[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.

[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.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[Soaring Feather]

bump

[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!

[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.

[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.

[blackie]

When the RNC, any Republican organization, or politician requests donations, this is the letter they receive from me:

(To whomever sent the request:)

When the Republicans start protecting our borders and coastlines from all foreign invaders and acknowledge the
patriotic Minutemen for their magnificent contributions.

Also, when you pass legislation protecting all law abiding citizens' Right to Keep and Bear any type of Arms that they choose; I will resume contributing money to you and not before!

Respectfully,

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

[Ohioan]

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.

The man does not have a clue. We were a welcoming society for European immigrants, who shared certain common values with the original American stocks, when we had an open frontier and large uncrowded areas, even in the most settled States. Now it comes down to whether this fully peopled sub-continent is going to remain the homeland of the heirs of those who built it up, or be deluged with anyone who can get across the border, seeking to capitalize on what Americans have built.

As for those jobs we do not want to do? Isn't it time we redeveloped the mettle to take care of ourselves--to meet our own needs? What sort of an American future can we expect if we become increasingly dependent upon other peoples for basic chores?

We need men in office who identify with the interests of Americans, not those who seek to be all things to humanity at large.

[exhaustedmomma]

Thank you for the ping, Tonk!

Jeff... I am so glad to see your input on this issue. I have written all my reps for quite sometime. (State (Texas) and federal.) I feel like I am spitting in the wind. I am so disgusted and discouraged. This is such a truly serious situation. We are talking about the sovereignty of this nation. The photographs this week are beyond concerning, they are blood-chilling.
My husband and I went to NY a couple of weeks ago. We took the time to tour Ellis Island and the statue of liberty. In time, before political correctness ruled, the laws worked. And they need enforcing NOW!
FRegards,
EM

[mathluv]

The President gave an excellent speech today. He answered a lot of questions from the audience. I could not find a live thread on FR. Do you know of one?