Posted on 04/06/2006 8:33:43 AM PDT by STARWISE
WASHINGTON - In a last stab at compromise, Senate Republicans and Democrats reported progress Thursday toward agreement on legislation opening the way to legal status and eventual citizenship for many of the 11 million immigrants now in the U.S. illegally.
"There's been tremendous progress overnight," said Sen. Harry Reid (news, bio, voting record) of Nevada, the Democratic leader, while Majority Leader Bill Frist also expressed optimism that a long-sought compromise might be at hand.
There was no immediate reaction from President Bush, who has made immigration legislation a key priority.
The developments occurred after Frist unveiled a new bill late Wednesday night on the subject as the Senate headed into a test vote on the most sweeping immigration bill in two decades.
In general, the legislation would provide for enhanced border security, regulate the flow of future immigrants into the United States and settle the legal fate of the estimated 11 million men, women and children already in the country.
It was the fate of the illegal immigrant population that proved hardest to legislate, and it has left the Senate on the verge of gridlock for days.
(snip)
Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., as well as other key senators met before the vote to review terms of a proposed compromise.
In general, it would require illegal immigrants who have been in the United States between two years and five years to return to their home country briefly, then re-enter as temporary workers. They could then begin a process of seeking citizenship.
Illegal immigrants here longer than five years would not be required to return home; those in the country less than two years would be required to leave without assurances of returning, and take their place in line with others seeking entry papers.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Nope - I'm saying there are better ways to prevent terrorism than doubling or tripling our "security" at borders.
Ahem.
"Of 94 alien terrorists in the United States, she found that 59 were successful immigration frauds. That includes six of the 9/11 hijackers." -- Janice Kephart, former counsel to the 9/11 Commission.
How about instead of the fence then, we use all that money to catch any terrorist that overstayed his / her visa?!
I agree that some balance needs to be reached.
How about offering a quid pro to the terrorists. If they will insure that the U.S. proper will never again be hit by them in any manner, we will allow the ROP and its adherents now in country to remain here so long as they assimilate and stop pushing for their sharia crap and special consideration above and beyond what any other religion in America gets for their religious needs. But no more immigrants from the religion of pieces.
If not, deport 'em all immediately following the next terrorist attack for their own safety. Their call.
Nope - we never negotiate with terrorists - as for the assimilation part of terrorists already here, I'm open to suggestions.
Yet you favor the Senate bill, which I pointed out makes the chance of terrorist attacks greater.
So, once again, I don't think you're being forthcoming here.
You are free to think whatever you'd like - I think that terrorists coming over LEGALLY is a much greater threat.
It wasn't a negotiation. It was an ultimatum.
My fax:
Senator Murray:
Having moved here (against my better judgment) from San Diego, I can tell you that about half the illegal aliens from Mexico come here to pillage. When you vote for amnesty, you are approving of their criminal acts.
To do otherwise would just put even more pressure on the border, as the next generation of illegals gets to thinking it can cash in on the next amnesty. '86 all over again.
I think our country is big enough to walk and chew gum at the same time ; )
I said there are dozens at Free Republic - one thread woven among many does not the entire tapestry make.
I can understand people that want to end legal immigration. I do not agree with them, but I understand them. You, OTOH, want to give citizenship to every person who comes over the border. I guess the welfare lists aren't big enough for you yet.
That's not what the Senate proposal was - perhaps you need to read it before posting.
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