Georgias U.S. senators optimistic over bill

Friday, May 18, 2007 1:37 AM EDT



By Marcus E. Howard

MDJ Staff Writer

WASHINGTON - Thursday's agreement on immigration-reform legislation between party leaders in the U.S. Senate and the White House received tepid support among some Georgia lawmakers and outright opposition among others.

Both Georgia U.S. Sens. Saxby Chambliss (R-Moultrie) and Johnny Isakson (R-east Cobb) have been part of a group of senators meeting regularly to negotiate the agreement.

Isakson said he is encouraged over the bipartisan effort to reach a compromise on the issue of immigration.


"I am optimistic we will reach an agreement that can be the foundation for meaningful reform, security of our borders and respect for our immigration process," said Isakson.

However, Georgia's junior U.S. senator added that he would reserve judgment on supporting the final bill until debate is complete, but at minimum, the bill should include fully funded border protection.

"If Congress doesn't appropriate the funds and the Secretary of Homeland Security doesn't install the barriers, hire the agents, get the unmanned aerial vehicles in the sky or create a verifiable biometric identification card, there is no bill," Isakson said.

Chambliss said he supports the agreement, but he echoed the concern over security of the U.S.-Mexican border, which he said must be met in order for a final draft of the legislation to gain his vote.
Chambliss, who is running for re-election next year, also said that any temporary worker program must be temporary and not harm American workers or their wages.

"The agreement reached today is an improvement from last year's bill," Chambliss said. "The way you make good laws is to have people from both sides of the aisle come together, and this was a highly committed group that came together to work on these issues that aren't in the best interest of any particular political party, but rather in the best interest of the American people."

The agreement represents a major change in the nation's immigration system that would reduce the importance of family ties and admit future immigrants based on their skills, education levels, and job experience. A new class of guest workers would be allowed in temporarily after new security measures are in place.


Debate in the Senate is expected to begin on Monday. Both the full Senate and House must approve the proposed legislation, which President Bush praised, before he can sign it into law.

Though the mood in Washington over the agreement remained upbeat for the most part, some lawmakers here in Georgia expressed displeasure with the proposed legislation.

State Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock), chairman of the Georgia Senate Immigration Reform Caucus, referred to the measure as "fraud" disguised as comprehensive immigration reform.

"The current debate in Washington over so-called 'immigration reform' highlights the failure of our federal government," Rogers said. "Sadly, we have little faith in the current administration's dedication to certify border security or operation control.

"Almost one year has passed since President Bush signed a border security bill calling for creation of an almost 700-mile physical barrier. To date, only two miles have been completed."

Rogers denounced a proposed new visa called, "Z visa," which would allow illegal immigrants to pay fees, as well as a $5,000 fine, in order to obtain the visa so they could get on track for permanent residency.

"Such a plan gives preference to those who have violated the law over those who have followed the law and patiently wait legal entrance into the United States," Rogers said.

U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Marietta) joined those in opposition to Thursday's compromise, saying he thought it simply is amnesty.

"Citizenship is a precious commodity, and we need to ensure our immigration laws benefit the American people, our security and our economy," he said. "We can't bankrupt our government services by granting the biggest handout of all - amnesty."
mhoward@mdjonline.com

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