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Subscribe to RSSA bipartisan group of leading senators has reached agreement on the principles of sweeping legislation to rewrite the nation's immigration laws.
The deal, which was to be announced at a news conference Monday afternoon, covers border security, guest workers and employer verification, as well as a path to citizenship for the 11 million illegal immigrants already in this country.
Although thorny details remain to be negotiated and success is far from certain, the development heralds the start of what could be the most significant effort in years toward overhauling the nation's inefficient patchwork of immigration laws.
President Barack Obama also is committed to enacting comprehensive immigration legislation and will travel to Nevada on Tuesday to lay out his vision, which is expected to overlap in important ways with the Senate effort.
The eight senators expected to endorse the new principles Monday are Democrats Charles Schumer of New York, Dick Durbin of Illinois, Robert Menendez of New Jersey and Michael Bennet of Colorado; and Republicans John McCain of Arizona, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Marco Rubio of Florida and Jeff Flake of Arizona.
Several of these lawmakers have worked for years on the issue. McCain collaborated with the late Democratic Sen. Edward M. Kennedy on comprehensive immigration legislation pushed by then-President George W. Bush in 2007, only to see it collapse in the Senate when it couldn't get enough GOP support.
Now, with some Republicans chastened by the November elections which demonstrated the importance of Latino voters and their increasing commitment to Democrats, some in the GOP say this time will be different.
"What's changed, honestly, is that there is a new, I think, appreciation on both sides of the aisle — including maybe more importantly on the Republican side of the aisle — that we have to enact a comprehensive immigration reform bill," McCain said Sunday on ABC's "This Week."
"I think the time is right," McCain said.
The group claims a notable newcomer in Rubio, a potential 2016 presidential candidate whose conservative bona fides may help smooth the way for support among conservatives wary of anything that smacks of amnesty. In an opinion piece published Sunday in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Rubio wrote that the existing system amounts to "de facto amnesty," and he called for "commonsense reform."
According to documents obtained by The Associated Press, the senators will call for accomplishing four goals:
- Creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants already here, contingent upon securing the border and better tracking of people here on visas.
- Reforming the legal immigration system, including awarding green cards to immigrants who obtain advanced degrees in science, math, technology or engineering from an American university.
- Creating an effective employment verification system to ensure that employers do not hire illegal immigrants.
- Allowing more low-skill workers into the country and allowing employers to hire immigrants if they can demonstrate they couldn't recruit a U.S. citizen; and establishing an agricultural worker program.
The principles being released Monday are outlined on just over four pages, leaving plenty of details left to fill in. What the senators do call for is similar to Obama's goals and some past efforts by Democrats and Republicans, since there's wide agreement in identifying problems with the current immigration system. The most difficult disagreement is likely to arise over how to accomplish the path to citizenship.
In order to satisfy the concerns of Rubio and other Republicans, the senators are calling for the completion of steps on border security and oversight of those here on visas before taking major steps forward on the path to citizenship.
Even then, those here illegally would have to qualify for a "probationary legal status" that would allow them to live and work here — but not qualify for federal benefits — before being able to apply for permanent residency. Once they are allowed to apply they would do so behind everyone else already in line for a green card within the current immigration system.
That could be a highly cumbersome process, but how to make it more workable is being left to future negotiations. The senators envision a more streamlined process toward citizenship for immigrants brought here as children by their parents, and for agricultural workers.
The debate will play out at the start of Obama's second term, as he aims to spend the political capital afforded him by his re-election victory on an issue that has eluded past presidents and stymied him during his first term despite his promises to the Latino community to act.
"As the president has made clear for some time, immigration reform is an important priority and he is pleased that progress is being made with bipartisan support," a White House spokesman, Clark Stevens, said in a statement. "At the same time, he will not be satisfied until there is meaningful reform and he will continue to urge Congress to act until that is achieved."
For Republicans, the November elections were a stark schooling on the importance of Latino voters, who voted for Obama over Republican Mitt Romney 71 percent to 27 percent, helping ensure Obama's victory. That led some Republican leaders to conclude that supporting immigration reform with a path to citizenship has become a political imperative.
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I don't trust the republicans in that committee. McCain has developed romnesia. Rubio is just kissing ass to the Hispanics he despises.
I do hope something good comes out of this and soon.
Contact your elected representatives and tell them no reform without overturning the "Anchor Baby" law which gives citizenship to anyone born in the U.S. (AKA 14th Amendment) Without it this will happen over and over. We already heard this crap in the 80s. Further, the last two polls I saw that weren't taken by a group with an agenda showed 76 percent opposed to a path to citizenship and 66 percent opposed to a path to citizenship.
MSN online poll January 25th and Need to Know Poll last year. Need to Know is a PBS program.
Further, if you agree help defeat Dick Durbin if he runs for the Senate again.
you realize doing so means you need to create a universal citizenry test. that means 70% of U.S. students will fail to become citizens because of bad teaching or bad test administrators. you're begging for trouble there.
I agree 100% lizard legs. The attraction for the illegal immigrants are NOT jobs. Their agenda, their main goal, a vicarious goal engineered by none other than MEXICO, can be found within information contained on the Wikipedia site dealing with The Mexican-American War; The Mexican Cession; The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and on sites such as http://www.mayorno.com/WhoIsMecha.html. Americans need to educate themselves and study this information to learn and appreciate the REAL reason for these hordes of invaders and that is: America is actually being forcibly occupied by a foreign country (Mexico) without a shot being fired.
Last I heard, we already have Immigration Laws. Instead of making new ones, how about states & feds follow what is already on the books? I know, novel concept. Guest workers, drivers license for illegals, "path to citizenship", anchor babies, free education...anything else you'd like to give those that break the law? So Fcuking sick and tired of this @!$%#z.
IN NO OTHER COUNTRY can you land upon their shores and expect to receive the same rights and privileges as LEGAL residents/citizens. I realize the US has unique privileges and benefits that other countries do not, which is why it is even MORE IMPORTANT to preserve those same rights, privileges and benefits. I have no problem if you want to come here and then bring your family so you can all have a better life. BUT THERE IS A LEGAL way to do it. Ask the thousands of ppl that have done so. No it's not easy. No it ain't free. But follow the process.
If you can't do it the right and legal way, then get out. I have ZERO, and I do mean ZERO sympathy for anyone, regardless of the country they have come from, that do it any other way. Maybe if we didn't have to expend so many tax dollars on illegals and all the costs they bring, there might be a little money for ppl. that actually have a RIGHT to be here.
Nicely put, couldn't have said any better
To play devil's advocate, it takes about 3,000 dollars in fees to do it nowadays. Let's find a mexican with a masters degree and specialized skills who wants to come over and would be an asset to have. chances are he doesn't have 3,000 dollars because pay in mexico is crap. Are you really saying screw him too?
If I wanted to be a legal resident in ANY other country, I'd have to abide by THEIR rules of law - whether I thought them fair, reasonable or monetarily feasible. If I can't, then I guess I can't stay.
Pretty simple.
I fully agree.
If they can't effectively enforce the current laws what is making new ones going to do we are wasting time and $$ this legislation.
We just need our government to do there FLIPPN jobs.
This is all about the popular vote.
What has our nation come too?
We have overpaid underperfroming government!!
It's also about taking action and making your voice heard. Go to www numbersusa dot com and let politicians know you disapprove of amnesty.
The hell with Washington, all they care about is the vote, what a sad state of affairs we have there and it will never change until we get rid of them and but people there that have some value's that are for the good of the country and not their wallet
.
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Is there any doubt that the politicians have sold out to illegal immigrants in order to get their votes.
If votes count so much how about we do this:
add "NONE OF THE ABOVE" on the ballot for every office !!!
who do you think would win??
.
.
you have that option already...it's called write-in.
A Mexican.
just noticing...a lot of "they should go home" -- "they should be kicked out" --- but i think most of the folks who say that don't want to pay $8 for an apple...because, you see, the day laborers pick that fruit so cheaply so you can buy it cheaply. If we paid those who picked fruit the legal minimum wage, the food economy would collapse.
and I'm sure those who wrote "we've got enough people here" would be up for following the china example of 1 baby per family....as a way to meet their goal - "less people here".
I'm definitely for creating stronger and more consistent border/immigration enforcement/policy. But I'm also a grown up with a real view of the country i love and live in..and that means acknowledging that our economy is built within the factor of the cheap labor in place.
If you look at what they article says, it basically says "draw a line at this point, fix what already happened and go forward from here". Sounds like a good overall plan...the devil will be in the details.
But I'll say it again --- $8 apple anyone?
I hate to turn your apple into applesauce but these apples will be picked by LEGAL immigrants. You know, the ones who made it here legally by participating in the lottery program and applying each and every year for a working visa. That is how these apples will be priced as they are now.
independent, you're about to see your milk quadruple in price. $8 dollars an apple is not unfeasible.
Oakland Mike - I'll see your bet and raise you.
Democracy (laughing, what's left of it) and freedom ain't free. Although I do believe prices across the board are inflated, I would pay more for my fruits & veggies if that alone did away with illegal immigration. I'm not an idiot - but an increase in the price of produce is a very small price to pay for doing what is already on the books.
But I also know a few other things: there would be fewer kids in the local public schools draining an already strained budget (language 'immersion' anyone?), I wouldn't have to wait hours to be seen in urgent care or the ER while I wait for interpreters to be brought in for someone else, I know that if I were to get stopped with no license, registration or insurance - my car would be towed along with the illegal alien (currently not the case), I know that there are many kids in CA that won't receive financial aid for college due to the BS Dream Act that provides money to illegal aliens. These, just to name a few.
I admit that no system is perfect. The US does not come close to being perfect. HOWEVER, the system is broken because we don't even follow the laws we already have established. As I said earlier - go on and come here. BUT DO IT LEGALLY. Why should those that are legal pay the price to accommodate those that are not?
Although I doubt it would be $8 for an apple, I'll pay a higher price for my produce if that means everyone else is following the fricking rules -- after all, I have to -- why shouldn't they?
Also, your comment "draw a line at this point, fix what already happened and go forward from here". I thought that is what was done under Reagan. If you over stay your VIsa, you get put out. If you came here illegally, you get put out. If you are an anchor baby, guess you get to stay - but everyone else gets put out. I know, breaking up families, the american dream...blah blah blah. Tough. Your parents rolled the dice and you lost. You can't pull this @!$%#z in Mexico, Haiti, Cuba or any number of other places... how is it allowed and OK here?
I know it seems harsh, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Or maybe the times only call for legal measures.
The apple pickers as you call them, most already have permits to come and go every day, I have seen this at the border in southern California. Now there is a vast difference between plain out and out illegals and these cotton pickers. Every person in this country has documentation, including legal americans, now, tell me why we should keep those who don't. It is called illegal that is why. Our legislators cannot even enforce laws we already have, they make new ones to confuse the situation even more because they are getting paid to do this. It is not the fault of illegals, it is the fault and blame should be placed at the foot of Washington DC and all who are employed therein. They are the problem not the solution. They are creating more conflict because of pending votes as you can read by that article. Wake up and smell the coffee that is if you as an american citizen can still afford the coffee after your officials finish paying off illegals for their upcoming citizenships and future votes for whomever.
Have you ever heard of Neighboorhood Farm Initiatives? http://www.neighborhoodfarminitiative.org/ These can be established practically anywhere. There is no need to pay $8.00 for an apple, which is just a week excuse to allow even more illegal immigrants in this country than is absolutely necessary.
'''Why are these Senators so pathetically stupid???? It couldn't be any simpler??? Tell everyone to turn themselves in and prove they would like to be respectable immigrants, instead of hiding in the showdows, and occationally clogging up our court system,, I actually don't belive in much !! 1000 dollars a year fine, finger prints and DNA (photo) should get you an interview in ENGLISH,, until you can convince someone your respectable and have tried to fit in so to speak and you have proven you paid your fine every year while your hear illeagally and of course have TAX returns to prove your at least trying,, Then we can use the extra cash to Hire lots of people to boost the MORAll ?? of these people frustrated at the border??? our Government has the worst Moral since 1956,, and personally,, after about 10 days of what Im talking about,, then we just start eating the peopole who come hear illeagally,, why spend money to send them home??? I think that would be real reform,,,, Im afraid these morons in DC will definately ,, screw it up????????????? and 10 or 5 years I'll have to say the same thing???
Only members of the US Congress have the hubris to claim some kind of victory and seek praise for a lousy solution to a serious problem they ignored and allowed to fester for the past 20 yrs.
Immigration was supposed to be "fixed" by Reagan and the Congress in 1986 when they granted amnesty to the reported 1 million illegals in the country. Except once the bill was signed into law over 3 million illegals came forth to claim citizenship. So one can olny imagine how many illegals are in the country today.
Democrats have shown on this issue like so many others they do not use any type of logic at all. All the media and Democrats talk about is the "human interest" angle of illegals. It is not the fault of Americans or those immigrants who came to America legally that some snuck in with their kids and possibly face deportation, yet President Obama and every Democrat along with the advocate for illegals blames everyone except the illegal themself for thier plight.
Democrats in many states and in Congress have passed or are trying to pass the "Dream Act" which will give taxpayer funded breaks to illegals to attend college. Where are the breaks for American Kids to attend college?
I have never seen such illogical thinking as on the subject of illegals in America. If you came into this country illegally then you have and continue to break the law no matter what else you do and that is solely your fault!
If this bill passes then this insanity will no doubt occur again, because once again America's Liberals will have rewarded lawbreakers which will simply spur the next wave of tens of millions to illegally enter the US then demand rights and tug on liberal heartstrings who wil thenl sell out the country yet again.
I stopped voting for Democrats long ago because of their irrational reasoning on issues that greatly affect this nation. They want to raise taxes but not cut spending.
Sadly as bad as the Republicans are on many issues I am beginning to believe what they say about Democrats being unfit to lead this nation, and it pains me greatly to say this.
Tony, the taxbreaks for american students to go to college was shot down by republicans in 2011 decrying socialism. Sorry but that was your party's error.
My son(an American Citizen) commited a Felony and is in prison. Entering the country Illegally is a felony and they get off without anything happening to them, other than being given free medical, welfare, and subsdidized housing. This is Bullsh*t!! Send them ALL back!!
Then all citizens of the USA that have commited felonies will be pardoned and given amnesty just as the criminals who have broken the law of being in the US illegally. Right President Obama ? If they are not granted amnesty just like the ones that you are pushing amnesty for, then it would be discrimination. Then these citizens ( who are in prison) would be entitled to file discrimination lawsuits against the US government.
Do something. Go to www dot numbersusa dot com and tell your leaders you are furious!
Well, I am more concerned with the jobs leaving this country then immigrants coming in. Matter of fact is they are already here, they're working and contributing to the economy. They gotta buy food, water, clothing, shelter, and many pay social security taxes they will never claim. Many corporations however, take our jobs overseas, pay slave wages, get rewarded with several tax credits, and sell us back their junk which we are more than happy to buy. People who are concerned with jobs must focus their attention first to corporate behavior before they scapegoat immigrants. Truth is wages have been stagnant (more like going down) since 68, factories have been shutting down since the 80s, and corporations falling all over themselves trying to leave this country since the 90s (thank "Free" Trade). I understand many people's concern but I believe this issue is also used as a diversion by some who rather have people focus on everything but the bigger picture
Hello! There has been a fairly consistent reporting of troops who have served in both campaigns over the past 10 years who were profoundly injured--or died in service to what they considered to be their country. I appreciate that this is a scary issue for a lot of people, but demonizing and dehumanizing undocumented people does not help advance attempts to address the challenges--and the opportunities. If there was a national ID card with real attempts to enforce oversight of employment practices--obviously, that would impact a great deal. I do not know a whole lot of Americans that would work in agriculture for impossible wages. Plus, trafficking undocumented workers from Africa and eastern Europe to work in agriculture has proven very lucrative. While some on the posting see scary Federal government, I cannot see Congress coming together to put together and FUND a national program that improves border security, and implements new Federal procedures for all other strategies meeting very diverse needs of the undocumented--it would not be in many folks long-term political interest. And that is 1st loyalty, no?
Illegal immigrants! Round - em - up and move - em - out. We will get to the point in this country that we can't sustain our own people, we don't need to try and sustain every illegal that comes along. They have countries of their own, let them go back and stay where they belong. If Obama and his cronies have their way, the American people will be shoved to the side, so the bloody illegals can have everything.
I guess that all of the Border Patrol agents that were killed all died in vain. I really don't understand why they want to enforce the border if they are just going to allow all illegal aliens into the country and grant them amnesty. We should also stop wasting money by having Customs and Immigration control at all of the international airports. I mean what is the point ? Just come on in and welcome, we will support you. Feel free to break our laws that seem to no longer exist.
The sad truth is no politician wants to do anything about illegals. If they truly wanted to solve the problem, make the fine for hiring them start at $1,000,000 per illegal, and go up $500,000 per occurance. The only assistance given is a trip back to your country of origin. If it was not cost effective to hire them they would not get jobs. That however is against the wishes of the corporations which donate and allow candidates to spend near $1,000,000,000 on campaining. Until it quits being profitable for the law makers, the business will remain as it is with a lot of rhetoric, and little action.
This will be a slap in the face to everyone's ancestors who came over on ships and went thru the immigration process available at the time. This is the only country I know of where you can come in (either illegally or overstay your visa) and now be given a drivers license, state sponsored housing and jobs and the chance now to become a citizen. In an American tries the same thing anywhere in Europe or most other countries its 'I;m sorry but your visa has expired - time to go'. Also don't forget that its up to us to learn their language - no need for them to learn English - I love seeing families where they have 3 generations - none of which speak English. Instead of We The People its becoming a country of We The Few, The Overworked and Underpaid - so we can support those who shouldn't be here.
Please press 1....sad
I wonder if one could make a citizens arrest in this case ? If so then I am making a citizens arrest on every single person that is currently inside the United States of America illegally. I demand that they are cuffed and sent to a holding cell until they are processed and either sent to prison or deported back to their country of origin. Until this new proposed amnesty is enacted, the current US immigrations laws apply. So let's get busy and start rounding them up. Oh and by the way, just like what happened a few years ago, this new amnesty proposal will never go through and will fall flat on it's face once again.
Guess standing in front of fire hoses with police and Nationa Guardsmen aiming rifles at you was the stupid way to gain citizenship. Really all African Americans should have done was reproduce at an alarming rate that no one could keep up with and ensure a healthy plurality of votes. Every election year African Americans support the Democrats without fail and every time the reward is a 2% bump in entitlements and no meaningful job growth in urban areas. The government has just moved on to another group of people to pick their cotton, tobacco, and produce. Proud day for all American citizens - MLK would be so proud.
And don't forget what these people are trying to do to your people in Compton, California. It's actually making headlines currently around the country.
WTF. SOMETHING REALLY STINKS WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN REPUBLICANS GO ALONG WITHOUT A FIGHT AND I SEE WHY. ( Allowing more low-skill workers into the country and allowing employers to hire immigrants if they can demonstrate they couldn't recruit a U.S. citizen; and establishing an agricultural worker program. ) You mean to say that employers seem not to be able to find qualified American workers to pick apples and cucumbers at below minimum wage but can hire an immigrant if he wants to work for dirt cheap amounts to modern day slavery. Now I know why I have a petition www.causes.com/jhaskins20018 that all must sign to stop the destruction of American workers
Some of us do: I applied at several farms here in Florida and was DENIED employment because I could not speak Spanish and communicate with the other employees!! I also have applied to several Doctors offices (to which I have 10 years experience) and they told me I was qualified but needed to hire someone that was billingual.
In 2008 I was layed off from a factory in TN prior to a Latino (which I had 4 more years experience than his 8 months) because he was working for min wage while I was working at 12.50 an hour. Yes they can afford to work for less: they live 12 people to a house. I could afford to work for that also if only paid 100.00 a month rent.
I asked one man I worked with if he would be going to get citizenship, he said no. He is going to save and then go back to Mexico and live high on the hog with his savings. To add insult to injury he stated 500.00 was too much to pay to become a citizen of a useless country, he was just here to reap the rewards!!!!!
Just do something about it. Go to www dot numbersusa dot com and fax your leaders telling them you disapprove of their actions.
This is absurd - Our current vision IS DOUBLE VISION
We can't even effectively enforce the current immigration laws.
Yet we want to create what 4 different paths to citizenship.
When you can't even enforce what we have NOW what make's you think your
vision will have effective oversight and administration?
I am disgraced by my GOVERNMENT not performing there due diligence in effectively performing there jobs under oath to enforce the immigration laws of the United States of America.
Top to bottom dereliction of duty for over 25 years and many of the current government officals have been in these positions for years - DISGRACEFUL!!
Our government is a bunch of spineless Jellyfish
Over paid and underperforming............
You'd complain if they did nothing.
Stop the Destruction of the American Worker....Sign my petition: www.causes.com/jhaskins20018
So how exactly does seeing who knows how many illegal immigrants given citizenship is this going to dissuade the next batch from coming here?
"Yeah come on over, they'll have another amnesty again."
That is exactly what is going to happen. How many of these will be children that will end up dead in the desert by hunger, dehydration, exhaustion, heatstroke, violence by smugglers, drug cartels, kidnappers ect..You may say that President Obama is a murderer. I hope that makes all of these politicians proud of what they have done and what will happen when the mad rush of millions of illegal immigrants make their way into the USA in order to be given a path to citizenship. I hope Obama keeps a tally on how many children he has murdered. Good job Obama but I'm sure that you're daughters are safe and sound huh.
Now the Republicans give a S about the Latino vote only behind Rubio, but the latest consensus is the Party is still Harden with all White Male conservative and Tea Party let's take everything back to the past mentality and screw African-Americans and anyone else of Color including Hispanics. We only need Hispanics for their votes and that's all. After we achieve their votes we will laid them off or fire them and then deport them too and if we had a ship big enough, we could send the Afican-Americans back to Africa. Now mind you, this may or may not be the view of mainstream republicans but it is the view of most conservative republicans which means the political system of two parties need all moderate repubs and dems to survive and be of equal government for and of the people.
That's great News, Moving Forward.
Don't get too excited as this is only a proposal. It still has to pass through the house and that is where it will fall flat on it's face just like the previous 3 times when a simular proposal was announced.
Now maybe we will actually see if Obama gives the farm away or actually does push for meaningful and current updating of our immigration policy. We have waited too long and now we are almost overrun with illegal immigrants. Had the problem been taken care of yrs ago we wouldnt have such a problem. Still, let's hope for a valid policy of controlled immigration that will work. No one will be totally pleased with whatever policy we end with but let's work together on this for our future and that of the nation.
For Republicans it's business as usual despite the country boy butt whipping they took during the election.
Obama won across the board in all demographic categories except one or two.
So why are republicans claiming they need to reach out to Hispanics instead of the rest of the country?
Opening the borders for votes is going to compound the many social issues that keeps America Pitiful:
Why haven't our politicians spoken to these high priority issues? Because dead people can't Vote, so they don't care.
I'm STILL trying to figure out HOW 96 % of ANY demographic can vote for ANY president. Reverse the situation and say Romney had won. If 96% of white America had voted for him you would hear screams of RACISM for the next hundred years!
Nobody died from marijuana use. And yet you sell alcohol like milk and ban marijuana. Go figure the immorality.
Although you can't OD on marijuana, just like alcohol your judgment is impaired. Driving or operating dangerous equipment while under the influence of marijuana or any drug kills more lethally than a bullet.
It's stupid to believe that Marijuana is a safe drug.
Kara, you and other DRUG ADDICTS with no conscious or sense of responsibility would love to see all dangerous drugs legalized.
Many sober people have poor judgment while driving and flying planes. Multiple exponentially the number of deaths per year if dangerous drugs were legal.
Legalizing dangerous drugs would be a totally disaster just as it has been for legalizing alcohol (75,000 deaths per year as a cost of ).