Bush Defends Planned Path To Citizenship

Houston Chronicle ^ | June, 07. 2006 | Julie Mason

[AmusedBystander]

Rob a bank and keep the loot ? What do you call that?

After enough time, we call it the Statute of Limitations.

[upcountryhorseman]

The Feds can't even enforce the present immigration laws.
How are they supposed to enforce this complex mess?

[thebaron512]

I have not problem with LEGAL immigration, but illegals should get last in line, wait several years, pay for background checks, and pay fines/taxes that they owe for past time they worked in the USA.

[Kimberly GG]

"a path to citizenship without going through the regular channels and let them jump ahead of people who are trying to become legal residents and citizens by following our laws"


"And just where did you read this? Not in that article. He has clearly said that according to his plan, the illegals would have to go through the same vetting procedures as legals (criminal background checks, employment certifications, etc.), but they would have to pay a fine for breaking the law and would be placed in line behind those who are legally coming in."

.................................

I'm sure that the person who's applied for citizenship and going through the 'same' vetting procedures, but waiting in Haiti, instead of already being in America, working in American and receiving American benefits....would agree with you. You think?

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

"Look, if you're one of these types of people that basically say, you know, throw them out, then you just use the word 'amnesty,' just toss it around," Bush said. "In order to frighten people, you just say 'amnesty.' "

Sad. The President has been reduced to making pathetic strawman arguments. I'd expect a Democrat to be saying this.

[Prokopton]

"The usualonly legally prescribed penalty for illegal entry or violating terms of a visa is removal from the United States.."

Don't forget the 6 months in prison.



Under Title 8 Section 1325 of the U.S. Code, "Improper Entry by Alien," any citizen of any country other than the United States who:

Enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers; or

Eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers; or

Attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact;
has committed a federal crime.

Violations are punishable by criminal fines and imprisonment for up to six months. Repeat offenses can bring up to two years in prison. Additional civil fines may be imposed at the discretion of immigration judges, but civil fines do not negate the criminal sanctions or nature of the offense.

[Kimberly GG]

Can't or won't?

Heavily fine employers so they have no jobs.

Deny ALL welfare benefits.

They will take their children and go home.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

If you notice that's exactly the direction every other country in the world is taking, including Mexico

Too bad Bush doesn't realize that Mexico has the toughest immigration laws in the Western Hemisphere.

Ask the President how Mexico deals with Guatemalans who try to cross THEIR border. They don't offer them shelter and employment, that's for damn sure.

[expatpat]

IMO:
- We should close the borders immediately, and punish employers of illegals, in order to stop the problem from getting worse.
- We should develop a guest-worker program to support agriculture and other areas where Mexican workers are needed.
- The only path to citizenship should be the same path every other immigrant has to take -- no special treatment, get in line with everyone else.

[zook]

I'd love to carry a tape recorder around you for awhile, checking to see if you speak "written English" at all times. I understood the President just fine and I support what he's saying.

[zook]

I got stopped for speeding once. I had to pay a fine. I guess that was "amnesty."

[BIGZ]

TORO CACA.

[expatpat]

Muerda de toro.

[Rick_Michael]

This is just one issue I'll never see eye to eye on (with Bush).

[Wonder Warthog]

"I understood the President just fine and I support what he's saying."

In other words, you're a FROBL who supports amnesty.

[Reaganwuzthebest]

The President has been reduced to making pathetic strawman arguments. I'd expect a Democrat to be saying this.

This may actually be a good sign. If Bush thought he could twist arms in the conference committee to his liking he wouldn't be making pro-illegal speeches all over the country but would instead be quietly biding his time.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Also, why is nobody proposing a Constitutional amendment to end automatic citizenship for children born to those here illegally?

Rep. Pence is sponsoring an amendment that will do just that.

[rolling_stone]

...Rob a bank and keep the loot ? What do you call that?...
After enough time, we call it the Statute of Limitations.

Right, and currently we have basically a ten year "rolling amnesty" or statue of limitations, however proof is on the applicant not the government as to when the entry occured(crime)..so some want to change that to 2 years or 2 months with only proof being self serving statements subject to much fraud. In other words you get out of the bank and to your car you get to keep the loot. In a bank robbery we usually know when the crime was commutted or at least reported which begins the statute of limitations...How about IRS, no statute on fraud! (unless you are an illegal alien and given amnesty).....

[gubamyster]

I got stopped for speeding once. I had to pay a fine. I guess that was "amnesty."

Did you get 8 years to pay your fine, or did you have to pay it immediately?

[gubamyster]

ping