Let's no go off half-cocked. See what he has to say first.
Posted on 06/09/2005 4:53:24 AM PDT by Happy2BMe
June 9, 2005, 12:53AM
WASHINGTON - President Bush conceded that he has been unclear about his immigration reform proposals and may avoid pushing an overhaul in a single bill, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay said after an hourlong meeting with the president Wednesday.
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and other White House allies have been fashioning comprehensive legislation to grant "guest worker" status in the United States to Mexicans and other immigrants and to make other changes in immigration law.
But DeLay said at his weekly meeting with reporters that he and Bush now are unsure whether to deal with immigration in a massive bill.
"A big bill confuses things," said DeLay, R-Sugar Land.
DeLay said Bush admitted "he hasn't done a good job being clear about where he is coming from.
"It became clear to him that he has to articulate his position more clearly and that's what he intends to do," DeLay said.
The president's concession came during a meeting with House and Senate Republican leaders at the White House during which they discussed Congress' summer agenda.
As Texas governor and candidate for president, Bush has urged compassion for Spanish-speaking immigrants who enter the country illegally to seek jobs to support their families. He has also fostered ties with the Mexican government.
But after promising to pass immigration reform, he has made little progress.
He has not substantively discussed the issue publicly since March, and in a Rose Garden news conference on May 31, he left immigration and border security off his list of priorities for Congress.
''The president recognizes that we need to be placing as much emphasis on communicating our ongoing efforts to strengthen border security as we are immigration reform," she said.
Healy would not comment on the summation of Bush's comments by DeLay, whom the White House has called a friend and crucial legislative partner.
Bush, the spokeswoman said, told lawmakers "he wants to continue working with them to build upon the steps we have taken to better protect our borders."
No decisions have been made on how the House will deal with immigration reform, but it likely will be next year before any measure is considered, DeLay spokeswoman Shannon Flaherty said.
First and foremost, DeLay said, Congress needs to pass tough border security laws and measures that demand stricter enforcement of current immigration regulations.
There has been some movement on that front.
In May, the president signed a spending bill for funding of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan that included reforms making it virtually impossible for people unable to prove legal U.S. residency to receive driver's licenses.
DeLay said he and the president agree that a guest worker program, a concept that has divided Republican lawmakers, should not give amnesty to illegal immigrants or give credit to people who have broken the law.
In contrast, an immigration reform bill introduced last month by heavyweight senators John McCain, R-Ariz., and Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., would create a guest worker program that allows illegal workers to earn citizenship.
An updated immigration reform bill from Cornyn, who is working with Sen. John Kyl, R-Ariz., is expected to be unveiled early next month.
Cornyn spokesman Don Stewart said the comments from DeLay and the president are consistent with what the senators are trying to accomplish. Cornyn and Kyl have discussed immigration reform with Bush, who has not endorsed a particular bill.
"There has not been a laying on of hands," Cornyn said.
The president's guest worker plan would allow three-year, renewable visas to workers and incentives for them to return to their home countries after six years.
Guest workers could apply for legal residence without getting priority over others seeking citizenship.
In December, Bush signed a bill providing for the 10,000 border agents. But his proposed 2006 budget unveiled in February funds only 210.
An estimated 11 million immigrants are in the United States illegally.
President Bush conceded that he has been unclear about his immigration reform proposals and may avoid pushing an overhaul in a single bill, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay said after an hourlong meeting with the president Wednesday.
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How nice.
Ask Germany how the whole "guest worker" thing is working out.
Let's no go off half-cocked. See what he has to say first.
"First and foremost, DeLay said, Congress needs to pass tough border security laws and measures that demand stricter enforcement of current immigration regulations."
==================================
Is DeLay still thinking he's still got a shot in '08?
(. . the Invasion continues.)
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The Pres is committed to a "guest worker" program but he will moderate by greatly strenghtening border security.
The key is keeping it legal and keeping the border real.
Both parties court the Hispanic vote, too many politicians are swayed by business interests hiring cheap foreign labor, and the President is ruled by "compassion", an abnormal kinship with Vincente Fox, plus idealistic notions of Mexican culture ("can't we all just live together and get along?").
Somehow, Americans have to organize on this issue and begin to take political measures into their own hands. The creation of the Minutemen was indicative of almost spontaneous citizen action. But their efforts cannot be sustained. Other peaceable methods must be found.
How many of us ever thought we would have to have "peaceable uprisings" in this, our own country? Do we have to find a Ganhdi for our cause? This is incredible that it's even up for discussion.
I don't think any of our leaders have the slightest idea of the stirrings taking place in the states regarding illegal immigration. They live in a rarified, protected and wealthy milleu, unlike most of us in flyover country. Some do know what's going on, but their own interests take priority.
We have both clueless and ruthless "representatives" in D.C.
Leni
He better do it soon because now its NOT just Mexicans crossing over here.
And if a terrorist act occurs before the 06 elections from one of these border crossers people will flee to the other party because of security concerns.
Why, are ready to backstab him like your hero, tancredo.
That's like telling hillary not to be shrill.
"He better do it soon because now its NOT just Mexicans crossing over here."
======================
McALLEN, Texas – In the silvery-blue light of dusk, 20 Brazilians glided across the Rio Grande in rubber rafts propelled by Mexican smugglers who leaned forward and breast-stroked through the gentle current.
 DAVID FAHLESON / Copley News Service
Illegal immigrants from countries other than Mexico often gather at the bus station in Harlingen, Texas, call friends and relatives and catch a bus out of town.
|
"We used to chase them; now they're chasing us," Border Patrol Agent Gus Balderas said as he frisked the Brazilians and collected their passports late last month.
Yeah they will go to a party(democrat) that has blocked President Bush security measures any way they can.
Glad to see you back sir.
Free Republic Opinion Poll: Please indicate whether or not you support or oppose open borders and illegal immigration.
| Composite Opinion | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I OPPOSE open borders and illegal immigration. | 94.4% |   |
4,020 | |
| I SUPPORT open borders and illegal immigration. | 2.9% | |
125 | |
| Undecided/Pass. | 2.7% | |
115 | |
| 100.0% | 4,260 | |||
| Member Opinion | ||||
| I OPPOSE open borders and illegal immigration. | 94.3% | |
2,954 | |
| Undecided/Pass. | 3.4% | |
105 | |
| I SUPPORT open borders and illegal immigration. | 2.3% | |
73 | |
| 100.0% | 3,132 | |||
| Non-Member Opinion | ||||
| I OPPOSE open borders and illegal immigration. | 94.5% | |
1,066 | |
| I SUPPORT open borders and illegal immigration. | 4.6% | |
52 | |
| Undecided/Pass. | 0.9% | |
10 | |
| 100.0% | 1,128 | |||
And the authorization to complete the barrier in San Diego.
Due to the passage of the Real ID act and it's immediate signing by the President, but you already knew that but left it out.
Everyone reading this thread should listen to the brief audio on your post # 10.
Leni
What measures? Go back to sleep, Dane.
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