Posted on 03/27/2006 12:42:08 PM PST by mathprof
President George W. Bush, warned the U.S. Congress against fearmongering on Monday as the Senate tackled immigration reform, an issue that has split his Republican party and spurred huge protests.
``The immigration debate should be conducted in a civil and dignified way,'' Bush said, pushing his own proposals at a swearing-in ceremony for 30 new American citizens.
With his job approval rating at the lowest of his presidency, Bush faces a new test of his political strength on the divisive immigration issue.
``No one should play on people's fears or try to pit neighbors against each other,'' he said. ``No one should pretend that immigrants are a threat to American identity, because immigrants have shaped America's identity.''
The public is divided between those who favor curbing illegal immigration with tighter border security and tougher enforcement and those who say it is essential to bring some 12 million illegal workers out of the shadows with a comprehensive overhaul.
Bush has stuck to his three-part plan -- border security, stronger enforcement and a temporary worker proposal, a legal way to fill the jobs that Americans are unwilling to do.
The Senate Judiciary Committee also opened its hearings to craft broad bipartisan legislation that would tighten border security and make it a criminal misdemeanor to be in the country illegally. It too would establish a temporary worker program and provide a way for some of the 12 million illegal immigrants in the country to legalize their status.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
he's partially right. immigrants are not a threat to identity. ILLEGAL immigrants are the threat. immigrants come over and are willing to conform to american ways. ILLEGAL immigrants come over to leach off the system and demand it comform to them.
I guess I'm not sure where I first heard the description of the Hispanic illegal aliens as as Mexican colonists, but that mob in southern California surely fit the definition. A nation that can't control its border isn't a sovereign nation. I fail to see the difference between a nation that cannot control its border from one that refuses to do so.
Has Bush ever been to the cesspool that is Mexico? Has Bush ever really talked to illegals? He is selling out the working class people of the US like a good patrician.
This issue should be so clear to the president. How can he not see it?
What was it President Reagan used to say?: "A country that cannot defend its borders is not a country."
"President Better Than Kerry" or something.
Whoever makes this statement is a liar. Whoever believes this statement is self delusional.
A true statement would be "fill the jobs that Americans are unwilling to do at the wages currently being offered."
In the next election I'll be voting for the candidates most determined to stop this illegal migration into our country.
After the Dudai thing, can Bush do anything more to alienate people? Yes, this illegal alien matter.
The dems are worse, and I think most people realize that and will vote Rep. However... Jeez, what a mess.
MAYBE you could say there is at times a labor shortage. But unwilling? This immigration thing will take the Bush train off its tracks.
I know Bush is trying to do the right thing, I doubt we can round up all the illegals, but certainly we can stop the flow of new illegals. This country's current policy is insanity.
This is the one issue that pi$$es me off with President Bush. His statement that we should not fear immigrants is correct but out of context. No one is fearing immigrants. It is the ILLEGAL immigrants that are a threat, that are an economic drain, that are trashing the border towns and creating havoc. They don't pay taxes, but they get all the benefits of citizenship. That is a rip off.
I beg to differ. The number of illegals marching is actually, quite a threat!
Then you probably won't be votin'. Neither the Demoncrat nor the 'Pubbies are going to take up this issue in a serious fashion.
Then you probably won't be votin'. Neither the Demoncrat nor the 'Pubbies are going to take up this issue in a serious fashion.
BUMP!
The illegals are clearly a threat. But, Bush sitting on his butt and doing nothing is also a huge problem. Maybe he will wake up and actually do his job to protect this country from invasion.
How come? If they are illegals without papers....
There is something here I don't understand. I saw pictures of the march and was astounded. If they really are illegal immigrants where's the police?
That's MY president!!!!! ;^)
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