[freeringsf]

Does this mean they'll actually enforce the law now?

[zlopikanikanzax]

no

[mtautomoscow]

I can't believe the Republicans actually did this. I guess the losses in 2006 weren't enough for them...

[AngelBee]

WTF are you talking about? George W. Bush is about as pro-amnesty as they come...

[Sdzqerty]

Originally posted by Drake Tungsten
I can't believe the Republicans actually did this. I guess the losses in 2006 weren't enough for them... What do you mean, if Americans didn't want this, they wouldn't keep voting for it.

[Soadiassy]

From a security standpoint, a decision had to be made

I don't see how this plan will improve American national security in any meaningful fashion.

This issue is a festering wound for the party; best to kill the issue as soon as possible

You think an amnesty is going to "kill the issue"? It seems more likely to make it worse...

Fees, a $5,000 fine, and an 8-13 year wait will act as disincentives.

How exactly are these "disincentives" going to dissaude Latin Americans from sneaking into the United States?

[ionitiesk]

Originally posted by Zkribbler
I am. We tried an amnesty before & it just encouraged more immigrants to come here illegally hoping for a repeat. We must show there is a price to pay. Fees, a $5,000 fine, and an 8-13 year wait will act as disincentives. What are the odds that it will actually be enforced?

[Domovoy]

Inasmuch as the infrastructure supporting breaking the law for illegal immigration can be discouraged, it makes it tougher for AQ, et al. to repurpose the infrastructure for its own ends.

I don't see how the "infrastructure supporting breaking the law for illegal immigration" is going to be substantively affected by this. There will be some token efforts at enforcing the border, the illegals already in America will get amnesty and then the cycle will begin again, ending with another amnesty in a couple decades.

How bad did it hurt the GOP when Reagan did it?

I don't know. It would seem to affect the GOP on a state/congressional level more than the presidential one and I'm not really educated enough on American state politics in the 80's to speak intelligently on the issue.

[Drysnyaty]

I hope that was sarcasm.

[IRMartin]

Originally posted by Drake Tungsten
I don't see how the "infrastructure supporting breaking the law for illegal immigration" is going to be substantively affected by this. There will be some token efforts at enforcing the border, the illegals already in America will get amnesty and then the cycle will begin again, ending with another amnesty in a couple decades. I'm thinking along the lines of the fake identity industry -- which as I understand is huge and continuously fed by illegals paying for documents. At a minimum, taking away the need for the fake documents would help for a while. The benefit would be real, even if not permanent.

I don't know. It would seem to effect the GOP on a state/congressional level more than the presidential one and I'm not really educated enough on American state politics in the 80's to speak intelligently on the issue. Well, when was the amnesty?

[Pinkman]

I'm thinking along the lines of the fake identity industry -- which as I understand is huge and continuously fed by illegals paying for documents. At a minimum, taking away the need for the fake documents would help for a while.

There's going to be more illegals. They know that if they get in America and wait long enough, they'll eventually get citizenship.

Well, when was the amnesty?

1986, IIRC.

[Anfester]

I don't understand why Americans are so ****ing xenophobic about a bunch of hardworking Mexicans wanting to move to the US...

[engacenus]

Originally posted by Drake Tungsten
1986, IIRC. OK. In '88, the GOP lost one seat in the Senate and 2 seats in the House. Hardly a rebuke, I think you'll have to admit.

[seawolferr]

Originally posted by Drake Tungsten
I never found Americans to be very xenophobic. The illegal nature of the immigration seems to be what pisses them off. Then maybe you should raise your legal immigration levels.

[Phlkxkbh]

Then maybe you should raise your legal immigration levels.

I think we should. We should also try to ensure that our legal immigrants are ethnically diverse. The Americans should do the same.

[RCQDnMp5]

Originally posted by Wycoff


What are the odds that it will actually be enforced? I have a bridge to sell you.

[ethigSmimbine]

how many illegals are going to go for this?

also how many are going to wait 8-13 years?

really? cmon? theres still going to be hella illegals.

[fuslssdfaa]

If I could be reasonably assured that they would enforce the law, I would buy into the bill. However given the history of government action in this area, I'd say that Dan or his son will be trumpeting a new Congressional compromise in 20 or so years that will solve the crisis once and for all.

[fedelwfget]

Originally posted by Zkribbler
What we need is Mexico to evolve from feudalism to capitalism. Once they get an economy going, there'll be little reason to come here to get jobs. Right. That's the crux of the issue. I believe that the illegal immigration release valve that we give to Mexico retards Mexican social development. IMO, without change in the U.S., there can't be change in Mexico.

[newshep]

Originally posted by Drake Tungsten
I can't believe the Republicans actually did this. I guess the losses in 2006 weren't enough for them... They need money from businesses and businesses are all saying they need the workers.