Dobbs: Senate bill Raises Serious Questions

CNN ^ | 4/6/06 | Lou Dobbs

[Dr. Scarpetta]

Ultimately, this Senate immigration deal appears to fail the first test: Border Security. Because as I've said, and as many others agree, without first securing our borders, not even the best intentions will result in resolution of our illegal alien crisis.

The test for effective reform is straightforward: Congress and the president cannot reform immigration if the federal government cannot control it, and the federal government cannot control immigration unless it first secures our borders and our ports.

Any legislation that fails to meet those tests will only worsen what is already a crisis.

What if Congress is underestimating the number of illegal aliens by half? A Bear Stearns study last year projects there are as many as 20 million illegal aliens living in the United States, depressing wages for U.S. citizens and draining local, state and federal budgets of much-needed funds for education, health care and social services.

[bjcintennessee]

I don't know Tancredo's politics. The only reason he is on my radar is because of his stand against illegals. I suggested his name because it would be the one most recognizable as a slap in the face to our Rinos.

I don't really care whose name we use, but our message would stand a better chance of being heard if large numbers used the same name as a write-in in the primaries. There's really no chance (or even hope) that they could actually win.

[Texican72]

Has Kay Bailey come out with her stance on this bill? I have written her office 3 times in the last year about illegal immigration but have yet to get an answer.

I wrote to Kay and Cornyn tonight. Cornyn has been outspoken against amnesty, but I haven't heard anything from Kay on this, either.

[Mogollon]

Hard to believe that Lou Dobbs of CNN is doing a better job covering the illegal mess than Fox News Channel.

[khnyny]

Just an FYI (really to everyone).

The following are some tidbits regarding current Mexican immigration law (Mexico's laws regarding foreigners to their country).

Retirees
If you are over 50 years of age, and want to engage in "non remunerative activities" and you are receiving funds from abroad (from a pension or other investments or fixed income) at least to the value of 400 times the daily minimum daily wage per month and a further 200 times daily minimum wage per month for each dependent (e.g. spouse, children) then you can apply for a Retiree Immigration Permit.

Investors
You can receive an immigration permit if you are willing to invest your capital in Mexico. You investment can be directed at industry or services, and must equal a minimum of 40,000 times the minimum daily wage in Mexico City.

Professionals
If you are a qualified professional, you can have your certificates validated by the Mexican Consulate and apply for an immigration permit to live in Mexico. You must be sponsored by a company who must satisfy the authorities that you are essential to their operative requirements.


Scientists & Technicians
If you are involved in science, or are a qualified technician, whether commercially or for education, you can apply for an immigration permit in Mexico. You may need to be invited by one of the established scientific or technical organizations in Mexico.

Artists and Sportspeople
These people can apply for an immigration permit. Each case is considered individually and entry is at the Interior Ministry's discretion.


Can I be granted Mexican Citizenship?

Acquiring Mexican Citizenship is an involved process, and it is not easy to do. As a minimum, you must have been living in Mexico for 5 years (2 years under special circumstances) and have resident status. Marriage to a Mexican national may allow Citizenship without the residency requirement. For matters concerning the acquisition of Mexican Citizenship, seek professional advice and contact your local Mexican Consulate.


ALSO: A Foreigner can NEVER run or hold any public office. I don't think you can even vote.

[Uncle Vlad]

Sadly, my U.S. Senator is Chuck "El Mariachi" Hagel. I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to everyone in the entire civilized world for Chuck Hagel.

[Uncle Vlad]

That might be a good idea, too. But, I'll be damned if I vote Republican in November!

[Uncle Vlad]

My RINO Senator is Chuck Hagel, and he isn't even up for reelection for another two years. If he was up this year, I doubt he'd even make it through the primary. I would crawl across broken glass to vote against that self-serving clown!

[ruschpa]

Personally, I can't stand Lou. While he does have some valid points, he is so Ant-Bush that it becomes ridiculous and I'm not talking about immigration or outsourcing. You name it he'll slam the Bush on it... Iraq, Soc. Security, tax cuts, the economy, NSA spying, etc....

[Soul Seeker]

Ah....the soulmate of one of my Senators. Patty Osama lovin' M.

Yeah, Hagel doesn't deserve the vote of any Patriot after his antics the last few years. His all time hits on Al Jazeera are more than anyone that loves this country and our military can tolerate.

It can actually be said of this particular Senator that his amnesty push is one of his least offensive acts in the Senate.

IMO, you have nothing to apologize for. Hagel cannot say the same for himself.

[Soul Seeker]

Oh, I understand your point and appreciate it. It's just that, for me, Tancredo has said and done some things I won't affiliate myself with just because he's a leading voice on a subject we do happen to align about. Others have no problem with him...again...largely because of the one area they care about and agree.

IMO, either Hayworth or Tancredo would adequtely make the point on a write in ballot. J.D. has been becoming a more prominent second voice to this issue of late, so they'd get the point. I love Sessions too...but probably for your point either Tancredo or Hayworth should be the two options given since they've established themselves here.

[Lancey Howard]

I doubt he'd even make it through the primary. I would crawl across broken glass to vote against that self-serving clown!

There ya go! Now we're talking!
I couldn't agree more, and I like your passion. I crawled through broken glass to vote for Pat Toomey in his primary race against Arlen Specter. Pat just missed but he will be back, stronger and better.

Progress can be painfully slow, but it all comes down to improving the party at the grass roots. Get rid of the scumbag "moderates" (liberals) and replace them with conservatives. One at a time, relentlessly. Never give up.

Regards,
LH

[TheEaglehasLanded]

thanks,

freep Frist, McCain, Hagel, Martinez, Specter, Brownback, Domenici, Graham, and any other Republicans supporting this Amnesty Plan.

[flaglady47]

I recently sent the following to Senator Frist via e-mail:

Well, I see Senator Frist, that you capitulated to the Democrats and RINO's on the immigration bill, and now back the so-called "compromise" which is in reality amnesty for just about all of the illegal aliens. Glad to know that you, who talked so tough, became such a pinata to be so easily beaten about the head by the President, the Dems, and the RINO's. You practiced medicine. Don't you know where the spine is located? You really need to find one soon.

To say I am disappointed is an understatement. This dooms our country to another 20 years of uncontrolled borders (the cost of paying for this compromise would be astronomical, and therefore unfeasible), and then having to go through passing yet another immigration bill at that time, when we will be Atzlan, rather than the U.S.A.

Thanks for nothing, Senator Frist, and believe me, you can kiss your presidential aspirations good-bye, because the base will now desert you in vast numbers. And trust me, that is exactly what is going to happen. You think it is the illegals out there on the streets, along with a bunch of young people being truant from school, that you have to fear vote-wise. They mostly don't vote, or can't vote, or won't vote, but your Republican base does, in large numbers. You have chosen to please the wrong constituency, and that is the constituency that will do great harm to the future of our country.

The Republican party, in particular in the Senate, and with few exceptions, is now a joke. I see President Bush's poll numbers have dropped again. Want to know why? It's his own Republican base that has had it with him. Good thing he isn't running again, as he'd never make it past the primaries. We need true conservatives running our country, not pseudo-conservatives. How totally aggravating this all is.

[The Duke]

I won't stay home but I will vote for conservative 3rd party candidates or I'll write someone in.

I'll be switching from the Republicans to the Constitution Party. Maybe I'll ultimately vote for the Republican candidate in some cases, but they'll have to be concerned that I'm on SOMEONE ELSE's mailing list.

[Penny]

I'm pleading with those of you who haven't already joined to join FAIR and NumbersUSA because discussion on this board, albeit cathartic, won't get our senators to get some moral fortitude. Here's a partial message from USA for your consideration and action Friday morning. Our future depend on your demanding a no vote on cloture:

www.NumbersUSA.com

Phone your Senators one last time before the scheduled 9:30 a.m. vote on the Hagel amnesty. The Senate switchboard is 202-224-3121 . Key messages are: "The Hagel/Martinez substitute is 95% of the Judiciary Committee's amnesty that was voted down Thursday. Oppose the Hagel amnesty and vote NO on cloture that would bring the Hagel amnesty to a vote.

This offers an amnesty path to citizenship for nearly all the illegal aliens in this country. If you vote for cloture, your constituents will know that you have supported amnesty."

In all my years on FreeRepublic, I have not experienced as much despair over our future as I do now. I hope you join these organizations and set the FAXes and telephones burning before the Senate vote takes place.

Thank you . . . Penny

[Penny]

Her office staff was especially defensive Thursday afternoon when I asked her to pass along to the liberal senator our demands for border enforcement and jailing/fining employers and nothing about amnesty in this bill. The staff member said the senator wasn't liberal and has never been for amnesty (whereupon I countered the word games just don't cut it). Keep calling her office, please; they're on the run!

Regards . . . Penny

[SeaBiscuit]

"letters and e-mails don't cut it."

Probably not at this point. Hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, of the Silent Majority marching not so silently in the streets of America may be what we need now.