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.
Why would any politician dare to address immigration ever again?? It will be shelved just like SSI.
Pray for W and Our Troops
My guess is, the democrats would oppose a bill for a guest worker program. And my guess is that’s the driving factor for the business interest-republicans. That’s the grand bargain — amnesty for illegals in exchange for a guest worker program.
When the guest worker program was sunsetted in 5 years, there was no reason for republicans to go along anymore.
We already have the border fence, and increase in BP agents, and an entry-exit computer tracking system on the books. We already have laws to punish companies who hire illegals, and the ability to deport illegals. We have a law already increasing the number of detention facilities (not that we should need it, we already had laws allowing us to build whatever detention facilities were needed to hold people).
W really need an ID program. but that has opposition on both the left and the right, for different reasons.
How about a path to citizenship for people who come here legally wanting to be citizens. I hear that’s a big mess.