Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Senate Immigration Bill

From NRO. Senator Jeff Sessions of AL makes a pretty convincing case that the Senate bill that at first appeared to be at least marginally acceptable is, in fact, completely unacceptable. The biggest hangup for me:

"Categories of aliens that should be removed from the United States would be allowed to qualify for the compromise mass amnesty program, including:
— Aliens with certain felony convictions or three misdemeanors;
— Aliens previously barred from receiving immigration benefits for life, because they filed a frivolous asylum application;
— Aliens who are under final orders of removal, or who signed voluntary departure agreements but have never been deported."

The idea that the Senate, of all bodies, would allow/encourage felons to become citizens is disturbing to say the least.

Another issue, among many others -- "The bill provides free legal counsel paid for by the American taxpayer to illegal-alien agricultural workers"

Zoinks, this thing stinks to high heaven. I was intially cautiously optimistic, but with no border enforcement mechanisms, I couldn't support it. Now I say, stick a fork in it and let's start from scratch. Perhaps start with a modified House bill to secure the border and then deal with the throngs of "undocumented" living among us. Uggh.

No comments: