Thread: Immigration policy in the hands of the World Trade Organiza

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LOU DOBBS CNN-TV

DOBBS: On the agenda at next week's World Trade Organization meeting, U.S. immigration policy. Unbelievably, a dozen developing countries and U.S. big businesses want the WTO to expand the number of visas allowing foreign workers into the United States, effectively giving the WTO immigration powers and taking it away from Congress and the American people.

Christine Romans reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): There is a serious movement under way to put U.S. immigration policy in the hands of the World Trade Organization. Developing nations led by India want more work visas so their citizens can take American jobs. And they're pushing hard for the WTO to use its rules to get them.

SARAH ANDERSON, INSTITUTE FOR POLICY STUDIES: It's an example of the mission creep really of the World Trade Organization. This is not just about goods crossing borders anymore.

ROMANS: Anderson says it essentially labels workers as a traded commodity.

ANDERSON: I think something that is so sensitive as migration policy and so complicated, we really don't want to be negotiated in back-room deals by trade officials.

ROMANS: And many say it takes vital immigration policy out of the hands of Congress, threatening American sovereignty.

IRA MEHLMAN, FED. FOR AMER. IMMIGRATION REFORM: American immigration policy ought to be the exclusive province of our government. Our Congress ought to make those decisions based on an objective assessment of the needs and the interests of this country.

ROMANS: The Constitution clearly gives Congress powers over immigration, and Congress has warned the U.S. trade office in the past against giving away visa power in trade negotiations.

Last month, trade representative Rod Portman said any new visas issued under WTO rules could only come after the U.S. gets its own enforcement problems under control. After all, a significant part of this country's illegal immigration is foreign workers who overstay visas.

But he told Indian business leaders he is, "talking to members of Congress about it, and I am hopeful that we can make progress."

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ROMANS: That would be progress for big business and for foreign workers so foreign workers can come here and American companies can get into new markets. Of course, American workers are a bargaining chip, then, in an international trade round.

DOBBS: Well, it looks like American workers have, as has been the course over the past 10 years, simply been sold out already. The bargaining is basically done.

I don't believe that even 5 percent of Americans know that the WTO has this kind of power right now and reaching for greater power over U.S. immigration policy.

ROMANS: I think you're absolutely right. We are making promises to a world body for U.S. immigration.

DOBBS: Congress gave away its responsibilities to negotiate trade, did the fast track in 1976. So they're basically passive and a rubber stamp, for all practical purposes. With the WTO agreement in Hong Kong next week, they can simply solve (ph) themselves a responsibility on visa issues and immigration.

ROMANS: We'll have to see if Congress is gong to stand for it.

DOBBS: Christine Romans.

Thank you very much.

That brings us to our poll tonight. Do you believe the United States should permit the WTO to direct our immigration policy such as it is, yes or no? We'll bring you the results later in the broadcast. Cast your vote at loudobbs.com.

I wonder what we need a congress for? Why are we paying out all these millions in salaries and retirement benefits? They're doing only harm to this country.


The mafia would do a better job.

RR

I wonder what we need a congress for? Why are we paying out all these millions in salaries and retirement benefits? They're doing only harm to this country.

RR- I asked myself the same question. This is a disgrace. Does this make immigration a non-issue? Politically speaking, taking the heat off. I am tied of paying for my own demise.

Well, I figure the Mafia would do a better job cause they're better organized...have better leadership...and have sense enough to protect
their turf...this so called congress has none of the above....plus most of them are criminals in one way or another.

RR