Sen. Lott's role in immigration battle draws more heat
By ANA RADELAT

WASHINGTON - As Sen. Trent Lott tries to round up Senate votes for a controversial immigration bill this week, a number of Mississippians who don't like what he's doing are escalating their protests.

"If it were not for Senator Lott, this bill would be dead," said Rodney Hunt, president of the Mississippi Federation for Immigration Reform or Enforcement.

The second most powerful Republican in the Senate, Lott has promised to lobby GOP colleagues to back the immigration bill, which would toughen security at the U.S.-Mexico border and a provide a way for millions of illegal immigrants to live in the United States legally.

"Are we men and women or mice?" he chastised balky colleagues when the legislation stalled earlier this month.

Lott said the bill - promoted by the White House and sponsored by Democratic and Republican senators - is not perfect. But he said the issue of illegal immigration can't wait for a perfect bill and that something must be done to identify millions of immigrants who are living in the United States clandestinely.

Hunt, like others who oppose the bill, says it would give "amnesty" to millions who have violated immigration law.

Members of his group have visited Lott's Jackson office to voice their displeasure.

An oral surgeon in Jackson, Hunt founded MFIRE because he was concerned dangerous people are entering the country illegally.

"We always have to be vigilant. You can't let your guard down," he said.

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GO MISSISSIPPI! Let's let this group hear from us.