Deal May Legalize Millions of Immigrants

[MrMisterSU]

Deal May Legalize Millions of Immigrants
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May 17, 6:11 PM (ET)

By JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070517/D8P6D6GG1.html

WASHINGTON (AP) - In a striking reach across party lines, the White House and key lawmakers agreed Thursday to reshape the nation's immigration laws and give millions of illegal immigrants legal status. At the same time, borders would be tightened.

The compromise brought liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans together with top members of President Bush's team on an issue that carries heavy potential risks and rewards for all involved.

The Senate will wade into an emotional and wide-ranging debate on the issue next week that promises to test the unlikely coalition that produced the deal. Almost instantly, the plan brought vehement criticism from both sides of the immigration issue, including liberals who called it unfair and unworkable and conservatives who branded it an overly permissive "amnesty."

The proposal constitutes a far-reaching change in the immigration system that would admit future arrivals seeking to put down roots in the U.S. based on their skills, education levels and job experience, limiting the importance of family ties. A new class of guest workers would be allowed in temporarily, but only after borders were fortified and measures were in place to ensure the rules were followed.

Bush said the proposal would "help enforce our borders but equally importantly, it'll treat people with respect."

"This is a bill where people who live here in our country will be treated without amnesty but without animosity," Bush said.

The formula was enough to satisfy liberal Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass. - viewed as his party's decisive voice on immigration - and Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., a conservative who has been adamantly opposed to past overhauls.

Kennedy hailed it as "the best possible chance we will have in years to secure our borders and bring millions of people out of the shadows and into the sunshine of America."

Kyl said the measure wasn't perfect, "but it represents the best opportunity that we have in a bipartisan way to do something about this problem."

It was clear, however, that many Republicans and Democrats were deeply skeptical. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., called the proposal a "starting point" for next week's debate and said it needed improvement.

"I have serious concerns about some aspects of this proposal, including the structure of the temporary worker program and undue limitations on family immigration," Reid said.

In a reminder of the delicate nature of the alliance, some lawmakers on both ends of the political spectrum who attended the weeks of closed-door talks that yielded the agreement deserted it at the last moment.

Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said the proposal "tears families apart" because a new point system used to evaluate future legal immigrants would value family connections well below employment-related criteria.

"When you anchor yourself to the far right and you give, I think, relatively little, it's hard to meet the challenge" of producing a workable bill, Menendez said in an interview.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said he had "very serious concerns with the principles outlined" in the agreement.

And conservatives on both sides of the Capitol derided the deal as "amnesty" for illegal immigrants, using a politically charged word that figured prominently in campaigns across the country last year.

"I don't care how you try to spin it, this is amnesty," said Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C.

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 households 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 crop of low-skilled guest workers would have to return home after stints of two years. They could renew their visas twice, but would be required to leave for a year in between each time. If they wanted to stay in the U.S. permanently, they would have to apply under the point system for a limited pool of green cards.

The program drew fire from liberal groups that said it was unworkable. They had joined Democrats in pressing instead for guest workers to be permitted to stay and work indefinitely in the U.S., and ultimately earn the chance to stay.

"Without a clear path to permanent residence for a healthy share of the future temporary workers, we run the risk of reproducing the widespread illegality that this bill is designed to address," said Frank Sharry, the executive director of the National Immigration Forum.

Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., said he would try to kill the temporary worker program because it would bring in a potentially unlimited stream of immigrants to compete with Americans for jobs and depress wages.

In perhaps 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.

Family connections alone would no longer be enough to qualify for a green card - except for spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens. Strict new limits would apply to U.S. citizens seeking to bring foreign-born parents into the country.


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This just seems crazy to me. It might be me. But I just cant rap my head around this at all.

Also, the whole "its not Amnesty" when it clearly is. Lets reward those who broke the law.

20 years ago it was said that amnesty for illegal immigration would never be granted again, and that it would in fact slow down. It has not slowed down in the wake of that, and it obviously has gotten worse. We're here all over again. And they are saying "this is the last time this will happen". Guess we'll see in another 15-20 years.

[ROME]

Deal May Legalize Millions of Immigrants
Email this Story

May 17, 6:11 PM (ET)

By JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070517/D8P6D6GG1.html

WASHINGTON (AP) - In a striking reach across party lines, the White House and key lawmakers agreed Thursday to reshape the nation's immigration laws and give millions of illegal immigrants legal status. At the same time, borders would be tightened.

The compromise brought liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans together with top members of President Bush's team on an issue that carries heavy potential risks and rewards for all involved.

The Senate will wade into an emotional and wide-ranging debate on the issue next week that promises to test the unlikely coalition that produced the deal. Almost instantly, the plan brought vehement criticism from both sides of the immigration issue, including liberals who called it unfair and unworkable and conservatives who branded it an overly permissive "amnesty."

The proposal constitutes a far-reaching change in the immigration system that would admit future arrivals seeking to put down roots in the U.S. based on their skills, education levels and job experience, limiting the importance of family ties. A new class of guest workers would be allowed in temporarily, but only after borders were fortified and measures were in place to ensure the rules were followed.

Bush said the proposal would "help enforce our borders but equally importantly, it'll treat people with respect."

"This is a bill where people who live here in our country will be treated without amnesty but without animosity," Bush said.

The formula was enough to satisfy liberal Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass. - viewed as his party's decisive voice on immigration - and Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., a conservative who has been adamantly opposed to past overhauls.

Kennedy hailed it as "the best possible chance we will have in years to secure our borders and bring millions of people out of the shadows and into the sunshine of America."

Kyl said the measure wasn't perfect, "but it represents the best opportunity that we have in a bipartisan way to do something about this problem."

It was clear, however, that many Republicans and Democrats were deeply skeptical. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., called the proposal a "starting point" for next week's debate and said it needed improvement.

"I have serious concerns about some aspects of this proposal, including the structure of the temporary worker program and undue limitations on family immigration," Reid said.

In a reminder of the delicate nature of the alliance, some lawmakers on both ends of the political spectrum who attended the weeks of closed-door talks that yielded the agreement deserted it at the last moment.

Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said the proposal "tears families apart" because a new point system used to evaluate future legal immigrants would value family connections well below employment-related criteria.

"When you anchor yourself to the far right and you give, I think, relatively little, it's hard to meet the challenge" of producing a workable bill, Menendez said in an interview.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said he had "very serious concerns with the principles outlined" in the agreement.

And conservatives on both sides of the Capitol derided the deal as "amnesty" for illegal immigrants, using a politically charged word that figured prominently in campaigns across the country last year.

"I don't care how you try to spin it, this is amnesty," said Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C.

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 households 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 crop of low-skilled guest workers would have to return home after stints of two years. They could renew their visas twice, but would be required to leave for a year in between each time. If they wanted to stay in the U.S. permanently, they would have to apply under the point system for a limited pool of green cards.

The program drew fire from liberal groups that said it was unworkable. They had joined Democrats in pressing instead for guest workers to be permitted to stay and work indefinitely in the U.S., and ultimately earn the chance to stay.

"Without a clear path to permanent residence for a healthy share of the future temporary workers, we run the risk of reproducing the widespread illegality that this bill is designed to address," said Frank Sharry, the executive director of the National Immigration Forum.

Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., said he would try to kill the temporary worker program because it would bring in a potentially unlimited stream of immigrants to compete with Americans for jobs and depress wages.

In perhaps 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.

Family connections alone would no longer be enough to qualify for a green card - except for spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens. Strict new limits would apply to U.S. citizens seeking to bring foreign-born parents into the country.


-----------------

This just seems crazy to me. It might be me. But I just cant rap my head around this at all.

Also, the whole "its not Amnesty" when it clearly is. Lets reward those who broke the law.

20 years ago it was said that amnesty for illegal immigration would never be granted again, and that it would in fact slow down. It has not slowed down in the wake of that, and it obviously has gotten worse. We're here all over again. And they are saying "this is the last time this will happen". Guess we'll see in another 15-20 years.

No suprise...AMNESTY... Imagine what the guys and ladies on the border are going to be dealing with right now after this news reaches Mexico

[Creeker]

This is a typical fiasco that ensues whenever Teddy Kennedy is involved.

Weak kneed Republicrats need to resample real life in Society and be dumped out of their DC bubble.

Who will be keeping track of these criminals when they don't pay their $1000 fine or don't return to Messico to perform their re-entry requirements? Sounds like we are going to be in for another round of new Federal Employee jobs, to be mostly staffed with...hmmmmm... some with green cards?

[cntryboy0531]

Outstanding job congress, you gave millions of criminals amnesty whether you yellow bellied bastards want to agree with it or not. 90% of you idiots should be removed from congress for waisting tax dollars.

[Ironhead]

"Without a clear path to permanent residence for a healthy share of the future temporary workers, we run the risk of reproducing the widespread illegality that this bill is designed to address," said Frank Sharry, the executive director of the National Immigration Forum.

Well - why didn't I think of that? If we think there are too many illegal murders, why don't we change the law - You may kill people that really need killing - There - now there's no problem anymore.

We could do that with so many laws .... All we have to is see what crime criminals are committing, reverse the law so that it isn't illegal - and presto-changeo ...... those people aren't criminals anymore.

[Signal9]

Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said the proposal "tears families apart" because a new point system used to evaluate future legal immigrants would value family connections well below employment-related criteria.

Ummm they didn't mind being "torn apart" when they illegally crossed the border.

[mxwelch]

Good. Now they've finally screwed up bad enough to get tossed out on their asses next election.

[cntryboy0531]

Good. Now they've finally screwed up bad enough to get tossed out on their asses next election.

Some idiots wanted Democrats in control..

This is what they get.

All though, to be fair, many republicans have their head up their ass when it comes to immigration too. No one wants to have the balls to step and say "Ok, enough is enough. Illegals leave or get thrown in jail and then deported." And then seal off the borders to illegal immigration.

So instead, they stand around with their fingers in their ears and a blindfold over their eyes going "lalalalalala if I don't see it or hear it, its not a problem. But if people complain we'll just give them amnesty"

[MrMisterSU]

Also, the whole hoping to look like good guys to get votes from this new 20 million strong voter base that has/will be created

[MrMisterSU]

BP Council Head Chimes In....

http://www.washingtontimes.com/natio...1715-5758r.htm
Border Patrol: Plan is 'white flag'

By Jerry Seper
May 18, 2007

The leadership of all 11,000 nonsupervisory U.S. Border Patrol agents today criticized an immigration compromise by senators and the Bush administration as "piecemeal" legislation that invites future terrorist attacks and fails to secure the nation's borders.
"Every person who has ever risked their life securing our borders is extremely disheartened to see some of our elected representatives once again waving the white flag on the issues of illegal immigration and border security," National Border Patrol Council President T.J. Bonner said.
"Rewarding criminal behavior has never induced anyone to abide by the law, and there is no reason to believe that the outcome will be any different this time," he said.
Mr. Bonner's comments were in response to an immigration deal reached yesterday offering a multistep path to citizenship to millions of illegal aliens now in the United States in exchange for better border security and a new way of choosing how future immigrants are selected.
The agreement, reached behind closed doors after months of talks among Republicans, Democrats and Bush Cabinet officials, created little enthusiasm among negotiators, but those involved said it is the only chance for immigration reform to pass this year.
But Mr. Bonner said that with the ever-present threat of terrorism, it is critical to take steps necessary to immediately and completely secure the nation's borders, adding that "piecemeal measures" will prolong America's vulnerability and are "an open invitation to further terrorist attacks."
He said the Border Patrol is "totally overwhelmed" by the number of illegal aliens crossing daily into the United States. Last year, the Border Patrol apprehended 1.1 million illegals, more than 3,000 every day.
"Rather than meaningless triggers of additional personnel and barriers outlined in the compromise, Americans must insist that border security be measured in absolute terms," Mr. Bonner said. "Sadly, the plan that the Senate is proposing falls woefully short by that yardstick and needlessly jeopardizes the security of this nation."
The compromise is expected to be brought to the Senate floor next week, although its passage is not a certainty. Conservative Republicans argued that the bill rewards illegal activity, while liberal Democrats said it is too draconian toward illegal aliens and too restrictive for future workers.
Rep. John Culberson, Texas Republican, said House Republicans are in a "state of shock and disbelief" over the compromise, saying legalizing illegal aliens meant amnesty and "we will do everything in our power to stop it.
"Our country must have the rule of law and order, and it is wrong to reward people who have broken the law," Mr. Culberson said. "We need to focus on enforcing our existing laws and securing our borders first and we cannot permit this bill to pass.
"This amnesty bill ... will allow every illegal immigrant from Mexico and their entire extended family anywhere in the world to receive benefits from our already overburdened and nearly bankrupt Social Security system," he said.
The plan allows the estimated 12 million to 20 million illegal aliens in the United States to come forward and receive probationary status. Meanwhile, the government would continue to build fencing and vehicle barriers on the Mexico border, hire more immigration officers and institute better checks on employers.
Once the security improvements are complete, aliens on probation could apply for a Z visa, putting them on the path to citizenship. They would have to return home at some point to apply for the intermediate step of obtaining a green card.
The plan also would create a temporary-worker system and would create an immigration-point system based on education, work skills and English proficiency, alongside a redesigned family-reunification system.
Mr. Bonner, a 29-year Border Patrol veteran, noted that a similar immigration proposal by the Reagan administration in 1986 granted amnesty to millions of illegal alines and solved neither the problems of illegal immigration nor border security.
"The passage of time has proven the 1986 amnesty to be a mistake of colossal proportions," he said. "Instead of 'wiping the slate clean,' it spurred a dramatic increase in illegal immigration. As long as impoverished people can find work in this country at wages that far exceed those available to them in their native countries, millions of illegal aliens will continue to cross our borders every year."

[MrMisterSU]

I dont have an article to post, just saw a headline - but the key players of the bill say they will wait until June to continue the discussion. They note some pretty crappy reasons not to have the debate, but its pretty obvious the main one not noted is the fact that just about everyone, on either side, dislikes this for one reason or another. Seems like their hoping to wait a month + for things to cool down and people to forget about it.

Just letting the fine RP members know!

[Creeker]

I could keep this simple for them.

Enforce what you have, beef up the border. Send back the ones you catch, unless they commit felonies or high misd's & fine the rest of the ones committing property or small personal crimes before you send them back. Fund the Border Patrol the way Reagan was promised by the Demos they would. Allow locals to detain them and mandate that Border Patrol pick them up when they are notified by the holding authority.

Finally, eliminate the anchor babies, make English the Official Language, force future immigrants to learn English prior to citizenship and above all Enforce what you have, which includes penalizing Employers who hire illegals.

How hard and unreasonable is that? So why does Lyndsey Graham have to do backflips for Libs and La Raza?

[Clint]

Just what we need, 11 Million more "WELFARE RECEIPENTS"!!!! Great job for the bleeding heart liberals. We should vote all their sorry ass's out of office and start with a whole new Congress & Senate.... :mad:

[Signal9]

I could keep this simple for them.

Enforce what you have, beef up the border. Send back the ones you catch, unless they commit felonies or high misd's & fine the rest of the ones committing property or small personal crimes before you send them back. Fund the Border Patrol the way Reagan was promised by the Demos they would. Allow locals to detain them and mandate that Border Patrol pick them up when they are notified by the holding authority.

Finally, eliminate the anchor babies, make English the Official Language, force future immigrants to learn English prior to citizenship and above all Enforce what you have, which includes penalizing Employers who hire illegals.

How hard and unreasonable is that? So why does Lyndsey Graham have to do backflips for Libs and La Raza?

To bad following the law doesn't even seem to be an option.

Clint,
Can't wait for the strain that will place on the system.

[Oscarsjava]

Outstanding job congress, you gave millions of criminals amnesty whether you yellow bellied bastards want to agree with it or not. 90% of you idiots should be removed from congress for waisting tax dollars.

Yep...but hey, when it comes to giving themselves raises, it's in the best interest of the country! I've seriously had it with our self-serving, fake, fear-ridden mongrel "Congress"...but no matter how much I try to vote these A-holes out of office, they sneak right back in.