



« Swamp Gas, May 31, 2007 | Latest postings | Iraqis forced into being vegetarians » Originally posted: May 31, 2007

House of doom (again) for immigration bill Posted by Frank James at 10:03 am CDT Here's yet another reason why the immigration-reform legislation being debated in the Senate (when it's not in recess as it is now) has a high probability of winding up where last year's effort did--on history's scrap heap. It's a House procedure called the "blue-slip" which House conservatives are very likely to use to throttle the legislation. As The Hill publication reports: House conservatives are ready to stop the Senate immigration bill in its tracks with a potent procedural weapon should the contentious measure win passage in the upper chamber. The trump card conservatives may hold is a constitutional rule that revenue-related bills must originate in the House. The Senate immigration measure requires that illegal immigrants pay back taxes before becoming citizens, opening the door to a House protest, dubbed a “blue slip” for the color of its paper. House Republicans used the same back-taxes mandate for a blue-slip threat that derailed last year’s immigration conference. The new Senate bill still must survive two more weeks of voter scrutiny and contentious amendments, but several conservatives already are lying in wait for the Senate to “make the same mistake twice,” as one House GOP aide put it. “If we get an opportunity to do it, believe me, we’ll do it,” the aide said. “I think it’s going to be a matter of who will get there first. A number of people in the House are dying to be fingered as the person who killed [the Senate bill].” And there you have it. If House conservatives pull out the old blue slip, as The Hill goes on to report, that would force a majority vote of the House to send the bill back to the Senate where White House and Senate negotiators would be forced to start all over again. Keep in mind that immigration as an issue scrambles Congress's normal partisan divide. Some House Democrats share organized labor's concerns about the guest-worker provisions in the bill, for instance. So it's uncertain whether the legislation's advocates could even muster the needed House majority to get the battered bill back to the Senate. And given what it took for those negotiators to achieve the present bill, and with presidential and congressional election politics becoming more of a factor with each passing day, it's unlikely another bill with broad Senate support could emerge. Thus it would seem to doom the legislation just like last year. As Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) warned on May 17 when the negotiators announced that they had reached a new agreement, "This is the last, best chance we'll have as a Congress. If this must -- if this somehow collapsed, it would be years before you could recreate this." Of course, some senators said the same last year when they announced their agreement on a prior bill the House managed to kill and here we are one year later with another bill. Given the significant opposition to giving illegal immigrants legal status in Congress and in the country as a whole, immigration-reform legislation may wind up following the course taken by civil-rights legislation between 1945 and 1957. This is from Congresslink.org: The United States Congress began to take its first, tentative steps to enact major civil rights legislation soon after the Brown decision. Although Congress considered a civil rights bill each year from 1945 until 1957, every measure failed to pass into law. It was not until Congress turned its attention to voting rights in 1957 that the first civil rights act of the 20th century actually became law. Congress followed the 1957 Civil Rights Act with another in 1960. Together these measures made moderate gains for minorities. More importantly, they foreshadowed increasing support for more substantial civil rights guarantees in the 1960s and contributed to a climate of opinion favoring these guarantees. Those in favor of giving illegal immigrants legal status may be in for a similar marathon.

in Congress, Immigration | Permalink Comments Classic! A parliamentary procedure designed to stop the whole process in its tracks! Republicans are such liars. I guess that means no money for those faabuulous Border Fences either? Posted by: athena | May 31, 2007 10:15:59 AM I have a suggestion. I know you won't agree. Let's empty all of our jails and send the prisoners across the border under the cover of darkness to Mexico. They could then be given the chance to become free citizens of Mexico. This will save the 25,000 to 75,000 dollar per 1 million prisoners that we pay to maintain them. Once the Mexican government finds that out they will close the borders themselves. Posted by: GW | May 31, 2007 10:35:47 AM Can't we get together on this if only to shut up Lou Dobbs? Posted by: Kenny Bunkport | May 31, 2007 10:37:20 AM Its sad that the Senate is working so hard to successfully somewhat fix illegal immigration just so that the House conservatives can squash the hope for reform. In my opinion, most of the undocumented are not criminals. Real criminals are murderers, rapists, child predators, and so on. To label an entire group of undocumented individuals as criminals is absurd, just because they would like to live a better life. Most Americans take what we have in this country for granted. Put yourselves in their shoes and im sure you would have crossed the border as well. Its also ignorant to assume all undocumented are Mexicans, which is what i see all over the news from anti-immigrant groups. What about the Irish, the Asians, and the Polish, just to name some? Guess their skin isnt dark enough. Posted by: Leesa | May 31, 2007 11:00:50 AM There is no point on slowing or stopping the inevitable. You cannot roundup 12-15 million people who live, work and who are part of society. Last time something like that happened was the Nazi roundup of Jews to send them to concentration camps.. the rounding up people part only. All the Republican party is doing is alienating the fastest block of voters (latin or of latin descent) for the next half century. Half of the immigration hawks were already voted out during the past election and they will continue that trend in elections to come. That is why Kyl and other surviving hawks are negotiating. They know the law to be passed will be even more immigrant friendly fi done in 2009 instead of now. Posted by: John Wolfe | May 31, 2007 11:26:07 AM When will the Senate realize that we (American citizens) do not want 12 million criminals granted a path to citizenship? When will they realize that if they do not remove the incentive the illegals will continue to enter the US with no regard to our laws because they know if they wait long enough they will be granted citizenship. Unfortunately our representatives in Washington are too busy listening to people who don't vote because they are here illegally and to businesses that are addicted to cheap labor. Posted by: MarkJ | May 31, 2007 11:36:21 AM Frank James (who thinks John Edwards was the senator from SOUTH Carolina) is as usual days behind the news curve reporting on this one. The US Constitution mandates that tax bills originate in the US House. See Art I, Sec 7: "All Bills for Raising Revenue must originate in the House of Representatives..." The Illegal Immigration Bill contains several tax measures. Somebody has to assert the primacy of the US Constitution. Democrats, Senate Republicans, and Frank James won't do so. It has fallen to House Republicans to do so. And I hope they do. Posted by: Bruce | May 31, 2007 11:40:50 AM The fact remains that this shoddy piece of legislation should be renamed to "No Alien Left Behind", another blundering of President Bush, to go along with the war in Iraq. Tell me Mr.Bush, if I stepped on the lawn of the White House, would I not be arrested and prosecuted for tresspassing? Yes...because I would be breaking the law. It's the same principle. Illegal immigrants do not care about the laws of this country. They didn't when they entered illegally, and they will not "touchback" or "go home" EVER, for anything. Wise Up! We have immigration laws in this country that need to be enforced. Secure the borders! Congress better start worrying about the legal, voting, tax paying citizens of this country instead of the lawbreakers they want to pardon and protect. Americans are tired of it! Posted by: patricia | May 31, 2007 11:52:15 AM Basically, the Democrats hate America so much that they believe only a massive demographic change can redeem the country. I can understand why certain Republicans support this bill: because businesses want cheap labor, but why should Democrats support it? I thought Democrats were AGAINST cheap labor. How does an influx of millions of low-wage laborers advance the traditional Democratic economic agenda? It doesn't. It only advances their hate-America agenda. Liberal Democrats dream of a socialist revolution with millions of Z-Visa holders as the foot soldiers. Posted by: S. Sherman | May 31, 2007 11:55:35 AM The arrogance of Washington and the media is amazing. When this "Amnesty bill" was created it was bipartisan, the GOP, Republicans and Democrats etc.... How stupid does Washington, special interest groups and the media think we are. This bill has crossed party lines, and the media doesn't want to report it that way. Facts on creating Amnesty bill:

Did some Republicans work on this bill in secrecy?, Yes.

Did some Democrat's work on this bill in secrecy?, Yes.

Did some of Executive branch work on this bill in secrecy?, Yes.

Can the Republicans bring the bill to the floor?, NO.

Who controls Congress? The Democrat's.

Did the Democrat's bring the bill to the Senate?, Yes.

Who is being reported to kill the bill?, Conservatives. James reported.

Isn't there anyone from the Democrat party wanting to kill this bill? Who. Will this Amnesty type of bill come back to Congress in the future? Yes-just like last year.

Is Legal America PO'd about giving "illegal" aliens a pass? You bet. Why do "I" keep talking about Washington, because "all" parties are involved, not just one.

Democrat's, Republicans, Independents, special interest groups, & the media. And I am sick of 2 lines, "bringing them out of the shadows", "doing work that Americans won't do".

You bet. Posted by: PG | May 31, 2007 12:01:37 PM I have a proposal for a new bill it read as follows "Throw them all out, period" Posted by: Greg | May 31, 2007 12:25:22 PM What are the similarities between Selections for individual landing on moon & U.S.A Citizenship Both have same odds to get thr :) So, I think its all DIRTY politics who are opposing this immigration bill. They are share holders in those company who hire illegal workers & but ready to fill there pockets but not ready to give them one chance. You need their son’s to fight for this country where their parent’s dnt have any rights what you call it double standards. They talk about terrorist but did they know by this bill you can scan all illegal people who are here but they not ready to do so bcz there intensions are not right. They are using all these tactics for Vote bank only. It’s shameful that world power American politicians are so greedy for vote bank. They can support Distractions of Iraq by attacking them but not ready to go for prosper America with immigrants. If only Native American oppose then only I can understand but if those who all ready here as immigrants how they can ask other not to be here. Now they say we are legal immigrants Yes that’s true but when there parents came here No one have to go by this kind of bureaucracy at that time. So what I can say is dnt misguiding us. I am not saying give them amnesty anyway this bill is not amnesty but do a fair Job……If you hang this bill you are playing with national security. Don’t for get for shake of national security our troops are there .You spending tax payer money & Americans blood for American security when you approve war bill on Iraq. Now you have chance to secure America why you siding your self …….

Posted by: Rohan | May 31, 2007 12:45:49 PM Here's a thought...Why do all immigrants have to be treated the same? Why don't they have different rules for people who can just walk across the border (ie. Mexicans) and rules that apply to those who are not Mexican like perhaps the thousands of Irish who cannot just walk to Ireland. If you ask me, the non-Mexican immigrants are suffering even worse because they have a harder time getting in and out of the US to go home for weddings and funerals etc...Many haven't seen their families in years and cannot return to their homeland even for a simple visit. Many of whom are people who have been working in the US for 15 or 20 years and have raised American children but still have to live under the radar which is very sad. Not being here legally really affects the self esteem on these people and it's not that simple to just return home and apply to come to the US legally since the government can ban them from coming back for 10 years! I mean no disresepct to Mexicans because I know many Mexicans who are unbelievable workers and family oriented people but you cannot lump ALL the immigrants together when you make these immigration rules. You have to take into account geography in addition to possible criminal records and everything else. Posted by: stephanie | May 31, 2007 12:47:43 PM You cannot throw 12 million people under the bus now, for having been allowed(yes allowed)to live, work and raise families here. The failure of the gov't to enforce laws and the willingness of companies to hire the cheap labor is what has caused this problem. This is akin to the steroid problem in major league baseball, turning a blind eye to illegal activity because it boosted profits. The immigration bill currently going through congress seems to be a reasonable compromise to a complicted issue. Posted by: Steve34 | May 31, 2007 12:49:05 PM There's plenty of ranting, raving and rhetoric on both sides of the immigration debate. Now if you want the *facts* on what is happening to America due to our current immigration policies, watch the video "Immigration by the numbers". http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4094926727128068265 Posted by: Highlander | May 31, 2007 1:41:52 PM Okay, we all know you can't send them all back. It just is not realistic. The people here who are illegal, know they broke the law. That is why they "live in the shadows" as the new talking point goes. You can't send most of the children back because they were born here and this is the only country they know. And you should not punish the child for the sins of his parents. I still want to know where they are going to get all the English teachers from... Posted by: lochnessmonster | May 31, 2007 1:45:23 PM OK, I'd like to make a point and ask a question.

I, PG, am going to give you this amnesty, and thats what it is.

10-20 million "illegal aliens" (not immigrants) have just been given a legal pass in the US.

You are now free, out of the shadows, doing the jobs Americans won't do. You are now legal taxpayers, do you think that ALL social services should cut off?

You're legal and illegal relatives arrive at your home, will you report them?

Should the new illegal alien be deported or be allowed to stay with the family? Posted by: PG | May 31, 2007 1:56:19 PM So any US Senator or Congressman or Congresswoman

who is stupid enough to vote for Illegal Alien

Amnesty or aka Comprehensive Immigration Reform

and Leave No Illegal Alien Behind is frankly too

damn dumb to be a member of our US Congress and

will be voted out of office on Election Day or

may even find themselves Recall as is about to

happen to both Sell Out Arizona Republican US

Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl as MAIA the

Mothers Against Illegal Aliens Have Just Launched

A Recall Against Kyl and McCain and yes it's the

Same John McCain Republican Presidential Candidate we are talking about here! Enforce our

Current Immigration Laws! Deport All Illegal

Aliens And Jail Their Employers and Landlords!

And Watch 20 Million Illegal Aliens Vamoose Back

To Mexico! Take Back America! Posted by: Sandy | May 31, 2007 2:06:17 PM The cost of deporting these 12-20 million criminals, and yes, they are criminals whether you want to admit it or not, is far, far, far less than the costs our communities will endure in the decades ahead if this amnesty passes. The 1986 amnesty is regarded as a terrible mistake by all politicians involved. Making the same mistake twice, except on a much larger scale, would doom the tax-based infrastructure and eradicate the middle class. It's already happening! Anyone read the article in the Trib. about the overcrowded schools going year-round? Anyone read the articles about our hospitals going bankrupt? It's the illegal alien crisis that is to blame, period. Sorry, no scapegoating here. Wake up. It is not, nor has it ever been, the U.S. obligation to ILLEGALLY absorb entire poor populations of foreign countries, despite the rhetoric you hear from illegal alien enablers. The law must be upheld. The current illegal migration into the U.S. is the largest migration in all of human history and Bush, ethnocentric special interest groups and big business are hell bent on destroying this country. Posted by: CJ | May 31, 2007 2:16:14 PM Only ignorant minds are scared to make a decision to accept the inevitable.

A changing society is not always good for everyone. An old 'decide-to-remain-dubious-on-this' trick is a comfy shade for cowardice.

Two things can be done:

1. Kick out everyone here illegally,

2. put everyone here illegally in the system;

Either one of the two will be a better solution than just rhetorical speeches, writings, or whatever you may call them. Do we need to bring back Albert Einstein to help our congress with this principle-of-relativity type of dilemma?

Probably not. We can delve this ourselves. Posted by: james stephenson | May 31, 2007 2:23:16 PM I am so sick & tired of these people who say you can't round up 12 to 20 million ilegal aliens ( ILEGAL, not undocumented) and throw them out of the country. NO ONE SAID YOU COULD. You only need to do 2 things. 1) Enford the laws that are ALREADY on the books by fining and jailing ANY employer that hire's ilegals. 2) Build the darn fence (just in case). Problem solved! Trust me, most, if not all only come here to work and steal our benefits. They do NOT come here to be law abiding US citizens (obviously). If there is no work, there will be no ilegals. Maybe then the only choice they will have is to fight for their rights in THEIR COUNTRY, not ours...

Posted by: dastucke | May 31, 2007 2:47:27 PM As the comments show, this is a hot issue and a single issue for many voters. There is no safe place for candidates. Therefore, this bill must be made to disappear. As if by magic, it will go away and come back in an even more lenient form in 2009 or perhaps 2011. Health care may take up 2009. Elections preclude 2010. Posted by: c. perry | May 31, 2007 2:48:00 PM The Republican party is the BIG LOSER in this debate. They will NEVER get a single Latino (or any other minority vote for that matter) because of their perceived racism and intolerance toward anybody who's not a WASP.

If they pass the bill, all the rednecks-the Republican's core constituency-will cry "betrayal".

Sorry, Republicans, you have messed up big this time.

You might as well pass the bill.

Diversity is good. Rednecks = racists= Bad.

YES to the Senate Bill. If we try to deport millions of undocumented workers, we might as well go back in time to Nazi Germany where they used to round up the jews-disgrace.

If there is somebody that should be deported, let's start with Lou Dobbs and Tancredo-true racists and bigots. Posted by: IVAN | May 31, 2007 4:17:56 PM Is very easy to finish the illegals Make us Legals. or... you are sacred for something ? look at your family tree . and tell me are you American Native Indian ? so.... you are exactly like me !

Immigrant here

Posted by: Gonzales | May 31, 2007 4:20:30 PM I was one of the illegals for 12 years. Got a starter job, paid my taxes every year like clockwork (at a rate which is substantially higher than the natives--bet you didn't know that). Moved up in the world, started a family, still paying taxes now in the neighborhood of 25 grand a year. Nine eleven struck, all these visious get-the-illegals people started crawling from under the rocks, they began floating ideas in Congress like siccing bounty hunters after the illegals. I got fed up, picked up my family and went back to Europe to pay my taxes there. Americans have forgotten the notion of giving a guy a break, which makes them a pretty miserable bunch. Not a good thing, taliban-like. Posted by: ex-illigal | May 31, 2007 4:26:49 PM Comments are not posted immediately. We review them first in an effort to remove foul language, commercial messages, irrelevancies and unfair attacks. Thank you for your patience.



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