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 ...
Satisfying me isn't the issue. There is no viable proof that these illegals can offer, something that our "elected representatives" in Washing DC know fully well.
But even that point is not the true issue here. Any amnesty, under any other name or pretense, is still rewarding those who have blatantly broken the law. It is a clear sign that one's nation is gravely ill when those at the hightest levels of authority ignore the law with impunity.
I said this yesterday-after hearing touch-feely Beta Male Tom Coburn on The Savage Nation-the Senate will fold.
I'm counting on Sensenbrenner and Tancredo to hold firm when this goes to conference.
They'll need all the help they can get.
I would rather be screwed over by an enemy than screwed over by a "friend" any day. At least with an enemy I can see it coming and prepare.
Bottom line, I would be rather stabbed in the FRONT than stabbed in the back...which is what they are doing...and thanking you for your vote while doing it.
That should read ..."ain't just hispanics."
But the price of lettuce is cheaper. /sarcasm off
There was a very nice picture of a "peso" bill featuring El Presidente Bush that I failed to pick up off the Net. (Things really hum past me on FR). Anyway I was going to print up a bunch and remit some with every mail request. I generally get about 3 fund raising letters a day. I hope that I don't wear out my new printer.. (Grin).
"IF there was no work, they would go back to Mexico."
Yeah, right. It's called the "Great New Society PLUS" gravy-train. No offense, but most will stay.
Well, that's at least better than voting for Democrats like SOME have suggested above!
They'll need all the help they can get.
Agree completely.
I think you're being a little too harsh - you're assuming our representatives are different from you and I. On the contrary, they are just like us; one only needs to understand human nature to realize that man is governed by fear and greed.
Politicians fear not being re-elected - it's a visceral feeling; greed is the power & perks to be enjoyed if successful.
While a representative republic appears to be a good form of government in theory, it's primary weakness are internal enemies that represent potential votes. And overt external enemy is obvious to all - it is the insidious internal opponents that divide citizens from their representatives.
It's how all societies have fallen throughout time, and is how the US will fall as well.
Whereas I disagree on this point. That's how you view him because he's opposed to something you favor. There is no indication to suggest he sees himself in that manner at all.
When his intractable stances lead, to an example, in refusing to withdraw from Iraq from political pressure that's considered a good thing.
It isn't a strain of elitism, it's simply a hardline aspect of his personality that comes into play on what he believes that I really wouldn't trade. Even if on THIS issue, it infuriates because he's on the wrong side. I'd rather politicians be honest about their beliefs and fight for them, then cater to damn polls and lie through their teeth. There is NO question in my mind that is what he is doing. And he's entitled to stick to his conscience, one he alerted voters to.
Just as you, and I, and everyone else has the right to stick to their conscience and oppose it strongly and even base their votes in the fall on this issue if they choose. The people I despise are in the Congress. No principle, no set beliefs. Only political calculations drive them. In this case, imo, they've made the wrong calculation but I don't believe they are urging amnesty because in their core they believe it's "humanitarian". As I think is what is really driving the President here. No, they are doing it because they fear being labeled bigots, fear loss of business contributions, or are pandering for votes.
If the illegals get citizenship and then comparable wages then won't this cripple the industries that are so dependent on cheap illegal labor?
That will make the illegals that become citizens unemployable and even a further drain on social services.
We should cherry pick the brightest and most talented minds from other nations - not import their poverty.
Remember that up until now, it was only a FEW republican senators supporting the measure, with the entire democrat party.
So it's not right to blame the entire republican party, just those that vote FOR the bill.
Right now they are trying to get 15 republicans on their side to break a filibuster. That would leave 40 on our side.
Except they may try to get a large majority to make it look bipartisan.
Yeah, no kidding. What a disappointment Craig has been. I used to send the guy some campaign currency.
Were you against Carter's "amnesty" for draft-dodgers and deserters? What if part of this "amnesty" requires everyone to get in line AFTER those already seeking legal status the right way?
Bottom line, I would be rather stabbed in the FRONT than stabbed in the back...which is what they are doing...and thanking you for your vote while doing it.
Logic that I couldn't disagree with.
The barbarians are at the gates.
It's time for the House of Reps to show their mettle.
Tancredo BUMP.
-good times, G.J.P. (Jr.)
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.