SAUNDERS: Immigration law backlash not likely

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 3/28/6 | Debra J. Saunders

[SmithL]

OF COURSE, America needs immigrants. This is a country founded by immigrants and made richer by the imprint of newcomers in search of a land that rewards their hard work and determination to make a better life for their families.

The problem is that no country -- certainly, no country with a social safety net -- can afford to accommodate everyone who wants in. (Or as Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Huntington Beach, put it, "We can't be the HMO to the world.") That's why there are immigration policies that limit the number of people who can immigrate here legally.

The lack of an open-door policy has spawned this week's victim class, illegal or "undocumented" immigrants, who have flouted American law and apparently believe they should not have to pay the consequences of that choice. Hence Sunday's huge demonstration in Los Angeles, where activists carried signs that called for "Amnistía, Full Rights for All Immigrants."

The Los Angeles Times duly reported, "Some Republicans fear that pushing too hard against illegal immigrants could backfire nationally, as with Proposition 187 (the 1994 ballot measure that sought to deny benefits for illegal immigrants, that) helped spur record numbers of California Latinos to become U.S. citizens and register to vote. Those voters subsequently helped Democrats regain political control in the state."

Call that the Backlash Myth. In fact, Prop. 187 passed with 59 percent of the vote and GOP Gov. Pete Wilson, who championed the measure, was re-elected in 1994. In 2003, when Democratic Gov. Gray Davis signed a bill that would allow illegal immigrants to get drivers' licenses, he so enraged voters that he sealed his political demise. After Davis was recalled from office, the heavily Democratic California Legislature repealed the bill.

[stevio]

You know this is just getting out of the Senate committee, and so far it's only three Republicans who voted for it. Let's wait and give the other guys a chance. Especially the Congress.

[justshutupandtakeit]

According to the hard right 80% of the GOP is RINO. Hence the term is meaningless.

This issue is a dream come true for the Party of Treason knowing that it would not do ANYTHING and loving it when the most far right attacks its greatest enemy and his party under the delusion that there is some easy answer to the problem. There simply isn't given the complete lack of cooperation the churches and cities give to immigration authorities.

While polls claim Americans are concerned about the issue the actual evidence is that they are not. Oh, the right can be lured into attacking the president but no one else will do anything.

Let us see counterdemonstrations against II. If 1/10th the numbers could be summoned I would be shocked silly.

[SmithL]

Sooner or later, the Senate version will have to be reconciled with the House version. We'll see what comes from that. I expect it will get totally bogged down, and nothing will pass.

[colorado tanker]

Um, you can have Moscow, I'll take Colorado. And I like Mexican food. Santa Fe style is the best, IMHO.

[justshutupandtakeit]

Nonsense Illegals do not gather in the thousands at spots looking for jobs. I would doubt if any more than 15 or 20% of these demonstrators are illegals in any case. They are the standard Leftists, democrat politicians, school kids, community leaders etc. Most illegals are too smart to expose themselves and are also at work.

You might be surprised to know that "border enforcement" is not mentioned in the Constitution. In fact, the only concern the Founders had about the borders was to make sure any goods coming over them paid the tariffs. It is an Implied power. Illegals were never a problem until around the Depression and people wandered back and forth across the border at will. No one cared.

Walls won't work and are not the right thing anyway. If miles of scorching desert where you may lose your life don't stop them a wall won't. And Israel is not comparable to the US.

Illegals are a reflection of the wealth differential between Mexico and the US and will never be solved without Mexico achieving a substantial boost in its economic status. Just as you would cross a border to support your family in a desperate situation so do the Mexicans.

This is not a problem simple solutions will solve.

At this point in time the ONLY result that could come from the anti-Illegal hysteria is damaging the GOP and the Nation by assisting the Party of Treason.

[colorado tanker]

Wow. You lived in Boulder, the belly of the beast, and came out a live conservative. Hat's off to you!

[jerry639]

I will never let a waitress or store clerk talk to me in Spanish. The store or restaurant will provide me with someone who speaks English or I will walk out.

[who knows what evil?]

The Republicans are sealing their fate by continuing to ignore their constituents IMO.

They don't care...they have their generous tax-payer financed pensions to look forward to.

[jerry639]

Won't get jumped by me. Totally agree.

[stevio]

I expect it will get totally bogged down, and nothing will pass.

Yep, same ole' same ole'. I guess the laws on the books aren't good enough.

[wizardoz]

Nonsense Illegals do not gather in the thousands at spots looking for jobs.

Well, I can only speak for my area, but every day around the Home Depot on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood, near where I live, I see 60-70 Hispanic men (dressed very much like those I see fresh from Mexico) and they are indeed gathered ... clustered, really ... around the two entrances to the HD parking lot.

[Republicus2001]

Feinstein is a a miserable failure

[justshutupandtakeit]

Right but that is far different than the claim that these thousands of demonstrators came from such gathering spots.