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.
"Most try very hard to learn English. Have you learned Spanish? It may be a good idea to get started."
Why in the world do I need to learn Spanish. This is America and the last time I checked it was an English-speaking country.
I am beginning to think that you do not believe anything that you say. No one could be as intentionally obtuse, uninformed, and just plain silly as you are being. I think that you are just baiting us.
See #231
I already pointed you to a page. I'm not going to read it to you. Besides, you told me that having grown up in S. FL you already knew all about it.
susie
What time do mommy and daddy come home?
Would you concede that those coming to American should learn to speak English?
We don't take 'em by the scores of millions, do we???
I think you just hit the nail on the head. Thank you.
susie
My parents are both dead.
This is the logical fallacy known as "False Dilemma". You can indeed have it both ways, because either option is broadbrushing 20 million people. The truth is, you have both, plus every shade of degree in between, from radical marxist aztlan zealots to people crossing 100 miles of shark infested waters on an innertube.
Yep. But it doesn't happen over night.
You sound like you haven't been in this country very long...
I don't have any current figures on their immigration patterns, but I suppose I could try to find some and let you know. I was told there are lots of Vietnamese and Chinese in San Francisco. But I have never been there and it's just heresay.
You don't know the answer, either. Oh, well.
Yup! As they used to say in the Air Force, BOHICA. (Bend over, here it comes again).
That would just suit mlc9852, he or she wants to take in the entire kit and caboodle. I don't know just how he/she will feel about it when the entire 6 billion+ people on the planet who would like to live here arrive en masse with their palms outstretched, but I don't intend to put out the welcome mat for them myself.
Maybe it would be good for some people to visit a few of the world's stinking hellholes where almost all the people want to come to America. What they would see there is what America will be like when and if if those people ever make it here.
And if the Democrats think they can get them on the voter rolls they will find a way to get them here. The Democrats don't care about anything but getting back to what they believe is their rightful position, i.e., in total control of every aspect of our lives. And if they have to grant citizenship and voting rights to the entire population of Latin America to do it they will.
Bingo. He or she is just having some fun at our expense. He/she will get no more fun from me.
Ignore it and have your say, it's as much your forum as it is his or hers.
Thank you for that. I knew it did not makes sense, but I'm not a real debate person, so I usually don't know how to respond! Gracias!
susie
It appears that you are merely confirming my observations. And your power to ascribe my motives without knowing my position on illegal immigrants and still determine that I make my living using illegals is simply amazing. The fact is I don't and you are throwing a little tantrum. You must love being miserable.
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