President Geroge Bush
Washington, DC
RE: Immigration legislation
June 12, 2007
Dear President Bush,
I am very frustrated over the Immigration bill that you, Senator Kennedy, and others seem determined to pass over the overwhelming opposition of the American People. Indeed I am not sure I have ever seen the will of the American people so manifestly ignored by their elected representatives.
The idea that those who did not care enough about this country to respect it’s laws and apply for legal entry, should now gain permanent legal status with the stroke of a pen (and some very lame fines and weak slaps on the wrist) is an insult to all Americans who believe a respect for the rule of law is one of this country’s founding principles.
I find it ironic that many of the same voices that criticize Wal-Mart for only paying entry level employees $10.00 or more an hour, are the same ones lobbying for a permanent underclass willing to work for a pittance to ensure that our supply of cheap lettuce is not threatened. Of course, once legal status is granted, the now legal aliens will have no incentive to work so cheaply, and a steady stream of new illegals will be required to keep radish prices at a minimum.
Mr. President, I have worked hard all my life and lived by the rules, I love this country and its way of life and God-given liberty, I cut my own grass, my wife watched our children as they grew up and now watches some of our grandchildren, I voted for you twice, I am a regular contributor to the RNCC, and I would gladly pay twice the price I now pay for lettuce if it meant that I would no longer have to subsidize the education, health care, and other public services for all the illegal aliens now crowding our emergency rooms, jails and schools.
But this action, this unwaivering intent to circumvent the laws of this nation, to engraft tens of millions of illegals into our society, has me breathing fire...and against those on both sides of theaisle who are so determined to push it through...including you Mr. President.
As far as the cliche’ that illegals are just doing the jobs that American’s won’t do, such cliches do you a grave disservice Mr. President. For example, a recent raid on a chicken processing plant in North Carolina removed over 100 illegal aliens. The next day hundreds of American citizens were lined up to take those jobs. So much for jobs Americans will no do.
Additionally, the argument that “We can’t deport 20,000,000 illegals” is a rhetorical straw man. We didn’t “import” the 20,000,000 and we won’t have to deport them either. If we simply remove the economic and legal incentives that they have to remain her illegally, many, if not most, will return on their own. We can then "go after" those that remain.
Perhaps if we informed them that if they leave within 120 days of our passing true immigration reform, that pointeldy makes clear that the incentives have been removed, and let them know that within those 120 days, if they are not criminals, that if they voluntarily "check out" their future application for legal work or residency will get positive consideration...but anything after that will have a life-time ban on consideration, perhaps they would also be more incented to leave.
Of course, this would actually require enforcement of our current laws, something that our government has been unwilling to do. Reference the good start at a strong physical barrier, a fence, that was voted on last year where the government passed a law requiring 800 miles of fence to be built. Less than twenty have actually been built since. I applauded that measure as did tens of millions of others...I am outraged at the thought of our own government officilas ignoging that law or otherwise circumventing it.
Finally, why should we believe the promise that if we only agree to this latest round of so called "reform", that the government will begin securing the border and enforcing immigration laws, when the very government making the promise demonstrates on a daily basis it is either unwilling or unable to do either. Secure the borders first Mr. President, fully, then speak of a guest worker program...but make sure it is not one that in any way shape or form even hints at amounting to amnesty or anything like it. Legal staus for illegals with minimal fines and no criminal action is amnesty to moist Americans.
I trust that at the end of the day, that the interests of the American people will prevail over the interests of the coalition of special interests arrayed in support of this bill.
And, Mr. President, please remind those in both parties supporting this bill, that falsely accusing the large majority of Americans who oppose it as being motivated by bigotry, will not stop us from voicing our opinions on this issue. Such accusations will only strengthen our resolve and cause us to withold our support from those politicians at the polls in 2008 and therafter.
Sincerely,
Jeff Head
Emmett, ID
Here are a list of expectations that are shared by almost everyone I talk to:
Great letter, Jeff.
However, if you are interested in what I want: 1. Enforce the existing laws
2. Secure the borders
3. Finish the wall, not just parts of it.
4. Give up this hell bent notion to grant amnesty to law breakers who flood our social service systems and fraud Social Security.
I realize you view me as part of the unwashed, rednecked gun toting nativist crowd. But you sure like my money. In fact, its clear the only voices heard in Washington come simultaneously with the ringing sounds of a cash register. Well, I understand the RNC is a little short of of change lately.
I ceased giving to the Republican Party and if this sham of a bill passes, I will also end my association with it.
You have it exactly right. That is all that is needed to deal with the immigration issue. And no automatic citizenship to anyone.