Thread: Security-first approach to issue a No. 1 priority, lawmakers

http://www.mdjonline.com/articles/2006/ ... 224468.txt

Tuesday, July 11, 2006


Security-first approach to issue a No. 1 priority, lawmakers say

By Michael French
Marietta Daily Journal Staff Writer

MARIETTA - Cobb's two incumbent U.S. House lawmakers said Monday they support a Georgia senator's amendment to secure borders first before implementing a guest-worker program.

U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Marietta) said while border security should be the primary objective, he agrees with U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson's (R-east Cobb) proposed but defeated amendment to the Senate immigration bill to secure borders first and worry about guest-worker programs second.

"I have always supported the 'border-security-first' approach," Gingrey said. "You have to stop a patient's bleeding before you can heal his wounds. Well, our borders aren't just bleeding, they're hemorrhaging."

U.S. Rep. Tom Price (R-Roswell) also supports Isakson's immigration ideas.

"It is imperative that we control and secure our borders first in addition to the active enforcement of current law," he said. "This is analogous to the Isakson amendment in the Senate, which simply makes common sense."

Despite defeat in the Senate, which passed its own immigration bill in May, Isakson's amendment could find new life in the House, where GOP lawmakers have opted to delay action on immigration until hearings are held in border states in August to discuss the controversial legislation with constituents.

Gingrey said he is not ruling out "Ellis Islands" on the border to give deported illegal immigrants a legal way to return to their jobs in the United States through a five-year process.

Isakson garnered strong support from his colleagues in the Senate, with 40 senators voting in favor of his border security amendment, a near unprecedented number for a freshman senator.

Calls placed to U.S. Rep David Scott's (D-Jonesboro) office were not returned by press time.

Gingrey on Monday was a guest of the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce where Chamber members dropped business to discuss politics.

Gingrey said immigration is one of the key issues facing Congress and American businesses.

He said the politics of the immigration issue affect American businesses by calling a large part of the workforce into question for employers.

"We cannot afford to go back to the policy of 1986 and grant amnesty to 12 million people," he said, adding that the influx of illegal immigrants is contributing to the rising costs of healthcare, social services, public education and national security.

"We feel strongly about a secure border and sanctions against employers who knew hires were in possession of illegal documents," he said.

Gingrey said he wanted the government to begin issuing biometric documents that are "tamper proof" from forgery.

He said the immigration policy should come first, not politics.

"If you do the right thing, the politics will take care of itself," he said. "I feel very strongly the House is right."

Gingrey said Cobb business leaders should know the happenings in Washington.

"There's a huge domino effect in business if we can't politically get the job done in Washington," Gingrey said. "It's very important for them to know exactly what's going on."

Cobb Chamber Chairman Kessel Stelling said he found Gingrey's statements to be important for Chamber members.

He said maintaining a close relationship with lawmakers is essential for a successful business environment.

"They're the guys that are making laws that affect our business community," he said. "Issues of Iraq and immigration are of tremendous importance to businesses and all of our citizens."

mfrench@mdjonline.com

This guy's got it RIGHT!

I don't want to hear the whines from business either. They have had since December to replace their illegal workforce with Americans. They are crying like all their employees will magically be removed from their workforce overnight. They are more in control than they want to admit. Just more excuses.

Dixie

"We cannot afford to go back to the policy of 1986 and grant amnesty to 12 million people,"

I just question which past year that they came up with that figure from. This is 2006 and I bet you a dollar on a doughnut it's more like 50,000,000 now

I agree ruthiela. Who the heck knows. I'd bet too that 12 is definitely low.


He says this:

"We cannot afford to go back to the policy of 1986 and grant amnesty to 12 million people," he said, adding that the influx of illegal immigrants is contributing to the rising costs of healthcare, social services, public education and national security.

But also says this:

Gingrey said he is not ruling out "Ellis Islands" on the border to give deported illegal immigrants a legal way to return to their jobs in the United States through a five-year process.

Sounds like he is not real sure where he stands...