What’s the GOP plan for illegal immigrants?
Over the weekend, the Senate refused to pass the DREAM Act, which would have put no more than a million young illegal immigrants — potential model citizens — on the path to legal status. As I wrote recently:
Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) has called the bill a “reckless proposal for mass amnesty.” It is nothing of the sort. It’s a narrowly tailored measure that would apply only to people under the age of 30, who came to the U.S. before they were 16, and who’ve lived here at least five years. The vast majority of them were brought to this country by their parents when they were too young to know anything about immigration laws.
The legislation requires them to complete two years of college or military service and to abide by other laws to be eligible for a ten-year conditional residency. Because of its requirements, immigration experts think that about 800,000 illegal immigrants would ultimately be eligible.
After ten years, DREAM Act beneficiaries could apply for permanent residency. After five years of permanent residency, they could apply for citizenship.
That series of steps — at least fifteen years before citizenship, according to DREAM Act provisions — gives the lie to the claim that beneficiaries could become immediate sponsors to their undocumented family members. They couldn’t. Besides, any family member who came here illegally has to go back to his country for ten years. That’s 15 years before an undocumented mother or father has a prayer at U.S. citizenship.
Previously, Republicans such as Orrin Hatch and John McCain were sponsors of the DREAM Act. But, deferring to their nativist constituencies, they walked away from it.
So, here’s the question: What’s the GOP plan for the 11 million or so illegal immigrants already here? Do they plan to round them all up and deport them? If so, at what cost — financially and spiritually? If we were to attempt such at thing, it would cost hundreds of billions. Are we prepared to pay that? Are we prepared to witness armed federal agents breaking down doors to drag children out of their homes?
GOP officials continue to insist that the US must “secure its border” before they will consider any sort of immigration reform. Here’s another question: What’s the definition of “secure border”? President Obama has presided over a record number of deportations, far more than were carried out under President Bush.
He has also Increased border patrol agents. According to PolitiFact,
The 2011 proposed budget, for example, includes $94 million to expand the number of Customs and Border Patrol officers — putting the country on target to reach Bush’s goal of 20,000 officers. Between 2007 and 2011, the Border Patrol budget increased from $2.3 billion to $3.6 billion. The budget for inspections at ports of entry increased from $1.8 billion in 2007 to $2.9 billion in 2011. In addition, Obama’s proposed 2011 budget calls for $1.6 billion for customs enforcement programs to identify and remove illegal aliens who commit crimes; and $137 million to expand immigration-related verification programs.
If that’s not good enough, Republicans need to let the country know, specifically, what they plan to do about illegal immigration.
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518 comments Add your comment
Wilma
December 21st, 2010
7:19 pm
Tucker, like a collge sophmore, overimpressed with her newfound brilliance keeps using “nativist” to describe those who oppose illegal immigration. If Tucker were not a partisan hack with limited intellectual range, she would know that the republicans are not “nativist”. The issue is not birth but legal or illegal status. She might not know better but it seems that she would rather pander than inform.
They BOTH suck
December 21st, 2010
7:21 pm
@Delaware Bob
Let me clarify……… Some things are done, but on such a small scale, it makes little to no difference.
Saying nothing will be done was a little bit of hyperbole that doesn’t serve my argument/opinion on the issue the respect it deserves
They BOTH suck
December 21st, 2010
7:27 pm
@Wilma
Do you think Wooten, Wingfield and Barr pander or inform?
They come from a right leaning view point and express it just as CT does from the left.
They call these type of articles, EDITORIALS……………
You can argue the person’s premise but the whole intent is meant to be an opinion of some sort.
Each one might think they are the “news” but they are not.
Hopefully you haven’t been confused about this issue. Editorials, talk radio, blogs are usually about opinion. They have all been around in some form or another for years
Estoban
December 21st, 2010
7:28 pm
Obama is deporting less than 4%f all illegal invaders and Bush deported less! That is something to be ashamed of, not brag about. A secure border would resemble the border in California where the double fence was built for several miles and incursions dropped by 95%. Not the duct tape atrocity our so called leaders have pawned of on us since then. Got it? A 95% reduction in illegal invaders is close enough to call secure. Did you hear that, Obama, Bush?
zeke
December 21st, 2010
7:32 pm
Regardless of how old they were when illegally brought here, THEY ARE STILL ILLEGAL AND AS SUCH ARE CRIMINAL! THE ONLY REFORM NEEDED IN IMMIGRATION LAW/POLICY IS TO REMOVE ALL ILLEGALS EITHER VOLUNTARILY OR FORCEFULLY, THEN ENFORCE THE BORDERS WITH ANY AND ALL MEANS AVAILABLE!!!!!!!!!
Tommy Maddox
December 21st, 2010
7:33 pm
Well Keep – if your here illegal, you get deported. If you are here on some kind of permit [which by definition illegals are not] and you commit a crime of moral turpitude or bring in contraband [that would be drugs or Syrians since you require a definition], you get revoked and deported. If you commit multiple misdemeanors on while on permit, you get revoked and deported.
Shall I go on? Someone today said you’re a lawyer; ever notice those red books on the wall?
…fail…
Tommy Maddox
December 21st, 2010
7:36 pm
The trick is the statute – and since you chose to ignore it – it’s a trick as far as you are concerned.
They BOTH suck
December 21st, 2010
7:38 pm
@zeke
That sounds great but you fail to mention or maybe realize the positive impact that businesses have received from this cheap labor. Granted we have a bad economy now, but generally speaking many businesses love illegals and the wages they work for.
That is a big pull and people do not want to deal with that side for the most part.
yes they eat up resources, etc but they are here because most at one time were offered a job by and American employer and many are still working.
If we don’t go after the employers than we can send home Hector, but Pablo will take his place tomorrow.
I’m for sending them home but also hitting the businesses who hire illegals to be hit over the head with HUGE FINES
Keep Up the Good Fight!
December 21st, 2010
7:41 pm
williebkind @ 4:07 pm
We in the South get reminded of it often and we are still paying for it. Illegals have more rights. However the constitution does allow for to pull away or change the federal government by force if necessary if it becomes a despot. We may try again.
JKL2 @ 4;17
Willie-I’m with you. States give the federal government their power. This simple fact has been perverted for so long most people think it’s the opposite now. AZ has come forward and said “since the feds aren;t interested in doing the job they were hired for, we’ll do it for them”. Now the feds (in true union fashion) are telling them they can;t do that(trying to protect their own job security).
________________________________________________________
Now JKL what exactly do you and Willie agree on? Willie is suggesting that there is a constitutional right to and threatening a right to violently overthrow a duly elected lawful government. So let’s be very clear. You claim you dont want to overthrow the government. There are many home grown terrorist who take comfort in suggestions that because they believe that gov’t is not doing what they want, they may use violence to get what they want. I certainly would not want you to be supporting terrorists or other similar kooks.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
December 21st, 2010
7:45 pm
Maddox…red books on the wall? US Code is not in red books and most lawyers use lexis or casemaker for code access. Still have not shown a trick. Laws may be on the books but the enforcement may also be subject to funding and capture. Seems a few Republican senators dont like the govt to do their job when it comes to breaking the law in their districts.
So the claim that there is a “trick” in the Dream Act is another lie like death panels?
Tommy Maddox
December 21st, 2010
7:47 pm
I didn’t think you’d ever been in the library. Mine are all red.
november cant come soon enough
December 21st, 2010
7:49 pm
being an illegal immigrant is no less illegal than racial discrimination Cynthia !
Billybob
December 21st, 2010
7:50 pm
Another day, another Tucker nativist, racist, any-ist/ism article about republicans. You are one judgmental and angry black woman towards those who don’t see the ‘perfection’ you espouse for our country. You might need to finally see someone about that ma’am. Hope I helped you….
Tommy Maddox
December 21st, 2010
7:51 pm
$5,750 @ West Thompson for a full set of red, well maybe a little darker than red, Code books.
daddee
December 21st, 2010
7:52 pm
Common Sence:
Sorry my relatives are all working and as far as I know, none are in jail.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
December 21st, 2010
7:53 pm
Maddox…with online access to code and no pocket parts to worry about, its rare that to go to a library. But let me correct, I believe the US Code is in red binders. USCA by westlaw I believe is a beige/brown.
Online access through the State Bar of Georgia is free.
They BOTH suck
December 21st, 2010
7:53 pm
@Billybob
Would the articles from Wingfield, Barr and Wooten are facts or opinions?
CT is an editoralist like them if you didn’t know.
They BOTH suck
December 21st, 2010
7:55 pm
@Billybob
Meant to say “…………… be facts or opinions?”
I do not like all their opinions but I don’t cry about them like a Big Baby Huey you act like each time you post
Tommy Maddox
December 21st, 2010
7:58 pm
Oh yes:
“Are we prepared to witness armed federal agents breaking down doors to drag children out of their homes?”
CT: Why does Elian (sp) Gonzales come to mind?
Liz
December 21st, 2010
8:01 pm
So long as a punishment is dealt out for the parents, after obtaining their signed confessions, yes their innocent kids should be allowed a path to a legitimate pathway to US citizenship.
With the understanding the parents will never, ever, become citizens of the US, and will be charged with crimes of fraud, and other wrongs, they should be allowed to stay if they perform public service throughout their stay here.
barking frog
December 21st, 2010
8:07 pm
The GOP plan for illegal immigrants is the same as the
democrats plan and businesses plan…Use them to enrich
the treasuries of all concerned…working so far..
daddee
December 21st, 2010
8:08 pm
Delaware Bob:
I wonder if you know any of these students. This is their own country. This country is all they have ever known. They have never been to any other country. Except for their legal status, they are as American as any of us.
Billybob
December 21st, 2010
8:23 pm
TBS,
First two sentences were facts based on continual reading of Tucker’s posts. Third sentence was my opinion to try to help the woman. No crying here, just exposing the complete biased contempt from this lady. People have a choice, in regards to politics, in this country and I help enlighten people to the stark diferrence between liberal and conservative based on tucker’s own words. She follows a far left playbook which is easy to define, just like the ‘comeback kid’ post, which was repeated almost word for word on a huge number of lamestream media shows…almost like someone sent out an MO to push this all across the lamestream media? Hmmmm……FYI, I love bar-b-que…..
They BOTH suck
December 21st, 2010
8:27 pm
@Billy
Once again, are they articles that are published in this same paper by those I named fact or opinion?
Just because you might agree with an article or not doesn’t in itself make it fact or fiction.
You do know that, right?
The stark differences you highlight are great but do not get much done in DC. That goes for both sides of the fence
Keep Up the Good Fight!
December 21st, 2010
8:28 pm
Oh yes..the playbook with matching set of cards. What you seem to ignore Billybob is that the left, liberals, progressive and Dems dont have Fox to give them their marching orders or to tell the media which are permitted words and which are not…the “so-called” real reporting that is missing from Fox.
They BOTH suck
December 21st, 2010
8:31 pm
@Billy Bob
I love Bar-b-que as well
Commmunity Q
Fox Bros
Fat Matt’s
Even Jim-n-Nicks isnt bad for a franchise
Billybob
December 21st, 2010
8:40 pm
TBS,
I know the difference b/t news and opinion, which is why I give mine to tucker….she is consumed with calling republicans every ‘ism’ she can think of and that is a fact, not opinion.
KUTGF,
I watch all networks and make up my own opinion. You are right, the other 98% of the media which is left leaning follow each others left views…..
Billybob
December 21st, 2010
8:44 pm
TBS,
I am partial to eastern NC vinegar based ‘que. I like the meat cooked with the sauce a little more than just adding the sauce after the fact. But trust me, I will not discriminate if bar-b-que is on the table! All that you mentioned are good, but everytime I’m rolling through NC I stop at Ole’ NC Barbeque in Durham and bring back a few pounds…
Omniscient Ignorance
December 21st, 2010
9:05 pm
“Please tell me of another country that bends over backwards to accommodate people who knowingly and willingly violate its immigration laws…”
Who welcomed the pilgrims off the Mayflower?? Boy I tell ya, they should have REALLY been the savages they were later painted to be. Many of you would not be here.
They BOTH suck
December 21st, 2010
9:25 pm
@Billybob
You cant seem to admit that many on the right do the same exact thing you dislike with CT…….
She writes opinions. Anyone on any given day can read conservative blogs, editorials or listen to the radio and get right wing rhetoric just as distasteful and biased as CT gives.
It is not a one way street if you are willing to open your eyes
Jesus Christ-Superstar
December 21st, 2010
9:29 pm
Please don’t associate your expensive Christmas holiday with me. I would in no way, shape or form condone falsehoods like Santa Clause and flying reindeer, or paganism like Christmas trees (huh???) as a representation of ME.
Thanks, and good night.
Zeb Arrow
December 21st, 2010
9:35 pm
Here’s the plan…secure the border, institute a nationwide workplace verification system and enforce immigration laws. By doing that, the majority of illegals will return to their home which is the country that they hold citizenship. Without a job and with the social welfare net denied to them, believe me theyll leave. As for another incentive, deny anchor baby citizen ship. As for the remainder, they get deported as they are encountered from immigration law enforcement.
Jesus Christ-Superstar
December 21st, 2010
9:36 pm
How does an “idiot” like CT (their words, not mine) garner hundreds of posts per blog?
Meanwhile in Wingfield and Boortz land, crickets…
Zeb Arrow
December 21st, 2010
9:39 pm
Uhhhhhhhh, Cynthia Tucker (illegal alien hugger) maybe you missed the relevation that DHS and ICE have been cooking the books on deportations to fluff up their numbers. Or, more likely you just chose to ignore that fact. Typical lib tatic.
Billybob
December 21st, 2010
9:43 pm
TBS,
Never said it was a one way street and never implied there aren’t crazy views on both sides. I do believe, however, that Tucker and the far left are denying their social justice, redistribution views are socialist. These views are rooted in socialism. That is a fact. That is the problem I have with Tucker and I do not see the far right advocating the total transformation of our republic from a capitalist democracy to a socialist country based on the far left’s idea of ‘fairness’…..BUT, I do see president barrack hussein obama espouse these very views in his policy as well as his own words. There is a big difference b/t the two…
Billybob
December 21st, 2010
9:47 pm
think there might be a confusing runon sentence there, but you get my point about how the far right sees the country and how the far left wants to transform the country based on socialist tenats……
TnGelding
December 21st, 2010
9:53 pm
It would be impossible to deport them all, but we need to get the worst of them out of here, as Obama is doing. Like so many other issues, the GOP is clueless and just pandering to its base. The Dream Act seems reasonable enough as stated, but what about the fine print and eventual regulations? The ones that are here need to be given the opportunity to come out of the shadows and stop living in fear if they haven’t broken any other laws.
TnGelding
December 21st, 2010
9:55 pm
barking frog
December 21st, 2010
8:07 pm
For everyone but the unemployed, and even they’re receiving lifetime unemployment benefits.
They BOTH suck
December 21st, 2010
9:59 pm
@Billy
Well CT works for a for profit business. Free Enterprise and is hired to tout her view no matter how far left. I don’t agree with half of what she says, but she does her job very well, no different than Krauthimer, Limbuagh, Wooten, etc. They do what they are paid to do: preach to the choir and incite those who believe differently. To do this they use hyperbole, lie, evade certain issues that might make them look bad and basically entertain much more than they inform with facts.
As for Obama, yes he is more far left than Bush who was a clown regardless of his politics, but socialism didn’t come along when he showed up.
Heck to garner more support from farmers Bush and the a Repub Congress gave out the largest farm subsidy increases in history before the mid terms in 2002. Is that not socalism?
Bush signed into law the prescription drug bill? Is that not socialism?
He spoke of less spending and less government, yet he presided over the debt doubling and government grew under Bush……. Did the same under Reagan?
I’m not defending Obama or the Democrats but saying that looking at everything through a left or right prism isn’t going to solve all the ills of this country…… and that goes for both sides.
It is just as easier for me as it is for you to throw verbal and written jabs at politicians from both sides, but we do not wear their shoes. Those guys are making so many deals that who really knows where either of them stand over any period of time.
Both Parties talk the talk to rile up their base but do most really mean it or does it make for great talking pts to get out the vote and raise money?
I’m no big Obama fan but surely wasn’t a fan of Bush either.
THEY are politicians and lying for most is 2nd nature.
They BOTH suck
December 21st, 2010
10:01 pm
@Billy
Got your point. I surely don’t espouse what the far right is doing no more than the far left to be totally honest……….
They BOTH suck
December 21st, 2010
10:10 pm
@Billybob
Thanks for the debate. As a non Christian who doesn’t like other non Christians crying about Christmas, let me extend you a very Merry Christmas to you and your family
Great time to enjoy friends and family and even if in a small way help someone that is less fortunate than we might be.
Keep fighting the good fight for what you believe. We may not agree on much but that is ok…………….
This is America and we can do that…
Peace out
TrishaDishaWarEagle
December 21st, 2010
10:18 pm
All of GA’s wetbacks are welcome to camp in Granny Godzilla’s backyard…she will cover all expenses..
Lil' Barry Bailout
December 21st, 2010
10:51 pm
What part of “we want more Democrat voters” do you not understand?
Jerry Ohio
December 21st, 2010
10:57 pm
An an independent, I neither support the left or the right, they are both full of it. However, something needs to be done, not the dream act. Am not sure why people think the dream act is such an amnesty any way. It would basically take these kid’s 15 years to be eligible for citizenship, and for those worried that once they became citizens they will bring their family, am sure kids that have lived here that long are here with their parents already so what is the big deal. I think I have a solution, since neither party seems to know what to do. step one kick every illegal alien with a criminal background out. Secondly allow anyone that can prove they came here before the age of fifteen and have lived here for at least 15 years the path to become citizens. In other words these people need to provide proof that they attended high school here and graduated not a GED but an actual diploma.
Thirdly they must pay a $5000 fine and all associated processing fees. For those who keep saying that in doing so we are rewarding them for breaking the laws, get over it, these kids were allowed to be brought here, attend school here without being kicked out. The system needs to assume some blame for allowing their parents to live and work here. Personally, I believe anyone that can proof that they have lived here for 15 years or more without any criminal offense should be allowed to stay and everyone else deported. Deport them by implementing and issuing a national citizen ID. If the police stops you and you are not able to provide such identification you may be deported.
JKL2
December 21st, 2010
10:58 pm
they Both- you proudly voted for Bush, yet cry about Obama
Bush had hope but ended doing some dumb things. Obama started out a used car salesman (sorry for the stereotype used car salespeople) and has done nothing to prove otherwise. Bush was a leader. Obama couldn’t order lunch without an opinion poll and a teleprompter.
I didn’t vote for the idiot to be senator let alone president. I wish we could still be living off the coattails of Reagan and laugh our way thru this like Clinton did. Unfortunately times have changed and obama’s inexperience is glaringly obvious. I only wish he would have been elected because of the content of his character and not the color of his skin.
JKL2
December 21st, 2010
11:10 pm
keep- I certainly would not want you to be supporting terrorists or other similar kooks.
I know you have a really hard time keeping up with current events, but all the hate and violence is on YOUR side, not ours. IE: look at the Tea Party. Didn’t have a single incident. You and your like in the media start throw out racist, hate spewing, homophobe, inbred thugs. Even good old CT here screams it from the rooftops. In actuality, not one incident.
Now look at Greece: A country with an economy in better shape than CA but smaller. Unions (democrats) rioting in the streets. Coming soon to an urban welfare city near you. The only question is when you are going to wake up and realize the line of crap they’ve been feeding y9ou that you’ve swallowed hook, line, and sinker.
JKL2
December 21st, 2010
11:20 pm
they Both- Bush signed into law the prescription drug bill? Is that not socialism?
He took the idea away from the Dems. Horrible program nobody wanted.
- he presided over the debt doubling and government grew Ever heard of 9/11? Some of that was a necesary evil. Reagan spent money but got rid of the USSR. All obama can say he’s done is bow to any third world dictator who let him stop by.
The difference between the two is Bush tried to do what he thought was best for the country. Obama couldn’t care less what the people think. He’s a proven liar who’s only out to force his ideology on us the best he can.
Buttered Biscuit
December 21st, 2010
11:26 pm
Remember, the more illegals that use the system, the less there is to go around for the sick, afflicted and fatherless who are our own. Illegals have not put in to the system, so they shouldn’t get anything out. It’s like putting up a sign in your neighborhood that says, “We don’t lock our doors here.”
They BOTH suck
December 21st, 2010
11:32 pm
@JKL2
Speaking of used car salesmen, except for the Rangers which was a deal that was made up of Daddy’s oil buddies and utilized imminent domain to get the land ( are you for imminent domain?) Bush was the owner, partner or major investor of several failed businesses. I believe all except the Rangers which he was just the front-man not majority owner FAILED……………
So utilizing business as a knock on Obama is valid seeing he didn’t work much in the private business.. However Bush wouldn’t be a poster child based on his record either..
YOU can look this up
How bout this for used car salesmen? A man bought a ranch in 1999 at the time he was running for President. He went from the Big City and the country clubs to this ranch to sell the people he was just like them………… It worked. THey would picture him in a truck or shots of him walking by a creek. After serving his terms he went DIRECTLY back to the country clubs of Dallas. yes you hero BUSH.
Granted his choice and money, but that is about as USED CAR SALESMAN as one can get
Merry Christmas
magyart
December 21st, 2010
11:50 pm
Visit the NumbersUSA and ALIPAC websites and help fight illegal immigration.