The problem which no one wishes to tackle is a hard one: I.E. The law (or stupid custom) granting automatic citizenship to the children of illegals must end. If we are to have gastarbeiter on the German model, as our leader is actually proposing, the whole damn family has to return to Mexico in three years. And of course, for GWB's proposal to work, the border must be tightly controlled. No one wishes to state the ugly truth ... we don't want "guest workers" on the citizenship track ... and they want to stay forever.
And as usual, official sources understate the numbers involved at about a factor of 10. The former Foreign Minister of Mexico opined on the radio that, as the Mexican population ages, we can expect "only 750,000 or so" migrants from his country every year! Nice try. That's probably the number that snuck in last month!
In truth, we are looking at becoming a majority hispanic (mostly Mexican) country within the next century. Can't wait to see what congress does with GWB's plan. Keep your sense of humor ... but make sure the kids learn Spanish.
BTW, there is no way most Republicans would be willing to set this up so it can work. Their fear of the press labelling every sensible detail as xenophobia and racism is real ... and accurate.
A very good point.
As far as I can tell, the anti-Bush comments miss the boat on 2 levels: First, like the proposal or not, the status quo aint that great. second, have you looked at the Democrat viewpoint? Open borders, full amnesty, and a full end to the concept of citizenship entirely. If you want to hyperventilate over the destruction of our culture, save it for the Howard Dean. he really deserves it. He's that bad.
And as usual, official sources understate the numbers involved at about a factor of 10. The former Foreign Minister of Mexico opined on the radio that, as the Mexican population ages, we can expect "only 750,000 or so" migrants from his country every year! Nice try. That's probably the number that snuck in last month! Actually, that # is probably accurate. They have also said that demographics would change in Mexico so that by 2015 this would subside. What is the Mexican interest in this issue? Simple, they are exporting their unemployment! Well, if we took the workers without taking their 39 other relatives, we would still have some workers but not the flood of immigrants. Therein lies the 'compromise' imho. A small guest worker program, vigorous enforcement of law, and end chain migration and anchor babies. then we would have a saner policy: more space for the 'workers only' migrants, no flood of illegals, and a manageable labor situation that doesnt hurt American workers.