[mrsmith]

Yeah it's a shrewd political move, maybe even neccessary.
I'd even accept that, given the welfare state we already have, that it's only fair to give legal aliens benefits after five years.

But it is still pandering, and we're trying to reduce welfare.

[FITZ]

that it's only fair to give legal aliens benefits after five years

We're being told on one hand that the immigrants will save Social Security and are the best taxpayers there ever was. On the other hand we're told they just can't make it on their own and need food stamp programs. We should never let people come here who are unable to provide for themselves and their families.

Trying to end black and white poverty was different because they are long time American citizens, especially black poverty had it's roots in slavery and discrimination that occurred in this country ----but there is no reason at all for us to bring in immigrants who can't make it by working.