Thread: Poor, Uneducated Mexicans Concerned About Compromise

Kennedy Urges Support For Immigration Bill
Poor, Uneducated Mexicans Concerned About Compromise

POSTED: 9:33 am EDT May 18, 2007
UPDATED: 9:46 am EDT May 18, 2007

Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., said labeling a compromise immigration bill an "amnesty" program is "sort of a slogan and a cliche."


Kennedy was the lead Democratic negotiator with Republicans and the White House on the measure that would provide about 12 million illegal immigrants in the U.S. a pathway to citizenship. It also would mandate tougher border security and workplace enforcement and provide for a guest worker program.

Kennedy hopes Congress unites behind the measure, calling it "our last-gasp stand." He appeared this morning on "The Early Show" on CBS.

The immigration bill faces tough odds. It's being attacked by conservatives who call it "amnesty" and by liberals who complain that it gives priority to those with education and skills over those with family connections.

Many Mexicans Outraged

The immigration plan is raising deep concern in Mexico.

Millions of poor and uneducated Mexicans had pinned their hopes on an earlier proposal backed by President George W. Bush that offered a broad guestworker program and the hope of legitimacy for undocumented immigrants.

The new plan agreed to by Bush and key congressional bargainers would give preference to people with good educations and needed skills. It also focuses on securing the border.

A worker from Durango, Mexico, said it would reward people already in the U.S. illegally, while shutting out those who had stayed in Mexico hoping for admission legally.

As he puts it, "The United States already has enough people with college degrees. Who is going to cut their tobacco?"

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://www.wnbc.com/politics/13344909/detail.html

As he puts it, "The United States already has enough people with college degrees. Who is going to cut their tobacco?"

We will....thank you very much or we will quite smoking