Posted on 03/30/2006 6:00:20 PM PST by NormsRevenge
CANCUN, Mexico - With Mexican President Vicente Fox at his side, President Bush gave Congress a long-distance push Thursday to open the United States to immigrant workers who have been sneaking across the borders to fill low-paying jobs.
"We don't want people sneaking into our country that are going to do jobs that Americans won't do," Bush said at the end of a private meeting with Fox, where the issue was on top of the agenda. "We want them coming in in an orderly way, which will take pressure off both our borders."
The meeting between the Mexican and U.S. leaders came on the first day of a two-day North American summit that also includes Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Harper, meeting with Bush for the first time since taking office two months ago with the promise of building stronger ties with Washington, said the two countries are moving past their "tension" over Iraq.
Still, he took a combative stance on their long-standing dispute over U.S. tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber, saying Canada would "pursue all its legal options" if he and Bush can't work out an agreement.
But it was the immigration debate, which has dominated the U.S. Senate this week, that took center stage in talks conducted in a beachfront resort surrounded by bikini-clad spring breakers. A new immigration law could affect as many as 6 million Mexicans living illegally in the United States — about half of all those who are estimated to have sneaked in from other countries seeking new opportunities they can't find at home.
Bush is pushing for a guest worker program that would let foreigners in low-paying jobs stay temporarily, which Fox says is a good first step toward some form of legal status for all Mexican illegal immigrants.
The issue has united the two leaders, whose friendship dates back to Bush's time as Texas governor but was strained over Fox's objections to the war in Iraq. But immigration has divided Bush's Republican party, with business interests who want cheap labor battling conservatives who want a get-tough policy against illegal immigrants.
Fox suggested the issue is largely out of their hands now.
"The matter is in the Congress of the United States and that is where the decision will be made," Fox said. "It is no longer between President Bush and President Fox."
But both leaders were clearly trying to sway the debate.
"I told the president there is a legislative process that's going forward," Bush said. "And that it may look cumbersome to some, but that's how our democracy works."
Bush added, "I'm optimistic that we can get a bill done."
The summit included plenty of time to be neighborly. The three leaders dressed casually in open-collared shirts and strolled together among the ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza before sitting down for more intense one-on-one meetings. Fox planned a lavish dinner for his guests.
After spending the morning sightseeing, Bush had a few hours off before the formal meetings began. He used part of the time to work up a sweat in his hotel's gym.
There was tight security despite the fun-loving atmosphere generated by college students who have flocked to Cancun for spring break. Gunboats patrolled the turquoise waters off Bush's spa resort, and fencing kept out all but hotel guests. "I'd like to make sure you work more than you play," Bush joked to reporters.
The trilateral meeting was expected to be Fox's last, since he is set to leave office this year because of term limits. Bush lauded Fox for stabilizing the Mexican economy and improving the net worth of his people.
"That's important for the American economy as well," Bush said. "The more net worth there is in Mexico, the more likely it is the Mexican may be wanting to buy a U.S. product. And vice versa, by the way."
In his meeting with Harper, Bush sought to make the newly elected leader look good at home, making it a point to stress how hard the Canadian leader had pressed him on the softwood lumber issue. Harper "made an emphatic case," Bush said.
"I appreciate his steely resolve to get something done," the president said. "I appreciate your pushing."
But Bush didn't give Harper much of substance, saying only that "my intent is to negotiate in good faith and a timely fashion to resolve this issue."
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On the Net:
U.S. Trade Representative: http://www.ustr.gov
White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov
Basically the decline is incredible in some places. My family owned a lighting store back in the mid 70's. Minimum wage was 4$ an hour, but my father paid the workers 7$ an hour.
Back then a nice apartment was 160$ a month. Today literally the same apartment is 800-1000$. And the people working at home depot selling lights make maybe 9 or 10$ an hour.
So 100 hours to pay the rent today. And even if you take the 4$ an hour wage in the mid-70's.. it was 40 hours of work to pay the rent!
And that is with 30 years of productivity increases...
Or it could be what happens every night about this time.
The alcohol starts kicking in.
That's it, sinkspur. Haul yer nunchuks out of yer locker and thrash that strawman good!
Congress is the worst.
I can honestly say that I have never been to DU. I know alot of FReepers lurk there. So if anybody's been there today on this issue: What is the atmosphere there? Just curious.
Irony.
"...unless the child of an ambassador or other diplomatic agent of a foreign state, or of an alien enemy in hostile occupation of the place where the child was born."U.S. v. WONG KIM ARK, 169 U.S. 649 (1898)
"The extra $100 billion would build one honey of a fence!"
Fence? How about buy a Mexican Administration that understands the problem and will work on creating their own economic paradise rather than shipping their people up to make some dollars and then go back and spend it. Do you think that they honestly declare they have 20-30,000 they take back with them?
There are some that pay a coyote $1-2k, are "sold" to a "handler" that assumes their "contract", provides documents and housing, and extorts money daily. You may choose to call it something other than slavery. Prithee, what should we call it? Indentured servitude, or willful subjugation?
If you want "common interest", you want China.
Personal profit is the basis of our economy.
Sing Kumbaya to somebody else, pal.
Whew I kept my promise :)
Chicken! LOL
Hmmm.
Will is wrong, see my essay here:
http://www.allanfavish.com/insurance_illegals.htm
Regards,
Allan J. Favish
http://www.allanfavish.com
It's his S.O.P.
LOL
I wish someone would push his butt out of the white house.
New homes being built on my street. All day long nothing but "fiesta" music blaring from ten different radios.
That is not supposition that is fact.
If you want to ban me then that is your right. If those who defend the President no matter what are going to rule then this site isn't worth the trouble.
I voted for him twice. I like a few things he has done but regarding the illegal invasion of American by those who say loud and clear that they are going to take this country from us then yes, he is a traitor.
That's an excellent idea! It should have it's own thread.
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