Posted on 06/04/2007 11:16:02 PM PDT by ding_dong_daddy_from_dumas
The Times’ editorial contains gross mischaracterizations and withholds key information about the purpose, scope and actual text of the Cornyn amendment. At its heart, the editorial supports the New York Times’ apparent belief that convicted felons, including those who have committed identity theft against American citizens, as well as members of terrorist organizations such as Hamas, should be allowed to receive immigration benefits under this bill.
FICTION:
“The amendment would also expand the definition of ‘aggravated felonies,’ an already overbroad category of crimes, to include the act of entering or re-entering the country illegally.”
FACT:
* The Cornyn amendment does not, by definition, apply to an individual who simply engaged in the illegal act of entering or re-entering the country.
...........
(Excerpt) Read more at cornyn.senate.gov ...
I do not believe Cornyn's amendment goes far enough. For example, it does not disqualify all illegals who used a fake ID. Cornyn is defending his amendment as "not being too harsh" (my words). Still, if it passes, some of the amnesty fanatics may consider it a "poison pill."
The article does show the sloppy and fanatical editorial practices of the NYT in action.
No need to excerpt. Post Sen. Cornyn’s press release:
Fact Check: New York Times’ Misleading Editorial On Immigration
Defends Rights of Illegal Aliens Convicted of Felonies to Get Legalized and Pursue Citizenship
Monday, June 04, 2007
In an editorial this morning, the New York Times writes on an amendment introduced by Senator Cornyn to the proposed immigration bill which would permanently bar members of terrorist-related organizations, known gang members, sex offenders, alien smugglers who use firearms and felony drunk drivers from receiving immigration benefits.
The Times’ editorial contains gross mischaracterizations and withholds key information about the purpose, scope and actual text of the Cornyn amendment. At its heart, the editorial supports the New York Times’ apparent belief that convicted felons, including those who have committed identity theft against American citizens, as well as members of terrorist organizations such as Hamas, should be allowed to receive immigration benefits under this bill.
FICTION:
“The amendment would also expand the definition of ‘aggravated felonies,’ an already overbroad category of crimes, to include the act of entering or re-entering the country illegally.”
FACT:
The Cornyn amendment does not, by definition, apply to an individual who simply engaged in the illegal act of entering or re-entering the country.
It applies only to those individuals who have been arrested, charged, convicted and sentenced by a court of law to one year or more in jail.
Notably, the most jail time that one can receive under a first offense is up to six months in jail. So this amendment targets only those who have repeatedly been convicted of criminal offenses and are considered felons under current law.
FICTION:
“Under the system Mr. Cornyn wants, someone who comes forward to immigration authorities in good faith and admits using a fake Social Security card could end up not on a path to earned legalization, but arrested and deported, depending on the whims of zealous prosecutors.”
FACT:
The Cornyn amendment, by definition, does not apply to those who simply “come forward” and “admit” using a fake Social Security card.
The amendment applies to those individuals who have previously been investigated, indicted and convicted by a judge or jury of felony identity theft.
According to recent statistics, roughly 10 million Americans fall victim to identity theft every year at an estimated cost of $50 billion to U.S. taxpayers. Victims spend an average of $1,500 and 175 hours to recover.
Senator Cornyn does not believe those individuals who are here illegally and who have previously been found guilty by a judge or jury of felony identity theft should be allowed to pursue a path to legalization and ultimately U.S. citizenship.
Additionally, the Cornyn amendment leaves in place those provisions of the bill that forgives those aliens who have falsely claimed U.S. citizenship and other false immigration documents.
The New York Times apparently views with disdain those prosecutors who actually attempt to enforce our immigration laws, denigrating them as “zealous.” A better description would be “upholding the law as they have sworn to do.”
FICTION:
“A provision to keep out anyone who fails to show ‘good moral character’ would give the Attorney General broad discretion to bar any and all immigrants.”
FACT:
In its current form, the proposed Kennedy-Kyl immigration bill conspicuously omits any amendment to the definition of “good moral character” - which applies in many different contexts, including, e.g., those seeking U.S. citizenship as well as green cards in removal proceedings.
In fact, the Senate bill that passed last year, S.2611, contained virtually identical language to the Cornyn Amendment covering individuals who are terrorists or commit terrorists acts from showing they have good moral character. The Cornyn amendment makes these needed changes to the law to bar such individuals from getting legal status in this country.
The Cornyn amendment also expands the definition of aggravated felony to bar those who are known gang members, such as MS-13.
Why would we possibly want anyone who is a potential threat to the security of the U.S. states to get a legal status, whether it is simply legalization as promised by the Senate proposal currently being debated or an even greater privilege - U.S. citizenship?.
Notably, no one from the Times’ editorial staff attempted to contact Senator Cornyn’s office for information on his amendment prior to publication. As Senator Cornyn has stated - “details matter”. Simply parroting partisan talking points as the New York Times appears to have done here is neither responsible nor accurate.
I remember this now! I was just a kid then, so I had totally forgotten about it. I particularly appreciated the name: “Operation WETBACK”. Yes. That was when we called things as they were. None of this PC crap. We can thank Hillary for that.
I have watched Cornyn for years and don’t trust him. He will sell us out in a nano second. He comes to the border and really cators to the illegals. He has managed to get the visa changes for Mexicans arguing that the Canadians can stay longer in the U.S. than Mexicans and this is discriminatory. However,the visas are not checked when returning to Mexico so what he did doesn’t make any difference.
I wrote Cornyn and asked him if he thought Mexico should pay for the healthcare of their citizens like Canada does. Needless to say, he didn’t answer. Canada flies ambulance jets to McAllen and Brownsville to pick up their patients. Canada is very good to their sick or either they don’t want to pay our outrageous bills. LOL.
>>I have watched Cornyn for years and don’t trust him. He will sell us out in a nano second. He comes to the border and really cators to the illegals. He has managed to get the visa changes for Mexicans arguing that the Canadians can stay longer in the U.S. than Mexicans and this is discriminatory. However,the visas are not checked when returning to Mexico so what he did doesn’t make any difference.<<
I agree. We have to hold Cornyn accountable. What’s sad is that some Senators and the NYT are against even this totally reasonable amendment.
Does it really matter what the New York Times prints? I have never read the papaer. I don’t know anyone who does. If other publications, news sources and pundits didn’t talk about what the NYT prints, who would know?
Post of the week.
TURN THE ENEMIES WEAPON AGAINST HIM
Call the “Senate Immigration Reform Hotline” at 1 800 417 7666
Press 1 for your senior senator, 2 for your junior senator.
This will connect you DIRECTLY to your senator without going through the congressional switchboard.
JAM THE LINES. LET THEM HEAR OUR ANGER AND FURY.
ping
No the phone is set up to call directly to your senators office based on where the call originates ( and it WORKS great, I must say they have picked up right away every time I’ve called!). I’m in a unique position, live in Wisconsin ( called both my worthless senators), but am moving to NC next week, so can’t use it to hound them. Yet.
Why not call your senators and give them a pat on the back, and make sure they know NOT to flip?
....an excellent suggestion!
Tell the gangs coming around your house to stay away with one of these.
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