Full Text, Bush Speech.

Instapundit ^ | May 15, 2006 | GWB

[Chena]

(No country can survive multiculturalism. Dual cultures don't mix, history has taught us that!)

Interesting tagline. I'm sure you realize that the United States of America has been multicultural since the birth of this nation. A mix of cultures that disprove your simply stated tagline. :)

[Chena]

I applaud the President's speech and support his efforts.

[TexasPatriot8]

What? How are you angry at this speech? He said most of the things that people serious about border security have been suggesting? Military on the border (could be more but it's a start), fences, dramatically increased Border Patrol presence, increased technology to monitor the border, and no more catch and release. If you were wanting him to seal the border, erect a ten foot wall and put active military on the border, you're being unrealistic. Granted, that's what I'd do, but what he said tonight is a great start and is MUCH better than what he's been doing on the border; NOTHING. I don't see how what he said tonight would make you rethink your voting for him. I couldn't believe what all he wasy saying. I thought he was abducted and replaced by aliens I so couldn't believe he was finally saying those things. I don't understand your disgust.

[skateman]

Good speech, But the border freaks want nothing less than lining the illegals up in the street and executing.

[JasonC]

"temporary workers must return to their home country at the conclusion of their stay."

Yes, indeed, they must. And if they don't?

I'd also like to hear in greater detail what meaningful penalty and paying their taxes is expected to mean in practice. In re illegals, that is. You now, the ones who "must" do various things, but do not. I can see how various things might be required for citizenship approval. But if someone does not ask for citizenship approval, what then?

Because unsatisfactory answers to those two combined, could make this in practice simply legalized open borders. I assume that is not what the President wants. Great. So, in practice, how is that consequence avoided? What happens to a guest worker who overstays their guest worker status? Particularly if they are no easier to find than someone "caught and released", who predictably fails to appear for a court date?

On employers not knowing they are hiring illegals, document fraud may indeed be a part of it, and the proposal is sensible. But many know quite well and it is purely an excuse. So, what we are going to do about it?

It seems to me an adequate answer would be, employers who hire illegals knowingly or not will be heavily fined. And, those who overstay their guest worker status will be apprehended and deported immediately. I have not heard either from supporters of this, yet. I'm willing to hear it, if it is actually intended. If it is, I'd also like to hear what practical enforcement measures are deemed necessary and sufficient, to deal with every individual who overstays "guest" status. And what, if anything, will happen to anyone here illegally now, who does not bother to apply for citizenship, later in line or earlier.

[MaDeuce]

Sixth, we need Mexico's oil, so we don't want to piss off el Presidente Fox and let Mexico to join forces with that wacko Hugo whats-his-name. So I want to let the criminals in with some song and dance about paying a fine and waiting in line for citizenship. Of course we both know they can't afford a fine and they don't want to become citizens and pay taxes ... but hey ... it sounds good.

Enforcing the boards - good,
Enforcing laws against employers who hire criminal aliens - good.
Allowing known felons (criminal aliens) a chance to become an American citizen - bad.

[Paladin2]

It was certainly good the W didn't use the "Fightin' Words" he's used in the recent past - vigilante, work no American will do - and he did go way out of his way to address "amnesty" specifically.

He did continue to go on that we are a nation of immigrants. Many may be descendants of immigrants, but most are truly native Americans.

[Chena]

He could have stressed learning English more than he did.

If you read the President's speech you will see that he mentioned that subject not once, but twice. He said, ""I believe that illegal immigrants who have roots in our country and want to stay should have to pay a meaningful penalty for breaking the law … to pay their taxes … to learn English..."

Then he also said, "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. English is also the key to unlocking the opportunity of America. English allows newcomers to go from picking crops to opening a grocery …"

How many times did you want him to mention it?

[JasonC]

Isn't pounding straw a little vapid after a while? See my previous and please address my points on the substance.

[Paladin2]

"the border freaks want nothing less than lining the illegals up in the street and executing."

Wrong. Most want a couple of years of true border control before we let the gov't take any next steps beyond the laws we already have on the books.

[Chena]

Time for impeachment talks. Time for Boxcars to the Borders!!!

What a ridiculous statement, but you knew that didn't you?

[Paladin2]

Nov 2006 is stop the impeachment NOW! time.

Nov 2008 is "were you listening to us over the last few years?" time.

[zarf]

Good speach

Calculated troll like misspelling. DU cells working overtime.

[Chena]

Bush just destroyed the Republican Party tonight.

In your dreams.

[I see my hands]

I don't suppose I am the first person to note the oxymoron in your tag...?

There is no oxymoron in TexasPatriot8's tag.

[steel_resolve]

I guess we'll see...

[newzjunkey]

He's trying to see if he can get thoes approval ratings down to single digits.

[MaDeuce]

The boarder quads we really need:

[RayChuang88]

I think you're forgetting this is not a blanket amnesty. It is essentially amnesty for those who have not broken the laws of the USA outside of immigration laws. This right there weeds out the criminal elements such as the notorious MS-13 gang from Mexico or the Russian gangsters, and will ensure those who do stay are law-abiding people that will quickly become productive members of society as they learn English and become part of the American "melting pot."