In 2008 it will have been 32 years since America ran a presidential election without a Bush or a Clinton on either major party's ticket. The chances are very good that we'll be extending the record.
There is much to be sick about.
-Dan
Posted on 03/16/2006 1:51:16 PM PST by VU4G10
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Under pressure to produce broad immigration reform legislation by the end of the month, a U.S. Senate panel on Thursday neared agreement on a proposal that would give some of the 12 million illegal aliens living in the country an opportunity to earn citizenship.
Although no vote will be held until after a weeklong congressional recess, the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday appeared ready to back a proposal by panel member Sen. Edward Kennedy, a Massachusetts Democrat, who has worked on the issue with his Republican colleague John McCain of Arizona.
The panel, which is working on comprehensive immigration and border security legislation, will also consider a related proposal that would allow foreigners to enter the United States as legal guest workers and then have a chance to earn permanent status.
Republicans are divided over immigration policy, and the Judiciary Committee plan is likely to spark a firestorm from conservatives who oppose regularizing the status of illegal immigrants, saying they would be rewarded after breaking U.S. immigration law.
But backers cite both economic and security reasons. They say that providing a path to permanent residency and eventual citizenship will avoid creating a permanent underclass of workers and help bring illegals aliens out of the shadows.
Sen. Charles Grassley, an Iowa Republican who opposes giving permanent status to illegals, said after the meeting that the panel would probably vote for the Kennedy plan.
"The votes are there," Grassley said.
NO AMNESTY
Kennedy told the committee the proposal was not an amnesty. People seeking legal status would have to pay a $2,000 fine, apply for a six-year temporary status, have a job, pay taxes, learn English and show an understanding of U.S. government.
They would not get permanent status faster than the three million foreigners awaiting legal entry, he said.
"There is no moving to the front of the line, there is no free ticket," Kennedy said. "This is not amnesty."
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, quipped that the requirements "probably exclude half of my family."
The panel also reached tentative agreement on a guest worker program sought by President George W. Bush has said he wants. A compromise struck between Kennedy and Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, would give future temporary workers an opportunity to seek permanent status after four years.
U.S. business groups favor creating a temporary worker program to help fill jobs that Americans either cannot or will not do. Both business and labor groups also favor giving current undocumented workers a way to legalize their status.
Committee members said details would be worked out during the recess.
The panel is working against a deadline set by Majority Leader Bill Frist. The Tennessee Republican, and possible contender in the 2008 presidential race, wants the Senate to take up a bill addressing only enforcement and border security. He threatened to do that on March 27 if the Judiciary Committee failed to reach agreement on comprehensive legislation.
Whether Congress will finalize immigration legislation before the November congressional elections is unclear. Both Democrats and Republicans are likely to use the issue to gain advantage.
The House of Representatives has voted for tough border security and enforcement legislation with no guest worker program. The two sides would have to work out their differences before a bill could be sent to Bush for his signature.
Two days ago, I go to the grocery store. The manager closes the line after the customer behind me so that WIC cashier training could occur. How would he know? The customer behind me is a Mexican mother (no wedding ring), doesn't speak English, two children under the age of four, and a shopping cart with WIC items in it.
Several years ago, had one of those campesinos in line at the store in front of me. He buys a bunch of food with food stamps. Then has a separate order of wine and steaks that he pays for with a wad of cash.
Tax dollars at work...transforming immigrants into a permanent welfare class.
Kinda like giving a 4 year old who is going into a barn full of hay, a box of matches!
I don't doubt it one bit either. Of course I'm still thanking them and Peanut Boy for giving away the Panama Canal.
Sen. Charles Grassley, an Iowa Republican who opposes giving permanent status to illegals, said after the meeting that the panel would probably vote for the Kennedy plan.
"The votes are there," Grassley said.
POS RINO!
Kennedy told the congress that his progressive immigrant proposals wouldn't change the make-up of America...
This is national suicide. What could we possibly gain by giving away citizenship so frivolously to people who already have their own country? Does anyone think they're going to suddenly vote overhwelmingly for Republicans instead of the more typical 30%? What happens to the so-called "cheap labor" if they have full rights of citizenship? Has anyone maybe considered selecting the best and the brightest instead of granting citizenship to anyone who happens to trip over the border fence?
Our government has made it clear that it will not protect our borders. The "11 million" illegal aliens Washington says are in this country are closer to 30 million.
And the birth rate among illegals is skyrocketing. The other day I watched six Mexicans go into a Wal-Mart and eight came out. They are out-greeding us folks.
I may move to Mexico to get away from Mexicans.
Freepers should get back to what they do best -- activism.
Our government has made it clear that it will not protect our borders. The "11 million" illegal aliens Washington says are in this country are closer to 30 million.
And the birth rate among illegals is skyrocketing. The other day I watched six Mexicans go into a Wal-Mart and eight came out. They are out-greeding us folks.
I may move to Mexico to get away from Mexicans.
Our government has made it clear that it will not protect our borders. The "11 million" illegal aliens Washington says are in this country are closer to 30 million.
And the birth rate among illegals is skyrocketing. The other day I watched six Mexicans go into a Wal-Mart and eight came out. They are out-greeding us folks.
I may move to Mexico to get away from Mexicans.
Our government has made it clear that it will not protect our borders. The "11 million" illegal aliens Washington says are in this country are closer to 30 million.
And the birth rate among illegals is skyrocketing. The other day I watched six Mexicans go into a Wal-Mart and eight came out. They are out-greeding us folks.
I may move to Mexico to get away from Mexicans.
I may move to Mexico to get away from Mexicans.
Bush
Clinton
Bush
Clinton
I don't know if I envy or pity those who can't see that our country is lost. I think I'm going to be sick.
I like Barney & Miss Beasely. : )
There is much to be sick about.
-Dan
"The bill will not flood our cities with immigrants. It will not upset the ethnic mix of our society."
Before the 1965 immigration reform, 95% of our immigrants came from Europe. Now most of our immigrants from Latin America and Asia.
Senator Kennedy was a bit off on his predictions, or he was just lying. Take your pick.
At any rate, how can we let this fool write any part of this new immigration law?
Notice "the whole scenario" does one thing...enriches the fed government....$2000 here, taxes there, more taxes next year, more money to S.S......and does exactly ZERO to reduce illegal immigration.
Hell, this bill is PERFECT if you're a socialist and believe in open borders....
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