Posted on 05/11/2006 10:27:58 AM PDT by jamese777
U.S. Senate leaders clear path for immigration bill
Thu May 11, 2006 12:32 PM ET
WASHINGTON, May 11 (Reuters) - Republican and Democratic Senate leaders agreed on Thursday on a plan to revive a bill that would give millions of illegal immigrants a chance to earn U.S. citizenship.
The sweeping immigration overhaul, which has triggered rallies by millions of immigrants and their supporters across the country, is expected to be considered by the Senate next week.
Despite the agreement between Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, the outcome of the legislation remains in doubt. It faces opposition from some Republicans who say it gives amnesty to people who broke U.S. laws.
Frist said opponents now will be allowed to offer "a considerable number of amendments" to the bill. In return, Democrats won an assurance that the bill's backers will have a input in eventual negotiations with the U.S. House of Representatives.
The House passed a tough border security bill that would further criminalize illegal presence in the United States and the two bills will have to be merged.
The House bill, which would make illegal presence a felony instead of a civil offense, has drawn huge protests around the country from Hispanic groups and their supporters.
Frist said he wants the Senate to finish work on the bill by the end of the month when Congress takes a week-long break for the Memorial Day holiday.
The legislation stalled just before Congress' Easter break last month when Democrats, worried that Republican opponents would try to gut the bill, blocked consideration of amendments and sought to limit their number. Even though some of those amendments now will go forward, backers feel they have the votes to defeat them.
Sen. Edward Kennedy, a Massachusetts Democrat who has been pushing for the bipartisan immigration overhaul, said he was optimistic the Senate would pass the bill, which also includes a guest worker program backed by President George W. Bush.
"Today's agreement is a major step forward in our fight for tough but fair immigration reform," Kennedy said.
The Senate bill includes border security and enforcement measures, but also addresses the estimated 11 million to 12 million illegal immigrants living in the United States. Millions would be given a chance to earn citizenship. The bill also includes a temporary worker program backed by President George W. Bush.
Fair to people like you that hate the US!
That's amazing to you, eh??? The first thing you need to do is stop lying...
No one here has a problem with immigration and you know it...
In politics, despite our principles no one should ever expect to get everything they want when they want it. Liberals have been satisfied with incremental victories since 1933. Conservatives, however demand total all-out victory or they threaten to take their toys and go home.
We're just throwing a temper tantrum, eh??? 10-30 million illegals in our country and the door wide open for millions more is not any different than a bill having to with burning the flag, eh???
You must be making money off the illegals or you'd be 'whining' too about the exorbitant taxes we are paying to support them...
you're most welcome
As an organization? No.
As an organization that historically representative of smaller less intrusive government, and considers the concept individual liberties and responsibilities the supreme consideration? YES it is very much becoming extinct.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wet_Foot-Dry_Foot_Policy
I shouldn't have to do your research for you, but I won't charge you this time! ;)
susie
Ah, leaving so soon? I thought we were having fun.
The RINOS in the Senate are out of control and are lurching drunkenly toward the cliff.
The Dems, of course, are yukking it up all the way. This is simply too good to be true. For them, it is a win-win all the way. For America it is a looming disaster.
The United States Senate has finally morphed into the Roman Senate...
In how many years? And I think that is a ridiculous thing to say, especially from someone like you.
You know, off topic, but it's nice to meet a gentleman! Of course, I have a soft spot for marines (my fil was a marine pilot--a most wonderful man).
susie
BTW, how many Mexicans are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan?
I love my country. I also understand that my country has always opened its arms to immigrants, whether you like it or not.
My dear Susie, I grew up in South Florida so I probably know a bit more about immigration from Cuban and Haiti than you do. But if it makes you feel better, flame away.
He, or she as the case may be, doesn't need or want proof. He/she is just yanking our chains for amusement. I'm pulling in my chain so it can't be yanked again.
Since 9/11, more Americans have been killed by Mexicans then Muslims.
Prior to 9/11 it was the same.
Facts are never ridiculous.
Hundreds, if not thousands.
We also have hundreds of Muslims serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, so your point is?
"I've forgotten more about immigration law then you've ever known."
And exactly how do you know that? Actually anyone can find out anything about our immigration laws with a click of the mouse. You may want to refresh your memory.
There is no fence...There will be no fence...How many Mexicans do you suppose are loading up their cars, or donkeys and headed this way right now??? How many more can we absorb???
Something like 47 million Mexicans according to a Mexican poll, want to move to the U.S...Right Now...That doesn't include Central and South America???
Amnesty's good??? What about the Chinese, Vietnamese and Koreans...Everyone in Haiti wants to move here...
You can't just take some and not the others...
My point is Mexicans have proved themselves to be loyal Americans.
While they are still under- represented in the armed forces as a whole - they made up 9.4 per cent of enlisted men in 2001, compared with 13.4 per cent of the general population - they are over-represented in jobs that involve handling weapons (17.7 per cent).
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0910-06.htm
This is apparently because they are being targeted because they fit the most likely demographic to join, and they can be enticed by being able to get citizenship.
Senior Pentagon officials have identified Latinos as by far the most promising ethnic group for recruitment, because their numbers are growing rapidly in the US and they include a plentiful supply of low-income men of military age with few other job or educational prospects.
So, it seems that we could import other people who fit that profile (low income men of military age with few other job or educational prospects) and have the same outcome.
Seems pretty cynical to me.
susie
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