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Posted on 03/07/2006 3:52:35 PM PST by VU4G10
WASHINGTON - Key provisions of the Senate's main immigration bill would create a "gold card" program for illegal immigrants who entered the United States before Jan. 4, 2004, and create a guest worker program to bring in more foreign laborers, according to Senate Judiciary Committee staff members.
The committee is to begin debating the measure Wednesday under a three-week timetable aimed at producing a final version for the full Senate by March 27.
Sponsored by the committee chairman, Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., the legislation is designed to strike a middle course between a bill passed by the House that calls for tougher immigration enforcement and the wishes of pro-immigration advocates who call for permanent legal status -- and eventual citizenship -- for an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants.
President Bush, defying objections from conservatives, has called for an overhaul of the nation's immigration laws and the creation of a temporary guest worker program to ensure a steady source of labor for U.S. businesses. Under Bush's plan, qualified workers, including residents now living here illegally, could stay in jobs for up to six years, then would be required to return home.
Committee staff members, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said applicants for the gold card would undergo a background check by the Homeland Security Department, then be eligible for two-year work visas that could be renewed indefinitely. The workers wouldn't participate in the Social Security system but would contribute to future savings via investment accounts.
One top committee staffer described the "gold-card" proposal as "a reasonable compromise" in dealing with illegal immigrants, many of whom have lived here for decades. The undesirable alternative, he said, would be an unworkable massive roundup, which administration officials have said would cost billions of dollars.
Under the separate guest worker program, which would be based on U.S. labor needs, foreign applicants could work for three years, then apply to work for another three years before returning home. They'd be required to remain in their home country for a year before reapplying.
Advocates on both sides of the immigration debate criticized Specter's proposal as an inadequate attempt to placate opposing groups.
"Some people are going to say it's amnesty, and others are going to say it creates a second-class caste of workers," said Tamar Jacoby of the Manhattan Institute, a New York-based think tank that leans right. "It's a non-starter for both sides."
How does this remove the invaders and stop the current tide of invaders?
I am so glad that Pres. Bush helped get Senatewhore Sphincter re-elected. not.
John and Ken have been talking about this today on KFI in Los Angeles. I'm kind of getting used to this trashing by our government. Beam me up Scotty.
"Steady", CHEAP and DOCILE that is.
"gold card"
I hope the anti-ilegal immigration, pro-US groups seize on this name. It will have very negative connentations when used in this context.
You said it. Sounds like a Telly Savalas type will be personally presenting each "undocumented worker" with his gold card.
A "reasonable compromise"?? Isn't it illegal to be drinking on the job? This isn't a reasonable compromise, it's a scam that'll decimate the middle class.
Click for link to high quality image sheet to print out.
The Senators who vote for this monstrosity/amnesty will have a tough time getting re-elected. Maybe they can be "retrained", like Mr. Bush suggested for Americans who lose their jobs to cheap foreign labor.
I guess the republicans have not alienated their base enough yet. They can take this gold card and everything that goes with it and insert it where the sun doesn't shine.
They don't deserve to win the race for house and senate seats in 2006. If they think this behavior will not cost them in the coming elections they are out of their minds.
"They don't deserve to win the race for house and senate seats in 2006. If they think this behavior will not cost them in the coming elections they are out of their minds."
Actually I believe the House repubs are running against Bush on immigration this fall. The Dems are too stupid, too alienated from their base. Should be an interesting election. Repub senators could lose a few on local/personal issues, Repub house could pick up seats if they identify themselves strongly against the Senate and Bush on this issue.
Tha tears it for me. I am now a man without a political party.
There is no middle class, only middle income. Any middle ioncome person who is threatened by unskilled foreigners who do not speak English is overpaid.
Another eletist, blue-collar hater heard from. Are you in the Bush Administration?
It doesn't, it speeds it up and guarantees our country is F$^%&^ed forever.
If this goes through and GWB signs it, allowing unlimited gold card terms, I hope his ranch is overrun by illegals and then condemed via eminent domain for blight.
This is only getting worse as more comes out.
A 'Gold Card'.
Unbelievable.
L
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