Posted on 06/05/2007 1:09:42 PM PDT by devane617
Knowing of your interest in the issue of immigration, I wanted to send you a copy of an opinion editorial that I wrote with Senator Cornyn three weeks ago about the immigration bill currently being considered by the U.S. Senate. The editorial appeared in newspapers throughout Texas.
Secure Borders and Immigration Reform Without Amnesty
by Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn
Published in Texas newspapers the week of May 21, 2007
As your U.S. Senators, we have been heavily involved in the Congressional debate on immigration reform for several years. We have taken a leadership role on this issue because we represent a state that uniquely benefits from the contributions of legal immigrants, but is also uniquely vulnerable to the dangers of illegal immigration. Throughout this process, our principles have been clear and consistent: We must secure our borders, and we cannot encourage illegal behavior through amnesty.
Last week, the Bush administration, along with a small group of Senators, announced a compromise immigration bill that would take a necessary first step in improving border security. We did not join in the announcement. While our efforts had a positive influence, we were not convinced the announced proposal guarantees repair of our current broken system. We are particularly concerned that we may be repeating the mistakes of the failed 1986 national amnesty.
As of late Friday, the actual text of the “grand compromise” had not yet been published. Major questions remain about details of the plan, and how it would work. , We believe the bill – which was negotiated privately – deserves a full public airing before it’s considered.
The bill promises some long-term positive changes, including significant border security measures, an end to chain migration, and a switch to green card distribution based on merit.
But many problems have not been satisfactorily addressed. For example, we must make certain that convicted criminals are not eligible for any legalization, and if these individuals attempt to stay here, that they are arrested and promptly deported.
We must ensure that only those who have played by the rules – and not those engaged in identity theft – receive Social Security benefits. This proposal would enable illegal immigrants to collect Social Security benefits for the time they were unlawfully in our country. At a time when we are already facing major shortfalls in our ability to pay benefits for future retirees, this represents an unfair burden on the American taxpayer. We must end the rampant document fraud that plagues our workplaces today, and do it in a way that is legally enforceable.
Some of our colleagues, sensing the fragile nature of the proposed compromise, want to rush it through the Congress immediately. This would be a major mistake. It is too important and too complicated to rush. The legislation requires extended Senate debate, with full opportunity for public input and criticism, and an open process for amendments to strengthen its provisions.
In 1986, the Congress approved a similar compromise plan that, in return for amnesty for most immigrants here illegally, promised an end to porous borders and disregard for our laws. Those promises were not honored. The amnesty legislation instead actually encouraged further disrespect for our laws, and led directly to the situation we face today.
As the bill reaches the Senate floor this week, our goal will be restoring the integrity of our borders, providing guest workers with opportunity, not amnesty, and preserving our social security for all who legally qualify. Our contributions to the debate will continue to be positive, and constructive.
Our country needs immigration reform. We must ensure that it’s done, and done correctly.
Sincerely, Kay Bailey Hutchison
Please do not reply to this message. If you have additional comments, send your remarks through Senator Hutchison's website at http://hutchison.senate.gov/. Thank you.
As long as she doesn’t buy the “it’s not amnesty” canard.
I also received the e-mail -- because I had contacted her office on this issue several weeks ago. Her response at that time was a litany of her characteristic wishy-washy platitudes.
I figured she was lost to us.
But I feel better now...
But I feel better now...
I saw one of her rubber chicken speaches a couple of months ago. Has her position really improved?
Lets she how she votes.
Looks like KBH has figured out which way the wind is blowing.
If she is now standing with Cornyn, yes.
Senator Cornyn is reliable on immigration issues.
In her email to me she said she opposed the amnesty provision and said she’d keep my views in mind as she votes. As far as I am concerned, however, it is small comfort when senators say they oppose amnesty. Bush opposes amnesty too, supposedly. The question I ask is do they oppose the ‘legalization’ provisions of the bill.
She forgot to add, but we are going to stick it to you clowns one more time, don't put any of out promises in the bank.
Wind? Tsunami!
I’m hearing from various staff today that, contrary to some recent press accounts, there has been NO let-up in the animosity to this bill, that your pressure is being heard, and there is the beginning of reluctance to continue to follow the President’s politically suicidal path.
Some of you may have noticed foot-dragging today as regards amendment debate to S 1348. That’s why.
No let up. Keep your opinions coming.
She said, "Our country needs immigration reform. We must ensure that it’s done, and done correctly."
If she were going to vote against it she would have said this country needs it's laws enforced. That would have been the end of it.
I got that same email today. Too bad I didn’t see this before firing off that last email. I would have included this thread link and title to let her see what the people of Texas think about the “amnesty bill”.
Seems to be a bit of fence sitting.
Will see as time goes by.
Thank you Gulf. Appreciate you so much.
Roger that. They all know how to say the right things. How they vote and what they do is a whole different deal
I got same email. I have moved from all is lost to the I’ll keep calling and wait and see. She still will not come out and say she is opposed to the bill only that it needs work and to be clarified blah blah...
This still does nothing with blue state senators.
We don’t need any new legislation. Simply enforce the laws we already have.
There’s a price to pay for “teaching” the Republicans a “lesson!”
Oh well, at least their hearts were in the right place. With Queen Hillary as our President I am ready to work for the common good!
She has always voted against these amnesty bills in the Senate. Her record can be easily verified.
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