Bush visit [Tucson] highlights GOP rifts on border

The Arizona Daily Star ^ | 11.27.2005 | Mitch Tobin

[Borax Queen]

Guest-worker plan to top Monday agenda

Hoping to straddle a fracture in the Republican Party, President Bush is due in Tucson on Monday to promote his border and immigration policies.

The 2:40 p.m. speech at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is the president's only scheduled stop here.

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff are expected to appear with the president at D-M.

With the backing of businesses who need foreign employees, Bush is pushing a guest-worker program that would let undocumented workers obtain three-year work visas. Workers could extend that for another three years, but would then have to return to their home countries for a year to apply for a new work permit.

"Our Border Patrol and immigration agents are doing a fine job, but we still have a problem," Bush said in his Oct. 22 radio address.

"If an employer has a job that no American is willing to take, we need to find a way to fill that demand by matching willing employers with willing workers from foreign countries on a temporary and legal basis."

The proposal has alienated many conservative Republicans who feel it gives amnesty to people who have entered the country illegally.

There are an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants living in the United States.

Competing guest-worker proposals have been introduced in Congress, which is expected to take up the contentious issue early next year:

- Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., support legislation that would allow illegal border crossers to work in the United States for up to six years.

- Sens. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, are backing a plan that would force undocumented workers to first return to their home country to apply for a guest worker permit.

- Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., wants to grant legal status to undocumented workers who have paid taxes and lived in the United States for five years if they pass security checks, pay a $2,000 fine and demonstrate English proficiency.

Rank-and-file Republicans may be less divided on the immigration issue than GOP politicians in Washington, D.C.

An October poll of 807 likely Republican voters found 72 percent supported a plan with increased border security, tougher penalties on employers who hire illegal workers and a temporary worker program in which applicants could gain citizenship if they live crime-free, learn English and pay taxes. GOP pollster Ed Goeas conducted the national survey.

Bush signed a spending bill for Homeland Security last month that includes funding for 1,000 new Border Patrol agents and a 10 percent increase in the holding capacity of detention facilities for border crossers.

Earlier this month, Chertoff unveiled Homeland Security's Secure Border Initiative, which will add 100 deportation officers, 250 criminal investigators and 400 immigration enforcement agents to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The initiative also seeks to eliminate the department's policy of releasing border crossers with a promise to appear in court. Most of these entrants never show up for hearings under the so-called "catch and release" policy.

Tune in to see Bush on TV

-Tucsonans who want to see President Bush during his visit to town Monday will have to turn on their televisions.

Bush's speech at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base will not be open to the public.

"He's not leaving the base, so nothing will be affected as far as road closures," said Officer Lisa Peasley, a Tucson Police Department spokeswoman.

KVOA-TV Channel 4 and KGUN-TV Channel 9 plan to carry Bush's 2:40 p.m. speech live.

[traumer]

...the backing of businesses who need foreign employees = who need CHEAP LABOR

[devolve]

[Borax Queen]

Based on reading the first 100 replies here I see this issue tearing the GOP to pieces.

True and good point, but doesn't it seem like it is the elitists (most politicians and all people who profit from illegal labor) want open borders and the rest of us 'riff-raff' and "vigilantes" (72% according to the poll cited in article) would like our sovereignty enforced via secure borders?

[HonestConservative]

"What's needed:
1. Demonstrable US control of our borders.
2. Make sure employers have the tools to verify citizenship.
3. Fine employers of illegals, jail time for repeat offenders.
4. Remove anchor baby rights.
5. Make all law enforcement responsible for enforcing immigration laws. "

That's the whole ball of wax. It truly is that simple. If the Pubs are unwilling to do the job that American's sent them to do, then The Rats will.

Great post.

[staytrue]

I dare ANYBODY here at FR to step up and say "I believe this is the best approach."

Don't know where you have been because I've said this a lot, but I believe a guest worker program of some type is the best approach.

[mmercier]

The open boarders crowd are neither GOP nor rat, they are elitists.

They will have their way until the middle class can no longer afford to purchase their services, then the bottom will fall out and the migrant masses will burn the middle class areas while the elite retreat to their enclaves.

They are doing this in France this month, it will set in here in a couple of years or so.

I am torn over the decision, and have no options based on my geography; but I will likely support a third party from here on in or simply no longer vote GOP in the national races where I have the option.

The rats can't be any worse than what we have now. Even if they are worse I have limited option to say anything via poll, being located in Massachusetts.

[Borax Queen]

They are doing this in France this month, it will set in here in a couple of years or so.

Exactly. It's already clear that whenever there are Minutemen/secure the border rallies and the La Raza alien lover types show up, the latter usually gets more protection from the police and there is little to no media coverage. Sound familiar? The La Raza groups and friends can wear masks, throw rocks at Americans, intimidate the elderly and even send them to the hospital, and nothing is done.

[staytrue]

The roof is not leaking as the ground floor gym got wet but the 2nd floor gym did not. The hot water was fine for the 1st 2 months and this is a recent problem.

Search for rpac (recreation physical activity center and you will get more hits)

http://www.nbc4i.com/news/4623143/detail.html?rss=col&psp=news

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The opening of the new Ohio State Recreation and Physical Activity Center, set for June 20, has been delayed due to unsatisfactory results following testing of some emergency and building equipment, NBC 4's Duarte Geraldino reported.

"It's not open because we have some problems with the alarm system and the backup generator," said OSU spokeswoman Liz Cook.

In an emergency, the generator powers smoke detectors, fire alarms and various lights.

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Bill Schwartz said the tests will continue as workers seek to correct the problems.

SLIDESHOW: Images From Inside Facility


"We are disappointed with the delay and also understand that RPAC's opening is greatly anticipated by the university community. We are working hard to get the facility up and running as quickly as we can," Schwartz said.

FeedRoom

June 20 Opening Cancelled



The complex cost about $140 million, and houses basketball courts, a cardio workout area three times larger than the previous one and a 25-person Jacuzzi.

The athletic center is expected to have 50,000 users.

The fee for students for the summer quarter is $42. Schwartz said consideration would be given to the possibility of a rebate of part of the fee in the event of a significant delay.

Students will not pay the full fee of $76 until summer 2006.

"There's no way we want to have this facility open without keeping the safety of our students, really anyone who uses this facility. Safety has to be of the utmost importance here," Cook said.

Preliminary results indicate the backup generator will be operational the next the fire marshal comes to test it, Geraldino reported.

June 30 has been set as a possible opening dater.

[mmercier]

>> nothing is done.

Something is going to be done, that is what should scare the peep out of the open boarders crowd.

They have no fear however, fat and happy they sit on high pissing onto the republic and counting on the wet-ones to dutifully reelect their stooges in both political parties.

[dagnabbit]

I hope that President Bush uses this opportunity, while he is in southern Arizona, to apologize to those of us who live on the border who joined the Minuteman Project. He called us "vigilantes." I want an apology. His malfeasance in office in his refusal to properly secure our borders, especially after 9/11, is what brought the whole Minuteman Project about. We can't leave our border unsecured and the people who live along the border do not wish to suffer from the invasion any longer. To insult those people who stood up and donated their time and money to help secure that border is beyond the pale. Bush needs to reaffirm his duty under Article IV Section 4 of the Constitution and he needs to apologize.

Looks like you can forget about your next White House Iftar dinner invitation!

Hopefully, however, our stammerer-in-chief won't be able to get his dishonest amnesty scheme past the House GOP.

[HennepinPrisoner]

"If an employer has a job that no American is willing to take, we need to find a way to fill that demand by matching willing employers with willing workers from foreign countries on a temporary and legal basis."

In other words, these employers (i.e. Bush's donors) just don't want to pay the market rate for manual labor. So Bush's answer is to import labor from 3rd world countries knowing they will happily accept way-below-market-value wages. And are happy to use our free emergency medical services because of their way-below-market wages. And are happy for the free schooling for their 8 kids.

Bush has been such a disappointment on immigration. Now when some of my liberal co-workers bash him for the Iraq war, I answer them by bashing him for immigration instead of sticking up for him like I used to.

[Reaganwuzthebest]

An October poll of 807 likely Republican voters found 72 percent supported a plan with increased border security, tougher penalties on employers who hire illegal workers and a temporary worker program in which applicants could gain citizenship if they live crime-free, learn English and pay taxes. GOP pollster Ed Goeas conducted the national survey.

Sorry Mitch, no one's buying that phony push poll from the Manhattan Institute. Would you like to try again?

[BobS]

There is a simple solution to illegal immigration. It will only need one or two sentences in some bill that congress want's to pass before they want to go on vacation. It goes like this:

"Any one who hires an illegal immigrant is liable for ALL medical care, housing, education of that illegal immigrant for his/her life. Thanks for a recent supreme court ruling, the person who hires illegal people can have all his/her property confiscated to pay for the social care of the people they hire.

That's it. Just stick those two sentences in a bill when Ted Kennedy is getting thirsty...again.

No problemo

[judgeandjury]

I'll never understand your alls hatred at small businesses that produce good products and services.

I want these businesses that produce good products and services to not violate federal immigration laws by hiring illegal alien lawbreakers.

[afnamvet]

I hope that President Bush uses this opportunity, while he is in southern Arizona, to apologize to those of us who live on the border who joined the Minuteman Project. He called us "vigilantes." I want an apology. His malfeasance in office in his refusal to properly secure our borders, especially after 9/11, is what brought the whole Minuteman Project about. We can't leave our border unsecured and the people who live along the border do not wish to suffer from the invasion any longer. To insult those people who stood up and donated their time and money to help secure that border is beyond the pale. Bush needs to reaffirm his duty under Article IV Section 4 of the Constitution and he needs to apologize. It is doubtful that he will do either one. Instead he'll talk about excusing the criminal actions of millions of invaders and providing rewards for breaking and entering our country. His supportive words and actions, to the criminal invaders, will encourage even more to violate the border and destroy my community.

Excellent post.

Source: White House March 6, 2003 press conference...THE PRESIDENT: My job is to protect America, and that is exactly what I'm going to do. People can ascribe all kinds of intentions. I swore to protect and defend the Constitution; that's what I swore to do. I put my hand on the Bible and took that oath, and that's exactly what I am going to do.

The President has reminded us that he is a results oriented type of manager in a leadership position. Well Mr. President ,I'm a results oriented American that has examined your record on securing this nation from a continual invasion of illegal aliens crossing our borders. Your results are unacceptable.

[Czar]

Don't look for Bush to finally wake up on Monday. What a great pro-illegal alien trifecta: Bush, Gonzales and Chertoff.

Makes me sick.

[Czar]

As you may know, Dane is perhaps the most inept member of the tiny FR quisling contingent. She rarely gets up to bat, since her "arguing points" consist entirely of only a few trite over used phrases, endlessly repeated like a parrot. Her favorite: "Tancredo stabbed DeLay in the back". She is, however, our favorite quisling sock puppet.

Check your email.

[nicmarlo]

This should be "interesting."

[blackie]

Protect our borders and coastlines from all foreign invaders!

Support our Minutemen Patriots!

Be Ever Vigilant ~ Bump!

[Dont_Tread_On_Me_888]

You believe a "guest worker" program is the best approach?

You believe that everybody who comes here as a "guest worker" actually works?

You believe that brother Pedro, Aunt Carmen, Uncle Julio and the ten cousins that tag along are somehow "good for America"?

You believe that a "guest worker program" will stop the billions of dollars being spent for illegal alien medical care?

You believe that a "guest worker program" is best for America when it is not tied to an end to teaching classes in Spanish in the public schools, or an end to flying the Mexican flag at schhols, or an end to singing the Mexican anthem in public schools?

You believe a "guest worker program" is best when a law is not attached for mandatory teaching of American History at triple the rate it is taught at now?

In case you have not noticed, we have had a "guest worker program" for the lat four years under Bush, since these invaders have been allowed to enter, stay and work (or sponge off welfare) without any effort to end the invasion of our land.

Your backing of this "guest intruder program" is helping to trash our national sovereignty. Your ideas are F.O.S., just like Bush's ideas on this subject.