Posted on 02/01/2006 7:38:50 AM PST by Reagan Man
When push comes to shove, and policies have to be put in effect, those poll numbers will go out the window.
Everyone agrees illegal immigration is a problem. How to fix it is the rub.
I agree. He's been urging congress for two years to get busy on new laws. But yes, enforcemnt of existing ones would go a long way. Don't misunderstand me, I want ZERO illegals entering this country and ZERO tolerance for them if they get in. But many states and the feds, since 1986, have doen everything TO accommodate them. Bush is only part of the problem, now he needs to be the solution, since the states and congress cannot be relied upon. It's taking him too long, I agree. Time to move.
Perhaps someone should send Tancredo a copy of the SOTU address? He must have fallen asleep when President Bush was talking about the immigration issues. Seems to me Tancredo is being rather shrill and dishonest.
A guest worker program is a means of allowing legal immigration.
If it's implemented in such a way as to allow those illegally here in the country to suddenly become legal, it's amnesty.
However, if you bar anyone who is illegally in the country from applying for the program, it doesn't provide amnesty.
Your assertion that a guest worker program is by definition amnesty is simply incorrect.
Shrill and dishonest? The truth is just the opposite.
Scroll up to RE:#217. Read it and then tell me that Bush's rhetoric is equal to his actions. Cong Tancredo and his fellow congressmen on the House Immigration Reform Caucus are attempting to get Bush and the other status quo Beltway politicos to stop ignoring the illegal immigration and open borders problems that exist today. If you can't see that, then you must be another Bush apologizer and sycophant.
Best not to hold your breath.
They don't have any.
And if you are a pro-illegal alien quisling, you are on mine.
Got it?
This is an excerpt from President Bush's SOTU speech. But Tancredo writes, "Sadly, the President missed yet another great opportunity to correct his course on immigration reform tonight. The President should have clarified his plan and joined the forces in Congress holding the line against amnesty. Instead, Americans will have to wait and wonder where the President stands on securing our borders, while he pushes for guest workers."
What part of "...that rejects amnesty" did Tancredo not understand?
I want our borders secured; I want immigration ENFORCEMENT, and yes, that means going after our own citizens who hire ILLEGAL aliens; I want immigrants to only be allowed into this country LEGALLY, through the proper paper and security-check channels; I believe that a "Guest Worker" program CAN work; and I am AGAINST any AMNESTY program. The President agrees.
"If you are a bigot, you are on my sh*t list."
Hit a nerve? I'm not surprised.
Tancredo understands and I understand. What you don't understand is the huge void between Bush`s deeds and his rhetoric on the issue of immigration reform.
What part of the following don't you understand.
"What has Bush done about the over one million illegals that enter the US every year? NOTHING! What has Bush done about securing our borders? NOTHING! What has Bush done about employers who violate the law? NOTHING!"
Bush has no intention of addressing immigration reform, not now, not ever. Actions speak louder then words. By his inaction, Bush encourages open borders and illegal immigration and for two reasons: cheap labor and Hispanic voters.
I think that a guestworker program will work fabulously well at turning illegals into guests (amnesty). I think it will also work fabulously well at bringing new poor ignorant people into America as guests.
The part I am dubious about is how will we get all these people to leave when their visas expire. I am certain that large numbers of them are not going to leave willingly. We are seeing that now with the Central Americans that we gave temporary guest status a few years ago after the hurricanes and other disasters down there. Now, several years and several extensions of their legal status later, it is clear that they will not leave unless they are forced to leave. And nobody in our government, including our President, is stepping up to the plate to make that happen. If we can't get 300,000 to leave then how will we get 11 million to leave?
Perhaps, since the President has repeatedly declined to do so and you are such a big believer in a guest worker plan you will explain to us HOW THE GUESTS WILL BE MADE TO LEAVE? And while you are at it, perhaps you can explain why if that will be politically feasible 6 years from now it can't just be done right now with the current batch of illegals.
It seems to me that it is either possible to deport 11 million people or it is impossible. I don't see how it can be impossible now but possible 6 years from now. I'm pretty sure that the President is just kicking the can down the road for 6 more years hoping that an amnesty will be easier then.
Silly me. I thought the Executive branch was supposed to enforce the law.
BUSH"S guest worker program IS amnesty, period!
An irrefutable fact.
Well said.
The President is disappointingly disingenuous about this issue.
They do when it comes to Americans who miss a dollar on their taxes. Ask David Koresh how the feds have no problems enforcing the laws. Only when it's about illegal aliens is the "it's everyone else's job or that of Congress" excuse acceptable.
Lol, have another pint of Kool-Ade. You're delusional.
You call how the President's handled the post 9/11 multi-million invasion from Mexico "leadership"?
I suppose it all comes down to what you want this country to look like in the future. If you have no issue with an America that has over 400 million people - over half not of European descent - you will be pleased. If that idea is unsettling it is time to stop massive immigration.
When are we allowed to stop cheering for more immigration? When the percentage of whites drops to 50%? 25%? A majority white America already has laws that discriminate in favor of minorities; many of those minorities now consider such treatment equality; makes me wonder what they will insist upon in the new America that you seem to be eagerly heralding.
From January, 2004: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/01/20040107-1.html
Fact Sheet: Fair and Secure Immigration Reform
Today's Presidential Action
Today, President Bush proposed a new temporary worker program to match willing foreign workers with willing U.S. employers when no Americans can be found to fill the jobs. The program would be open to new foreign workers, and to the undocumented men and women currently employed in the U.S. This new program would allow workers who currently hold jobs to come out of hiding and participate legally in America's economy while not encouraging further illegal behavior.
President Bush also asked Congress to work with him to achieve significant immigration reform that protects the homeland by controlling the borders; serves America's economy by matching a willing worker with a willing employer; promotes compassion for unprotected workers; provides incentives for temporary workers to return to their home countries and families; protects the rights of legal immigrants while not unfairly rewarding those who came here unlawfully or hope to do so. This legislation must also meet the Nation's economic needs and live up to the promise and values of America.
Background on Today's Presidential Action
America is a welcoming nation, and the hard work and strength of our immigrants have made our Nation prosperous. Many immigrants and sons and daughters of immigrants have joined the military to help safeguard the liberty of America. Illegal immigration, however, creates an underclass of workers, afraid and vulnerable to exploitation. Current immigration law can also hinder companies from finding willing workers. The visas now available do not allow employers to fill jobs in many key sectors of our economy. Workers risk their lives in dangerous and illegal border crossings and are consigned to live their lives in the shadows. Without harming the economic security of Americans, reform of our Nation's immigration laws will create a system that is fairer, more consistent, and more compassionate.
Principles of Immigration Reform -- The President's proposal is based on several basic principles:
Protecting the Homeland by Controlling Our Borders: The program should link to efforts to control our border through agreements with countries whose nationals participate in the program. It must support ongoing efforts to enhance homeland security.
Serve America's Economy by Matching a Willing Worker with a Willing Employer: When no American worker is available and willing to take a job, the program should provide a labor supply for American employers. It should do so in a way that is clear, streamlined, and efficient so people can find jobs and employers can find workers in a timely manner.
Promoting Compassion: The program should grant currently working undocumented aliens a temporary worker status to prevent exploitation. Participants would be issued a temporary worker card that will allow them to travel back and forth between their home and the U.S. without fear of being denied re-entry into America.
Providing Incentives for Return to Home Country: The program will require the return of temporary workers to their home country after their period of work has concluded. The legal status granted by this program would last three years, be renewable, and would have an end. During the temporary work period, it should allow movement across the U.S. borders so the worker can maintain roots in their home country.
Protecting the Rights of Legal Immigrants: The program should not connect participation to a green card or citizenship. However, it should not preclude a participant from obtaining green card status through the existing process. It should not permit undocumented workers to gain an advantage over those who have followed the rules.
Temporary Worker Program
President Bush does not support amnesty because individuals who violate America's laws should not be rewarded for illegal behavior and because amnesty perpetuates illegal immigration. The President proposes that the Federal Government offer temporary worker status to undocumented men and women now employed in the United States and to those in foreign countries who have been offered employment here. The workers under temporary status must pay a one-time fee to register in the program, abide by the rules, and return home after their period of work expires. There would be an opportunity for renewal. In the future, only people outside the U.S. may join the temporary worker program, and there will be an orderly system in place to address the needs of workers and companies.
American Workers Come First: Employers must make every reasonable effort to find an American to fill a job before extending job offers to foreign workers.
Workplace Enforcement of Immigration Laws: Enforcement against companies that break the law and hire illegal workers will increase.
Economic Incentives to Return Home: The U.S. will work with other countries to allow aliens working in the U.S. to receive credit in their nations' retirement systems and will support the creation of tax-preferred savings accounts they can collect when they return to their native countries.
Fair and Meaningful Citizenship Process: Some temporary workers will want to remain in America and pursue citizenship. They should not receive an unfair advantage over those who have followed the law, and they will need to be placed in line for citizenship behind those who are already in line. Those who choose the path of citizenship will have an obligation to learn the facts and ideals that have shaped America's history.
Reasonable Annual Increase of Legal Immigrants: A reasonable increase in the annual limit of legal immigrants will benefit those who follow the lawful path to citizenship.
Benefits to America of the Temporary Worker Program
A more prosperous economy -- for America. The program would allow workers to find jobs and employers to find workers, quickly and simply.
A more secure homeland -- to improve the efficiency and management of all people who cross our borders. It is in the interest of the Nation, and each community, to identify foreign visitors and immigrants and make clear the nature of their intentions.
A more compassionate system -- to protect all workers in America with labor laws, the right to change jobs, fair wages, and a healthy work environment.
Homeland Security and Border Enforcement
Border Patrol has increased from a strength of 9,788 on September 11, 2001 to 10,835 on December 1, 2003. Between ports of entry on the northern border, the size of the Border Patrol has tripled to more than 1,000 agents. In addition, the Border Patrol is continuing installation of monitoring devices along the borders to detect illegal activity.
The Bush Administration's Operation Tarmac was launched to investigate businesses and workers in the secure areas of domestic airports and ensure immigration law compliance. Since 9/11, DHS has audited 3,640 businesses, examined 259,037 employee records, arrested 1,030 unauthorized workers, and participated in the criminal indictment of 774 individuals.
President Bush announced the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), an internet-based system that is improving America's ability to track and monitor foreign students and exchange visitors. Over 870,000 students are registered in SEVIS. Of 285 completed field investigations, 71 aliens were arrested.
This week, the US-VISIT program began to digitally collect biometric identifiers to record the entry and exit of aliens who travel into the U.S on a visa. Together with the standard information, this new program will confirm compliance with visa and immigration policies.
Now, while I wish the serious problem of illegal immigration could be solved in an instant by one man, I am not so ignorant as to believe that. To say that President Bush has done "nothing" is not a true statement. Do I wish the cure would happen faster? You bet.
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