Posted on 05/15/2006 2:59:55 PM PDT by notes2005
On the Presidents vision for comprehensive immigration reform:
We are a Nation of laws, and we must enforce our laws. We are also a Nation of immigrants, and we must uphold that tradition, which has strengthened our country in so many ways. These are not contradictory goals America can be a lawful society and a welcoming society at the same time. We will fix the problems created by illegal immigration, and we will deliver a system that is secure, orderly, and fair.
On Border Security:
Since I became President, we have increased funding for border security by 66 percent, and expanded the Border Patrol from about 9,000 to 12,000 agents. . . .we have apprehended and sent home about six million people entering America illegally.
Despite this progress, we do not yet have full control of the border, and I am determined to change that. Tonight I am calling on Congress to provide funding for dramatic improvements in manpower and technology at the border."
On the Importance of a Temporary Worker Program to relieve pressure on the border:
The reality is that there are many people on the other side of our border who will do anything to come to America to work and build a better life. They walk across miles of desert in the summer heat, or hide in the back of 18-wheelers to reach our country. This creates enormous pressure on our border that walls and patrols alone will not stop. To secure the border effectively we must reduce the numbers of people trying to sneak across."
On enforcing our laws:
. . . we need to hold employers to account for the workers they hire. It is against the law to hire someone who is in this country illegally. Yet businesses often cannot verify the legal status of their employees, because of the widespread problem of document fraud. Therefore, comprehensive immigration reform must include a better system for verifying documents and work eligibility . . .
A tamper-proof card would help us enforce the law and leave employers with no excuse for violating it. And by making it harder for illegal immigrants to find work in our country, we would discourage people from crossing the border illegally in the first place.
On the Presidents opposition to amnesty:
. . . we must face the reality that millions of illegal immigrants are already here. They should not be given an automatic path to citizenship. This is amnesty, and I oppose it. Amnesty would be unfair to those who are here lawfully and it would invite further waves of illegal immigration."
On assimilation:
. . . we must honor the great American tradition of the melting pot, which has made us one Nation out of many peoples. The success of our country depends upon helping newcomers assimilate into our society, and embrace our common identity as Americans. Americans are bound together by our shared ideals, an appreciation of our history, respect for the flag we fly, and an ability to speak and write the English language.
On the tone of the debate:
We must always remember that real lives will be affected by our debates and decisions, and that every human being has dignity and value no matter what their citizenship papers say.
Christ, what's the point?
Secure the darn border, enforce current laws and go back to apprehending illegals inland.
So the dems can have their counter attack points ready. Stupid is as stupid does. Borders NOT under control. HEY G.W., WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST FREAKING CLUE?
Likely they have several speeches and they're floating bits and pieces of each as trial balloons.
thing is as long as BUsh is for this guest worker plan there is nothing he can say that will satisfy me.
Would be funny if it weren't so tragic.
Just secure the border and quit flapping your gums about it, Mr. President. No need for speeches. Actions speak louder than words.
The borders are not under control???
Is that a nomination for "Bush understatement of the Year"?
real nice attitude calling our President that...
"They should not be given an automatic path to citizenship."
The word "automatic" hits an off note with me.
You can watch the golf channel.
My, but you have a potty mouth.
Gets my vote. They better take it, cause it is the ONLY danged vote I am giving them this year.
Will he also reveal that the sun is a bit warm and the ocean somewhat damp?
Could someone explain what is(was)going on with using the past tense?
AMEN, this is just soooo cheesy.
NOT BE GIVEN AN AUTOMATIC PATH:
As in...there may be 1-2 short documents that need to be filled out before they can become a legal citizen.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.