Posted on 12/10/2003 10:33:06 AM PST by patriotUSA
Homeland security chief endorses legalizing undocumented immigrants
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge told a Miami audience Tuesday that the country should legalize millions of undocumented immigrants living in the country.
"The bottom line is, as a country we have to come to grips with the presence of 8 to 12 million illegals, afford them some kind of legal status some way, but also as a country decide what our immigration policy is and then enforce it," Ridge said at a town hall meeting at Miami-Dade Community College.
The forum was the second in a national series organized by the nonprofit Council for Excellence in Government, which aims to develop homeland security recommendations for various levels of government and the public. Business and community leaders, students and others had the chance to ask Ridge and state and local officials about topics that included cybersecurity, airport security, cargo inspection and immigration.
A man who identified himself as Miguel Arroyo, of Aventura, asked Ridge whether he supported immigration legalization and whether he thought it would benefit national security.
Ridge said he thinks the body politic is about ready to address the issue of the illegal immigrants, who he said contribute to communities and Social Security and pay taxes. He referred to a growing number of bills that would grant residency to some of those living here illegally. He said one of these, which would require all illegal immigrants to leave the country before applying for residency, is "not workable."
"I'm not saying make them citizens, because they violated the law to get here," he said. "So you don't reward that type of conduct by turning over a citizenship certificate. You determine how you can legalize their presence, then, as a country, you make a decision that from this day forward, from this day forward, this is the process of entry, and if you violate that process of entry we have the resources to cope with it."
At the town hall meeting and at a morning meeting with Gov. Jeb Bush, Ridge praised Florida's level of security preparedness. This year Florida is spending $403 million on homeland security. Most comes from the $29.4 billion in federal money for domestic security programs.
At the morning meeting, Bush told a national security advisory council that the state has improved coordination between law enforcement and emergency personnel and heightened security at seaports.
"In the event of a disaster, a terrorist attack of any kind, ... today we are better trained, better equipped, better coordinated," Bush said.
The town hall audience of about 300 was asked "Do you feel safer than you did a year ago?" Fifty-two percent said yes, 28 percent said no, and 20 percent said unchanged.
Staff Writer Christy McKerney contributed to this report.
Tanya Weinberg can be reached at tweinberg@sun-sentinel.com or 305-810-5029. Email story Print story
Copyright © 2003, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
I heard the same thing the last time there was amnesty granted. Those who are here can stay but then we crack down. Here we are 20 years later talking amnesty again.
If we're not going to enforce the law, disband the INS/Homeland Security and give me another tax break.
The guy would be a pro at Newsspeak, it makes you want to stuff a sock in his mouth.
I expect the dems to sell out the country, but why are the repubs doing it too.
Possibly it is a trial balloon. WE need to let them know in no uncertain terms that not only is this unacceptable but all illegals should be expelled.
We have to get rid of Ridge.
Bush needs the mexican vote, no doubt about it.
Two years ago, I'd agree with you on this.
But just answer one question:
What has George Bush done to stop illigal immigration?
Hint: NOTHING!
In the case of the Mexican VOTE, you are 100% absolutely correct sir.
WE DON'T NEED NO STEEEKIN' BORDERS!"
LOL, I like that. Mind if I use it as my tagline now and then?
"The bottom line is, as a country we have to come to grips with the presence of 8 to 12 million illegals, afford them some kind of legal status some way, but also as a country decide what our immigration policy is and then enforce it," Ridge said at a town hall meeting at Miami-Dade Community College. < -snip- > A man who identified himself as Miguel Arroyo, of Aventura, asked Ridge whether he supported immigration legalization and whether he thought it would benefit national security. Ridge said he thinks the body politic is about ready to address the issue of the illegal immigrants, who he said contribute to communities and Social Security and pay taxes. He referred to a growing number of bills that would grant residency to some of those living here illegally. He said one of these, which would require all illegal immigrants to leave the country before applying for residency, is "not workable." "I'm not saying make them citizens, because they violated the law to get here," he said. "So you don't reward that type of conduct by turning over a citizenship certificate. You determine how you can legalize their presence, then, as a country, you make a decision that from this day forward, from this day forward, this is the process of entry, and if you violate that process of entry we have the resources to cope with it."
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The lunatics are turely in charge of the asylum.
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