Posted on 06/07/2006 7:46:22 AM PDT by Reaganwuzthebest
LAREDO - In a parking lot of the Border Patrol headquarters three miles from the dividing line with Mexico, President Bush on Tuesday accused his opponents in the immigration battle of stirring up fear with false claims about amnesty.
"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.' "
Standing with Gov. Rick Perry after a tour of the Laredo Border Patrol Sector's video surveillance program, Bush stepped up his criticism of lawmakers back in Washington balking at his call to create a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants who have lived in the country for years.
It was a fine line Bush tried to walk. Earlier in the day, at a tour of the Border Patrol training facility in New Mexico, Bush struck conciliatory tones and said both sides in the debate have more common ground than differences.
"I know when you watch your television or listen to the radio it seems like there's nothing but disagreement on immigration policy in Washington," Bush told Border Patrol agents in Artesia, N.M. "Yet there's a growing consensus ... that fundamental reforms are needed."
Looking for middle ground
Bush was in Laredo as part of a two-day trip highlighting immigration issues, as Congress prepares to iron out the differences between somewhat contradictory measures passed in the House and Senate.
"There's no question this is a difficult issue for some in Washington, D.C., but my job is to continue calling people to account," Bush said.
He supports a Senate bill that includes a guest worker program, tougher border enforcement and a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants who have spent years in the U.S., with a requirement that they pay fines and back taxes and show a proficiency in English.
Both of Texas' Republican senators, Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn, voted against the legislation.
"The failures of the 1986 amnesty live on today, and we will need to work very hard to avoid a repeat of those mistakes," Cornyn said Tuesday as lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill. "My hope is that this summer we'll find a middle ground solution that controls illegal immigration and addresses the 12 million illegal immigrants without granting amnesty."
Last December, the House passed a bill that would make it a felony to enter the country illegally or to help those that do. The bill would also increase border security and strictly enforce immigration laws.
To build support for his guest worker and citizenship proposals, Bush has taken a tough stand on the law and order aspects of border enforcement, including calling for more walls and fencing along heavily trafficked areas of the border.
Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat from Laredo, said residents in his community want protection — but not a wall.
"I think people feel that, when it comes to border security, we say 'heck yes,' " Cuellar said. "But when the discussion turns to building a wall, that's a big no."
Chatting with the locals
Laredo, with a population that is 94.9 percent Hispanic, is the most Hispanic city in the United States, according to the Census Bureau.
Cuellar said that generally, he hears support from his constituents for a requirement that new immigrants learn English. There is also concern, he says, about a threat to jobs from continued illegal immigration.
"They want a guest worker plan, but with controls," he said. "They want security, but they don't want to see Minutemen."
While in Laredo, Bush made two unscheduled stops, pulling the motorcade over on a main commercial street to visit briefly with schoolchildren, and stopping at a Mexican-style barbecue joint to meet with residents and border guards.
"¿Como estas?" Bush greeted patrons at Cotulla's, a restaurant decorated with deer heads. "You know your governor?" he asked, gesturing at Perry.
"Howdy," Perry said, greeting a family having dinner.
Such encounters, carefully planned but unannounced, are part of a larger White House strategy to remind Americans why they once liked him so much and use his personal popularity to help sell a controversial immigration program.
Ray Keck, president of Texas A&M University International in Laredo, said he supports much of Bush's plan, but thinks more economic help for Mexico also would ease illegal immigration woes.
"We are heartened by the president's plan. We must look for a policy that would allow these people to become legal, tax-paying residents, a profitable part of our national workforce," Keck said.
After enough time, we call it the Statute of Limitations.
The Feds can't even enforce the present immigration laws.
How are they supposed to enforce this complex mess?
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.
"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."
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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?
Sad. The President has been reduced to making pathetic strawman arguments. I'd expect a Democrat to be saying this.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
I got stopped for speeding once. I had to pay a fine. I guess that was "amnesty."
TORO CACA.
Muerda de toro.
This is just one issue I'll never see eye to eye on (with Bush).
In other words, you're a FROBL who supports amnesty.
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.
Rep. Pence is sponsoring an amendment that will do just that.
...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).....
Did you get 8 years to pay your fine, or did you have to pay it immediately?
ping
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