Posted on 07/27/2003 6:56:00 PM PDT by Brian S
WASHINGTON -- Members of Arizona's congressional delegation introduced a proposal to dramatically reform immigration law, shifting the focus from enforcing borders to creating a regulated, market-driven flow of immigrant workers.
The sponsors -- Sen. John McCain, Rep. Jim Kolbe and Rep. Jeff Flake, all Republicans -- admitted passing the legislation in this Congress will be difficult, but McCain suggested those unwilling to budge on reform should see the human consequences of inaction.
"They're so far from the desert of Arizona that they don't see the concern or urgency that we do, where today some innocent person is dying in the deserts of the Southwest seeking only what we seek -- a better life," said McCain.
The bill would not cap the number of worker visas that could be issued. Instead, the number would be determined by the demand for guest workers. Jobs listed on a Labor Department registry for 14 days and not filled by U.S. workers could be given to an immigrant guest worker.
After three years holding the job, the worker could apply for legal permanent residency status.
For illegal immigrants already in the United States, the bill does not offer amnesty, but does provide a six-year process to earn permanent residency.
Undocumented immigrants working in the United States would have to pay a $1,500 fine and obtain a restricted visa for three years, then a normal guest worker visa for three years. At the end of that time, they could apply for legal permanent residency.
By creating a legal structure for guest workers to enter the country, the congressmen said resources could be focused on criminals and terrorists, increasing national security.
Flake said efforts to build up security along the border have proven deadly in some cases and prevented the typical flow of immigrants in and out of the country. He said that while immigrants once stayed in the United States for an average of 2.2 years, they now stay nearly seven.
"I would say we really haven't stopped anybody who wants to get here, because the lure of jobs is too great. What we've done is make sure that those that get here stay," he said.
Flake said he hopes the Bush administration will eventually back the proposal. Kolbe said the sponsors have discussed the bill with White House staff, but the administration has not endorsed it.
"There are provisions in here that I never would have dreamed a couple months ago that I would have supported," Kolbe said, but compromises were necessary to get a bill passed and solve the problem.
Frank Sharry, executive director of the National Immigration Forum, a pro-immigrant group, said it would have been unthinkable in the late 1990s for three Republicans from a border state to make such sweeping proposals.
However, significant changes must be made to the proposal, Sharry said. It raises too many hurdles for undocumented immigrants to get worker visas, it should do more for immigrant families and needs tougher labor provisions to protect migrant workers from abuse, he said.
The National Council of La Raza expressed similar concerns in a statement
These bastards are CRIMINAL ALIENS!
That's the Accurate Legal description of these Invaders and their ENABLERS. Anything less is spin.
Your ass? ;)
They're so far from the desert of Arizona that they don't see the concern or urgency that we do, where today some innocent person is dying in the deserts of the Southwest . . .
I dare say that there are more Americans who are murdered during any given year by illegal aliens than there are Mexicans who die in the desert. Not to mention those who are robbed, raped, and injured. But such is the hold of totalitarian political correctness that no public figure would ever dare mention the other side of the body count. The U.S. government and establishment more closely resembles a hostile occupation force, a colonial government that seethes with hatred for the natives, than it does representatives of the people.
Not this. At least now we have some limitations on legal immigration numbers. This bill for all practical purposes would remove all such limitations. The so-called "guest workers" would become legal residents after 3 years. Now do you really think any "guest worker" is going to leave before 3 years is up?
Innocent person? Look if they want a better life, they can fix the problems in their own country. The sheer number of illegals in this country alone could pull off a coup.
Incredible isn't it? These days it is getting harder and harder to distingush the policy differences between the democratics and republicans.
IMO, this is nothing more than a trial balloon green lighted by the WH to test public reaction to a Guest Worker program (Read: Amnesty) for Illegal Aliens. These 3 RINOs would not go public with such a misguided Amnesty proposal if they were not getting input and support from the Bush Administration...press release denials to the contrary.
The national tension rises...
You got that right.
...til the American people become riled up enough to demand something be done about it.
This, you got wrong. Until we have paper ballots, Digger has it wrong as well.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.