Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., left, and Janet Murguia from the National Council of La Raza, take part in a news conference on immigration reform, Tuesday, June 5, 2007, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
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.
I wouldn't be so sure. I called her office and talked to a staff person about her voting against the Vitter amendment which would have taken out the amnesty provisions entirely. Cornyn also voted against this amendment. Her staff member told me she wants illegals to have to go home before they come back legally. If America wants to make the point to illegal immigrants that we mean what we say we should never allow any person who has come her illegally to ever gain legal status.
My question to her staff (which she could never answer by the way) was why did the Senator think that someone who had so willingly violated our democratically enacted laws as their first act on American soil (as well as numerous other laws in order to work or to obtain fraudulent documents) would ever be a good prospect for American citizenship? This is especially disgusting policy to support when you realize that there are millions of people across the globe who have never violated our laws and who are willing to immigrate legally. When our self-governing system and our security is dependent on the citizens' willing compliance with the law why should we ever entertain a "path to citizenship" for people who have already demonstrated their intention to violate our laws whenever they might benefit?
I do not trust either of these Senators -- they have done nothing significant to enforce our borders in all the time they have been in office and, most importantly, they have not confronted President Bush on his betrayal of his oath of office in his refusal to enforce our democratically enacted laws. The fact that both are still willing to entertain "amnesty" like provisions proves to me that they are not representing what the majority of Texans want on this issue.
“But I feel better now...”
I would not start breaking out the Texas Beer
After all if two senators from a border state such as Texas can’t take a firm
stance against amnesty, what senators will?
We have already seen Arizona Senators Surrender.
Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., left, and Janet Murguia from the National Council of La Raza, take part in a news conference on immigration reform, Tuesday, June 5, 2007, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
As far as I’m concerned, anything short of killing this bill outright is a no-go.
Our first step should be to seal the border.
The next step should be to prosecute all employers of illegal aliens for both fines and jail time. This will begin the exodus of many illegals.
The third step should be cutting off all support for illegals, including education, hospitalization, federal and state programs, etc.
The fourth step should be to begin deportation proceedings.
The final step should be to begin the overhaul of our existing immigration laws, which would include penalties/fines for both private sector and government hirings or support of illegal immigrants.
Say NO to ANY revisions, changes, alterations or amendments to this disastrous bill. Let’s make them start over by following existing law FIRST!
Our country needs immigration enforcement.
I have never received any replies(snail or e)from her on anything controversial, except wishy-washy platitudes.
I got the same email.....I’m watching closely to see how she votes on this one...it’s “numero uno” on my list!
I got this too.
I thanked her for her admission that the bill was moving too fast, and asked her to take the next logical step, and kill it.
Keep calling, faxing, and emailing, fellow Texans. Cornyn has put some spine into her, and is giving her cover to bolt.
I received the same email. I told her thanks for the lengthy reply but as far as I can tell you didn’t answer my question, how will you vote on this amnesty bill?
I too received same email from Senator Hutchison and am feeling somewhat better about her and Senator Cornyn’s positions as stated in the email.
Also replied to both Texas Senators that they should understand we are strongly against the current Immigration Shamnesty.
You are right about things maybe looking up within the Senate.
Does she have her hand up his butt to make him talk?
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