Thread: DHS Secretary reiterates commitment to immigration reform in

DHS Secretary reiterates commitment to immigration reform in 2010

San Francisco Examiner
December 10, 2009
By Aurelia Fierros

Department of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday, and reiterated her comitment to work with Congress to push for comprehensive immigration reform in early 2010.

DHS Secretary updated committee members with her department's progress over this past year and emphasized that immigration enforcement is a necessity, but that enforcement alone is not a solution for a broken immigration system.

"We can no longer perpetuate a status quo that is unacceptable for workers, employers, law enforcement, faith leaders, and America as a whole. We must seize this moment to build a truly effective immigration system that deters illegal immigration, provides effective and enduring enforcement tools, protects workers from exploitation and retaliation, and creates a tough but fair path to legalization for the millions of illegal immigrants already here," Secretary Napolitano said.


Immigration advocates and civil rights activists reacted to Napolitano's words.

The following is a statement from Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice:

“In her testimony today and in recent speeches, Secretary Napolitano makes clear her intentions to put the Administration’s muscle behind the effort to enact comprehensive immigration reform legislation in early 2010.

"As [former INS Commissioner] Jim Ziglar and [former Assistant Secretary for Border and Transportation Security Policy at DHS] Stewart Verdery made clear yesterday, relying on enforcement measures alone amounts to putting a band-aid on a clean fracture. In order to significantly reduce illegal immigration, restore respect for the rule of law, and replace the chaos and exploitation of the status quo with the control and regulation of an orderly system, we need comprehensive immigration reform – the only practical and lasting answer.

"We are encouraged by the Administration’s continued commitment to advancing immigration reform next year, as well as Senator Leahy’s remarks and the work of other Congressional champions such as Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) who are gearing up for early action in 2010. It’s long been time for politicians to set aside partisanship and do what’s right for the country by enacting a lasting fix to this important problem.â€

What makes Janet and the pro illegal group think that all 12 million will apply and be eligible for legal status? Why would they want to put themselves under control of IRS when making cash under the table is so much more profitable? Why submit themselves to forced health insurance payments that citizens will have deducted from pay?
What will happen to those who refuse to apply due to criminal background checks? Will they be rounded up and deported, leading to cries of family separation? Or will the government allow any and all to pass requirements like in 1986?
Amnesty is much more dangerous to our safety than enforcement. It encourages more to come illegally. Newly legalized family members will provide shelter, documents and jobs to more illegal immigrants. That was the result of the Amnesty Act of 1986. The enforcement promised was left up to the employers who have profitted from illegal workers.
How can Americans trust our government to enforce new immigration laws after another Amnesty?
The U.S. Federal government has allowed this situation to get so far out of control that now there is nothing we can do but grant legal status and wipe the slate clean.....NONSENSE. This is what the "progressive-socialist" wants to force down our throats.
Americans are being led down the road to one world government and United Nation control. The Constitution no longer protects us against Federal government actions. The Federal government no longer cares about the will of the people. They are the elites and we are the slaves working to feed the beast that controls our lives.
Why can't American citizens DEMAND the RIGHT TO VOTE on any Amnesty proposals? Why does the government refuse to hear our voices on matters that will dramatically change our lives and our country? It has to be because our wishes are contrary to the plans the elites have for us. They know we have very little power to stop the agenda. Even our voting rights are diluted by fraud and nothing is done to stop it.
Our only hope is in prayer. Prayer for courage to stand up against rewarding bad actions. Stand up against those who label the faithful as intolerant and hateful. Be bold and stand up against those who seek to remove our freedoms and refuse to submit to corrupt leadership.
Romans chapter 1 reveals what is happening in this country today. Our Savior knew these things and has provided the strength and power to defeat evil. Ask and you shall receive. Knock and it shall be opened to you.
Have a great CHRISTMAS and be grateful for the grace, mercy and protection we have been given. Then pray for our country and for those who remain true to their faith. Pray and take ACTION thru contacting our government reps. We will not bow down to Obama.

Same old song and dance, we can't enforce our immigration laws unless we give amnesty to the millions who are already here. What a crock! Nobody believes this empty rhetoric anymore.

What a Joke!