Thread: Anti-Illegal Immigration Activists Swarm Capitol

Anti-Illegal Immigration Activists Swarm Capitol
By Nathan Burchfiel
CNSNews.com Staff Writer
April 24, 2007

(CNSNews.com) - More than 100 active opponents of comprehensive immigration reform began a three-day blitz of congressional offices Monday aimed at preventing passage of legislation that features a guest worker program and ways for illegal immigrants to earn citizenship.

The activists, some from as far away as Arizona, are in the nation's capital as part of "Hold Their Feet to the Fire," an annual gathering of radio talk show hosts aimed at opposing illegal immigration and urging the government to pursue stronger enforcement measures such as a border fence and increased border patrols.

The anti-immigration group Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) organized the event with the help of San Diego radio host Roger Hedgecock. Thirty-four other radio hosts from around the country are broadcasting their shows from a hotel three blocks from the U.S. Capitol.

While the impact of the activists' efforts is unclear, the event is grabbing the attention of at least some elected officials. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), a long-shot candidate for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, showed up to be interviewed on radio and to take photographs with supporters.

"Protecting our homeland begins at our nation's borders and it is imperative that our border enforcement agencies be provided with the necessary resources to ensure that we know both who and what are entering the country," Hunter says on his website.

Hunter is a leading proponent of building a secure fence along the border between the United States and Mexico.

FAIR opposes both amnesty for illegal residents and President Bush's proposal for a guest worker program that would allow non-citizens to live and work in the U.S. while trying to earn citizenship.

Other aspects of the president's five-point plan are border security initiatives, employer accountability, assimilation assistance, and a "path to citizenship" project that would allow illegal residents to pay a "meaningful penalty" to remain in the country.

Recent polling suggests that a majority of Americans prefer a comprehensive approach to immigration reform that includes a guest worker program, rather than a proposal that includes only increased enforcement. Opponents of the guest worker program counter that the poll questions are biased.

With Democrats controlling both chambers of Congress and the president in full support of comprehensive immigration reform, the anti-amnesty contingent may face an uphill battle.

As Cybercast News Service previously reported, proponents of comprehensive reform are cautiously optimistic that Bush and congressional leaders will move legislation forward this term.

In literature being passed out during "Hold Their Feet to the Fire," FAIR encourages its members to not lose heart.

"Advocates for true comprehensive immigration reform must not delude themselves: we have a very difficult fight ahead of us," the group says. "But we also must not delude ourselves and believe that we are powerless to prevent enactment of a guest worker amnesty proposal."

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp? ... 0424a.html

Swarm away [[/b]

Wonder where they got that number of 100 activists. Last I heard there were over 400 core members on hand to meet with the representatives.

Originally Posted by pjr40

Wonder where they got that number of 100 activists. Last I heard there were over 400 core members on hand to meet with the representatives.

It actually says "More than 100". They probably haven't contacted any of the sponsors for an actual head count.

The activists, some from as far away as Arizona, are in the nation's capital as part of "Hold Their Feet to the Fire," an annual gathering of radio talk show hosts aimed at opposing illegal immigration and urging the government to pursue stronger enforcement measures such as a border fence and increased border patrols.

GOOOOO Activists!!!! We are so proud of you!!!!

Originally Posted by April

The activists, some from as far away as Arizona, are in the nation's capital as part of "Hold Their Feet to the Fire," an annual gathering of radio talk show hosts aimed at opposing illegal immigration and urging the government to pursue stronger enforcement measures such as a border fence and increased border patrols.

GOOOOO Activists!!!! We are so proud of you!!!!

Love your united we stand April! We are not ready to lose heart yet, we will never give up we plan on winning!

More than 100!

Well, we know it is way higher than that so whatever.

Go go go.... I'm so proud of them all in DC right now!

Added ot Home Page
http://www.alipac.us/modules.php?name=N ... e&sid=2106

I think the group of 100 is refering to the Groupd who are Coalition Members, not the number of people.

Thats 20 groups of 5 going thru the halls to office after office where the phones are ringing off the hook and the fax machines are backing up and the email boxes are overloading. Lets hope the truckers do there part.