Bush: Raise (Immigration) Limit for Mexico

The Washington Times ^ | 08-07-2004 | Bill Sammon

[NewRomeTacitus]

President Bush yesterday called on Congress to increase the number of Mexican immigrants allowed into the United States.

"I support raising the quotas on certain population groups, like the Mexican nationals, on who can become a citizen. In order to solve the logjam for citizenship, Congress has got to raise the quotas."

Having long sought to grant legal status to illegal aliens from Mexico, the president said yesterday that the only way to enact his plan is to allocate more legal-immigration slots to Mexicans.

"The issue there is whether or not people automatically get to step in the front of the line when it comes to citizenship," he said. "I don't think they should. I think those who have been waiting in line to be a citizen ought to be allowed to keep that priority in line."

Mr. Bush did not explain how non-Mexican applicants for U.S. residency would keep their place in line if the quota for Mexican immigrants is enlarged. Nor did he quantify his proposed enlargement for Mexicans, who already far outnumber immigrants from every other nation.

The president's plan to relax immigration rules, which is unpopular among many conservatives, entails granting legal status to millions of Mexicans who break the law to enter the United States. Mr. Bush shuns the term "amnesty," preferring to call it the matching of "willing workers with willing employers."

"People ought to be allowed to be here legally to work. That's what I believe. This will help bring people out of the shadows of our society. This will help, kind of, legalize a system that takes place every day, without employers...or employees feeling like they're going to be arrested, subjected to fines," he added.

[Bella_Bru]

Will you start paying for their healthcare, and for the education of their children so the rest of us don't have to? The emergency rooms in California are clogged with illegals, our tax dollars go to bilingual education, and we are all paying for them to have as many kids as they want.

If you support illegals so much, why don't you offer to pay for the cost of them?

[Bella_Bru]

You must be a contractor. Only someone who benefits from the cheap labor would support this.

[judgeandjury]

The "I only hate the illegal ones" has never been persuasive except to people looking for some publicly acceptable excuse for hating Mexicans.

So tell me, how long have you been a racist?

[judgeandjury]

Making illegals legal is good, no?

Making illegals legal is BAD because it rewards lawbreaking.

[Southack]

http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/01/07/bush.immigration/

Bush also touted his immigration proposals as a national security measure, saying it will help the United States exert more control over its borders.

"Our homeland will be more secure when we can better account for those who enter our country," he said. "Instead of the current situation, in which millions of people are unknown ... law enforcement will face few problems with undocumented workers and will be better able to focus on the true threats to our nation from criminals and terrorists," he said.

But while temporary workers will have the opportunity to try to stay in the United States permanently, they will be encouraged to return to their home countries with financial incentives and, if they do decide to stay, will have to compete with migrants outside the country for the limited number of immigration slots, the president said.

"I oppose amnesty -- placing undocumented workers on the automatic path to citizenship," he said. "Granting amnesty encourages the violation of our laws and perpetuates illegal immigration. America's a welcoming country. But citizenship must not be the automatic reward for violating the laws of America."

Currently, about 140,000 "green cards" are issued each year to people wanting to migrate to the United States. Bush said Wednesday that number is too low, and he called on Congress to raise it, although he did not give a specific number.

Illegal immigrants already in the United States can only apply for the temporary worker program if they already have a job. The special status would last for three years and could be renewed once, for a total stay of six years. If temporary workers failed to stay employed or broke the law, they would be sent home, Bush said.

Bush said the new legal status would allow illegal immigrants to travel back to their home countries, without the fear they would not be allowed to return to the United States, and he said it would also help keep immigrants from being abused or exploited. (Border residents question immigration proposal)

"This new system will be more compassionate. Decent, hardworking people will now be protected by labor laws, with the right to change jobs, earn fair wages and enjoy the same working conditions that the law requires for American workers," he said.

"Temporary workers will be able to establish their identities by obtaining the legal documents that we all take for granted. And they will be able to talk openly to authorities to report crimes when they're harmed without the fear of being deported," he said.

People outside the country will also be able to obtain temporary worker status if they have a job offer from an American employer. Bush said employers would have to prove that they cannot fill the job with an American worker before they would be allowed to hire a non-citizen as a temporary worker. And if the worker quit, the employer would have to notify the government.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Labor Department and other agencies, would administer the new program, as it does with other temporary visa programs.

The immigration proposal, unveiled by Bush in a speech in the East Room of the White House, is his first major new policy initiative of the 2004 election year. He outlined his idea in broad strokes, rather than providing specific legislation. Administration officials said many of the details would be worked out in consultation with Congress.

The White House initiative is modeled after several proposals pending in Congress.

For example, U.S. Rep. Jim Kolbe, R-Arizona, has called for a temporary worker program if employers initially post jobs on the Internet for 14 days to give Americans a first crack.

[Southack]

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/01/20040107-3.html

Our reforms should be guided by a few basic principles. First, America must control its borders. Following the attacks of September the 11th, 2001, this duty of the federal government has become even more urgent. And we're fulfilling that duty.

For the first time in our history, we have consolidated all border agencies under one roof to make sure they share information and the work is more effective. We're matching all visa applicants against an expanded screening list to identify terrorists and criminals and immigration violators. This month, we have begun using advanced technology to better record and track aliens who enter our country -- and to make sure they leave as scheduled. We have deployed new gamma and x-ray systems to scan cargo and containers and shipments at ports of entry to America. We have significantly expanded the Border Patrol -- with more than a thousand new agents on the borders, and 40 percent greater funding over the last two years. We're working closely with the Canadian and Mexican governments to increase border security. America is acting on a basic belief: our borders should be open to legal travel and honest trade; our borders should be shut and barred tight to criminals, to drug traders, to drug traffickers and to criminals, and to terrorists.

Second, new immigration laws should serve the economic needs of our country. If an American employer is offering a job that American citizens are not willing to take, we ought to welcome into our country a person who will fill that job.

Third, we should not give unfair rewards to illegal immigrants in the citizenship process or disadvantage those who came here lawfully, or hope to do so.

Fourth, new laws should provide incentives for temporary, foreign workers to return permanently to their home countries after their period of work in the United States has expired.

Today, I ask the Congress to join me in passing new immigration laws that reflect these principles, that meet America's economic needs, and live up to our highest ideals. (Applause.)

I propose a new temporary worker program that will match willing foreign workers with willing American employers, when no Americans can be found to fill the jobs. This program will offer legal status, as temporary workers, to the millions of undocumented men and women now employed in the United States, and to those in foreign countries who seek to participate in the program and have been offered employment here. This new system should be clear and efficient, so employers are able to find workers quickly and simply.

All who participate in the temporary worker program must have a job, or, if not living in the United States, a job offer. The legal status granted by this program will last three years and will be renewable -- but it will have an end. Participants who do not remain employed, who do not follow the rules of the program, or who break the law will not be eligible for continued participation and will be required to return to their home.

Under my proposal, employers have key responsibilities. Employers who extend job offers must first make every reasonable effort to find an American worker for the job at hand. Our government will develop a quick and simple system for employers to search for American workers. Employers must not hire undocumented aliens or temporary workers whose legal status has expired. They must report to the government the temporary workers they hire, and who leave their employ, so that we can keep track of people in the program, and better enforce immigration laws. There must be strong workplace enforcement with tough penalties for anyone, for any employer violating these laws.

Undocumented workers now here will be required to pay a one-time fee to register for the temporary worker program. Those who seek to join the program from abroad, and have complied with our immigration laws, will not have to pay any fee. All participants will be issued a temporary worker card that will allow them to travel back and forth between their home and the United States without fear of being denied re-entry into our country. (Applause.)

This program expects temporary workers to return permanently to their home countries after their period of work in the United States has expired. And there should be financial incentives for them to do so. I will work with foreign governments on a plan to give temporary workers credit, when they enter their own nation's retirement system, for the time they have worked in America. I also support making it easier for temporary workers to contribute a portion of their earnings to tax-preferred savings accounts, money they can collect as they return to their native countries. After all, in many of those countries, a small nest egg is what is necessary to start their own business, or buy some land for their family.

Some temporary workers will make the decision to pursue American citizenship. Those who make this choice will be allowed to apply in the normal way. They will not be given unfair advantage over people who have followed legal procedures from the start. I oppose amnesty, placing undocumented workers on the automatic path to citizenship. Granting amnesty encourages the violation of our laws, and perpetuates illegal immigration. America is a welcoming country, but citizenship must not be the automatic reward for violating the laws of America. (Applause.)

The citizenship line, however, is too long, and our current limits on legal immigration are too low. My administration will work with the Congress to increase the annual number of green cards that can lead to citizenship. Those willing to take the difficult path of citizenship -- the path of work, and patience, and assimilation -- should be welcome in America, like generations of immigrants before them. (Applause.)

In the process of immigration reform, we must also set high expectations for what new citizens should know. An understanding of what it means to be an American is not a formality in the naturalization process, it is essential to full participation in our democracy. My administration will examine the standard of knowledge in the current citizenship test. We must ensure that new citizens know not only the facts of our history, but the ideals that have shaped our history. Every citizen of America has an obligation to learn the values that make us one nation: liberty and civic responsibility, equality under God, and tolerance for others.

This new temporary worker program will bring more than economic benefits to America. Our homeland will be more secure when we can better account for those who enter our country, instead of the current situation in which millions of people are unknown, unknown to the law. Law enforcement will face fewer problems with undocumented workers, and will be better able to focus on the true threats to our nation from criminals and terrorists. And when temporary workers can travel legally and freely, there will be more efficient management of our borders and more effective enforcement against those who pose a danger to our country. (Applause.)

This new system will be more compassionate. Decent, hard-working people will now be protected by labor laws, with the right to change jobs, earn fair wages, and enjoy the same working conditions that the law requires for American workers. Temporary workers will be able to establish their identities by obtaining the legal documents we all take for granted. And they will be able to talk openly to authorities, to report crimes when they are harmed, without the fear of being deported. (Applause.)

The best way, in the long run, to reduce the pressures that create illegal immigration in the first place is to expand economic opportunity among the countries in our neighborhood. In a few days I will go to Mexico for the Special Summit of the Americas, where we will discuss ways to advance free trade, and to fight corruption, and encourage the reforms that lead to prosperity. Real growth and real hope in the nations of our hemisphere will lessen the flow of new immigrants to America when more citizens of other countries are able to achieve their dreams at their own home. (Applause.)

Yet our country has always benefited from the dreams that others have brought here. By working hard for a better life, immigrants contribute to the life of our nation. The temporary worker program I am proposing today represents the best tradition of our society, a society that honors the law, and welcomes the newcomer. This plan will help return order and fairness to our immigration system, and in so doing we will honor our values, by showing our respect for those who work hard and share in the ideals of America.

May God bless you all. (Applause.)

END 3:07 P.M. EST

[cyborg]

a long time apparently

[Southack]

"The Bush proposal, as it stands, not only doesn't require the Illegals to ever leave (and you know this full well) after three years, he hasn't even stated that there would be any waiting period for legalized Illegals to apply for green cards."

"Undocumented workers now here will be required to pay a one-time fee to register for the temporary worker program. Those who seek to join the program from abroad, and have complied with our immigration laws, will not have to pay any fee. All participants will be issued a temporary worker card that will allow them to travel back and forth between their home and the United States without fear of being denied re-entry into our country. (Applause.)

This program expects temporary workers to return permanently to their home countries after their period of work in the United States has expired."

5 Legislative Days Left Until The AWB Expires

[Southack]

"Enforce the laws on the books, and Illegals will begin self-deportation."

That's been tried before with some limited success, I'll grant you, but the sheer *scope* of this problem makes such enforcement unlikely to convince so many millions of presently *anonymous* illegals to self-deport.

There have been such large-scale attempts in other countries at other times, and some populations did see some of their numbers flee, but the overall problem required tremendous resources and still was never entirely successful.

5 Legislative Days Left Until The AWB Expires

[raybbr]

No, they're just better than the people who blame them for their inability to compete with them in the labor market.

You want Americans to compete with illegals for jobs? Why? So we Americans can earn $8/hr. like those that work where I do? Is that your image of a prosperous life?

Not all Hispanics are mowing lawns at minimum wage. Some are operating heavy equipment at $60 per hour; others are construction foremen, skilled bricklayers, sheetrock hangers, floor installers, machinists, roofing contractors, wholesalers, etc..

That's exactly the point. They are now taking jobs that Americans want and need to provide for their families. But, I guess that it's more important to you to see mexicans making good wages than Americans.

These are the ones that most anti-immigrants are jealous of, not the ones digging trenches and carrying tar buckets.

Exactly. Same point as above.

But if you're not willing to start at the bottom and work your way up, you'll never have one of the high paying jobs.

Oh, now I see. Americans are spoiled. You can't have it both ways. First you brag about the mexicans making good money now you say Americans who want to make good money are spoiled. Where is the logic in that?

You don't see sussessful people complaining about immigrants.

Nice lie. We are complaning about illegals. You twist that around to your socialist way of thinking and call all of us racists for not wanting illegals to be rewarded for their crimes. You are so full of it your eyes are brown.

I'll say it again. You are the racist. Do you believe that Poles, Germans, Russians, Irish, etc. illegals should have the same accomodations as your beloved hispanics?

[4Freedom]

When Bush made his attempt to sneak an extention of 245(i) amnesty through congress, behind the U.S. Taxpayer's backs, he did it with the full weight of his office.

Most Republicans in congress acted merely as a rubber stamp for the president's flagrant Hispandering.

Democrat senator Robert Byrd, of all people, stopped it.

Another Bush presidency is way more dangerous than 4 years of anyone else.

The Republicans in congress will fight against anyone, BUT BUSH AND ROVE!

I'd rather have 4 more years of gridlock than 4 more years of watching Bush reach for his ankles, when Vicente Fox is around. ;^)

[Nea Wood]

Dear Pollywog,

I understand what you are saying. But I look at it this way: We live in California. Our state's electoral votes are going to go to Kerry, most likely, no matter what we do.

Terry Anderson (radio talk show host) also has an interesting point. He says that if Kerry, or any other Democrat, were president, and he tried to grant amnesty to illegals, the Republican Congress would oppose him. They won't oppose Bush, however, because he is one of them.

Therefore, I will either vote Constitution Party or write in Tom Tancredo. And I will pray that God shows mercy on this country, because that is the only thing that will save us now.

Sincerely,

Nea

[Sabertooth]

Bush also touted his immigration proposals as a national security measure, saying it will help the United States exert more control over its borders.

Which is, of course, nonsense. This is like saying that legalizing bank robbery would give us more control over our financial institutions.

BTW, I predicted that Bush would use the security issue as a trojan horse for his Amnesty many times. Here's one example.

---

To: Brian S

Ridge is setting you up for Amnesty. The argument will be made that we need to legalize the Illegals and document them, as a security matter.

This is a Trojan Horse for Bush and Rove's Amnesty, nothing less.

50 posted on 09/03/2003 8:08:28 PM PDT by Sabertooth (Arnold would let Illegals stay... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/971733/posts)

[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies | Report Abuse | LINK ]

Ridge says Mexican consular ID cards have security problems

---

Bush/Amnesty apologists poo-pooed it then, yet I was on the mark. Again.

This was back when many would deny there would even be an Amnesty, often using the "blanket Amnesty" red herring. They were wrong, of course. They were also wrong when the White House leaked word of Bush's imminent (and infamous) January Amnesty proposal through the Washington Post last December, claiming that the Post was just trying to cause trouble for Bush with Republicans. They were also wrong when they claimed that the Amnesty wouldn't lead to millions of citizenships for Illegals because of our current quotas, ignoring that the Bush proposal called for increases in those quotas. They have always been wrong, and remains so to this day.

But while temporary workers will have the opportunity to try to stay in the United States permanently, they will be encouraged to return to their home countries with financial incentives and, if they do decide to stay, will have to compete with migrants outside the country for the limited number of immigration slots, the president said.

Oops. This is obviously non-operational, as anyone reading the rest of that speech knew it would be, and as the comments upon which this thread is based demonstrate. Bush is going to blow the limits on the immigration slots.

Additionally, this President wants to comingle our Social Security system with that of Mexico with regard to legal Mexican immigrants. They'd be paid out of our system based on Mexico's obligations.

If legalized Illegals get green cards and citizenship, they're also going to get all of the money that was their financial incentive to leave. It will be called “the compassionate thing to do.” Bet the rent.

"I oppose amnesty -- placing undocumented workers on the automatic path to citizenship," he said. "Granting amnesty encourages the violation of our laws and perpetuates illegal immigration. America's a welcoming country. But citizenship must not be the automatic reward for violating the laws of America."

This is just dishonest. Bush is redefining Amnesty in a manner that allows himself to pose as anti-Amnesty in the same speech that he proposes it. The definition of Amnesty for Illegals is legalizing Illegals, not putting them on automatic paths to citizenship. No Amnesty does that, it's a false premise.

[Sabertooth]

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/01/20040107-3.html

I've posted that link more times than anyone on this site. Suggest you read it, your argument is not supported.

This is all he said about citizenship for Illegals:

Some temporary workers will make the decision to pursue American citizenship. Those who make this choice will be allowed to apply in the normal way. They will not be given unfair advantage over people who have followed legal procedures from the start. I oppose amnesty, placing undocumented workers on the automatic path to citizenship. Granting amnesty encourages the violation of our laws, and perpetuates illegal immigration. America is a welcoming country, but citizenship must not be the automatic reward for violating the laws of America. (Applause.)

The citizenship line, however, is too long, and our current limits on legal immigration are too low. My administration will work with the Congress to increase the annual number of green cards that can lead to citizenship. Those willing to take the difficult path of citizenship -- the path of work, and patience, and assimilation -- should be welcome in America, like generations of immigrants before them. (Applause.)

That's it. Nothing about returning to their homelands, nothing about three-year or six-year waits. Those passages, elsewhere in the speech, refer to guest workers, not to applicants for permanent residence.

[Nea Wood]

BRAVO, your post #86.

[NittanyLion]

The vast majority of Americans are not racists xenophobes...chronic losers who can't keep a job and have to have someone else to blame...are not jealous of Hispanic men...not need some group to hate in order to assuage their own feelings of inadequacy...are not sociopaths who can't function normally in a multi-cultural society and global economic/political environment...recognize the need for immigrant labor to sustain a growing economy...aren't members of labor unions that extort unreasonable wages for subpar work...appreciate the higher standard of living made possible by immigrant labor.

Wow. You certainly brought out the full arsenal of ad hominem attacks. Do you allow for the possibility that the vast majority of Americans are against rewarding folks for breaking laws (illegal aliens)? How about allowing for the idea that, given the WOT, immigration should be restricted at least in the short-term?

Or in your view is anyone who expresses concern over the issue characterized by one of the slurs you posted above?

[Sabertooth]

That's been tried before with some limited success, I'll grant you, but the sheer *scope* of this problem makes such enforcement unlikely to convince so many millions of presently *anonymous* illegals to self-deport.

The limits to the success are in proportion to the limits on the attempt.

The "sheer *scope* of this problem" is greater now than when President Bush took office, because he never wanted to solve it. It's not an excuse for Amnesty.

You underestimate the power of self-deportation. Sweeps of day laborer sites, Prop #187 enabling legislation fom Congress, asset forfeiture of Illegals and their knowing employers would reverse the tide at the borders, which would make this country more, not less secure.

The Bush Amnesty, as all Amnesties do, would accelerate the flow of Illegals across the border. It already has, making us less, not more secure.

I've posted extensively on self-deportation.

They Will Deport Themselves

Eighteen Illegal Alien solutions that are better than any Amnesty

25% of Pakistani Illegal Aliens Deported Themselves since 2001 -
Facts against the Bush Amnesty

The false dilemma behind the Bush Amnesty

The whole logic of self-deportation is like that of asymmetrical warfare. The appropriate exertion of effort in key areas produces windfall benefits. The pro-Amnesty folks alwasy raise the spectre of door-to-door searches, which is a strawman. Self-deportation is the answer, but it requires interior enforcement, something President Bush is congenitally opposed.

There have been such large-scale attempts in other countries at other times, and some populations did see some of their numbers flee, but the overall problem required tremendous resources and still was never entirely successful.

That's a false standard.

Laws against homicide aren't entirely successful. Should we Amnesty murderers?

[Sabertooth]

"This program expects temporary workers to return permanently to their home countries after their period of work in the United States has expired."

Those words are empty for two reasons:

1. Current law expects Illegals not to be here in the first place, and President Bush refuses to enforce that expectation.

2. Bush wants to offer them other programs besides that of guest worker: residence and citizenship. If the legalized-Illegals get into those programs, the toothless enforcement of the guest worker expectations is mooted anyway.

[Mamzelle]

re: You must be a contractor. Only someone who benefits from the cheap labor would support this)))

Or the missus is too lazy to swab her own bidet, and too cheap to hire lawful help to do it.

Lawbreakers need to justify their lawbreaking--they need to feel good about it.

[Owen]

>
"I support raising the quotas on certain population groups, like the Mexican nationals, on who can become a citizen. In order to solve the logjam for citizenship, Congress has got to raise the quotas."
So he wants to give ILLEGALS citizenship?

I guess that settles that debate.
>

It does not say that. It says raise quotas on citizenship. Citizenship is not "given". Applicants have to fulfill requirements including a period of residency and a test of about a dozen questions extracted from 100 possible questions -- all of which a typical applicant learns to avoid failing.

Here are the naturalization requirements for citizenship:

http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/general.htm

The link to the test is at the bottom of the screen. Look it over and think of what % of born citizens could pass it.