Thread: Bush says he will work with states on border

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=46968

Bush says he will work with states on border
Associated Press
August 28, 2005
EL MIRAGE - President Bush said Monday he understands the burden illegal immigration puts on border states like Arizona and that federal officials are working hard to enforce the nation's borders.

"I understand it's putting a strain on your resources," said Bush. "It's important for the people of this state to understand, your voices are being heard in Washington, D.C."

Bush, a former Texas governor, told a crowd dominated by retirees that he understands the challenges of illegal immigration and will work with Gov. Janet Napolitano and other border governors to address the problem.

"We have an obligation to enforce the borders," he said, noting that U.S. Homeland Security officials and others were working with Napolitano.

More people, detention space and resources will be made available in border areas, Bush said.

Bush was in El Mirage to promote a new Medicare prescription drug benefit that becomes available in January, but he said he knew the crowd would want him to address illegal immigration - a comment that elicited a groan from those gathered in a community building at a mobile home park here.

Bush said he spoke to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Monday about the issue. "I said, 'Are you working with the governor?' You bet we are,' " Bush said. "That's the most effective way to do things, to work with the state and local authorities."

Arizona has borne the brunt of the illegal immigration problem for years. The state is the most popular crossing point for illegal immigrants on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Napolitano declared an emergency earlier this month in the state's four border counties and approved spending $1.5 million from the state's disaster fund to help pay for law enforcement and other costs stemming from illegal immigration in those areas.

At the time, she referred to the federal immigration system as "broken and underfunded."

El Mirage resident Bill Kowalski, 67, who attended Bush's event, said he doesn't feel enough is being done to catch employers who are hiring illegal workers.

Illegal immigration is a "real problem," Kowalski said. "It's only going to get worse."

U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., said Bush has not been getting as much credit as he should for addressing border issues.

Franks, who was traveling with Bush on Monday, said he believes the president is strongly embracing the need for border security.

"I have no doubt that he is clearly at this point strongly embracing immigration reform that would secure our borders," Franks said.

The issue of security is one that should be addressed first, he said. After that, questions about guest worker programs, illegal immigrants who are already here and employer sanctions can be addressed, he said.

"Until we secure the borders, we cannot even begin that debate," Franks said.

U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., said Bush has not been getting as much credit as he should for addressing border issues.

Franks, who was traveling with Bush on Monday, said he believes the president is strongly embracing the need for border security.

Am I supposed to feel better knowing that the Big Enchilada is "addressing" and "embracing" border issues?

I'd feel a whole lot better if he were actually doing something about them, other than proposing a huge wholesale amnesty.

I guess that would be expecting way too much from the man.

Sounds like cheap lip service to me!

"I understand it's putting a strain on your resources," said Bush. "It's important for the people of this state to understand, your voices are being heard in Washington, D.C."

Bush, a former Texas governor, told a crowd dominated by retirees that he understands the challenges of illegal immigration and will work with Gov. Janet Napolitano and other border governors to address the problem.

"We have an obligation to enforce the borders," he said, noting that U.S. Homeland Security officials and others were working with Napolitano.

More people, detention space and resources will be made available in border areas, Bush said.

Bush was in El Mirage to promote a new Medicare prescription drug benefit that becomes available in January, but he said he knew the crowd would want him to address illegal immigration - a comment that elicited a groan from those gathered in a community building at a mobile home park here.

Bush said he spoke to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Monday about the issue. "I said, 'Are you working with the governor?' You bet we are,' " Bush said. "That's the most effective way to do things, to work with the state and local authorities."

If you were so concerned about the border issue and were really listening to the people then you would have closed our borders and enforced our immigration laws years ago. This is nothing, but lip service at it's worst. Act like your doing something, but come up with a huge amnesty plan that does nothing at all. Sorry if I don't buy into your snake oil bs Jorge.

U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., said Bush has not been getting as much credit as he should for addressing border issues.

Franks, who was traveling with Bush on Monday, said he believes the president is strongly embracing the need for border security.

Jorge Bush is doing nothing, but peddling his fraudulent amnesty snake oil to the public. Yet I should feel good about myself and say all is well because Bush gives cheap lip service to addressing the issue. Talk means nothing to me. I've never heard words ever solving a damn problem. Putting troops on our borders and deportation is the only peaceful solution to the problem, not rewarding those who break our laws and relying on the same lawbreakers to honestly turn themselves in for deportation. This president is a joke of a human being.

Originally Posted by steelerbabe

Sounds like cheap lip service to me!

If it looks like a bull, and sounds like a bull, and smells like a bull... its a good bet its just a load of bulls@#t.