Ariz. Republicans say they'll fight bill to cut entrant costs

Arizona Daily Star ^ | 17 July 2003 | C.J. Karamargin

[JackelopeBreeder]

Republicans in Arizona's congressional delegation have joined their Democratic colleagues in opposing an initiative aimed at reducing the financial burdens created by illegal immigration.

The eight Republicans said in a joint statement that the initiative "will not solve the problems it seeks to address" and might do more harm than good.

"We agree that more must be done to secure our borders and to ensure that Arizonans do not bear the burdens of an ineffective immigration policy," the statement said. "However, guarding the border is, and should remain, the responsibility of the federal government."

Supporters of the Arizona Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act hope to put the initiative on the November 2004 ballot, when seven of the eight lawmakers - including Rep. Jim Kolbe of Tucson - face voters in likely re-election bids.

The initiative would prevent illegal entrants from receiving public assistance; make it a crime for state and local government workers to fail to report suspected illegal entrants; and require Arizonans to show proof of citizenship before registering to vote.

In announcing the initiative earlier this month, supporters claimed illegal entrants are siphoning away tax dollars through welfare programs as government officials fail to stanch an "invasion" from Mexico. Many Democrats and Hispanics immediately criticized the measure as racist.

Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz., called it "mean spirited" and said it has the potential to be as divisive as the bitter debate over the Martin Luther King jr. holiday.

State Rep. Randy Graf of Green Valley, an initiative supporter, said he was disappointed by the statement but confident the effort has strong grassroots backing.

"Quite frankly, I think it's more politics than anything," the Republican said.

He said it appeared to be part of "an orchestrated effort" by the highest echelons of the Republican Party who are concerned about wooing Hispanic voters.

"It's the only thing that can be motivating them," he said, adding that the Republican National Committee and "even the White House" could be involved.

According to Kolbe's office, the statement was also endorsed by Sens. John McCain and Jon Kyl, and Reps. Rick Renzi, Trent Franks, John Shadegg, J.D. Hayworth, and Jeff Flake. All but Kyl face re-election next year.

[kennyo]

"However, guarding the border is, and should remain, the responsibility of the federal government."

The powers given to the federal government but not exercised by it are left to the states and the people.

[jeremiah]

The simplest explanation, is usually the one that is true. The traitors in govt, want us overrun, because they think they can win the hispanic vote, and will certainly lose it if they stand up for border security. This is all about politics. Our betters, live in a gated community, they use the illegals for cheap labor, and are isolated from the bad effects. Such as high medical costs, STATE budget shortfalls, and a corrupt election process.

[jeremiah]

The Mexican govt, is ethnically cleansing themselves of all the mixed breeds, it is as simple as that.

[Godel]

Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz., called it "mean spirited" and said it has the potential to be as divisive as the bitter debate over the Martin Luther King jr. holiday

Ok so its mean spirited not to give your families hard earned money away to criminal parasite invaders?

Are we allowed to consider them mean spirited for coming here and demanding we pay them tribute. They are acting like a second wave of conquistadores.

[rightofrush]

In announcing the initiative earlier this month, supporters claimed illegal entrants are siphoning away tax dollars through welfare programs as government officials fail to stanch an "invasion" from Mexico. Many Democrats and Hispanics immediately criticized the measure as racist.

Tough beans.

[rightofrush]

Your explaination is, although perhaps the major reason, is by no means the limit of GOP's cupidity in pursuit of power and perfidity in performance.

GW's good ol' boy pose is just that, a pose.