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Gypsy Jan
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Senate Immigration: Lawmakers Close In On Border Security Deal
From The AP
WASHINGTON -' After secretive talks, key senators expressed optimism Wednesday night that they were closing in on a bipartisan agreement to toughen
the border security requirements in immigration legislation that also offers a path to citizenship to millions living in the country illegally.
Under the emerging compromise, the government would grant legal status to immigrants living in the United States unlawfully at the same time the
additional security was being put into place. Green cards, which signify permanent residency status, would be withheld until the security steps were
complete.
If agreed to, the change has the potential to give a powerful boost to the immigration bill that is at the top of President Barack Obama's second-term
domestic agenda.
The developments came as Democrats who met with House Speaker John Boehner during the day quoted him as saying he expects the House to pass its own
version of an immigration bill this summer and for Congress to have a final compromise by year's end. Boehner, R-Ohio, has already said the
legislation that goes to the House in the next month or two will not include a pathway to citizenship for those in the United States illegally.
Precise details of the pending agreement in the Senate were unavailable, but Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said it involved a major increase of resources
to the border, including more manpower, fencing and technology. The underlying legislation already envisions more border agents; additional fencing
along the U.S-Mexico border; surveillance drones; a requirement for employers to verify the legal status of potential workers; as well as a biometric
system to track foreigners who enter and leave the United States at air and seaports and by land.
"Our whole effort has been to build a bipartisan group that will support the bill," said Hoeven, who has not yet stated a position on the legislation.
"That's what this is all about, and it's focused on border security."
Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., one of the bill's most prominent supporters, said discussions with Republicans "have been really productive. We've made a
lot of progress in the last 24 hours. Now we have some vetting to do with our respective allies."
The potential compromise came into focus one day after the Congressional Budget Office jolted lawmakers with an estimate saying that as drafted, the
legislation would fail to prevent a steady increase in the future in the number of residents living in the United States illegally.
The estimate appeared to give added credibility to Republicans who have been pressing Democrats to toughen the border security provisions already
written into the bill. Schumer and Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., met at midday with Hoeven, and Republican Sens. Bob Corker of Tennessee, John McCain of
Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. The Democrats, McCain and Graham are part of the so-called bipartisan Gang of Eight that drafted the
bill.
If ratified, the compromise would mark concessions on both sides.
Some Republicans have been unwilling to support a bill that grants legal status to immigrants in the country illegally until the government certifies
that the border security steps have achieved 90 percent effectiveness in stopping would-be border crossers.
On the other hand, Democrats have opposed Republican proposals to make legalization contingent on success in closing the border to illegal crossings.
Under the legislation as drafted, legalization could begin as soon as a security plan was drafted, but a 10-year wait is required for a green card.
One plan to change that was sidetracked during the day on a vote of 61-37.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said his proposal would require Congress to vote annually for five years on whether the border is secure. If lawmakers decide
it is not, "then the processing of undocumented workers stops until" it is, he said. The decision would be made based on numerous factors, including
progress toward completion of a double-layered fence along the U.S.-Mexico border and toward a goal of 95 percent capture of illegal entrants. A
system to track the border comings and goings of foreigners is also required.
Only a day earlier, the CBO had cheered supporters of the bill with an estimate that it would help the economy and reduce deficits in each of the next
two decades.
Now it was the skeptics' turn to crow.
"Illegality will not be stopped, but it will only be reduced by 25 percent," said Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., referring to the prediction by the
non-partisan CBO.
While the public debate was taking place, lawmakers involved in the private talks expressed optimism.
"We're on the verge of doing something dramatic on the border," Graham told reporters. "What we're trying to do is put in place measures that to any
reasonable person would be an overwhelming effort to secure our border. This is a key moment in the effort to pass the bill."
Across the Capitol, House Republican leaders sought to present a friendlier face to Hispanics - a group that gave Obama more than 70 percent support
in last year's presidential election.
Boehner met with the Democratic-dominated Congressional Hispanic Caucus, while rank and file members of his party reviewed areas of agreement with
faith-based Latino leaders.
"It's a conversation Republicans want to have," Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., said later at a news conference outside the Capitol.
At the same time, though, anti-immigration protesters moved across the Capitol plaza into range of television cameras, raising signs that said, "Do
Not Reward Criminals" and "No Amnesty for Illegal Aliens."
Separately, the House Judiciary Committee worked on legislation creating a program allowing farm workers to come to the United States to take
temporary jobs in the United States.
The measure is one of several that the panel is considering in the final weeks of June as part of a piece-by-piece approach to immigration rather than
the all-in-one bill that Senate is considering.
In addition to border security measures and a pathway to citizenship for millions of immigrants in the country illegally, the Senate bill provides
more visas for highly-skilled workers prized by the technology industry, a guest worker farm program and a new program for lower-skilled workers to
come to the United States."
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.”
—Mark Twain
\"La vida es dura, el corazon es puro, y cantamos hasta la madrugada.” (Life is hard, the heart is pure and we sing until dawn.)
—Kirsty MacColl, Mambo de la Luna
\"Alea iacta est.\"
—Julius Caesar
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DENNIS
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I still can't understand why these guys are so hung up on citizenship when most of these workers couldn't care less. In fact, most of them probably
love their own country in spite of what they think of their leaders.
Why can't we cultivate citizens who want to be citizens, and workers who only want to work?
We don't see Mexico forcing citizenship on foreigners.
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Bajahowodd
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I just read an interview with a former Border Patrol agent who live right on the border. I have to say that I really agree with his assessment.
We can never achieve 100% closure of the border. As things currently stand, we are doing a Helluva job. Net migration is negative.
The dirty secret is that the Republicans who are pushing for this tens of billions of dollar appropriation are simply doing it at the behest of
lobbyists seeking to make a bundle from private contracting firms. Sound familiar?
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DaliDali
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajahowodd
The dirty secret is that the Republicans who are pushing for this tens of billions of dollar appropriation are simply doing it at the behest of
lobbyists seeking to make a bundle from private contracting firms. Sound familiar? |
And on the other side of the aisle, the liberals want to reward bad behavior (illegal entry, visa overstays) with citizenship, benefits, drivers
licenses, no ID voting rights and health care for........votes.
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MrBillM
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Senatorial Political Posturing
Whatever comes out of it isn't going to pass in the House.
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Barry A.
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I just read an interview with a former Border Patrol agent who live right on the border. I have to say that I really agree with his assessment.
We can never achieve 100% closure of the border. As things currently stand, we are doing a Helluva job. Net migration is negative.
The dirty secret is that the Republicans who are pushing for this tens of billions of dollar appropriation are simply doing it at the behest of
lobbyists seeking to make a bundle from private contracting firms. Sound familiar? |
I agree with your first 2 paragraphs, but totally not your 3rd paragraph.
When the economy cranks up in the USA, the illegal's will start moving north, just as in the past. That potential and inevitable flood of humanity
has to be held in check, as best we can, and the legal path to to workers from the south must be streamlined, as well as the path to possible USA
citizenship.
I TOTALLY support "legal" citizenship for aliens!!!
Barry
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DENNIS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Barry A.
I TOTALLY support "legal" citizenship for aliens!!!
Barry |
Do you think it should be mandatory?
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DaliDali
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
I still can't understand why these guys are so hung up on citizenship.
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I will go out on a limb here and say.....VOTES!!
Lawmakers KNOW exactly why illegal immigrants come to the USA, know exactly how they get there, know exactly the huge problems it has created and
continues to create.......yet they ignore it all for........VOTES!!
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DENNIS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DaliDali
I will go out on a limb here and say.....VOTES!!
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I suppose you're right, but in Mexico, the people are almost forced to vote. They have registered voters cards and they, especially business owners,
have to vote or be denied privileges if they don't. In the states, they'll have a choice whether or not to vote so it won't be a pretty sight to watch
the votes being bought at taxpayer expense.
I'm starting to appreciate Robotics, more and more, and if someone would design a robot that could build a fence, I think our problems would be half
solved.
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woody with a view
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where's the fence?
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DianaT
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajahowodd
The dirty secret is that the Republicans who are pushing for this tens of billions of dollar appropriation are simply doing it at the behest of
lobbyists seeking to make a bundle from private contracting firms. Sound familiar? |
Yes and I just bet you that Halliburton is up to the task.  
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MrBillM
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Smoke and Mirrors Pandering
By Both sides for the benefit of their own interest groups.
The Senate Republicans are looking forward to the 2016 National battle.
The House GOP is focused on the 2014 District elections.
The political calculus for 2014 re-elections favors holding fast.
Simple math.
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Barry A.
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
| Quote: | Originally posted by Barry A.
I TOTALLY support "legal" citizenship for aliens!!!
Barry |
Do you think it should be mandatory? |
I am not sure what you are referring too, Dennis. Here is what I support------:
(1) Secure the border as best we can, using whatever methods it reasonably takes, with main input from the existing Border Patrol officials as to how
to accomplish this.. (not politicians)
(2) a streamlined path to citizenship without passing up those already in the "system". (In other words reform the system to speed things up---for
everybody)
(3) a "work permit system" or Visa that is enforced and positively monitored, with time limits for ALL aliens, including students, etc...and that
includes E-verify for businesses, and mandatory "tracking" for those here temporarily.
(4) a sensible (there is the rub) & faster path to citizenship for those illegals already here that desire it, but in no way passing up those
ALREADY legally in line.
Forget all the "if's, and's, and but's" (keep it simple) as they just clog up the system and make things unworkable and confusing for everybody. In
that sense make it "mandatory" to comply with these established rules and regs, but above all there has to be input to the system from the aliens, and
not just leave it up to law makers to write the rules.
I strongly believe in legal immigration. Also, realistically under the circumstances that you all are aware of, the 10's of thousands of illegal
immigrants already here must have a reasonable (that word again) and fast path to citizenship or deportation, and we must stop gumming up the works by
screaming the word "amnesty" since EVERYBODY is guilty for the now existing situation----EVERYBODY.
That's my take, anyway, as a Republican and strong supporter of the 'rule of law'.
Barry
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wessongroup
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Be thankful they are Catholics ........ just saying
Good points ...... I like Robots too
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DENNIS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Barry A.
| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
| Quote: | Originally posted by Barry A.
I TOTALLY support "legal" citizenship for aliens!!!
Barry |
Do you think it should be mandatory? |
I am not sure what you are referring too, Dennis. |
It seems these debates in congress invariably begin with comments on immigrants becoming citizens.
Is it going to be a requirement that they do this, or will they be able to stay with a green card, alien resident status?
I look at our status in Mexico..."Permanent Resident"......while nothing is said about becoming citizens of the country in spite of the ability to do
so being there.
I think it's ridiculous to force a person to go through the citizenship process against their heartfelt will, and if I had to guess, I'd say most of
them don't want anything to do with it and would prefer to remain as citizens in good standing of the country they were born in and continue to love,
as well as pledge allegiance to.
What good is a brotherhood of Americans who don't want to be Americans?
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durrelllrobert
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| Quote: | Originally posted by woody with a view
where's the fence? |
... and why is Congress only concerned with securing the southern border? Don't they
know that Canadians also want to come to the US to take those jobs that nobody else wants?
Bob Durrell
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DaliDali
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| Quote: | Originally posted by woody with a view
where's the fence? |
The liberal legislators don't want no stinkin fence!!
It flies in the face of their "peaches and cream compassion"......which just happens to get them VOTES!!
In sectors of the border where there is an actual people resistant fence, the apprehensions are down. Proof positive that a fence "works".
In the back country of San Diego County near Tecate, that fence is just some barbed wire strung between metal fence posts with a sign....."welcome to
the USA" hung on it.
I used to jump it while hunting quail in that area.
As water flows towards the least resistance, so do people looking to make the leap.
To those who say "well, apprehensions are way down, we don't need any more fence"
Go ask that rancher in Southern Arizona or along the Rio Grande river in Texas about that.
Heck.....just go ask the residents of Boulevard or Jacumba, in San Diego Counties back country, how many illegal crossers they see scrambling through
the tomato patches on any given week.
The big problem as I see it, is the liberal side of the US Congress does NOT want more fence......to do so would fly in the face of their "cookies and
cream compassion" and pro immigration groups would nail them to the cross.......not with nails, but with less votes.
Everyone of those legislators, including the proverbial fire hydrant, knows what to do here.
Yet very few of them actually have the cojones, or political will to do it.
It's a hot button issue to be sure....stay tuned, it's going to get hotter.
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DaliDali
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Barry A.
| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
| Quote: | Originally posted by Barry A.
I TOTALLY support "legal" citizenship for aliens!!!
Barry |
Do you think it should be mandatory? |
I am not sure what you are referring too, Dennis. Here is what I support------:
(1) Secure the border as best we can, using whatever methods it reasonably takes, with main input from the existing Border Patrol officials as to how
to accomplish this.. (not politicians)
(2) a streamlined path to citizenship without passing up those already in the "system". (In other words reform the system to speed things up---for
everybody)
(3) a "work permit system" or Visa that is enforced and positively monitored, with time limits for ALL aliens, including students, etc...and that
includes E-verify for businesses, and mandatory "tracking" for those here temporarily.
(4) a sensible (there is the rub) & faster path to citizenship for those illegals already here that desire it, but in no way passing up those
ALREADY legally in line.
Forget all the "if's, and's, and but's" (keep it simple) as they just clog up the system and make things unworkable and confusing for everybody. In
that sense make it "mandatory" to comply with these established rules and regs, but above all there has to be input to the system from the aliens, and
not just leave it up to law makers to write the rules.
I strongly believe in legal immigration. Also, realistically under the circumstances that you all are aware of, the 10's of thousands of illegal
immigrants already here must have a reasonable (that word again) and fast path to citizenship or deportation, and we must stop gumming up the works by
screaming the word "amnesty" since EVERYBODY is guilty for the now existing situation----EVERYBODY.
That's my take, anyway, as a Republican and strong supporter of the 'rule of law'.
Barry |
Amen to that Mr Barry
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Barry A.
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
| Quote: | Originally posted by Barry A.
| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
| Quote: | Originally posted by Barry A.
I TOTALLY support "legal" citizenship for aliens!!!
Barry |
Do you think it should be mandatory? |
I am not sure what you are referring too, Dennis. |
It seems these debates in congress invariably begin with comments on immigrants becoming citizens.
Is it going to be a requirement that they do this, or will they be able to stay with a green card, alien resident status?
I look at our status in Mexico..."Permanent Resident"......while nothing is said about becoming citizens of the country in spite of the ability to do
so being there.
I think it's ridiculous to force a person to go through the citizenship process against their heartfelt will, and if I had to guess, I'd say most of
them don't want anything to do with it and would prefer to remain as citizens in good standing of the country they were born in and continue to love,
as well as pledge allegiance to.
What good is a brotherhood of Americans who don't want to be Americans? |
Excellent point, Dennis, and I agree. I see nothing off the top of my head wrong with "resident alien" status as long as the Gov. knows the status
and location of said alien, and has a system in place for tracking them that they actually use.
Barry
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DaliDali
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Barry A.
| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
| Quote: | Originally posted by Barry A.
| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
| Quote: | Originally posted by Barry A.
I TOTALLY support "legal" citizenship for aliens!!!
Barry |
Do you think it should be mandatory? |
I am not sure what you are referring too, Dennis. |
It seems these debates in congress invariably begin with comments on immigrants becoming citizens.
Is it going to be a requirement that they do this, or will they be able to stay with a green card, alien resident status?
I look at our status in Mexico..."Permanent Resident"......while nothing is said about becoming citizens of the country in spite of the ability to do
so being there.
I think it's ridiculous to force a person to go through the citizenship process against their heartfelt will, and if I had to guess, I'd say most of
them don't want anything to do with it and would prefer to remain as citizens in good standing of the country they were born in and continue to love,
as well as pledge allegiance to.
What good is a brotherhood of Americans who don't want to be Americans? |
Excellent point, Dennis, and I agree. I see nothing off the top of my head wrong with "resident alien" status as long as the Gov. knows the status
and location of said alien, and has a system in place for tracking them that they actually use.
Barry |
Sounds good to me......however the main draw is to give those folks citizenship so they can vote!!
After all, one does have to be a citizen to vote yeah?
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