My letters to my Senators and the President regarding immigration legislation

JEFFHEAD.COM ^ | 27 March 2006 | Jeff Head

[Jeff Head]

I have sent the following two letters, one to my senators, and the other to the President regrding illegal immigration and the critical need to face up to it directly, stop the politics, and address the issue from a standpoint of American national security. I urge everyone to letters of their own:

TO MY SENATORS:

Senators Mike Crapo and Larry Craig
Washington, DC
RE: Immigration legislation

Dear Senators Crapo and Craig,

I'm writing to ask you to oppose any immigration bill that includes any form of guest worker, or any other amnesty-like provision that rewards those who have broken our laws in getting into this country. Also, in the strongest terms possible, I urge you to allow a vote on the Sensenbrenner immigration bill that has already passed the House of Representatives.

Until the federal government is willing to strongly enforce the immigration laws that are already on the books, Americans will be highly skeptical of any additional promises to enforce a new and deeply flawed approach. If recent history is an accurate guide, this so-called guest worker notion would only encourage a new wave of illegal aliens and make America 's uncontrolled and unacceptable immigration debacle even worse than it is now.

Such legislation is a bad idea not only because it creates a transparent path to amnesty, but also because it would reduce work opportunities, depress wages, and lower worker protection for Americans. Further, it would be impossible to administer and even more unlikely to be enforced.

In my estimation, on of the most important job you have to do right now is to SECURE OUR BORDER against illegal immigration. Like millions of Americans, I'm sick and tired of the "inside the beltway" politics on this issue; I will listen to no more excuses or sophistry regarding this issue. Senator, we need you and your collegues to pass true border security legislation, such as the Sensenbrenner bill already passed by the House.

Please, oppose any immigration bill that includes any guest worker amnesty-like provisions. I will be watching your vote on this issue very closely and urging everyone I know to do the same. As with abortion, this issue is a show stopper for me. Anyone not addressing this issue directly, and in such a manner as to stop the flood, support our laws, and end this invasion will simply not get my vote.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jeff Head
Emmett, ID

AND TO THE PRESIDENT:

President George Bush
Washington, DC
RE: Immigration legislation

Dear President Bush,

I'm writing to let you know that I have asked both of my senators here in Idaho, (Senator's Craig and Capo) to oppose any immigration bill that includes any form of guest worker, or any other amnesty-like provision that rewards those who have broken our laws in getting into this country. Also, in the strongest terms possible, I have urged them to allow a vote on the Sensenbrenner immigration bill that has already passed the House of Representatives.

Until the federal government is willing to strongly enforce the immigration laws that are already on the books, Americans will be highly skeptical of any additional promises to enforce a new and deeply flawed approach. If recent history is an accurate guide, this so-called guest worker notion would only encourage a new wave of illegal aliens and make America 's uncontrolled and unacceptable immigration debacle even worse than it is now.

Such legislation is a bad idea not only because it creates a transparent path to amnesty, but also because it would reduce work opportunities, depress wages, and lower worker protection for Americans. Further, it would be impossible to administer and even more unlikely to be enforced.

In my estimation, and with all due respect Mr. President, one of the most important job you have to do right now is to SECURE OUR BORDER against illegal immigration. Like millions of Americans, I'm sick and tired of the "inside the beltway" politics on this issue; I will listen to no more excuses or sophistry regarding it. Mr. President, we need you to push for and help pass true border security legislation, such as the Sensenbrenner bill already passed by the House.

Please, push forward legislation that does not include any amnesty-like provisions, such as the Sensenbrenner bill. I will be watching my senators vote on this issue very closely and urging everyone I know to do the same. As with abortion, this issue is a show stopper for me. Anyone not addressing this issue directly, and in such a manner as to stop the flood, support our laws, and end this invasion will simply not get my support or vote any longer.

Thank you for your time and attention, Mr. President, and God bless and keep you...and guide you...as you deal with the critical issues facing our nation along with the war we are engaged in. In my estimation, this issue and the latter are directly linked and part and parcel of the same..

Sincerely,

Jeff Head
Emmett, ID

[Jeff Head]

I support whole heartidly legal immigration to this country for any person who wants to become an American and part of our constitutional Republic and its attendant laws, life style, and moral values.

But illegal immigration has nothing to do with that in my estimation, from the get go when they violate those laws to get here.

We need plainly understood and decent immigration laws (which I believe we have) and then the will to enforce them.

Just my opinion.

[Jeff Head]

FYI...my feelings as sent to my representatives.

[cripplecreek]

I sent one out to my RINO again this morning.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

This is what President Bush said yesterday, March 25, 2006

"Comprehensive immigration reform begins with securing our borders."

"To keep the promise of America, we must enforce the laws of America."

"One thing the temporary worker program would not do is provide
amnesty to those who are in our country illegally."

---

President's Radio Address March 25, 2006

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/03/20060325.html

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. On Monday, I will attend a
naturalization ceremony here in Washington. It's always inspiring to
watch a group of immigrants raise their hands and swear an oath to
become citizens of the United States of America. These men and women
follow in the footsteps of millions who've come to our shores seeking
liberty and opportunity, and America is better off for their hard
work and love of freedom.

America is a nation of immigrants, and we're also a nation of laws.
And our immigration laws are in need of reform. So at Monday's
ceremony, I will discuss my vision for comprehensive immigration
reform that will secure our borders, improve enforcement of our
immigration laws, and uphold our values.

Comprehensive immigration reform begins with securing our borders.
Since I took office, we've increased funding for border security by
66 percent, and the Department of Homeland Security has caught and
sent home nearly 6 million illegal immigrants. To improve security at
the border, we're hiring thousands more Border Patrol agents. We're
deploying new technology, like infrared cameras and unmanned aerial
vehicles, to help our agents do their job. And we're installing
physical barriers to entry, like fences in urban areas.

We're also working to end the unwise practice of catch-and-release.
For decades, many illegal immigrants were released back into society
soon after they were caught, because we did not have enough detention
space. So we're adding more beds so we can hold the people we catch,
and we're reducing the time it takes to send them back home. When
illegal immigrants know they will be caught and sent home, they will
be less likely to break the rules, and our immigration system will be
more orderly and secure. We're making good progress, but we have much
more work ahead, and we will not be satisfied until we have control
of our border.

Comprehensive immigration reform also includes strengthening the
enforcement of our laws in America's interior. Since I took office,
we've increased funding for immigration enforcement by 42 percent.
We're increasing the number of immigration enforcement agents and
criminal investigators, enhancing work site enforcement, and going
after smugglers and gang members and human traffickers.

Finally, comprehensive immigration reform requires a temporary worker
program that will relieve pressure on our borders. This program would
create a legal way to match willing foreign workers with willing
American employers to fill jobs that Americans will not do. By
reducing the number of people trying to sneak across the border, we
would free up our law enforcement officers to focus on criminals and
drug dealers and terrorists and others who mean us harm.

One thing the temporary worker program would not do is provide
amnesty to those who are in our country illegally. I believe that
granting amnesty would be unfair, because it would allow those who
break the law to jump ahead of people who play by the rules and wait
in the citizenship line. Amnesty would also be unwise, because it
would encourage waves of illegal immigration, increase pressure on
the border, and make it more difficult for law enforcement to focus
on those who mean us harm. For the sake of justice and for the sake
of border security, I firmly oppose amnesty.

In the coming days, the United States Senate plans to consider
proposals on immigration reform. This is an emotional debate. America
does not have to choose between being a welcoming society and being a
lawful society. We can be both at the same time. As we debate the
immigration issue, we must remember there are hard-working
individuals, doing jobs that Americans will not do, who are
contributing to the economic vitality of our country.

To keep the promise of America, we must enforce the laws of America.
We must also ensure that immigrants assimilate into our society and
learn our customs and values -- including the English language. By
working together, we can meet our duty to fix our immigration system
and deliver a bill that protects our country, upholds our laws, and
makes our Nation proud.

Thank you for listening.

[Jeff Head]

Yep...I read that and liked the words. But I sent the letter anyway to ensure he knew what my feelings are and how seriously I consider this issue. I hope and pray that the actions of our elected representatives will live up to those words. This is my small way of letting them know that is what I expect and that I am watching to see if they do.

[Jeff Head]

Great...the more the merrier. They need to fear for their political lves over this issue.

[Noumenon]

Well done, Jeff. You have to wonder just whose interests our RINO pols are serving. It's obviously not those of this country.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Good stuff Jeff. I will be writing and sending similar letters today. Not that it will do any good. My senators are Kerry and Kennedy.

I agree, we need to give the President a real heads up on this issue and make sure he knows we mean to have him 'gitterdun'.

[EternalVigilance]

Nice words. But why doesn't anyone believe him?

It's because everyone knows that the words are belied by the fact that amnesty is amnesty by any name, and that anmesty is the abrogation of the rule of law and of American sovereignty.

It's a disaster what's happening, and words just don't cut it.

[EternalVigilance]

Great letters, Jeff.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[Jack Black]

I sent one to the only Republican senator in the Northwest, Gordon Smith. Gordon's a good fellow, but he goes wobbly sometimes. As for the rest, we have 2 out and out Socialists in Washington with Maria Cantwell and Patty (Osama Mama) Murray. And Oregon's Ron Wyden ain't much better.

There really is little point in writing these people, I'm afraid.

[Jeff Head]

I read and liked the President's words. But I sent these letters anyway to ensure he knew what my feelings are and how seriously I consider this issue. I hope and pray that the actions of our elected representatives will live up to those words. This is my small way of letting them know that is what I expect and that I am watching to see if they do.

They must fear for their political hides over this issue. We need statesmen who will say those words and then do all in their power to enure that they translate into actions and reality. We shall see if they do. They can start with the Sensenbrenner Bill.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

2006 and 2008 elections will be interesting.
Without vital support from Independents the GOP can't win.
Time for the real conservatives on FR,
be it Republicans, Independents or Democrats
(like Zell Miller and John O'Neill) to band together
and oust the looney left and RINO's

[Jeff Head]

If they get enough...and they sense the outraqe, and realize that they may have to fear for their political careers...then they will act.

Too bad that with so many it has come to that...but it has. I liked the President's words in his radio address. They are fine sentiments...but must be translated into action and reality.

[Jeff Head]

Thanks my friend. It's time we toll the bell loudly and clearly that the only interests that are acceptable are American interests. If enough of us act...they will get the message...and that message is simnple. Either address the issue directly and clearly and from an American perspective...or be replaced.

[Jeff Head]

Great! Write them anyway. They need to taste of the outrage and frustration of Americans over this issue. I believe the President is beginning to move towards a good solution. I pray it is so and that his words of yesterday will be directly translated into action.

[Jeff Head]

Amen! Could not have said it any better myself.

[EternalVigilance]

Amen, Tonk.

[EternalVigilance]

I read and liked the President's words.

Once more, the fact that his plan still contains amnesty by any name puts the lie to the pretty words.

And the continuing silly talk about 'the jobs Americans won't do' is still patronizing and insulting.

[Raleighwood]

I have sent my two senators, Burr and Dole, my two cents worth also. As well as emails family and friends in NC, with links to Burr and Dole websites.

[John Filson]

When they start losing their jobs in Washington, this will change. Not before.

[TomGuy]

It is no longer even illegal immigration. It is an invasion. When we have somewhere between half-a-million and who knows how many more, that is not just 'immigration'.

Most of those coming are looking for work. But many are drug dealers, many carry third-world diseases, many are criminals in their own countries, many very probably are terrorists being planted in cells -- and they aren't all Middle Eastern or Muslim. We (the US) don't know, because we don't have any control. I'd bet Iraq's borders are more secured than our own US borders are.

Regrettably, Bush and half of Congress, both parties, are negligent in their responsibilities to stop this invasion.

[shezza]

Just my opinion.

And a fine one it is.

[Soaring Feather]

bump

[Polybius]

...oppose any immigration bill that includes any form of guest worker.........

While we are all opposed to illegal aliens (let's stop calling them "immigrants") streaming across the border, what exactly is so horrible about a legal guest worker program that does not lead to legal immigrant status?

A legal "immigrant" comes to a country and stays. A "guest" comes to your country or house for a certain amount of time and then goes home.

When I was stationed at U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo in the 1980's, the U.S. Navy brought in Jamaican guest workers under contract to do the low skill jobs that needed to be done and were not worth the time of U.S. sailors and U.S. Marines that needed to be concentrating on their military duties and not mowing lawns or mopping the floor at the Navy Exchange.

Those Jamaican guest workers would come for the specified time of their contract, do their job, collect their pay and then go home to Jamaica between job contracts to enjoy their money.

What's wrong with Mexican guest workers being screened by the U.S. Government, issued a guest worker visa, coming for a specified length of time, picking the tomatos, collecting their pay and then going back to Mexico between jobs to enjoy their money?

As it is now, once they have been smuggled across the border, Mexican illegals NEVER go back home to Mexico because sneaking back into the U.S. across the desert is, literally, a death defying act.

[TomGuy]

Thread about a CBS poll --- and it ain't pretty for those favoring illegals:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1603387/posts?page=1

[John Filson]

What's wrong with Mexican guest workers being screened by the U.S. Government, issued a guest worker visa, coming for a specified length of time, picking the tomatos, collecting their pay and then going back to Mexico between jobs to enjoy their money?

Because we already have enough Hispanic culture injected into ours to last 100 years. It's spicy. It's flamboyant. It's enough.

[VOYAGER]

Impossible to stop in the face of the current attitude of the House and especially the Senate and the rest of the foot draggers with the cowardly predominent belt-way attitude.

Yes siree from the President on down!

[ExTexasRedhead]

I applaud your letters. Unfortunately, for those of us that live in California, we're represented by brain-dead Liberals whose purpose in life is to bash Bush to the exclusion of security or anything else that is important for this country. Liberals Pelosi, Feinstein, and Boxer are a disgrace for both this state and our country.

[budwiesest]

To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;

The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.

No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.

Does a 'trickle' invasion qualify?

[Jack Black]

It is no longer even illegal immigration. It is an invasion. When we have somewhere between half-a-million and who knows how many more, that is not just 'immigration'.

1/2 a million is the number at the rally! The estimates from most are between 12 million to maybe 20 million or more.

[Eastbound]

"And the continuing silly talk about 'the jobs Americans won't do' is still patronizing and insulting."

Agreed. Great letters, Jeff.

Perhaps we should encourage some of the illegal 'immigrants' to do some of the jobs in Congress and executive branch that the current officeholders are supposed to be doing, but won't.

;>

[Eagles6]

Good! Mine are going today.

[King Prout]

I have one respectful rebuttal for the President.

"Jobs that Americans WILL NOT DO" eh?

END ALL PUBLIC SUBSIDIES and we'll see if there is any such thing as a job Americans "will not" do if the alternative is starvation.

[SuzyQue]

FWIW - I called both of my Senators Thursday with a similar message. They were very polite, and I got the impression that they had been hearing this from a lot of people.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Look for the Impeach Bush t-shirt in this post
by Ladycalif

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1603387/posts?page=3#3

This sets the stage for the Dim's to be defeated in
even more 2006 and 2008 elections!

Any REAL Conservative knows the success
of the 2006 and 2008 elections
is electing those who secure our borders
and enforce the law of the land!

President Bush has set the example and
ensured a sweep in '06 and '08!

Only the looney left and the wrong rino's
would support illegal immigration
and amnesty for those who are in our country illegally!

[Polybius]

What's wrong with Mexican guest workers being screened by the U.S. Government, issued a guest worker visa, coming for a specified length of time, picking the tomatos, collecting their pay and then going back to Mexico between jobs to enjoy their money?.......Polybius

Because we already have enough Hispanic culture injected into ours to last 100 years. It's spicy. It's flamboyant. It's enough.......John Filson

Well, thanks, I represent that remark since I was born in Cuba.

The Nativists of the 1800's also said "Because we already have enough Irish, German, Scandinavian, Polish, Russian, Italian, Chinese, Jewish and Catholic culture injected into ours to last 100 years. It's spicy. It's flamboyant. It's enough."

In the 21st Century, however, outside of the Appalachian hollows, it is almost impossible to find an American that a 19th Century Nativist would consider untainted by "foreign influence" so, nowadays, a different dynamic is in play.

The fact that you are sick of Hispanics, however, does not change my point which is that Guest Workers GO HOME after the job is done.

So, I ask again:

What's wrong with Mexican guest workers being screened by the U.S. Government, issued a guest worker visa, coming for a specified length of time, picking the tomatos, collecting their pay and then going back to Mexico between jobs to enjoy their money?

[WatchingInAmazement]

Gordon Smith is one of the biggest open border advocates in the Senate.


_Farmers agree with Senator Gordon Smith, who has said, “It’s an impossible situation to have farmers as felons and farm workers as fugitives.”

http://www.open.org/~lwvor/Farmworkers2.htm


http://grades.betterimmigration.com/testgrades.php3?District=OR&VIPID=669
OVERALL GRADES

Sen. Smith has earned an overall career immigration voting grade of D
Sen. Smith has earned a recent immigration voting grade of F
Grades Re-Posted: February 20, 2006

Farm Workers Criticize Senator Gordon Smith's Legislation

3/3/00

U.S. Senator Gordon Smith recently proposed a bill (S. 1814) that would allow undocumented farm workers to qualify for legal status if they worked 180 days a year for five years in the area of agriculture.

Sen. Smith, who is concerned about the shameful conditions of migrant farm workers, stated, "We're trying to find a solution to this tragic problem that lives in the shadows of the U.S. What you need to understand is that I'm trying to get something passed. I may not have it perfect, but I'm one of the few people trying. There are details to work out, but I believe they can be worked out."

http://www.usvisanews.com/articles/memo900.shtml

[WatchingInAmazement]

What's wrong with Mexican guest workers being screened by the U.S. Government, issued a guest worker visa, coming for a specified length of time, picking the tomatos, collecting their pay and then going back to Mexico between jobs to enjoy their money?

Nothing really, if it would work.

The Dept. of Homeland security admits there are 3.6 million visa overstays now in the country that they can't find.

They system is broken and no adequate vetting is done. They don't go home. 100,000 from the 1986 amnesty never bothered to "register".

The president's pet project, a massive guest worker program with six-year temporary cards, will be overseen by an agency already strapped with an alphabet soup of temporary worker plans, already impossible to enforce.

In fact, the new director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, Emilio Gonzalez, during his Senate confirmation process said, quote, "I don't think the system's -- in fact, I know the systems that exists right now wouldn't be able to handle it."

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0602/06/ldt.01.html

[La Enchiladita]

Your letters are elegantly expressed, and most of all CIVIL, as the President has requested.

Thanks for posting, Jeff. Now, I need to do likewise and follow through on the phone call I made on Friday to the White House comment line.

[La Enchiladita]

Boxer and Pelosi are a waste of time, but Feinstein is tougher on illegals and border security than many RINOs.

[La Enchiladita]

What is wrong is that we already have in the neighborhood of 20 million illegals, and a guest worker program would encourage a greater flood. The program will not work in the ideal way that you experienced with the Jamaicans at Guantanamo.

How do you feel about the preference being given to immigrants from Mexico and Central American countries in preference to other countries of origin?

We American citizens do not desire to be bigots, Polybius. We had enough of that in the past. But, there is a tremendous arrogance now among the latest wave of Latinos, who have bypassed all our laws and procedures for legal entry. They have created their own "guest worker" program and they like it!

But, as we have seen, that is not enough and they plan to dominate our culture, i.e., they demonstrate bigotry towards the people of the host nation. This poses a situation that we must resist.

[Vinnie]

I've been a strong supporter of the President on most issues.

But this one has me doubting his sincerity.

I'm tired of words, action is the only thing that interests me.

We have been overrun with illegals and it is costing each one of us a small fortune.
Free medical, SS benefits, education, the list is long.
And what do we get in return? Good citizens that want to put roots down? No, they send the money home, come and go as they please.

[CowboyJay]

I have sent similar messages to my reps in both houses (even the Dem Senator) and the President.

[CowboyJay]

"What's wrong with Mexican guest workers being screened by the U.S. Government, issued a guest worker visa, coming for a specified length of time, picking the tomatos, collecting their pay and then going back to Mexico between jobs to enjoy their money?"

Nothing wrong with that. We already have legal provisions for people to do EXACTLY that through LEGAL immigration and work-visas. That only covers a small percentage of the ones currently here. The rest (the vast majority) simply drive-down wages for LEGAL citizens. We currently have over 12 million able-bodied American citizens out of work. There is NO job that Americans will not do provided it pays enough to take care of the bills and keep the family fed.

The 'labor-shortage' that these illegals are filling is a fictitious propaganda ploy used by the CRIMINALS who hire them to avoid paying a decent living wage to their employees. There is NO labor shortage. There is only a shortage of employers willing to obey the laws of our country and compete in the free-market for the services of US citizens.

[Polybius]

What's wrong with Mexican guest workers being screened by the U.S. Government, issued a guest worker visa, coming for a specified length of time, picking the tomatos, collecting their pay and then going back to Mexico between jobs to enjoy their money?

Nothing really, if it would work. The Dept. of Homeland security admits there are 3.6 million visa overstays now in the country that they can't find.

The problem with the system right now is that American business needs this low cost source of labor, there is no legal way to get it and therefore American businessmen pressure their Congresscritters to look the other way.

Right now, the Government can't crack down on businesses who hire illegal workers without driving them and significant sectors of the American economy into the ground.

That is what it all boils down to: Money.

Regardless of the issue, given the choice of listening to American business with Big Bucks and listening to you, your Congresscritter is going to listen to American business with Big Bucks.

That's the way American politics works. It's not right. It's not fair. But that is the way it is.

Once a Guest Worker program is in place, American businesses can have their low cost floor moppers and tomato pickers through a legal process. With such a program in place, there is no longer an economic necessity to ignore the law.

You can then deal with illegal immigration by targeting ILLEGAL EMPLOYMENT instead of chasing down millions of individual illegals.

It's just like dealing with fies around your garbage can. You don't stand out there next to your garbage can with a fly swatter chasing thousands of flies out of your yard. You don't build a fly-proof dome around your property. You simply shut the garbage can lid in order to deprive the flies of their food source. The flies then go away.

Likewise, to deal with millions of illegal workers (once there is no excuse NOT to be legal), you simply deprive them of their employment sources.

"O.K., Mr.WatchingInAmazement. My agents have discovered 6 foreign workers at your business without Guest Worker Visas. Here is your summons to appear in Court. At $10,000.00 per violation, the fine will be $60,000.00 plus Court costs. Have a nice day. We will be back. Maybe next year, maybe next week, maybe tomorrow."

[eeevil conservative]

you're way too nice.....

My letters read more like pink slips....

[Polybius]

What is wrong is that we already have in the neighborhood of 20 million illegals, and a guest worker program would encourage a greater flood.

See my Post 47.

My analysis of the situation is that we are chasing 20 million flies around our back yard and trying to build fences high enough to keep the flies out instead of simply closing the lids of our garbage cans.

Flies won't hang around a closed garbage can and illegal aliens won't hang around a country that stops throwing illegal jobs and legal welfare benefits at them.

[Polybius]

Nothing wrong with that. We already have legal provisions for people to do EXACTLY that through LEGAL immigration and work-visas. That only covers a small percentage of the ones currently here. The rest (the vast majority) simply drive-down wages for LEGAL citizens. We currently have over 12 million able-bodied American citizens out of work. There is NO job that Americans will not do provided it pays enough to take care of the bills and keep the family fed.

With a Guest Worker Visa program, the type of work allowed is specifically spelled out.

Right now, the Congresscritter looks the other way as 5,000 Mexicans sneak over the border because his agribusiness constituents want 5,000 tomato pickers.

The illegal Mexicans then figure out that is is just as easy to illegally get into the high paid construction industry as into the tomato picking industry. So, the agribusiness needs 5,000 more illegal Mexicans the next picking season, and the next and the next.

The cycle repeats endlessly and, right now, we have total anarchy.