Bush’s tough talk on immigration misses the point

Kansas City Star ^ | Dec. 04, 2005 | RICH LOWRY

[wvobiwan]

Can't argue with it. Spot on.

[DoughtyOne]

Bush hit the exact point he wanted to. He didn't miss at all.

Now, was he right? I don't think so.

[Vigilanteman]

Only after our immigration system is under better control should we discuss a guest-worker program and amnesty for those undocumented immigrants who are entrenched in our society.

This is the meat. I'm even willing to put the cream of the crop of illegal immigrants on track for permanent residency-- those who've worked hard, paid their taxes, not suckled off the government teat, learned English and otherwise demonstrated respect for our country.

Yes, they need a few points knocked off for coming and staying illegally. But they are superior to many of the diversity lottery immigrants who may enter this country legally, but proceed to demonstrate themselves to be unworthy citizens.

It takes about $2000 for a coyote to smuggle someone in illegally. It takes about $400 for a airline ticket from Mexico City to Chicago. I can't understand the great hardship to ask amnesty seekers to go home and apply in the legal manner-- or at least giving preference to those who do.

[Mears]

It's the employers,stupid !

(I'm paraphrasing here,not directing this comment to anyone)

[SmoothTalker]

That was a pretty good article. The author is right. Bush is offering us a lot of empty rhetoric on the borders as a cover for an amnesty plan that will reward criminal behavior.

[wvobiwan]

I'll go along with a fast track for imported labor for certain markets AFTER our borders are secured and illegals removed.

[rolling_stone]

Spot on, Bullseye!

[zip]

but requiring employers to verify that their workers are legal

It's been the law for decades. The form is an I-9 (INS Form 9) which every employer has to have on every employee indicating which documents were used to verify US citizenship. I trained employers on its use in the 90's. Note: every employer ... every employee. It just isn't enforced.

[starbase]

In this order:

#1. Israeli style defense barrier between US and Mexico (easily built, and for us CHEAP!)

#2. Interior enforcement. Simple step, EVERY new hire must verify SS# before beginning ANY new job. (this can already be done with the Internet, or even, (shock!) the telephone!)

Then, after measuring where we want our population and culture to be as time goes by, we can talk about where future immigrants fit in to OUR America.

[Pelham]

He'd never lie to us, why, he's a Republican!
Now, where's my koolaid..?

[msf92497]

Screw the koolaid...

...I need a beer.

[newfarm4000n]

I'll go along with a fast track for imported labor for certain markets AFTER our borders are secured and illegals removed.


Thats like saying you will learn about Islamic culture After it removes terror . Long way of just saying never don't you think ?

[Prime Choice]

Bush’s tough talk on immigration...

...was just that: talk. Nothing more. Meanwhile, his actions show that he doesn't give a good rip about the demands of the GOP base.

[Travis McGee]

[clee1]

Muy cervezas

[clee1]

And why should he care? It's not like he'll ever run for another election.

Bush is not now and never was conservative - he was just marginally better than the two putzes the Rats ran against him.

[Hugin]

No new laws. Enforce the ones we have.

[neverdem]

No new laws.

Tell that to the various legislatures. Start repealing the obvious mistakes.