I was reading a post about someone who had been here illegally about 20 years. Why? This person had a chance to get legal the last round. The sad thing is that the president probably could get his work program if he wasn’t so high handed “my way or the high way” about it. All most people want is a fence and support of the border control first. Big business could still get their help, legally and registered. Why they want to make this so complicated and give the country away, makes no sense to me.
It is the need to be “comprehensive” that has killed the efforts.
I think if the following measures were proposed in isolation, each would garner enough support to pass:
1. Real border security
2. ID cards and registration including biometrics for all aliens
3. Guest worker program
4. Path to citizenship that does not reward lawbreakers
If all of these things were passed, you would have comprehensive reform. The problem is that when you glomm them together, the people who support one will not support another, and nothing gets done.
Furthermore, people have seen the US government be so irresponsible and negligent in this field for so long, they don’t trust them with something so complicated as comprehensive reform. However, I think they can be convinced to trust the government if they try to do little things, one at a time, in a transparent manner.
Look at the big picture. This shamnesty bill was carefully crafted to further President Bush's real agenda, the North American Union (begin reading on page 23).
He desperately wants this implemented before he leaves office. He sees it as his legacy. Assuming turning the US into a third world hell hole within 20 years can be called a legacy.
Please don't sully this thread with facts and truth...