Posted on 12/10/2003 5:18:44 AM PST by Klickitat
Ridge: Give illegal entrants 'status' A top Bush administration official suggests at a town hall meeting in Miami that illegal immigrants should be granted limited legal status. BY MICHAEL VASQUEZ mrvasquez@herald.com
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said Tuesday that he believes the vast majority of illegal immigrants in the United States are not a threat to national security and should be given ``some kind of legal status.''
Ridge's comments came during a town hall meeting at Miami Dade College in response to a question from the audience about whether offering amnesty to illegal immigrants might make them easier to track and make the country safer.
While saying any changes in immigration laws would have to be approved by Congress, Ridge said he believed there was growing momentum to change the way the nation dealt with illegal immigrants.
''I'm not saying make them citizens,'' Ridge said. ``They violated our laws to get here. You don't reward that kind of conduct.''
Ridge provided no further explanation about how granting illegal immigrants limited legal status would work and what rights such a status would carry. A telephone call to a spokesperson for Ridge seeking further comment was not returned.
But the remarks by a key member of President Bush's cabinet suggests a shift in tone toward illegal immigrants.
Following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the Bush administration placed greater emphasis on protecting the nation's borders, enacting measures to thwart terrorists.
Efforts in Washington at reforming immigration policy essentially were put on hold. And immigrant advocates have said they perceive many of the Bush administration's national security measures to be anti-immigrant.
As a result, Ridge's comments caught some immigrant advocates off guard.
''I had no idea the [Bush administration] was seriously considering it,'' said Cheryl Little, executive director of the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center.
Little said most antiterrorist initiatives adopted by the Bush administration jeopardize national security by making illegal immigrants distrustful of authorities.
Those supporting stricter U.S. immigration policy criticized Ridge's comments. Dan Stein, executive director of the Washington-based Federation for American Immigration Reform, said granting illegal immigrants additional rights would encourage more to head for U.S. borders.
''What security objective is accomplished by encouraging further lawbreaking?'' Stein asked. `
Stein said he believed that some illegal immigrants given limited legal status would provide authorities false biographical information.
The issue of granting illegal immigrants certain rights has proven volatile. Former California Gov. Gray Davis, citing post-Sept. 11 security concerns, vetoed a bill last year that would have allowed illegal immigrants to obtain California driver's licenses. A year later, facing a tough recall campaign, Davis signed a bill with fewer security safeguards. Some voters viewed Davis's turnabout as a political ploy to please the Democratic Party's Latino wing and the controversy contributed to Davis' defeat.
The lunatics are in charge of the asylum...
The CATO Institute takes quite a few positions I agree with, including welfare reform and gun rights. On immigration though they're out in left field.
Export.
Write in Tancredo.
Just one more baby-step taken on the road to the Republic's demise.
You're d****d right there is Tom. We want them the h*ll out! What part of "illegal" do you not understand???
Precisely; so why are we even having this discussion?
Sure, if you change your name to Ramirez or Gomez and pretend you can't speak English.
Don't lopok now, but they have been for awhile and the RATs fight hard to prevent any legislation that would prevent it.
He can't do that. That would be racial profiling. < /sarcasm >
"Write in Tancredo."
LOL!! That is a GREAT idea!!
Not a good week for conservatives. First the pill bill, then Campaign Finance gets upheld and finally, this with Ridge.
Why do you not consider the constitutional amendment that I recommended to be a good idea?
I sure hope Tancredo and the Caucus can put a stop to this in the House of Reps.
Ridge said he believed there was growing momentum to change the way the nation dealt with illegal immigrants.
He's right about that. Growing momentum to have the government start doing its job and deport the illegals. Typical politician.
GWB better pray that thing doesn't see the top of his desk, because he would sign it if it does. He was very clear about his intention to do so during the campaign, and I suspect he would keep his word. And yep, it would be the icing on the cake for me as well -- he wouldn't get my vote.
Exactly right. The people who exclusively blame Ridge for this are the same people who get mad at Colin Powell for his occasionally unfathomable policy statements regarding Israel and the Middle East --- it all comes from the top.
Staying home isn't enough if you believe grid-lock is better. I am voting for Pat Toomey for senate, and I'm considering voting for Dean for president.
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