Immigration Deal Faces Uncertain Future

Bipartisan Agreement Between White House And Senators Under Fire From Both Sides Of The Aisle

(CBS/AP)  The job of patrolling the U.S. border for illegal immigrants is an unrelenting and difficult job. The job of Congressional proponents for immigration reform to sell their new plan is proving to be just as difficult.

A bipartisan immigration deal that would grant legal status to millions of people in the country unlawfully is drawing criticism from across the political spectrum.

The bargain reached between key Democratic and Republican senators and the White House faces an uncertain future in the Senate, which is set to begin debating it Monday.

As CBS News correspondent Sharyl Attkisson reports, the deal is a big, first step but it is only a first step. The small team of negotiators will now try to sell their plan to the rest of Congress.

"I don't know if the immigration legislation is going to bear fruit and we're going to be able to pass it," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., who harbored "serious concerns" about the deal.

Even if it were to survive what's certain to be a searing Senate battle, the measure would be up against long odds in the House. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., acknowledging deep divisions on immigration among Democrats, says she won't bring it up unless President Bush can guarantee he will produce 70 Republican backers — a tall order given GOP concerns that the bill is too lenient.

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Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff tells Bob Orr why the immigration reform package will benefit his department in the war on drugs and terror.

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The agreement, which also mandates tougher border security and workplace enforcement, marked an extraordinary marriage of liberal and conservative goals that has the potential to bridge stubborn divides and ensure enactment of new laws this year.

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., his party's lead negotiator on the deal, called it an example of the "politics of the possible," while conservative Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., said it was the "best opportunity" for a bipartisan solution to the nation's immigration problems.

It was soon under attack, however, from a set of lawmakers and interest groups as diverse as those that united to craft it. Their varying concerns and competing agendas — along with a challenging political environment — could be enough to unravel the painstakingly written agreement.

"It’s a divisive issue, it's an emotional issue," Kennedy admitted on CBS News' The Early Show Friday.

Two of the key players in the talks from each end of the political spectrum, Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, walked away from the deal before it was announced.

Conservatives branded it "amnesty," complaining that it would reward the nation's estimated 12 million illegal immigrants with a way of gaining legal status and staying in the U.S. permanently without being punished.

"What part of 'illegal' does the Senate not understand? Any plan that rewards illegal behavior is amnesty," said Rep. Brian Bilbray, R-Calif., chairman of the Immigration Reform Caucus.

Kennedy dismissed the "amnesty" criticism, saying, "That's sort of a slogan and a cliché."

The deal would allow illegal immigrants to come forward right away, but they could not get visas or begin a path to citizenship until the border security improvements and a high-tech worker identification program were in place.

After that, illegal immigrants could obtain a renewable "Z visa" that would allow them stay in the country indefinitely. After paying fees and fines totaling $5,000, they could 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.

Added late in the negotiations was the Dream Act, reports Attkisson. Immigrants who came illegally as children and are now in college or the military could stay and get a green card in just three years. This would be the fastest path to citizenship.

[infidel_us]

I just wrote my two senators form GA and asked them to NOT vote in favor of this legislation. If nothing else, since Kennedy is behind it, that automatically means it is flawed!

These freakin dimwits sit up there talking amongst themselves in circular logic....they have lost touch with the American people.

[palemoon1957]

I dont understand being an americian and our unemployment so in the gutter. The Mexicans are takeing our jobs and we are barley makeing it I am about to lose my home because my husband is a brick mason and the mexicans are under biding to the point we cant afford to buy food for our own family. they dont have to learn english we have to learn spanish . I can only get a part time j0b there all filled with mexicans who will work for 7 dollars an hour which we cant afford to . I guess the americian people will just have to give up there country to the mexicans and go on welfare to be able to eat. The mexicans get welfare and checks and major benfits. I cant even get foodstamps for my family I have to go begging at churches to get food for us. I AM A AMERICIAN AND WAS VERY PROUD BUT I GUESS I WILL HAVE TO MOVE TO MEXICO TO BE ABLE TO WORK AND FEED MY KIDS.;

[steveger3]

we need to turn these guys out to pasture. it's all about getting the illegals vote at the next election.

[kimberlyv1]

This is only good for employers who want to pay lower wages. If any of this affected Kennedy directly (let's say, low income immigrants in his neighborhood), it would be a different story. This is costing Americans millions of dollars each year...I have seen illegals use the hospitals emergency rooms as a place for doctors visits, since they cannot be turned away...but who is footing THAT bill? And how many jobs can I not even apply for because I don't speak a foreign language....why don't they work on fixing the problems in Mexico instead of complaining about how our country works?

[michellelyn6]

I was born in the U.S. and I love this country; why? because it is a country that embraces all. We each have our own unique heritage whether it be from Europe, South America, or Asia, etc. This bill that I have been following closely, although would be costly for many immigrants, is at least bi-partisan and will provide what both sides want. I would like for it to have been a bit more liberal personally, but I understand the fear many have; as irrational as it may be.
My biggest concern is that people are stuck on saying this is or is not amensty, why? This is what it is, a solution or a step toward a solution that will ensure the many harding work individuals that are in this country a chance to remain and not be scared anymore.
I think instead of hating on Kennedy or anyone else that stands behind this bill, we should be pleased that the parties are working together, and this may be the only wonderful piece of legislation that President Bush passes in his two terms. We should instead reflect on how we came to this country; ask your parents, your grandparents, great-grandparents; why did you come to America, to the United States of America? They will probably answer for new opportunities, for hope, to provide a better life for my family, etc. etc. I wish there were not so many people so quick to say racist comments just because they don't understand a culture or because they don't understand what it means to be an American.

[starleo146]

BI PARTISAN HOW MANY REPUBLICANS AND HOW MANY DEMOCRATS WE see Kennedy in the front of every picture but come on, this is also Bush's bill or they would not have come to agreement who in the white house was in that meeting behind closed doors everything they do has a meaning and look out there is always a lie behind it. Every senator and congressmen VOTE NO!!!!!!!

[starleo146]

I bet Chertoff reported back and was killing himself laughing that he got these numskulls to agree with him and Bush said good job Chertoff.

[afmca]

Again, this looks like it is an appeasement for big business to continue to use cheap labor and keep wages down. One additional change in the immigration law should be that children born in the US take on the citizenship of their parents - NO automatic citizenship just because you are born here. This is no longer needed. If your parents become citizens prior to you turning 18 you can then become a citizen too.

We need not worry though. The Democrats want to allow everyone in; while the Republicans want to kick everyone out. Big business doesn't care .. they like the status quo .. it's very profitable.

[wordamus]

We complain on and on about predator labor practices in other country.

But the fat cats and congressional dummies invite millions and millions of illegals to come here to further destroy what is left of the middle class!!!

And how many Islamic terrorists are here and laughing? We don't know. But when they do their bad deeds they can claim they are protected American citizens under the U. S. Constitution.

And you can thank "Gimme that Scotch bottle" Kennedy for that too.

TJ

[grumpas]

They have been given amnesty 7 times now since 1986! How many more freakin times are we going to give them what they want before we get it through our heads???? As long as we keep giving them amnesty they are going to come in droves! Border fence or no border fence! Like the man said "What part of illegal does the Senate not understand? Any plan that rewards illegal behavior is amnesty."

Rep. Brian Bilbray, R-Calif.
chairman of the Immigration Reform Caucus

[michellelyn6]

As to the comment regarding language, do you know anybody that is an immigrant, I mean really know them? Most are most certainly learning English, and most probably know what you are saying, but may be too timid to speak to you.

Why must many people who leave here think learning a second language is a bad thing? I wish I began at a younger age, but it was not until my 10th grade in high school that I began learning Spanish, and it was not that I predicted it being such an asset at the time, but it does it does allow me to be able to have friendships with both English and Spanish speakers alike, and you know what I know; we are not that different. My husband's first language is Spanish and his of course speaks English also, he is not a rarity, most do, but I think so many Americans want to blame immigrants for their own personal losses and that is not fair. Many in white America did the same thing to Black Americans not too many years ago blaming them for having too many children and living off welfare, well the blame has shifted to our Latino neighbors now. I think everyone needs to really really think what about immigrants makes them angry; could it be a lack of understanding and a bit of fear of the unknown? Let's stop blaming people who are not like us for our bad situations.

[wordamus]

We complain on and on about predator labor practices in other country.

But the fat cats and congressional dummies invite millions and millions of illegals to come here to further destroy what is left of the middle class!!!

And how many Islamic terrorists are here and laughing? We don't know. But when they do their bad deeds they can claim they are protected American citizens under the U. S. Constitution.

And you can thank "Gimme that Scotch bottle" Kennedy for that too.

TJ

[pensacola8-2009]

I wish there were not so many people so quick to say racist comments just because they don't understand a culture or because they don't understand what it means to be an American.
Posted by michellelyn6 at 08:58 AM : May 18, 2007


I totally agree with you - it is always been hard to convince people that more education is needed to open a mind and extend justice to ourselves and others. For many, the realm of the unknown has been contaminated with fear and hatred. It is easier to convince a person they need more money than education. That is how oppression thrives.

[omega39-2009]

And you can thank "Gimme that Scotch bottle" Kennedy for that too.Posted by lostngone

Lostngone, the headline reads "bipartisan", The cons in Congress have had no problem derailing Iraq timetables, Bush has had no problem using his Veto against stem cells, if this passes you can lay 50% of the blame where it belongs, on the Republicans.

[wordamus]

We complain on and on about predator labor practices in other country.

But the fat cats and congressional dummies invite millions and millions of illegals to come here to further destroy what is left of the middle class!!!

And how many Islamic terrorists are here and laughing? We don't know. But when they do their bad deeds they can claim they are protected American citizens under the U. S. Constitution.

And you can thank "Gimme that Scotch bottle" Kennedy for that too.

TJ

[panhandlpete]

Does anyone really believe that the illegals will rush out of the shadows to pay $5000 fines? Do they really want to become American citizens, or just work and send money back to Mexico and elsewhere? So,perhaps, this bill guarantees an unending supply of cheap labor to the corporations who run the big farms, factories, and service/hotel industry. It does nothing to improve the future of AMERICAN CITIZENS and middle class workers.

What is it going to cost to implement such a program? No impact study has been done to let the country know what is taking place. I DO NOT THINK THE CONGRESS/SENATORS WILL EVEN READ THE ENTIRE BILL BEFORE VOTING ON IT. It gives free college tuition, something not availabe to citizens.

IT IS TIME FOR THE BABY BOOMERS TO TAKE TO THE POLITICAL ARENA AND MAKE A LAST STAND.....FOR THEY ARE ABOUT TO LOSE THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY FOR WHICH THEY WORKED SO HARD FOR.

NO IMMIGRATION BILL is better than a HORRIBLE BILL. The illegals do not abide by our laws now, but you can bet your bootie, the rest of us would have to swallow this bill if it becomes law.

If only two miles of the border fence has been built in over a year, how long will it take to finish it? Obviously, securing the border is not an important issue!!!!

[coffeehead-2009]

''Chicanos have to get a lot more militant about defending our rights'' proclaimed ''anyone who's supporting 209 is a racist and anybody who supports 187 is a racist%u2026 you are living in Nazi U.S. We can't let them take us to those intellectual ovens.'' Not surprisingly four months after those and other incendiary statements were uttered, a MEChA representative during a rally in front of Los Angeles City Hall publicly declared; ''When the people in this building don't listen to the demands of our community, it's time to burn it down!

This was not an empty threat. In 1993, in order to advance their demand for full department status for Chicano Studies at UCLA, MEChA spearheaded a riot that destroyed half a million dollars worth of campus property.

MEChA spreads its message of hate through campus newspapers such as El Popo, Aztlan News, Chispas, Gente de Aztlan (UCLA), Voz Fronteriza (UC at San Diego), La Voz Mestiza (UC at Irvine), and La Voz Berkeley. MEChA's hatred extends to any ''Hispanic''-American who is loyal to the United States. For example, the front page of the May 1995 issue of Voz Fronteriza carried a picture of Luis A. Santiago and the story of how this INS agent was killed in the line of duty defending the U.S.-Mexican border. The headlines read ''Luis A. Santiago Death Of A Migra Pig.''

[starlord3]

This is a slippery slope I fear we are making. I am appalled that both of my state's Senators, John McCain and Jon Kyl are aqctually backing this travesty. It is bad enough that the senator from the People's Republic of Massachussetts Ted 'Hic' Kennedy, says this is our best hope shows how his brain is pickled. You give 12 million illegal aliens here already, then just shut down all immigration enforcement efforts. You make 12 million illegals US citizens, then the trickle of aliens crossing the border illegally will become a tsunami, and they will have a legitimate demand. "You made them citizens, so now you can't stop, we made it across the river, now you must make us citizens, too." If you want to see an example of a good immigration policy, just look up a copy of Mexico's policy. they shoot immigrants from San Salvador, etc., and you must be a Mexican citizen to hold any job, and they mean it, too.

[coffeehead-2009]

Racism is a two way street. Just saying one is "racist" doesn't make it so. You can subliminally repeat a phrase to try to make a point but reading and educating would be the smarter choice in the longrun....



Conclusion

So with the encouragement of the U.S. government and with the financial support of major U.S. corporations and foundations, LULAC, MALDEF, MEChA/MEXA, and La Raza, pillars of the radical ''Hispanic'' lobby, successfully and aggressively promote hatred of the history, identity, culture, language, and laws of the United States.

For LULAC, MALDEF, MEChA/MEXA, AND La Raza, ''Hispanics'' are the new ''Herrenvolk,'' European-Americans their ''Undermench'' and the United States their rightful ''Lebensraum.'' As Art Torres, Chairman of the California Democratic Party declared at the January 1995 Latino Summit Response to Prop 187 at UC- Riverside ''Remember Prop 187 is the last gasp of White America in California!''

http://www.thesocialcontract.com/cgi-bin/showarticle.pl?articleID=912&terms=ford%20foundation

[infidel_us]

michellelyn6,

Your parents smoked pot, didn't they? You haven't got a single clue of what a travesty this bill is and what it REALLY means to the future of our country!

Over 60% of these illegals are high school dropouts. What are they going to do here? Menial jobs? Servant class? Is that your goal? You want to wipe out the middle class in this country and create a new minority class that will fundamentally change the very fabric of our country???

It won't happen all at once.....but in the next 50 years, it will be a very different America than the one you're living in now. And I don't want that for my kids and grandkids.

[rushman71]

People are still flocking across the border as we speak, in the tens, hundreds, even thousands. We already have 12 million illegals in this country. My question, how will the govenment know if the illegals were already here or not after this bill goes into effect. By the time they would get the 12 million registered, there would probably be an additional million or 2 that just so happen to jump the fence. I believe this bill is totally bogus.

[infidel_us]

rushman71,

That's why the # being used is between 12 & 20 MILLION! If this bill goes thru, the numbers I'm hearing are 100 MILLION in 25 years!

I can't believe this is even happening!!! We are NO LONGER being represented in Washington.

[resqdiver4]

Immigration is a very simple thing to solve. First, we bring our troops home from playing in Dumbya's big sandbox and reassign them to border patrol. Next, anyone in this country who is not here legally goes home or we will take you home. If a child of an illegal is here with their illegal, that are placed in special housing and given a choice, either become a citizen legally or you and your child goes home, citizenship REVOKED!, Next you give the millitary the authority to "shoot on sight" anyone attempting to cross the border. After a few of these people are killed, they will get the message that we are serious and if you want to come to this country you will be welcomed like all other immigrants, so long as you come here legally, YOU MUST LEARN TO SPEAK OUR LANGUAGE, because we aren't changing ours for you. You find work and be a productive part of society, or you will be shipped back from whence you came. No politics, no discrimination, no foul play, just follow the laws and be productive part of society and the grass will be greener for you here in AMERICA!

[wordamus]

Omega39

I agree with you.

There is a big disconnect with what the government does and what "We the People" want. Just look at what the government does day after day and then look at the polls on the issues. It is very, very apparent.

They truly are the "fools on the Hill!" That includes W.

The bunch of them want to lead us where we DO NOT want to go. This brain dead supposed immigration reform is just the latest issue to point that out.
And very, very clearly too.

We want out of Irag now. We want off Oil. We want the borders secured now. We want an improving environment. We don't want rewards for any illegal behavior. We want more jobs at home. We want honest fair politicians who really represent the peoples interests.

TJ

[tomtomasters]

Why in the world are they making this bill without the Mexican Government? Why isn't the Mexican government involved in this process? It is their people! All we know Mexico is sending illegal criminals across the border so they can become US citizens. Maybe break an American law and get life in prison in the US is better than living in Mexico.

I think the president should be asking the President of Mexico to the USA for talks with the Congress and Senate. There is a radical reason why mexicans are leaving their country. If they can figure that out, and fix the Mexican side, I think the push into America would stop. Maybe even reverse with people wanting to become citizens in Mexico.

Where are the minds of the world in the USA. You people are so out of touch with humanity. My God and Savior....

[michellelyn6]

Panhandlepete: It does not sound like you have any first hand experience working or being friends with people/immigrants who are living in this country right now. Panhandle, you probably live in Florida, do you know who does the labor on the farms and we reap the benefits?
As for college tution, I am in that same boat; I have loans that I will be paying off for the next 20 years; I am middle class born also and having attained both my B.A. and M.A. I have lots of money to repay. I complain about that too sometimes, but at least we live in a country that does give us the opportunity to attain great success, even if we have to pay it back; Why don't people believe that others who work hard, pass background checks, should/could have the same chance? I think so many people have convinced themselves that the immigrants in this country, whether legal or illegal and not even human and that whatever good that they do, would never be good enough.
I just hope you find yourself in a situation where you need help immediately and the only person around is an immigrant; and just think of yourself in that situation; could you accept help from someone you don't even consider human? They are human and just like all people deserve the opportunities we recieved when we came to this country (born here or when our ancesters came here). That is why I am thrilled that finally Congress has began a process viewing them as that; human beings!!

[foresider]

Re Immigration bill: The key ingredient for me to an acceptable immigration bill is missing.
I do not fault undocumented workers for coming across the border legally or illegally. 99% of the reason they come to the US is to work. The corporations who hire them (hotels, restaurants, landscapers, agricultural concerns, etc) should be paying for their children's education and for the family's welfare. If 12 million workers are being allowed to stay in the US, then the people who profit from this "cheap" labour should be assessed a per person fee. The fee should be based on the number of family members, for example $1000 be person per year.
A great deal of anger and resentment on the part of Americans living in communities with a large number of undocumented workers is that NO ONE is paying for the additional burden on the tax base. Schools are crowded, funds are short.
Indeed, the people who encourage those without documentation to break the law are as guilty as those who break it.

[rushman71]

Infidel_US: In the next 50 years, the dollar will turn into a peso. Cinco de Mayo will be the day of independance, not the 4th of July.

[infidel_us]

You people are so out of touch with humanity. My God and Savior....
Posted by tomtomasters at 09:37 AM : May 18, 2007

We are a soverign nation! It has NOTHING to do with humanity. It's not like they're fleeing Darfur or something! Get with the program!

Their country's problems are NOT our problem.

[wordamus]

Omega39

I agree with you.

There is a big disconnect with what the government does and what "We the People" want. Just look at what the government does day after day and then look at the polls on the issues. It is very, very apparent.

They truly are the "fools on the Hill!" That includes W.

The bunch of them want to lead us where we DO NOT want to go. This brain dead supposed immigration reform is just the latest issue to point that out.
And very, very clearly too.

We want out of Irag now. We want off Oil. We want the borders secured now. We want an improving environment. We don't want rewards for any illegal behavior. We want more jobs at home. We want honest fair politicians who really represent the peoples interests.

TJ

[infidel_us]

rushman71,

You jest, but there is a lot of truth in what you say. These ****** politicians are selling us out! They will fundamentally change the very culture of our country.....and they don't care!

They will be poor and uneducated. Who do you think they will vote for? Watch as our country turns in to a BIG version of south of the border....corrupt....socialist.

No more middle class....just the haves and have nots.

[coffeehead-2009]

I've been a good american I feel.
I've never broke the law - I've practiced my faith to the best of my abilities. I've paid my taxes without whining or lobbying and I've helped out whenever I could via charities. I've raised my children in the faith of American justice and on the memories of what others lost so they could obtain the life they SHOULD receive. I have worked my a~~ off and lost alot to this new world order scam (lucent/enron thefts) I have little time left here and little resources as they have been scandalized - I see my childrens jobs being sent to other nations and their hopes with them - all on MY tax contributions. I am not bitter - money means nothing TRULY. I am content to pay my bills and see the fruits of this nations sacrifices thrive (My children). This past 8 years have been hell financially - as much of lower middle class slides into poverty. This will be the clincher if passed. I will totally consider all lost to the past. Listen up "leaders". Americans are on their last string - I know MANY white collar workers who just don't care anymore. I have heard the phrase "what more can they take?" many times. I've seen co-workers half-jokingly say it would just be easier to not work to support someone elses family. Open the debtors prisons because this passage will do in the compassionate part of our heritage. When hungry you do not want to feed the hungry.

[arif9346]

This bill breaking backbone immigration system. It is most easiest way to get green card. So memebers of the congress, donot forget we have the voting power. At time of election we will know what was right or wrong.

[thai2341]

I agree that the government should aprove a law for the millions of immigrants that are hardworkers and provide for their family and relatives, also to the community.I do not agree with the amount of fee. If you think about a work class person with a family of 4 or 5,work in 2 jobs, sincerelly do you think they will have $ 5,000 per person to pay as penalty fees. I do not think so. Should be a fee, and I agree with one of the comments, those who are paying low wages for these illegal immigrants should help them to pay their fees.

[jmcknight63]

If this passes we might as well just throw in the towel because we will be fugged. I can not believe that this great country that we live in can not grow some balls and send these illegals back across the border or where ever. I vote for if these illegals ould like to be a citizen of this country they must speak our (english) language fluantly. And then and only then they will take all their test in english, and if they can not, GET THE HELL OUT.. Come on CONGRESS. grow some balls and but these people out...

[stealthedge]

everybody can u guys just get it through you heads immigrants are hard working people they work any where they can to get any amount of money so they can feed their families for small amount of wages and washington is now helping them out and i agree that the fee is to much

[michellelyn6]

I understand many people crossesd the border illegally and with the approval about 12 million will recieve a Z-Visa, which overtime they will be able to apply for their green card. This will not happen overnight, some will not have the money, some will perhaps leave the country for personal reasons, clearly the bill holdes uncertainties, but the point being, it is not saying that what they did was ok, but it is saying that it is understood that those who truly what to be a Citizen will have to continue to prove their worthiness over time--years, and remain crime-free, and continue to be a good citizen. Just because I was born here and am an American by birth as were my parents and grandparents, does not mean that others should not be able to come here also. I am a City Planner, I see the same thing at public hearings, new people want to build their house or business in an area and the current residents are livid, it is the Not In My Backyard scenario playing out, but it is now the Not in My Country, which when it comes down to it, we don't own this coutry, just like the current residents can't prohibit a new resident the opportunity to build, we need to accept others, and raise the veil of ignorance.

[coffeehead-2009]

Thai - the truth told; even AFTER they pay their part.....


Heritage Foundation researcher testified yesterday that the average illegal immigrant family (as well as low-skilled legal immigrant family) receives about $20,000 in benefits more than they pay in taxes, resulting in an average lifetime net loss to American taxpayers of $1.2 MILLION. He makes the point that, while supporters of illegal immigration say low-cost workers help the economy, the reality is that the businesses get the cheap labor, but taxpayers pay far more for those workers. It's a redistribution of money from taxpayers to both business owners and the relatives of immigrants abroad. Obviously we need to bring in far more H1B visa workers (high-skilled) -- who pay far more in taxes compared to the benefits received -- and allow far fewer illegal and other low-skilled immigrants. The current cap on high-skilled workers (many of whom head to Silicon Valley) is 65,000 -- an annual quota reached this year in ONE DAY. Illegal immigrants come every day, and currently number between 12 and 20 MILLION

[omega39-2009]

Lostngone, I agree with everything you said, I also suspect that the "guest worker" program is also cover to increase the number of H1B1 visas that go to high tech companies that import labor from China and India (Microsoft and Intel have complained bitterly for years about the cap). It seems that words like majority and representative government mean nothing to our lawmakers now, each points to the other party and says "They voted for it too". We the people are screwed because we have a two party system and both parties prefer to put the need of business and their own lust for power above what is right for the country.

[michellelyn6]

Those that are afraid for the future of medicare and other social programs, I would think would want more tax payers (larger tax base) to be in this country. With birthrates dwindling in the U.S., we need more births to compliment the amount of elderly that will need services now and in the future.

[hhusted]

I say get rid of the illegals. Who needs them. They don't speak English so you can't communicate with them. I am in favor of deporting them all now.

[perception5]

"I don't know if the immigration legislation is going to bear fruit and we're going to be able to pass it," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., who harbored "serious concerns" about the deal.

Even if it were to survive what's certain to be a searing Senate battle, the measure would be up against long odds in the House. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., acknowledging deep divisions on immigration among Democrats, says she won't bring it up unless President Bush can guarantee he will produce 70 Republican backers %u2014 a tall order given GOP concerns that the bill is too lenient.

........Dear Harry and Nancy, did you think winning control of Congress was going to make things "easier" for you? This country faces a lot of issues that either need addressed or fixed.

You wanted the power........now you have it.........GET TO WORK.

Lastest polls on our DO-NOTHING CONGRESS put their approval rating at 27% and 29% in two new polls.......

[infidel_us]

everybody can u guys just get it through you heads immigrants are hard working people Posted by StealthEdge at 09:53 AM : May 18, 2007

And can you get it through YOUR head that we want them to work hard...in their OWN country!

[hhusted]

Perception5, you are an *** clown. The House and Senate can dream up whatever laws they want, but if Bush is in office, they won't get their way, because Bush will force his members to go against it. Bush has used manipulation and threats in the pasdt to win and he will continue to do so until he is either impeached or till the next election.

[infidel_us]

Lastest polls on our DO-NOTHING CONGRESS put their approval rating at 27% and 29% in two new polls.......
Posted by perception5 at 10:19 AM : May 18, 2007

Wow, really? That's even lower than DuBya's!

[abbe7]

"Cinco de Mayo will be the day of independance, not the 4th of July.
Posted by rushman71 at 09:42 AM : May 18, 2007"

Exactly. A drastic immigration policy is long overdue ... I would say by 4 centuries. Allowing
illegal immigrants to settle is not new. It has even got a celebration day called "Thanksgiving".

[hhusted]

American is for Americans. Not for Mexicans, or Columbians, or Asians, or anyone else. Try to go to some of the European countries. THey won't even let you land if they know you are from the US. So why should we allow the here.

[infidel_us]

Bush has used manipulation and threats in the pasdt to win.
Posted by hhusted at 10:23 AM : May 18, 2007

Then why does Bush appear to be FOR this legislation? If it were given to him today, I think the Bozo would sign it!

[abbe7]

"Try to go to some of the European countries. THey won't even let you land if they know you are from the US."
Posted by hhusted at 10:26 AM : May 18, 2007

Where have you been ???

[coffeehead-2009]

In fact, mass immigration, at current levels and even more so at the level Mr. Wattenberg wants, would "affect things like labor productivity and wages," which are likely to decline. Since Social Security is financed by taxes on labor incomes, its revenues would decline as well.

"Furthermore," Dr. Attarian writes, "the majority of immigrants have little education and low skills, and work in menial, poorly-paid jobs. Such immigrants are necessarily poor Social Security taxpayers, which implies that adding many more of them is unlikely to save the program." The Wattenberg thesis, he reasons, is without merit.

"The case for increasing immigration to save Social Security," Dr. Attarian concludes, "is illusory," and the unexamined faith in mass immigration is in fact a "naked emperor."

Moreover, a "massive increase in America's population" like that the Open Borders pushers demand "would calamitously overload our environment" and resources like water, land and energy.

Aside form the social and cultural damage that would ensue, the economy itself would be harmed and potential revenues for Social Security diminished still further.

http://www.vdare.com/francis/naked_emperor.htm