Thread: Reply from Harry Reid....

The BIGGEST illegal lover that there is......

Dear Ms.

Thank you for contacting me regarding immigration. I appreciate hearing from you.

Nearly everyone agrees that immigration is one of the most pressing issues facing our nation, but we are often divided on the most appropriate way to address this problem. In forming my opinions on this issue, I have traveled to the border and had extensive conversations with many of the leading experts in the field. I have also met with state and local officials in Nevada to hear their ideas on the best way to reform our immigration system.


Based upon this work, I believe reform must be comprehensive. It should not only strengthen our borders against terrorists, drug traffickers and illegal entrants, but should also make our laws more realistic so that they can be more effectively enforced while being more fair to taxpayers and creating a strong domestic workforce that meets the changing needs of our economy.


You may be interested to know that undocumented immigrants are barred from almost all government benefits, including food stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Medicaid, federal housing programs, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Unemployment Insurance, Medicare, and the earned income tax credit (EITC). In fact, under present law, even legal permanent resident immigrants who arrived after August 22, 1996, are not eligible for most federal assistance programs for their first five years as lawful permanent residents. From then on, they must meet several requirements to be eligible for these programs, in addition to the residence, income, and family requirements all other taxpayers must meet.

In addition, many of the unauthorized immigrants in the United States have Social Security taxes withheld from their paychecks but are not entitled to collect any benefits because of their illegal status. In 2003 alone, the Social Security Administration reported that $7 billion in payroll taxes have been credited to its trust fund from Social Security numbers that were either invalid or do not match names in the agency's records. It is believed that undocumented workers make up a large portion of these contributors.

Please be assured that as I continue my work in the U.S. Senate I will keep your thoughts in mind. Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. If you would like more information about my work for Nevada, my role in the United States Senate Leadership, or to subscribe to regular e-mail updates on the issues that interest you, please visit my Web site at http://reid.senate.gov. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

My best wishes to you.

Sincerely,
HARRY REID
United States Senator
Nevada

I have also met with state and local officials in Nevada to hear their ideas on the best way to reform our immigration system.

Yes i can see you did . With all the Casino's useing "Illegals" dealers etc. Total employment in NV for Illegals . I hear ya Reid . Your a great American

Another useless politician! Time to send him packing!

It sounds like my boneheaded Senator, Dick Dirtbag Durbin. Here are the last four email replies I got from him. He is an immigration butt kisser!

(This is why we need to vote him OUT of office this November)

They are replies to:
a) Regarding home mortgage foreclosures
b) Sanctuary city" policies
c) Guest worker programs
d) English the official language

----------------
Thank you for your message regarding home mortgage foreclosures. I appreciate hearing from you and understand your concerns.

Home ownership is a pillar of our economy and an integral part of the American dream, but the subprime crisis has placed millions of families at risk of foreclosure. While subprime mortgages have made homeownership possible for many borrowers with poor credit, low income, or little savings, they also have trapped many homeowners in unsustainable mortgages.

Although most lenders are fair and reputable, some subprime lenders have taken advantage of consumers by offering loans on unclear or deceptive terms. These predatory loans frequently come with a "teaser" interest rate that increases after an introductory period, often without the borrower's knowledge. According to the Center for Responsible Lending, more than two million households in the subprime market either have lost their homes to foreclosure or hold subprime mortgages that will fail over the next several years.

The effects of this crisis reach beyond those families who are facing foreclosure. The Center for Responsible Lending has forecast that homeowners living near foreclosed properties will see their property values decrease by an average of $5,000. In addition, the U.S. Conference of Mayors recently predicted that the foreclosure crisis will reduce consumer spending and tax revenue, slow the growth of the U.S. economy, and lead to the creation of 524,000 fewer jobs in the next year.

The recently introduced Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 (S. 2636) contains language from the Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act (S. 2136), legislation I introduced in 2007. This measure would allow bankruptcy judges to modify the terms of mortgage loans on a principal residence for homeowners who meet strict income and expense criteria. This step is already allowed for mortgages on vacation homes and family farms.

Under my bill, bankruptcy courts would be able to modify the terms of mortgages on primary residences in order to help families and lenders prevent foreclosures that benefit no one. These courts would be able to change the terms of a mortgage so that a family can continue to make payments and lenders can continue to profit. By expanding the role bankruptcy courts already play in changing the terms of mortgages on vacation homes and family farms, my approach would help those facing foreclosure without expanding bureaucracy and without costing the taxpayers a penny.

I will keep your thoughts in mind as Congress considers this issue in the future. Thank you again for your message. Please feel free to keep in touch.

Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
-----------------------

Thank you for contacting me about "sanctuary city" policies. I appreciate hearing from you and agree that the federal government should deport illegal immigrants who have been convicted of criminal activity.

Our nation faces a host of problems as a result of years of inattention to our immigration policies. I have worked to reform our immigration system comprehensively and in a way that is tough, realistic, and consistent with our moral values.

The phrase "sanctuary city" is sometimes used to describe a locality that prevents its employees from asking about the immigration status of citizens they encounter in the course of their jobs. Opponents of sanctuary cities are concerned that their policies may prevent federal immigration officials from deporting illegal immigrants who have been convicted of a crime. The U.S. Constitution gives the federal government complete power over our immigration policies, and any local sanctuary city policies that prevent the federal government from enforcing our immigration laws would be very troubling.

A recent U.S. Justice Department report shows that sanctuary cities do not, in fact, prevent federal immigration officials from enforcing our immigration laws. This report is available online at the Justice Department's website:
http://www.usdoj.gov/oig/reports/OJP/a0707/final.pdf.

Some communities have decided that public safety is best preserved when their officials do not ask about the immigration status of crime victims, witnesses to a crime, those with emergency medical conditions, and others in similar situations. Officials in these communities have determined that such policies are necessary in their jurisdictions to prevent and respond to crime and to preserve public health. I believe that state and local law enforcement and health officials, not Congress, are in the best position to make these kinds of public safety decisions.

During the Senate's October 2007 consideration of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Act, Senator David Vitter of Louisiana offered an amendment that would have prevented sanctuary city communities from using federal funding to support their policing efforts. I voted against the amendment because it would have jeopardized essential state and local policing efforts not related to immigration. The amendment was defeated in a bipartisan vote.

I continue to support efforts to crack down on immigrants who commit crimes. I am an original cosponsor of the Ensure Timely SCAAP Reimbursement Act (S. 258. The State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) is a federal program that repays state and local law enforcement agencies for the costs of detaining illegal immigrants who have been convicted of a crime. States and localities must apply for these funds, and S. 2588 would require that the funds be awarded no later than 120 days after the end of the annual application period.

I also am an original cosponsor of the SCAAP Reimbursement Protection Act of 2008 (S. 2587). This bill would expand the SCAAP program to reimburse states for the costs of detaining undocumented aliens who have been charged with but not yet convicted of a crime. If these bills become law, they would apply to all states and localities, including those known as "sanctuary cities."

I will keep your concerns in mind as the Senate continues to consider these issues. Thank you again for your message. Please feel free to keep in touch.

Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
-----------------------------------

Thank you for contacting me about guest worker programs for foreign workers. I appreciate hearing from you on this issue.

The United States currently has several programs for temporarily importing guest workers. The H-2A program provides for the temporary admission of foreign agricultural workers in the absence of available U.S. farm workers. Approximately 46,000 H-2A visas were issued in Fiscal Year (FY) 2006. H-2A workers constitute a small percentage of the three million or more agricultural workers in the United States.

The H-2A program has been criticized by employers as well as labor advocates. Employers complain that the H-2A program is cumbersome and does not meet their labor needs. Labor advocates argue that the program provides too few protections for U.S. workers.

In response to these concerns, Senator Dianne Feinstein of California introduced S. 340, the Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits, and Security ("AgJobs") Act, which would revise the process for obtaining H-2A workers. In the case of a job covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the employer would have to assure that there is an applicable union contract and that the employee's bargaining representatives have been notified of the filing of an application for H-2A workers. The measure also provides "blue card" status to up to 1.5 million agricultural workers who have performed substantial agricultural employment in the United States between 2004 and 2006 and who have no criminal record. The bill is currently under consideration in the Judiciary Committee, of which I am a member.

The H-2B visa program allows for the admission of non-agricultural seasonal guest workers. Approximately 134,000 H-2B visas were issued in FY 2006. I am a cosponsor of the Increasing American Wages and Benefits Act of 2007 (S. 2094), which would strengthen labor protections in the H-2B program and impose serious requirements on labor recruiters.

The bill requires employers to make serious efforts to hire American workers before hiring H-2B workers. To prevent American workers from being undercut, it requires employers to pay competitive wages to H-2B workers. It also prevents employers from hiring H-2B workers if the company has engaged in a recent mass layoff. The bill also provides the U.S. Labor Department with the explicit authority to enforce H-2B labor law violations.

The H-1B visa program provides for the temporary admission of foreign professional workers, including highly skilled technology workers. The number of new H-1B visas issued each year is capped by statute at 65,000, although exemptions are available under this cap.

I have consistently opposed efforts to increase the number of H-1B visas. I also have introduced the H-1B and L-1 Visa Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act of 2007, S. 1035. The measure would add a number of protections for American workers to the H-1B and L-1 visa programs. Major portions of the measure were included in the 2007 comprehensive immigration reform bill. Unfortunately, this legislation was not passed by the Senate.

Congress must craft a long-term policy to help ensure that a strong supply of American workers has the necessary education and training to fill technology positions. One step toward that goal is increasing funding for math, science, and technology education programs.

I have helped lead the fight for adequate math and science funding at the elementary and secondary levels. I was an original cosponsor of the Math and Science Incentive Act, which would provide $10,000 in loan interest forgiveness for students who commit to teaching or working in science, technology, mathematics, or engineering for at least five years after graduation. I also have supported legislation to encourage lifelong learning and to increase access to higher education and job training, including tax credits for families trying to finance the cost of tuition.

I will continue to support highly trained American workers in their efforts to fill the high-tech jobs of our economy. Thank you again for contacting me. Please feel free to keep in touch.

Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
-----------------------------------

Thank you for contacting me about making English the official language of the United States. I appreciate hearing from you.

I understand your concerns about the use of English in the United States. It is important for all residents in our country to become proficient in English. The ability to speak and read English is required of those who desire to become naturalized citizens.

During immigration debates in the Senate, I have supported measures that declare English to be the common and unifying language of the United States and state that the federal government shall preserve and enhance the role of English as America's common language. At the same time, I do not support measures that limit the U.S. government's ability to communicate or provide materials in any language other than English.

I believe that our government should provide certain types of information in whatever languages are necessary to ensure that the information is successfully communicated. Current law cannot predict all the situations in which human life, public safety, civil rights, and national security would be preserved through the dissemination of information in multiple languages.

For example, if an unforeseen epidemic swept across the country, government agencies should be permitted and expected to distribute important information to everyone who may need it, be they tourists from Japan, farm workers from Mexico, or visiting dignitaries from Senegal.

Considerations such as these led me to oppose measures seeking to make English the "official" language of the U.S. government.

I recognize the primacy of English as our common and unifying language. At the same time, is also important that we respect each person's cultural heritage. Our country's rich cultural diversity has been a source of strength for our nation. In fact, with changes in the world economy and the increasing importance to U.S. businesses of exports, the ability to speak a foreign language has become a valuable skill and should not be looked down upon.

I will keep your views in mind should the Senate consider legislation in the future relating to the English language.

Again, thank you for sharing your concerns with me. Please feel free to keep in touch.

Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
-----------------------------------

This is from a guy who said"we cant produce our way out of this problem" in regards to high gas prices.his sollution is to tax the oil companies.What an absolute moran.

Reid and his monkeys did it to us again


Senate rejects GOP oil drilling plan
By H. JOSEF HEBERT, Associated Press Writer
3 minutes ago


WASHINGTON - The Senate has rejected a Republican energy plan that calls for opening an Alaska wildlife refuge and some offshore waters to oil development. Supporters of the measure couldn't get the needed 60 votes to overcome a Democratic-led filibuster threat.

Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said more domestic oil production is needed to keep prices in check and to reduce U.S. dependence on oil imports.

Opponents said areas such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and coastal waters that have been off limits to drilling for 25 years ought to remain that out of bounds to oil companies. The GOP measure, defeated Tuesday by a vote of 56-42, would have allowed coastal states to get a waiver to the offshore drilling ban.

Originally Posted by MadInChicago

Reid and his monkeys did it to us again


Senate rejects GOP oil drilling plan
By H. JOSEF HEBERT, Associated Press Writer
3 minutes ago


WASHINGTON - The Senate has rejected a Republican energy plan that calls for opening an Alaska wildlife refuge and some offshore waters to oil development. Supporters of the measure couldn't get the needed 60 votes to overcome a Democratic-led filibuster threat.

Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said more domestic oil production is needed to keep prices in check and to reduce U.S. dependence on oil imports.

Opponents said areas such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and coastal waters that have been off limits to drilling for 25 years ought to remain that out of bounds to oil companies. The GOP measure, defeated Tuesday by a vote of 56-42, would have allowed coastal states to get a waiver to the offshore drilling ban.

And price of Crude Oil just shot up +2.58 to 126.81, in the last ten minutes, and it's still going, thanks to Reid.

I have traveled to the border and had extensive conversations with many of the leading experts in the field. I have also met with state and local officials in Nevada to hear their ideas on the best way to reform our immigration system.

How about talking to the American People?
All they want to do is talk to everyone that wants the illegal labor.
We need to scrap the whole damn political system, its over run with to many crooks. As long as the crooks are the majority, they will still rule.
unfortunately, for every crook that is in the political realm, there are 5 more lined up to get in, all funded by the same crooks. They have several backup plans just in case some of the crooks get ousted, they can get another one in undercover. Once they are in, nothing can be done until the next election and we are screwed again.

Why does this keep happening? Because there is no accountability and no meaningful consequences for traitorus actions or even downright illegal actions. So, they get kicked out, they have done the dirty work of the crooks, then they get an even better job and paycheck for their reward of betraying Americans. Just look at the traitors punishment. Just like Clintons buddy that got caught stealing documents. Not even a slap on the wrist. Until these issues are resolved and true accountability is protocol for representing America, we are headed toward hell.

As I have stated before. Americans need a volunteer council for every political office in the land. Total transparency must be obtained and the American People should wield the ultimate power with any change in policy. As technology has made things move with lighting speed, we need the American people to have a true voice in the government, not just a vote for some politicians with a secret agenda every four years. This is where referrendums come into play, let our voices be heard. It is so silly that Americans can be trampled with so many laws and plans that work against our very welfare, being and prosperity and we sit here and take it.

Why are all the Anti-Illegal Immigrant groups not pushing for a national referendum vote on this issue? This would seem to be the best way to rectify this situation. The people vote, it goes down or its passed, Its law and people move on with their lives. We need this before another 10 or 20 million illegals are let in the country. This way, the laws are set throughout the country, no more fighting state by state and side issue by side issue. No more waiting on the Corporations to make law that benifits only them while leaving the American people and our country in complete shambles. We must take control and this is the best way to do it. A National Referrendum is by the People and for the People, the way it should be. With a national referrendum the corporate money doesn't over ride the American Peoples voice. The global elite's power isn't placed over the American People. A person is a person and a vote is a vote. This is the only way around the power and influence of money and big business. This is the ONLY way to solve this problem with an Iron clad law nation wide that the American people have set in stone, what could be better?

Why aren't the Pro-Illegal Groups pushing for a Referrendum? If they really believe that the American people are supporting "Comprehensive Immigration Reform" then for the same reasons as stated above, wouldn't they be for a referrendum?

Thirdly, if the politicians are so confused and really care about serving the American people, why aren't they pushing for a referrendum on this?
To me, this just makes sense for the American People to vote on this and our voices be heard. Either way it goes down, it will be law, some limits will be set in stone and people can move, or move on with our lives.
Either way, we know what to expect and what the limits are and with those things set, we might actually be able to have some stability some how. For the American people, things have been in chaos but at least our children might be able to get things back on track.

WE MUST HAVE THIS VOTE THIS ELECTION CYCLE!

If we can get this referrendum on the ballot this election year, we can render all these wacko candidates useless on this issue. LETS NOT LEAVE OUR FUTURES IN THE HANDS OF THESE THREE WACKO CANDIDATES!

Please email your congress people and tell them you want the American Peoples voices to be heard on the immigration issue, not congress, not the three candidates and not the politicians or the businesses, they don't own this country, The American People Do! We want our voices heard directly, not through some traitor politician or Global sanctioned corporation. LETS DO IT!

You can also contact this website and get them to put it on their list. I couldn't believe it isn't already on their list!
http://www.nationalreferendum.org/

Those idiot Democrats!

Think about it!

The last time there was a bill to drill in Anwar Alaska was 1994. Let’s see who was president then? Hmm?? Well, well, low and behold it was Bill Clinton. “Babaâ€