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Return to Article: Senators to meet on immigration reform

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  Why should illegal immigrants be allowed to earn citizenship without leaving the country? They have already subverted the law that required them to have a visa before entering the country or have ignored the law requiring them to depart when their visa expired! Why not reward them for it and make the illegal immigration problem even worse by giving them an incentive to keep thumbing their noses at us! Apparently the short-sighted democrats do not want to help solve the illegal immigration problem. Let's keep taking two steps forward and then five steps back because of a small minority of complainers who aided and abetted their illegal spouses. If you are going to be in politics, you are supposed to do what is best for the MAJORITY.

  Neal Baker Posted May 16, 2007 10:46 AM
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  Last year's Senate bill would have allowed a lawful permanent resident to bring their relatives under the age of 21 to the US. What happened to the legal adult age of 18 which all US citizens abide by? Can the US support the relatives of 12 million immigrants even under the age of 18 let alone up to the age of 21?

  Why don't we just make Mexico another state? That would give Mexico new Highways, new Hospitals and Medical centers, bring their Education system up to American standards, and access to all our Social Services. But wait, they already have many of these benefits here in the US as an illegal immigrant.

  To CVO: My ancestors came from Ireland through Ellis Island, NY, LEGALLY and became American citizens. You failed to mention most of the Mexicans are in the US illegally and making demands they have not earned.

  B Schell Posted May 15, 2007 8:46 AM
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  To the self-righteous poster who complained about how hard it is to get a tourist visa to visit the U.S. from south of the border, consider this - the reason it is so hard is because most prospective "visitors" have no intention of seeing Disneyland, or going shopping, but plan to stay in the U.S. once their visas have expired, thus adding to the millions of illegals already here. That's why these tourist visas are difficult to obtain, in an attempt to separate the true tourists from future overstays. And regarding the renaming of U.S. cities with Spanish names, no thanks, we'll keep them as they are, just like we'll keep California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, and Texas!

  GovExec.com reader Posted May 3, 2007 11:14 AM
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  To the whiner who wants to hear from the DHS Republican types:

  Dry up and get with the program! I have a clue what it takes to get in this country because it's part of what I do. If you bypass, scam, cheat, or simply ignore the application process entirely and enter the U.S. in violation of law, then you're a criminal. I'm not saying the process at the Embassies or Consulates is perfect but a good number of the prospective "applicants" can be smelled out right away as just trying to get their foot in the door suspiciously so they can get lost in the system and hang around. I ususally end up finding those losers sitting in jail after being arrested for drugs, DUI, beating up their spouses, groping their kids, or other heinous acts because they're drunk, stoned, or are a social deviate in the first place. I have no objection to those who go about immigrating to this country the right way; it is unfortunate that sometimes they get screwed in the process. But for those who came illegally and expect a free "Bien Venidos" handout from the government...not on my watch!

  So they "...fork out tons of money for the application process..." and the money doesn't get returned after they are denied? Too bad, so sad; I fork out a lot of money in taxes which a good part of goes towards funding all the socialist Democrat giveaway programs they suck off of and aren't entitled to in the first place. I don't see changing the names of of cities founded by Mexicans. I think they should remain that way as a constant reminder of what once was but was sold out by Mexico to the U.S. because because the greedy leaders Mexico has had in its sordid history pocketed it and lived high while the rest of the country suffered. It's still happening today and all the people can do is gripe about it but nothing ever gets done. So, until the people decide enough is enough, talk to the hand.

  GovExec.com reader Posted May 3, 2007 9:03 AM
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  It is so sad to see that so many so called "educated" people are not even capable of thinking outside the box. First of all, most U.S. citizens forget about their ancestors. You forget to acknowledge that your families once migrated into a land that was not theirs. What's the difference now? none. The immigrants in the U.S. today are leaving their countries mainly for economic reasons, but also for other freedoms. I totally agree that undocumented people which have committed any kind of crime or have been arrested should be deported, but what about those that make this country better than what it already is? what about those that get their education, pay taxes, work, stay out of trouble, etc.? Those people should get a chance to stay here. Many U.S. citizens do not even know what it is to not have something to eat, or something to wear. You should be thankful you were born in this country. If you wonder why people are willing to risk their lives by coming here illegally, take a short trip south of the border. Many of you have probably never even traveled outside your comfort zone. Get a broader education!

  CVO Posted May 2, 2007 5:40 PM
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  Congress will be held responsible for the wrong decision about illegal immigrants. This is between the American citizen and the illegal immigrant. In 2003 the US had 7 million illegal immigrants and in four years it has reached 12 million! It must be fixed to protect the American citizen. America may need the workers but let them become legal citizens through the immigration process. To become legal citizens will ensure they are covered by fair labor laws and receive a decent wage.

  During the 109th Congress the Senate 2611 was before Congress with several interesting issues listed as follows:

  (page 461)(I) Adjustment of Status to that of a lawful permanent resident for Spouses and Children (I) The spouse, or child who was under 21 years of age on the date of the enactment of the Immigrant Accountability Act of 2006.

  COMMENT: Why are laws being made easier for the immigrants than the natural born American Citizens? The legal adult age of American citizens is 18 and should be the same for immigrants.

  Wavers (page 489) (C) wavers for reason that the aliens' departure from the United States now would result in extreme hardship to the alien's spouse, parent, or child who is a citizen of the US or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

  COMMENT: Close this loophole! Every alien could use this for a reason for failure to maintain status, to enter without inspection, and not leave when ordered. There are risks to entering America illegally and having a family should not be a shield to prevent deportation.

  North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was supposed to improve trade; it opened the door to the illegal immigration. I don't agree if an illegal immigrant has been in the United States for 2-3-5-10 years they can become a citizen. Just because they have come to the US by hook or crook does not give them any rights. They are ILLEGAL. Let them become naturalized citizen just like every other immigrant.

  GovExec.com reader Posted May 2, 2007 9:19 AM
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  Quit calling it immigration. The illegals are all criminal invaders who should be rounded up and sent back where they came from. Period. The people who set the quotas were far more intelligent than today's sad collection of political idiots. Vote anyone out of office who proposes or votes for amnesty.

  GovExec.com reader Posted May 2, 2007 5:49 AM
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  For all you anti-Mexicans and anti-Latino types, quick to label undocumented aliens as criminals, you haven't a clue of what it would take for the majority of these individuals to enter the country legally. Go to any US Embassy or Consulate South of the border and observe that only a few out of perhaps a hundred are ever granted a tourist visa. And once rejected, forget about it. It's usually for life. They won't even tell you why or what you can do to rectify a questionable issue in the application. Even after forking out tons of money for the application process, and rejected, the money isn't return. The State Department rules are so strict, and unreasonable that I believe a large number of Americans, if born South of the border as non-US citizens would even qualify for a visitors visa if the same standards were imposed on them. Americans want the freedom to move about the world, settle anywhere they please, and expect to be greeted with open arms. I am not advocating open borders, but there must be a better way to treat other human beings with dignity and respect even if they take the short cut which the majority of the times is the only option for them. I would take the short cut!

  Let's hear it from all you DHS Republican types!

  Oh! and by the way, perhaps you guys also should lobby to change the names of cities founded by Mexicans, i.e., "Las Cruces" NM to "The Crosses" "San Antonio TX" to "Saint Anthony" "Los Angeles CA" to "The Angels" etc., etc., etc....

  GovExec.com reader Posted May 2, 2007 3:40 AM
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  It truly astonishes me that the United States and those useless politicians who 'represent' us are so willing to give up the sovereignty of our country to save a few buck in wages.

  And damn the citizens who keep voting in these absolute TRAITORS to our country.

  A taxpayer and federal worker Posted May 1, 2007 3:42 PM
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  At least once a week! Some activities should be done on a regular basis, like emailing your elected reps re the so-called immigration reform. Please remind them of the following: illegal infiltration is NOT immigration. Economic slavery cannot continue, even if the illegals want it. We cannot and should not have to perpetrate "the white man's burden" anymore. Control of any nation's borders is a non-negotiable issue. Finally, tell them that you won't be voting for ANY presidential candidate that advocates the above nonsense. Wake up America, 'cause we're still losing!

  GovExec.com reader Posted May 1, 2007 10:35 AM
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  The problem with all the talk about the immigration reform issue is that the administration and Congress seem to be stressing an all-encompassing solution when the problem needs to be broken down into 2 main areas: 1) dealing with the current illegal aliens and 2) improving current legislation to prevent illegal aliens from entering the country and dealing with any who have made it in. Doing this I believe will allow better progress because the issue itself needs to be looked at from those 2 perspectives. Solve problem #2 and have an implementation time of 6-9 months after passing any legislation. Then start working on problem #1, the current illegals. First and foremost, all need to file the proper paperwork to become a citizen. There should be no issues with that, nor should there be any bypassing this part. If it is decided that all current illegals must leave the country while their paperwork is being processed, then that is what must happen. Any businesses with illegals on their payroll will have to deal with the consequences until the processing of the requests has been completed. There should also not be any assumptions that those who file papers should automatically be allowed to return. Each case must be looked at on its own merits. Even with no other crimes committed, each illegal is a criminal by staying in this country illegally, irregardless of paying of taxes, etc. Congress and the administration need to work on solutions that will be actual solutions, not provide a patch that will last a few years before someone else has to come up with a new solution to the problems caused by what was decided on today.

  AJ Posted May 1, 2007 10:20 AM
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  I have always supported both President Bushes in everything they did with the exception of immigration.

  It angers me that President Bush and other elected officials would attempt to deceive the citizens of this country with word play and plain deception.

  First of all, the 12 million illegal aliens can be deported if the field agents are allowed to enforce the laws that are already on the books. Right now while claiming to want to enforce immigration laws, DHS is putting up as many artificial obstacles as possible. Border Patrol Agents are being singled out for prosecution in questionable circumstances. An ICE agent can go arrest a major drug dealer with minimal Headquarters interference. But to do a simple worksite enforcement operation requires their Headquarters' approval (and interference) well in advance.

  The illegal aliens are not wanting to go to the front of the line for citizenship. They are wanting to go to the front of the line for residency. To allow them to do so would be a slap in the face of the millions of lawful foreigners who have filed out the forms, paid their fees, and are waiting their turn to come here legally.

  US Citizens and lawful permanent residents have been employed at every ICE raid. So the deception of "jobs that Americans do not WANT to do" ignores the fact that Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents actually do the jobs that illegal aliens steal.

  The Immigration laws as they are now has "Guest Worker" programs. There are numerous temporary working visas such as the H, L, R, O, etc. Millions of aliens come to the USA legally to work temporarily or to stay permanently.

  How about extending the ban of "Catch and Release" to the interior instead of just at the border?

  So whenever a politician says something about the need for "Comprehensive Immigration Reform" listen closely to what they are saying and you will catch the deception and word play.

  GovExec.com reader Posted May 1, 2007 12:08 AM