Hurdle Awaits Immigration Reform (Good News)

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=419332 ^

[Altair333]

Washington - Sometime next month, the U.S. Senate might solve its differences and pass a massive overhaul of the nation's unpopular immigration system.

Then the real struggle begins - striking a deal with House Republicans, chief among them Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner.

"I'm waiting," Sensenbrenner said the other day.

Because of his power, willfulness and strong feelings on the issue, the Wisconsin Republican is a giant hurdle for the kind of broad immigration reforms - including a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants - that the Senate is weighing and President Bush seems open to signing.

In a profile Tuesday, "CBS Evening News" said such plans are headed for a "buzz saw in the House . . . by the name of James Sensenbrenner."

[madconserv]

I'm kinda new to FReep. What is bttt?

[bcsco]

I didn't contact Sensenbrenner's office. Instead I sent an email to my congressman, Don Manzullo. Here's what I stated:

"As a life-long Republican and American patriot I am thoroughly dismayed at the tack the Senate debate on immigration has taken, as well as our President's stance on the issue. Because of that I am writing to urge you to follow Congressman Sensenbrenner's lead on the issue when it returns to the house. Some recent news:

1. Hispanics in the Southwest have been concerned recently with rumors of further DHS raids in the area, although DHS has stated publicly that no further raids are in the works;

2. The Minutemen have initiated plans for building a partial wall along the border on private property who's owners concur with its building. They have been somewhat successful so far in raising funds;

3. I believe in New York immigrant organizations are soliciting for 'right to work' laws for illegals;

4. Since Congress has been debating the issue illegal crossings have skyrocketed.

How can a nation exist without being able to secure it borders? I have no problem with immigrants coming to America. My family arrived in 1854. They came legally and added to the wealth and diversity of this nation. The illegals come and send much of the wealth they earn back to their homeland while overtaxing our institutions and making for increased costs to every American. Any suggestion at Amnesty, in any form, is an insult to those who make every effort to come to this great country legally.

I see no need to round up illegals to return them to Mexico; an idea poo-pooed by its detractors as impossible. What I would propose is this:

1. Make it mandatory that all current illegals have a 6 month grace period to return to their homeland. After that 6 month period every illegal found within the borders of the United States will be prosecuted and jailed for a period no less than 5 years upon conviction. Those who are found to be in possession of false identification will have 5 years added to that sentence. After their sentence is served they will be deported to their home country;

2. No illegals in America will have access to American healthcare, the privilege of licensed driving on our nation's highways, nor the opportunity to own property within the United States of America;

3. Employers of illegals will be fined $50,000 per illegal employee and serve a mandatory jail time of 5 years upon conviction. The DHS and their ICE division will make investigating such businesses a priority;

4. DHS and their ICE division will also prioritize the investigation and suspension of any and all who provide false identification papers to illegals. A mandatory jail time of 10 years minimum will be imposed on those who practice these illegal operations upon conviction;

5. Build a fence. Detractors have claimed it would not work. We don't know until we try, however Israel seems to be a model from which we can learn. It seems to be working for them. And, no, one is not needed along our Northern border. Once a fence is in place along our Southern border, then more manpower should be able to be concentrated along our Northern border.

The simple fact is, we MUST concentrate on securing our borders before we even begin consideration of how to assimilate these people (if we indeed take up that consideration later). I, for one, welcome them; but only as long as they come legally, and are willing to assimilate into our American culture, learn to speak English, and intend to become proper and patriotic Americans.

Again, I urge you to follow Congressman Sensenbrenner's lead on this issue. The future of our country, the greatest Nation on earth, is at stake. We simply CANNOT allow foreigners to take it away through our carelessness and false compassion.

Sincerely,"

I know that some here may not agree with my views. So be it.

[bcsco]

"I'm kinda new to FReep. What is bttt?"

Welcome! Glad to have you. 'bttt' means 'back to the top'. It means a reply which, hopefully, will send the post back to the top of the main listing.

You'll find any number of the acronyms here. If you search, you'll find a help page that explains a lot of them. At the moment I don't recall where it's at. Perhaps others can help in that regard.

[rodeocowboy]

* Make illegals who want to remain here take immunization and HIV tests, notarized sworn oath to the U.S., must learn English, commit a felony and you're outta here, and must obtain a biometric federal ID card within 60 days

I disagree with this part of your idea. I like the rest of them. Also, I am a little shaky about a 25 year moratorium too. What about all of those that have been legally waiting in their Latino homeland?

[tabsternager]

Maybe he thinks this is being a "compassionate conservative." Regardless, he's very stubborn to the point of not seeming to care that he's sinking his own party.

[StarFan]

Sensenbrenner needs our encouragement!

[TLI]

Sensenbrenner needs our encouragement!

Yes he does. He is standing in the path of the giant and basically, flipping them the bird. Not perfect but hey, who else is doing it? My kinda guy.

I think I will send him a few bucks. And fax a few letters for him. AND sign a few petitions for him. You get the idea.

[mmercier]

Your plan is severely flawed. We would see a tenfold increase in jail population @35K per inmate per year for a decade.

This will require the creation of a gulag system larger than Stalin maintained. This will prove unacceptable to the average American.

Deportation on apprehension at the local level by local law enforcement, expedited by a federal program capable of handling the daily numbers makes more sense. That and a big arse wall capable of keeping out their return is all that is required.

[bcsco]

"Your plan is severely flawed."

Not necessarily. As I pointed out in my email to Manzullo, the Hispanic community has experienced a lot of angst over the recent ICE raids. Rumors keep flying whether true or not. I believe we can make the most of their fear.

I think if such legislation as I propose passes and becomes law we'll see a major exodus of illegals. Yes, many will stay but once the sources for work and illegal ID's begin to dry up they'll see the writing on the wall.

I have my concerns over a massive program of deportation. That will definitely cost a bundle (that's my only problem with it). My way, the costs will be relegated to those foolish enough to stay. The costs would be high only if the preponderance of illegals stay. I doubt that would happen.

[operation clinton cleanup]

In a profile Tuesday, "CBS Evening News" said such plans are headed for a "buzz saw in the House . . . by the name of James Sensenbrenner."

Sounds like CBS is preparing to try and take out "The Buzz Saw" now that they have put "The Hammer" back in the tool box!

[nygoose]

If he isn't trying to destroy us, I hope he doesn't start.

[AmericaOne]

You want to send a message to the RNC that they will hear loud and clear!!! Then do the following:

Send them one of these instead of a donation, using the RNC's own postage paid return envelopes!!!

Artwork originally created by FREEPER Prime Choice, of sacredcowburgers.com. Below is the link to the original:

http://www.sacredcowburgers.com/leftovers/showpics.cgi?heres_my_donation

The RNC will miss your money more than they will miss your vote!!!

If you do want to give financially to Republicans, give only to individual candidates/politicians who support or vote to secure our borders and don’t cater to illegals!!!

[SUSSA]

I'm telling you Teddy, some of them STILL think I'm a conservative!

[varon]

Sometime next month, the U.S. Senate might solve its differences and pass a massive overhaul of the nation's unpopular immigration system.

The reason our immigration system is unpopular is because it calls for apprehension and deportation of illegals. We don't need an overhaul, we need enforcement and we need to throw the bums in Washington out of office!!!

[Brownie74]

I just sent Sensenbrenner an email. Thanks for the link. I have already told Hutchinson and Cornyn that I will not vote for either of them if they support amnesty or a guest worker program. I know Kay Bailey supports a guest worker program and I think Cornyn does also. Looks like I'll be staying home on election day.

[sinkspur]

Maybe he really is the Anti-Christ.

Seven years ago, Bill Clinton was the anti-Christ.

The real question is, who is the next anti-Christ? Hillary or John McCain or George Allen?