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Senator Graham Press Release
Senator Graham Press Release ^ | May 19, 2007 | Lindsey Graham

Posted on 05/19/2007 6:12:26 PM PDT by Reaganwuzthebest

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made these statements on comprehensive immigration reform plan.

General Thoughts:

"Over the last few months, I have spoken with President Bush almost every week and met with him twice about immigration reform. Secretary Chertoff and Secretary Gutierrez have been there every step of the way. There would be no bill without their hard work.

"Today we charted a new path for our nation's immigration policies.

"We break the cycle of chain migration by placing a premium on the education and job skills of new immigrants coming to the United States. This new merit-based system is a major change in our nation's immigration policies and allows us to attract the best and brightest in the world.

"We reclaim control of our nation's borders by adding new Border Patrol agents and technology to stop illegal border crossings.

"We establish a new comprehensive employee verification system - for all workers including Americans -- to ensure people are in the country legally and eligible to work.

"We establish a temporary guest worker system to meet our nation's future labor needs. Temporary workers can come here and work for a defined period of time, but they must return to their home country.

"And we establish procedures to deal with the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants, allowing them to stay under our rules - not theirs. They will be placed on probation and pay fines, learn English, and assimilate into American society. If they want to become citizens -- a minimum 13 year process -- they will be forced to leave the United States and return to their country of origin. Only from there will they be allowed to apply for citizenship.

Is the Legislation Amnesty?

"Amnesty is a pardon and means all is forgiven. This legislation is not amnesty. President Bush made clear today he does not view it as amnesty and I agree with him.

"I hope all Senators, particularly those who were not part of the negotiations, will become more informed about the details of the bill before making incorrect statements.

"Here are the facts. Illegal aliens will have the opportunity to come forward and be fined, punished and placed on years of probation. Illegal aliens will not be allowed to jump in line for citizenship ahead of those currently waiting. If they want to become citizens they must pay fines, learn English, pass a civics exam, undergo background checks and leave the United States and return to their country of origin. The punishment is fair and just.

"The public expects Members of Congress to speak their minds, but be informed in their opinions. I would ask for everyone to take time to understand how the bill works."


TOPICS: Extended News; News/Current Events; US: South Carolina
KEYWORDS: aliens; amnesty; buildthewall; gramnesty; illegalimmigration; rino
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To: Reaganwuzthebest

“Amnesty is a pardon and means all is forgiven. This legislation is not amnesty.”

Even McCain admits it’s an amnesty.


21 posted on 05/19/2007 6:24:02 PM PDT by Shermy
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To: Reaganwuzthebest

This is a little long-winded. Let me condense it.

Blah, blah, blah,...amnesty...blah.
Blah, blah, blah,...open borders...blah.
Blah, blah, blah,...BOHICA.....blah.


22 posted on 05/19/2007 6:25:10 PM PDT by 50mm (la prensa dos en traducir mi línea de etiqueta al inglés)
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To: don-o

David Beasely (R) lost because he agreed the stars and bars should come down. Jim Hodge (D) actually took the flag down and lost to Mark Sanford (R). Lindsey Graham is granting amnesty to criminals he should lose in the primary. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Democrat or a primary challenger. He’s toast. Since Mccain isn’t going anywhere maybe he can be his press secretary in the senate.


23 posted on 05/19/2007 6:25:49 PM PDT by personalaccts (Is George W going to protect the border?)
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To: Reaganwuzthebest; All

“Over the last few months, I have spoken with President Bush almost every week and met with him twice about immigration reform. Secretary Chertoff and Secretary Gutierrez have been there every step of the way. There would be no bill without their hard work.”

Yeah, treason can be very stressful..............


24 posted on 05/19/2007 6:27:49 PM PDT by stephenjohnbanker ( Hunter/Thompson/Thompson/Hunter in 08! "Read my lips....No new RINO's" !!)
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To: Reaganwuzthebest
"The public expects Members of Congress to speak their minds, but be informed in their opinions. I would ask for everyone to take time to understand how the bill works."

Sorry, Senator, the Senate doesn't seem to want to give us time to understand the bill. Instead, they want to rush it through in a week. Why is that, Senator? What is hidden that you don't want the public to have time to sort out?
25 posted on 05/19/2007 6:34:55 PM PDT by goldfinch
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To: Shermy

They know that calling it amnesty ruins its chances. The open border groups even have talking points to make sure other terms are used like earned or pathway to citizenship. Lindsey isn’t fooling anyone.


26 posted on 05/19/2007 6:35:12 PM PDT by Reaganwuzthebest
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To: BlessedByLiberty

I suggest cards and letters wishing him well in his new private sector job. Since he, obviously, has a few screws loose, he may not understand the implications of the letters. The “in your face” arrogance of these traitors is reprehensible.


27 posted on 05/19/2007 6:39:21 PM PDT by ExTexasRedhead
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To: ExTexasRedhead
The “in your face” arrogance of these traitors is reprehensible.

PC rules. It's large. It's well-armed. And it's here to crush us. They know it's on their side. They want to crush us, too. Together, PC and these folks will crush us if we don't stop them.

28 posted on 05/19/2007 6:42:10 PM PDT by James W. Fannin (unappeasable)
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To: Reaganwuzthebest
Fellow Tennesseans: Here is what our two Senators have to say about the immigration Bill.

From Senator Lamar Alexander:

May 19th, 2007 - "I voted against the last immigration bill because it did not secure our borders. My main concern as I study this one is whether it secures our borders, establishes a verification system so employers can know who they are hiring and helps prospective citizens learn English and what it means to be an American."

Here is Senator Corker's release: Friday, May 18, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) today made the following statement regarding immigration reform legislation proposed this week in the Senate: "On Monday, Senators are being asked to start voting on a complex immigration reform bill that most members have not had a chance to read or review. There is no doubt we need to secure America's borders and reform our broken immigration system, but this should not be done hastily by cramming through a largely unknown piece of legislation in a few days. "After reading several summaries of this bill, I have serious concerns and for that reason I will vote 'no' on proceeding to the bill on Monday. I hope in the near future the Senate will return to immigration reform in a framework where Senators will be given the time necessary for serious debate on an issue of this magnitude."

Sounds like Corker is with us. I can't tell about Lamar.

29 posted on 05/19/2007 6:42:42 PM PDT by LimaLimaMikeFoxtrot (Nothing is so simple that it can't be done wrong.)
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To: ExTexasRedhead

I would send him a congrats on the new job letter, but well a Mexican is “... doing the job he doesn’t want to do.”

Arrogance is too kind a word for their disregard for the will of the American people. We want security and it is their obligation - an obligation they took an oath to honor - to provide it. If they cannot fulfill their jobs then they need to resign.

In the meantime I wish Mr. Graham well in the fast food sector.


30 posted on 05/19/2007 6:42:57 PM PDT by BlessedByLiberty (Respectfully submitted,)
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To: Reaganwuzthebest; upchuck; SC Swamp Fox

Limp Lindsey’s at it again.


31 posted on 05/19/2007 6:45:26 PM PDT by Slings and Arrows ("I AM A SEXY SHOELESS GOD OF WAR!!!" --http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0439.html)
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To: dennisw
This guy is disgusting and looks gayer each day. He looks awful! And to think South Carolina used to be solid conservative and Dixiecrat. I’ll bet they re-elect this creepy guy

I was thinking the same thing when I saw him on TV. Was he always so effeminate?

As for his position on this, I would like to see a list of his benefactors , somehow I get the feeling there is a connection there

32 posted on 05/19/2007 6:46:23 PM PDT by ears_to_hear
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To: Reaganwuzthebest

From here it seems to me that the folks in South Carolina take their voting seriously.

That is quite unlike folks in my neck of the woods who continuously return a murderer and a lying hypocritical BS artist gigolo to the Senate.

I hope that y’all in S.C. get him real good when it is time.


33 posted on 05/19/2007 6:46:46 PM PDT by Radix ( Honey, I shrunk our Carbon Footprint.)
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To: Reaganwuzthebest

Funny how he didn’t mention speaking with his constituents.


34 posted on 05/19/2007 6:48:55 PM PDT by Lord Basil (stupisticated - Having a refined fantasy view of the world that is typically based on group-think.)
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To: ca centered
The more they manipulate this AMNESTY the madder I get.

They think Americans are stupid. That we should be grateful to save a few cents on produce and have immigrants do our household chores.

Graham simply represents all that is bad with the GOP today, and hopefully SC voters show him the door next year.

35 posted on 05/19/2007 6:48:57 PM PDT by Extremely Extreme Extremist
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To: All

To have a bill that is NOT amnesty, what punishment for the crime needs to be imposed?

Is deportation the only possible acceptable punishment? Why not forcing them to pay 20% Social Security tax for life, and waive eligibility for any and all social programs for life, with a requirement for a 3/4 Congressional supermajority vote to undo any of these provisions in the future?

That’s the question here for FR. What other punishment other than deportation can suffice for this crime committed. Even murder has multiple punishments (life, death penalty, 20 or 30 years, etc). So what other punishment options could suffice?


36 posted on 05/19/2007 6:52:12 PM PDT by Owen
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To: ears_to_hear

There is a connection. He’s beholden to all the hotel and golf resort developers.


37 posted on 05/19/2007 6:55:16 PM PDT by Andy'smom
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To: Owen
Is deportation the only possible acceptable punishment?

When they're caught yes. Or make them go home to apply to enter legally from the back of the line. Giving them immediate Z visas that lets them stay indefinitely and also bring in family members that take advantage of all our social services is amnesty.

38 posted on 05/19/2007 6:55:53 PM PDT by Reaganwuzthebest
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To: Extremely Extreme Extremist

When this first came out they, and bush, wanted too push it through fast. There may be support but they are hearing more opposition I’d suspect. I’m doing what I can. I’ve never been so determined to contact as many politicians and people I know. I won’t stop no matter what happens. I have a huge list of customers were I am. I’m contacting as many as I can.


39 posted on 05/19/2007 6:58:08 PM PDT by ca centered
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To: Lord Basil
“Funny how he didn’t mention speaking with his constituents.”

Since when have they mattered to any of these crooks?

There are still a few good Republican Senators (Sessions, et al), but this will not pass without Republican support.

Unfortunately for the Republican Party and the nation, this surrender bill has Republican support.

40 posted on 05/19/2007 6:58:34 PM PDT by FredHunter08 (Guiliani! Come and Take Them!)
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