Thread: TN SENATOR LAMAR ALEXANDER NEEDS HELP TO "GET IT"

Both Tennessee senators vote to block immigration bill

Katie Allison Granju, Producer

Last Updated: 6/8/2007 9:56:58 AM

By BILL THEOBALD
Tennessean Washington Bureau

Tennessee Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker voted to block the controversial immigration overhaul bill Thursday night.

Both said that, before passing new legislation, the U.S. first needs to secure its borders and to insist that all immigrants who are illegally in the country return home and apply to enter through legal channels.

The legislation orders increased border security but also provides ways for some immigrants who are in the country illegally to stay temporarily or to earn citizenship by leaving the country and paying a fine, among other steps.

Because Alexander has ex pressed openness to the controversial legislation, his office has been inundated with calls from conservative Tennesseans who oppose the bill.

Alexander said in a written statement Thursday that the bill "still needs a lot of work."

"The Senate needs to pass a bill that secures our border before it does anything else, and we should keep working on it until we can get it right," Alexander said.

Alexander proposed three changes to the legislation:

. Requiring the federal government to get a sign-off from border governors that the border is secure before doing anything else.

. Making sure all illegal immigrants return home and re-enter the country through legal channels.

. Ensuring that all legal immigrants learn English and American history.

In a written commentary, Corker said he could not back the bill "in its current form."

http://www.wbir.com/printfullstory.aspx?storyid=46066

Senator Lamar Alexander has heard an earful from Tennesseans (Cookeville,TN and Cleveland,TN among other cities) about his approach to illegal immigration and his YES vote for cloture. A constituent related the shout down in Cookeville on the Rush Limbaugh Radio Show. It was also broadcast on the Phil Valentine Radio Show.

The Senator Sellout and his "compadre" Senator Bob Corker comment on the current situation.

Do you trust the border governors to sign off on border security with Dept of Homeland Security Head, Chertoff?

Making sure all illegal immigrants return home and re-enter the country through legal channels.

We have current laws that are susposed to be doing this. It's called DEPORTATION with No Entry for 10 years and you better have permission and documents!!!!!!

ENFORCE OUR LAWS!!!!!!!!

Dixie