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| VIDEO: Where's “the bill”? |
The “bill” might be doomed, but not Slick
Mitt.
“I strongly oppose today's bill going through the Senate. It is the
wrong approach. Any legislation that allows illegal immigrants to stay in
the country indefinitely, as the new 'Z-Visa' does, is a form of amnesty.
That is unfair to the millions of people who have applied to legally immigrate
to the U.S.“Today's Senate agreement falls short of the actions needed to both
solve our country's illegal immigration problem and also strengthen our legal
immigration system. Border security and a reliable employment verification
system must be our first priority.”
Used car salesman, anyone? He's even got the hair for it. Mitt came out against
“the bill” before the thing is even written. That's correct,
it's not even put together yet. It was obvious in the press conference and all
the chatter beyond.
Details, schmetails, let's make a deal! As long as we do it behind closed doors.
Seriously, what were they thinking? Could this thing have been handled any worse?
The details were offered before the bill is even finished. Now the cable
networks are flashing facts that aren't even in print scaring the bejeezus out
of everyone, legal and illegal, while everyone left, right and center are screaming
bloody murder, THE ILLEGALS ARE STAYING – THE ILLEGALS STAYING! The workers are staying too.
You also have to ask, if the talking points put out today are the best the
Senate could come up with what was the rush? What was the point? If it was to paint a big red bull's eye on the soon to be written but not written yet immigration legislation, well, mission accomplished, folks. I have tremendous respect for Senator Kennedy and know his heart and intent to manifest new immigration policy is righteous and well meaning, but good grief. As for George W. Bush, he just wanted to get something accomplished. Republicans are desperate, but now the whole party is likely to come unglued. That's one plus.
Some of the talking points not yet in print, otherwise know as The Floating Trial Balloon on Immigration Legislation Soon To Come…
All immigrants having entered the country illegally before January 2007 are to be offered a path to citizenship.
Only one thing will stop illegal immigration: target employers. Where's
the money for investigation of employers, not to mention enforcement? Where's the teeth to target employers and the will to enforce the law?
I.D. cards and a system to handle it.
Whoa right here. Are they kidding? We still don't have agencies talking to each other this long after 9/11. A new immigration I.D. system on top of it all?
Double the border agents. Okay.
A huge guest worker program that the unions hate and who can blame them. When you allow a guest worker program of such magnitude you can kiss those
good paying construction jobs (to name just one industry) goodbye.
The immigration issue also divides both parties in the House, which isn't expected to act unless the Senate passes a bill first.
The proposed agreement would allow illegal immigrants to come forward and obtain a “Z visa” and—after paying fees and a $5,000 fine—ultimately get on track for permanent residency, which could take between eight and 13 years. Heads of household would have to return to their home countries first.
They could come forward right away to claim a probationary card that would let them live and work legally in the U.S., but could not begin the path to permanent residency or citizenship until border security improvements and the high-tech worker identification program were completed.
A new temporary guest worker program would also have to wait until those so-called “triggers” had been activated.
Those workers would have to return home after work stints of two years, with little opportunity to gain permanent legal status or ever become U.S. citizens. They could renew their guest worker visas twice, but would be required to leave for a year in between each time.
Democrats had pressed instead for guest workers to be permitted to stay and work indefinitely in the U.S.
In erhaps the most hotly debated change, the proposed plan would shift from an immigration system primarily weighted toward family ties toward one with preferences for people with advanced degrees and sophisticated skills. Republicans have long sought such revisions, which they say are needed to end “chain migration” that harms the economy, while some Democrats and liberal groups say it's an unfair system that rips families apart.
Family connections alone would no longer be enough to qualify for a green card—except for spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens.
Heads of households that come forward to get Z-Vizas have to eventually “touch-back”
to their native countries in order to get citizenship here, but then can come back “any time they want,”
according to John Kyl. What genius came up with this beauty? And how is this going to work? An honor system? Right. It's simple. The Republican base want all the immigrants here
illegally to have to go home permanently or reapply so this was evidently the compromise
decided upon. These guys think some “touch-back” nonsense is going to mollify the wingnut base? They're dreaming.
So called “chain migration” is stopped, so that families cannot be
brought into the U.S.
Then there is the fence; the worst idea in national security ever,
especially as long as employers aren't kept honest; and again, there is not enough money for investigating
employers and enforcing the laws. Can't have campaign contributors or big agro
ticked off, now can we.
As for the 12 million immigrants in this country illegally, there is only one
way to know they are here and that is to offer them a path to citizenship. The vast majority are hard working people living and working in this country, while being scared to death. That's no way to live. We
simply have to know, as best as we can, who is in this country, while honoring their willingness to be part of this nation. Paying $,5000
over years, staying employed and out of trouble are reasonable expectations,
learning English, etc. This is no easy way to earn citizenship. I don't care
what you call it. It's the only realistic beginning we can start out trying
to achieve. Right up until you talk about “touch-back.”
But the rest of it is going to end up as congressional goulash in print. The bill is likely to read even worse
than the talking points. The Senate just came to an agreement to do something on illegal immigration so they announced they'd come to an agreement. Alert the media. They'll get to the details later. Go figure.
Oh, and speaking of done, see John McCain standing behind Kennedy during the
presser yesterday? It could be over for him. But he shouldn't feel lonely, Rev. Dobson told Rudy he's “not
the one.”
So the only frontrunner left standing right now is Slick Mitt.
Or do I hear the wingnuts chanting Newt's name?
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