Immigration Reform

This was sent to me via e-mail, and I thought it warranted a little more exposure:


Just a couple of days ago, eight U.S. Senators rolled out eleven bills designed to solve our immigration problems, once and for all. Unlike the huge omnibus bill crafted by Senators McCain and Kennedy that hid amnesty provisions and other rewards for illegal aliens deep within its hundreds of pages, each of the bills introduced by these Senators tackles a specific objective and leaves little room for bad amendments to be tacked on.

This is the kind of legislation our organization has wanted for years. And now it is here for all of us to support. (see details below)

Unfortunately, a number of immigration reform groups have decided to back legislation by Congressman Heath Shuler, a Democrat from North Carolina. I can understand their enthusiasm. When I first learned of HR 4088, the SAVE Act, I was excited. It was about time Democrats found the courage to step up and address these immigration problems that affect American workers who are the core of their political base.

But a closer look quickly revealed that the Shuler bill, while it does contain some real immigration reforms, cannot compare to the House bill offered by former Judiciary Chair Jim Sensenbrenner (HR 4065) which really does it all.

Perhaps, the thinking of those supporting the Shuler bill is that half a loaf is better than none. I disagree. This is no time for compromise. Here's why: First, the Democrats control the House and the Senate. That means whatever bill is selected for debate will be torn to shreds when it goes to conference. The good language will be stripped out and replaced with amnesty language, 5-year "temporary" visas for illegal aliens and "pathways" to citizenship. And all those Republicans who are now being pressured into supporting the Shuler bill, will likely vote for it, even though it has been transformed beyond recognition.

Another reason for not accepting "half a loaf" is that we will get one shot at immigration reform. Once an immigration bill is passed, neither party will ever revisit this issue again for 20 years! So what is passed had better be able to solve ALL of our immigration problems or we will have to live with serious problems for decades.

I hope the Shuler bill is a sincere effort by Democrats to get on the right side of this issue. But it is also possible that this bill is merely a political stunt designed to give cover to Democrats in tight races this November.

Democrats aren't fools and they can read polling data as good as Republicans can. By signing on to this bill, they can now tell their constituents they have cosponsored a tough, no amnesty, immigration reform bill.

So ... instead of spending our time, money and energy on a bill that is, at best, a half a loaf and, at worst, a stunt to elect Democrats that may vote for amnesty, I believe that each of us needs to get out and support those Senators who have stuck their necks way out to give America the kind of immigration reforms necessary to protect the people and preserve our language, culture and heritage for the next generations.

Here are excerpts of what these new Senate bills will do, if we can get them passed:

* Manadatory minimum sentences for illegal entry
* Mandatory electronic employment verification system
* The entire fence must be completed by 2010
* Major funding cuts for sanctuary cities
* Stop banks from accepting Matricula Consular cards
* Establish English as our national language
* Stop the phaseout of the National Guard on our borders.
* Utilize state and local police forces to assist with immigration enforcement
* States that give licenses to illegal aliens will lose highay funds
* Makes drunk driving among illegal aliens a deportable offense
* Nations must repatriate their illegal aliens or lose aid and visas.
* Repeals presidential order that requires federal agencies to be multilingual

What would you rather support? A weak bill that is silent on some critical enforcement issues or a host of excellent bills, in both the House and Senate, that cut right to the heart of our immmigration crisis.

Here are the Senators who deserve our appreciation for their efforts. If you are one of their constituents, let them hear from you: Jeff Sessions - AL, Jim DeMint - SC, David Vitter-LA, James inhofe-OK, Pete Domenici-NM, Saxby Chambilss-GA, John Barrasso-WY, Elizabeth Dole-NC.

Please make a note to visit our website in 2-3 days when these bills have been numbered so you can have to opportunity to ask your Senators to become cosponsors to these powerful and effective Senate bills

Sincerely,
Edward I. Nelson, Chairman
U.S. Border Control (http://www.usbc.org/)
U.S. Border Control Foundation (http://www.usbcf.org/)
USBC Blog (must reading!) http://bordercontrol.blogspot.com/
Ramos-Compean Blog http://ramos-compean.blogspot.com/