Essential Requirements for Immigration Reform
Conservatives Draw a Line in the Sand

http://www.redstate.com/stories/feature ... s_farewell

By Bluey

Republican Senators Jim DeMint (S.C.) and Jeff Sessions (Ala.) joined former Attorney General Ed Meese on Capitol Hill this afternoon to spell out the essential requirements for immigration reform -- drawing a line in the sand as congressional Democrats appear ready to move ahead with an irresponsible bill.

The press conference coincided with a new Heritage Foundation paper by Meese and Matthew Spalding that will serve as a marker for conservatives. It includes six points that DeMint and Sessions said they'll adhere to when the debate begins in the Senate. (Majority Leader Harry Reid has indicated he'll bring up last year's bill for debate if a select group of senators can't strike a deal.)

Meese outlined the six principles that must be included in a bill for it to be acceptable. He said if the Senate's comprehensive reform measure doesn't include these points, President Bush should veto it.

1) America's immigration system must be a national strength and not a strategic vulnerability.
2) The rule of law requires the fair, firm, and consistent enforcement of the law, and immigration is no exception.
3) Those who enter, remain in, and work in the country illegally are in ongoing and extenÂ*sive violation of our immigration laws.
4) Each nation has the responsibility— and obligation—to determine its own conditions for immigration, naturalization, and citizenship.
5) Immigration policy should be a fiscal and economic benefit not only for immigrants, but also for the nation as a whole.
6) A temporary worker program must be temporary, market-oriented, and feasible.

There are photos of today's press conference on Flickr.