Thread: Let's See That Immigration Reform Bill,

Let's See That Immigration Reform Bill, Senate Republicans Say

By Susan Jones
CNSNews.com Senior Editor
April 30, 2007

(CNSNews.com) - A group of conservative Republicans has sent a letter to Sen. Harry Reid, asking the majority leader to let Americans see what's in the Democrats' immigration reform bill before it comes up for debate and a vote.

"We understand that you are committed to working to enact comprehensive immigration reform legislation, and that you plan to bring a bill to the Senate floor in the next few weeks," the letter said.

"Due to the seriousness and complexity of the issue, we ask that you make any comprehensive immigration reform legislation publicly available online at least one week prior to moving it on the Senate floor."

The letter is signed by 15 Republican senators.

In early January, Sen. Reid introduced S. 9, the "Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007."

It's described as "a bill to recognize the heritage of the United States as a nation of immigrants and to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for more effective border and employment enforcement, to prevent illegal immigration, and to reform and rationalize avenues for legal immigration, and for other purposes."

A bipartisan group of senators has been working on the bill, which is expected to generate heated debate when it reaches the Senate floor next month.

In a message on his website, Reid says he's "strongly opposed to illegal immigration," but he also says the nation's immigration system is "broken and in need of reform."

"I believe that everyone who comes into the United States must be screened and every worker must have legal authorization to work," he says.

"I believe reform should include strong and effective enforcement of our borders, tough sanctions against employers who hire undocumented immigrants, a temporary worker program, and an opportunity for undocumented immigrants currently in this country to get right with the law and earn their way to U.S. citizenship if they work hard for several years, learn English, pay their taxes, pass a criminal background check, and pay fines and penalties for being here unlawfully.

"I support immigration reform that protects the U.S. economy and American competitiveness, while also safeguarding the rights and wages of American workers," Reid said.

No amnesty

Sen. Jim DeMint, one of the 15 Republicans who asked for an advance look at Reid's bill, says immigrants looking for a better future in America must come to the country through legal channels.

DeMint agrees the current immigration system must be reformed, but he strongly opposes amnesty.

"For individuals who are already in the United States illegally, I do not support any form of amnesty and will continue to vote against it. We cannot reward illegal behavior with a path to citizenship, voting rights, or Social Security benefits," DeMint says on his website.

"We must stem the flood of illegal aliens into our country and take control of our borders."

DeMint is among those who argue that "comprehensive reform" can happen only when the U.S. gets its border under control.

DeMint chairs the Senate Steering Committee, a caucus of conservative senators that includes the majority of the Republican Conference.

President Bush, in a speech to graduates at Miami Dade College over the weekend, urged members of the Hispanic community to support comprehensive immigration reform.

"We need a system where our laws are respected. We need a system that meets the legitimate needs of our economy. And we need a system that treats people with dignity and helps newcomers assimilate into our society," Bush said.

But President Bush's insistence on a guest worker program -- and an eventual path to citizenship (he refuses to call it amnesty) -- does not sit well with many grassroots conservatives.

Last week, more than a hundred anti-illegal immigration activists gathered in Washington, to "hold [lawmakers'] feet to the fire." The activists are trying to prevent passage of a bill that features a guest worker program and a path to citizenship -- a bill like the one Sen. Reid plans to bring to the Senate floor.


http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics....20070430a.html

"Due to the seriousness and complexity of the issue, we ask that you make any comprehensive immigration reform legislation publicly available online at least one week prior to moving it on the Senate floor."

Obviously they are crafting another shamnesty bill. Why else would they do it "behind closed doors."?

Originally Posted by sippy

"Due to the seriousness and complexity of the issue, we ask that you make any comprehensive immigration reform legislation publicly available online at least one week prior to moving it on the Senate floor."

Obviously they are crafting another shamnesty bill. Why else would they do it "behind closed doors."?

Your sniffer is working nicely, SIPPY

WE've got their number and it isn't a nice one, lol!

Here is the letter from some Senate Republicans to Harry Reid-




The List of Signers:
Jim DeMint
Craig Thomas
Jeff Sessions
Tom Coburn
Charles Grassley
Larry Craig
Mike Enzi
Jim Inhofe
David Vitter
John Cornyn
Sam Brownback J
im Bunning
John Thune
Richard Burr
Kay Bailey Hutchison

Last week, more than a hundred anti-illegal immigration activists gathered in Washington, to "hold [lawmakers'] feet to the fire." The activists are trying to prevent passage of a bill that features a guest worker program and a path to citizenship -- a bill like the one Sen. Reid plans to bring to the Senate floor.

I was happy to see they mentioned all the good people who went to DC and did a wonderful job.

They should post that bill at least a week ahead of time and the full senate should have time to read it also! I do wish more senators had signed the letter!

Excuse me! There were well over hundreds - NOT over 100.

Look at how they skew the numbers!!!

Just at the Ramos/Compeon reception there were over 200 and they were turning people away at the door!

Besides, of course, Robert Duval who stopped by to give his support
{had to throw that in, lol......Annie actually saw him and took pics!}

I bet old Harry, wave the white flag of surrender, Reid will keep the particulars of the bill from the general public until after the votes are in. He knows damn well if we TRUE AMERICANS get a whiff of it we all will raise forty different kinds of hell and it won't have a prayer of passing.

I heard from a fellow in Las Vegas, about a year ago, that Harry Reid used to be very strongly anti-illegal alien. That is, until one day his wife had an epiphany of some kind and convinced Harry to mend his sinful ways. Thereafter old Harry did a complete 180. If this tale is true, and I have not seen anything to convince me otherwise, it serves to illustrate the nitwits we have in positions of power in this country. I blame this all on voter apathy.

pjr, tis the truth about ol' Harry. Don't suppose his change of heart had anything to do with political expedience?? Epiphany, wife, yeah right!