Posted on 11/15/2005 4:32:41 PM PST by Nachum
Homeland security chief defends Bush plan, says border eventually will be impenetrable
In defending President Bush's so-called "guest worker" program for illegal aliens – which critics have dubbed an amnesty program – Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says it's just not practical to deport the millions of foreigners in the country illegally.
"The cost of identifying all of those people and sending them back would be stupendous. It would be billions and billions of dollars," Chertoff told Sean Hannity on the Fox News Channel program "Hannity & Colmes" last night.
"One of the reasons I think that we've been focusing on the idea of a temporary worker program as part of a larger strategy for border security is because it would be a way to siphon off people who really want to do nothing more than work here, put them into a regulated program – we would know who they are – we would then be able to send them back at the end of a period of three years or six years. They would have made some money, they could take it back home, and then we could focus our other resources on the people that don't want to do it the right way, and we could get those people sent out."
Hannity challenged Chertoff, saying such a plan rewards those who "didn't respect our laws and sovereignty."
Asked the talk-show host: "Why don't we say, no, you're here illegally, you didn't respect our laws, you ought to go home?"
Chertoff again appealed to the issue of cost, saying, " Sean, you know, it's really an issue of practicality. I mean, as a practical matter, we've got to identify these people and pull them out of the shadows."
The Homeland Security chief emphasized that Bush's plan "is not an amnesty."
Said Chertoff: "The president's proposal is not a path to citizenship. It's clearly temporary, and it clearly envisions people who would have to commit to go back. … What this would let us do is acknowledge the reality that we've got hundreds and thousands of employers all over this country who are employing illegal aliens. Sometimes, individual citizens employing people in their home."
When Hannity suggested quadrupling the number of Border Patrol agents to help deal with the flood of illegals coming across the southern border, Chertoff pointed to training constraints.
"Right now, our capacity for training really is fully stretched," the official said. "Because it is obviously not an easy job, to train a Border Patrol agent. It's very dangerous work on the border."
Chertoff emphasized that since 9-11, the number of Border Patrol personnel has increased by 3,000.
The homeland security chief said he believes there will be a point in the future – using new technology and infrastructure, and more agents – when the border will be impenetrable.
"I think we have a day coming," he told Hannity. "I can't give you
Coming soon ... a mosque in every neighborhood.
Sad but excellent post.
Yes, DO....I did see that article and I agree that I can NOT say what I am feeling.
You could go to sleep knowing RR would never knowingly hurt America. I can't say that now. Are you serious about 10K more SA passports?
Exactly! I'm too furious to say more!
It really is unbelievable. There is something more to this than we are aware of. I sure would like to know...there has to be a why.
The 09/11 perps were Saudi Arabian citizens here on education visas. How much more on point does it have to be, for our leaders to get it?
Thank you.
Brad's Gramma:
Do you remember if it was 'up it to 10,000' or up it by '10,000 more'? I don't.
I'll see if I can find it.
No problem. Take all the billions and billions that gets pi$$ed away each year on foreign aid, and use it to cover the costs of this national security priority.
I got my first clue about Chertoff when he was not aware of the Minutemen. Maybe I'm slow.
I believe it would be far more cost effective to identify them, pack 'em up, and send 'em back. Just think of the cost benefits to welfare, medical care, education, law enforcement, and the list goes on and on.
That said, I have no problem with LEGAL immigrants. But, lawbreakers should be treated as such.
IMHO a Mexican/American "Great Wall" is a good idea. Just think of the employment opportunities..........and taxes paid by the employees. A win win situation?
I really don't see that happening in the next 3+ years under the leadership of PresBush&Company.
Remember what Reagan said:
"A nation without borders is not a nation."
Funny, Tancredo said almost the exact same thing a while back and yet everyone here was strangely silent. Now that it is "Bush" saying it, time to go off in a tizzy
The superior of his who has devised this plan is George W. Bush!!! This isnot a plan, this is a fiasco!
These sob's in the administration had better get their heads out of their rectums and get with the program, and the program is to get these illegals out of this country and the sooner the better.
If that is Not done I see No need in supporting republicans for public office in 2006 since they are more gutless than the commiecrats.
No, I don't. I just remember hearing of it..
Hey co;
Maybe it's time to outsource commercial pilots to the lowest bidder in Bombay,Bangladesh,Mexico City and Beiging. Let them put in the lowest bid to deport the aliens versus US carrier.
And why not outsource the US military while we are at it.
And Medical, and education while we are lowballing to the cheapest bidder.
Why is it the USA? It might as well be for sale to the lowest bidder.
Have fun with Soros flying your planes bud.
Good Job, Togo! I knew you had posted this earlier today, but couldn't find it.
400+ posts on your original!
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