, and aggressively address this problem at its source to truly stop the flow...