Thread: Putting a Bay area face on immigration reform

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2007 ... 61606.html

The U.S. Congress is expected to discuss legislation this week that would strengthen border security while granting legal status to millions of illegal immigrants.

Tonight, a Bay area group from the Iglesia El Shadai Church in Clearwater is heading to the nation's capitol to weigh in on the heated debate.

Most people thought the immigration bill was dead after the debate stretched more than five months with no resolution. But on Friday President Bush said he'd endorse a plan that devoted more than $4 billion to go toward boosting border security and keeping illegal immigrants from being hired in the work place.

The bill would grant legal status to 12 million illegal immigrants who are already in the country and clear the backlog of immigration applications. It would shift the emphasis of future immigration from family ties to job skills and higher education levels

Protesters denounce the immigration bill, saying they support legal immigration but they oppose amnesty for illegal immigrants.

The Bay area group is part of the state-wide Florida Immigrant Coalition.

Since the debate began, members have sent countless letters to congress in support of immigration reform. But congressional leaders warn the legislation continues to face an uphill battle.

Why do they still continue calling this amnesty bill reform? Its becoming an insult to everyones intelligence.