Public policy experts agree that there are at least 12 million illegal immigrants currently living in the United States. There are currently many proposals about how to handle this problem. I would like to read you several proposals. For each one, please tell me if you would favor or oppose this proposal.
And then the options. Note which ones are worded negatively and which ones are worded positively:
“Enforcing our current laws so harshly and strictly that illegal immigrants would eventually just go home because no jobs would be available.”
“Creating a program in which illegal immigrants could earn legal status as a foreign worker, but
“Deporting all 12 million illegal immigrants by any means necessary.”
Nah, no bias here.
“Tightening security on the borders and enacting stricter penalties on illegal immigrants and employers who hire illegal immigrants.”
“Only enforcing our current laws should be enough to resolve this problem.”
“Creating an earned legalization program in which illegal immigrants could earn legal status and eventual citizenship by working, paying taxes, learning English, and waiting their turn behind people in their home countries who are already waiting in line for visas.”
Nah, no bias whatsoever.
There is no question that the House bill, with its classification of illegals as felons, is much harsher than the Senate version.
And, I agree with Jacoby that the hearings are not going to roust up additional support for the House bill.
In fact, nobody is paying them much attention from what I can see.