House Again Passes Border and Visa Security Legislation

Sensenbrenner's press release. ^ | 3/12/2002 | James Sensenbrenner

[hchutch]

WASHINGTON, March 12 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The House today by a 275-137 margin passed legislation providing critical visa and border security safeguards. These protections, already passed by the House without opposition on December 19, 2001, have been held up by Democratic opposition in the Senate.

"This legislation provides vital changes to our immigration laws to fight terrorism and prevent exploitation by some illegal aliens who wish to harm Americans. It builds upon enhanced data sharing requirements in the PATRIOT Act and includes key changes to our immigration laws such as requiring new biometric visas and strengthening the foreign student tracking system," stated House Judiciary Committee Chairman F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-Wis.). "It's time for the Senate Leadership to act on this legislation. The visa and border security provisions passed almost three months ago and we've seen zero movement by the Senate."

Visa and border security highlights include:

-- Strengthening the foreign student tracking system by requiring that it track: 1) the acceptance of aliens by educational institutions; 2) the issuance of visas to the aliens; 3) the admission into the U.S. of the aliens and the notification of these educational institutions of the admittance of these aliens; and 4) the enrollment of the aliens at the institutions.

-- Requiring the State Department by October 26, 2003 to only issue to aliens visas and other travel documents that are tamper-resistant and machine-readable using standardized biometric identifiers. Aliens entering the U.S. under the visa waiver program will have to possess passports with the same features (if issued after this date). By the same date (October 26, 2003) the INS must install scanners to read the biometric documents at all ports of entry. The INS must implement an integrated entry and exit data system (for nationals of countries other than Canada) containing arrival and departure data from these documents.

-- Requiring U.S. embassies and consulates to utilize terrorist lookout committees in order to ensure that the names of known terrorists are routinely and consistently brought to the attention of consular officials.

-- Barring nationals of countries that are state sponsors of terrorism from receiving temporary visas unless it has been determined that the aliens do not pose a threat to the safety of Americans or the national security of the U.S.

-- Providing an electronic data system that allows current and immediate access for consular officers and INS officials to information in databases of U.S. law enforcement agencies and the intelligence community.

-- Authorizing an additional 200 INS inspectors and 200 INS investigative personnel for each of the fiscal years 2002 through 2006. Also increases the pay and training of INS personnel, including Border Patrol agents, and beefs up consular offices at U.S. embassies. $150 million is authorized for the INS for improving technology at the border.

Today's legislation also included a temporary extension of the 245(i) immigration program. H.R. 1885 will allow qualifying illegal aliens to utilize section 245(i) as long as they have green card petitions filed on their behalf by the earlier of November 30, 2002, or four months after the date the Attorney General issues implementing regulations. It also requires that aliens must have entered the family relationships qualifying them for permanent residence by August 14, 2001. Under H.R. 1885, section 245(i) is a temporary program that will not become a permanent part of U.S. immigration law. A similar extension of the 245(i) program passed the House on May 21, 2001 by a 336-43 margin.

[hchutch]

If there is a better option, let's hear it. Fromw hat I gather, this thing is dead anyway, so why not make a little more political hay from it?

I'd be willing to bet my student loans that were the situation reversed, the Democrats would pull the same stunt, and they'd follow it up with the worst race-baiting since the James Byrd ad. Instead, we get to do it.

I don't think this is as bad as it looks, especially if it is DOA in the Daschle Senate.

[Sabertooth]

Memo to Bushbots...

Kiss My Vote

We're a nation strong with immigrants
     Who know about fair play;
But you prefer the other ones,
     Without an honest day.
I know that you will call me names
But I will not be shy…
          Hey go ahead, kiss illegals,
          And kiss my vote goodbye.

I don't care if they're from Mexico,
     Canada, France or Spain.
I don't care if they swam a river,
     Or got here in a plane.
I'm not giving up my country,
No matter how hard you try…
          Hey go ahead, kiss illegals,
          And kiss my vote goodbye.

Put down your economics,
     Your demographics too.
Uphold our laws and borders,
     As we elected you.
But if you're thinking otherwise,
We'll know for sure you lie…
          Hey go ahead, kiss illegals,
          And kiss my vote goodbye.

You lightly take your promises,
     But we will not forget.
Double cross us once again,
     Your sun will surely set.
The time has come to send them home,
And I have told you why…
          But go ahead, kiss illegals,
          And kiss my vote goodbye.

And if you' think it can't be done,
     Then step aside, we'll fight.
It's amnesty or honesty,
     Surrender or be right.
So listen, you politicians,
And hear our vengeful cry…
          Deport your dear illegals,
          Or kiss our votes goodbye.

[snippy_about_it]

.

[Miss Marple]

You know, Sabertooth, I have often praised your poetry, because you have real talent. I don't believe I have ever called you a name. It is very disappointing that people are unable to discuss an issue without resorting to this type of stuff.

Sadly, I am requesting that you remove me from your ping list.

[Sabertooth]

If there is a better option, let's hear it. Fromw hat I gather, this thing is dead anyway, so why not make a little more political hay from it?

I'd be willing to bet my student loans that were the situation reversed, the Democrats would pull the same stunt, and they'd follow it up with the worst race-baiting since the James Byrd ad. Instead, we get to do it.

When you have an 80% popularity, and 70% on the issue, and honest to God principle on your side... What is there to fear?

You can't spin this.

Whether by cowardice or corruption, Bush led a retreat with this Amnesty.

And you think it's worth it because we'll get to act like Democrats?

Congratulations, you already have.

[hchutch]

Look, we've tried playing nice - look what it got Trent Lott. I didn't choose the rules of this battle, but if we gotta play by those rules, then so be it. Or have you forgotten what it took to win in Florida?

Like Miss Marple, I also request removal from your ping list.

[Sabertooth]

It is very disappointing that people are unable to discuss an issue without resorting to this type of stuff.

Resorting to what... warning politicians that they serve at our pleasure?

How impudent of me.

[Sabertooth]

Look, we've tried playing nice - look what it got Trent Lott.

Surrendering on Amnesty is getting tough?

George Orwell, where are you?

[Mo1]

You know I can't help be reminded of stories when my folks arrived to America

"Irish Need Not Apply"

I recall we were not liked very much at all .. we were called dirty .. lazy .. drunks .. we would just suck up jobs from "Real American's"

Kind of sounds familiar from what I've been reading lately

[ATR]

Looks like 245(i) was not all that was in here. There's a little more to this story than just Tancredo's side of it.

Sorry, but you are incorrect. That false impression is actually part of the why this is so outrageous. ALL of the other positive things described were ALREADY passed in December. That bill (HR3525 I think) was FINISHED, done, in the can - and was awaiting Senate approval.

The measure up yesterday was ONLY to add the 245(i) extension to the existing bill. That's all. Yesterday's vote was about the 245(i) extension, period.

This sleight of hand was deliberate and is part of why people are so worked up about this. It allows people like Sensenbrenner to publish disingenuous and misleading press releases like this one to cover up what really happened.

[ATR]

I don't think this is as bad as it looks, especially if it is DOA in the Daschle Senate.

It is not DOA in the Senate. Daschle already has said he would push the 245(i) extension through.

[Sabertooth]

You know I can't help be reminded of stories when my folks arrived to America

"Irish Need Not Apply"

I recall we were not liked very much at all .. we were called dirty .. lazy .. drunks .. we would just suck up jobs from "Real American's"

Kind of sounds familiar from what I've been reading lately

What a sheer load of neo-leftist demagoguery.

We're talking about illegals... lawbreakers.

[hchutch]

No, I'm talking about turning the race card on the Dems for once.

I lost my idealism about politics during the Florida mess. Or do you forget Gore's comment about doing anything to win? Because that's the Dems' motto. "Do anything to win."

Or would you rather play nice and lose?

[ATR]

You know I can't help be reminded of stories when my folks arrived to America

"Irish Need Not Apply"

I recall we were not liked very much at all .. we were called dirty .. lazy .. drunks .. we would just suck up jobs from "Real American's"

Kind of sounds familiar from what I've been reading lately

That was almost a century ago, when America and the world were a very different place. We had < 130 million people, now we have 290 million people (and the same amout of land, excluding Alaska and Hawaii, which don't amount to much inhabitable land).

We were also not the superpower of the world and at the top every terrorist's hit list.

And we were not in a war when those folks were coming in....

[Mo1]

What a sheer load of neo-leftist demagoguery

You can be assured that I am no neo-leftist demagoguery

I am simply stating a fact .. it's called HISTORY

BTW ... name calling is very unbecoming so early in the morning

[Mo1]

That was almost a century ago, when America and the world were a very different place.

One would think .. but a lot of what I have been reading .. one would not think so

Look I am not saying this Bill is a great idea and yes I realize we are at war with terrorist .. I am not blind

But I see more people upset about the Mexican's instead of the real terrorist ..

[Miss Marple]

No, Sabertooth, calling people who disagree with you names is what I am discussing. It is rude, and I don't have to approve of it.

There was an intelligent discussion on this thread with holdonnow last night. He was able to state his case without calling anyone "Bush-bots," which trust me, I know you didn't mean as a compliment.

It seems to me that a 4-month extension of the amnesty is not something that is going to be the downfall of the Republic. Those who want agreement on every issue are going to be disappointed with any person who serves in office. I personally am not very fond of the education bill. However, I am able to refrain from insulting people who don't agree with me, although I am beginning to be sorely tempted.

[Mo1]

There was an intelligent discussion on this thread with holdonnow last night. He was able to state his case without calling anyone "Bush-bots," which trust me, I know you didn't mean as a compliment

Thank you Miss Marple for your comments

BTW .. do you know the name of this thread .. I would be interested in reading it

[Sabertooth]

name calling is very unbecoming so early in the morning

Then why are trying to imply that those who oppose illegals are racist?

That's drawn from the Leftist handbook of convenient slurs.

[Sabertooth]

It is not a blanket amnesty as has been shouted about for weeks.

The only ones talking about "blanket amnesty" are you and Dane, in your straw man arguments against those not happy with illegal immigration. This is what you call serious debate?

Any amnesty for illegals is treacherous.