While I do not agree with either proposal (I would prefer that the INS be given the assets it needs to enforce current laws, as well as clamping down on the borders with whatever means are needed.) the conclusion that the President has blown it on border control is right on the money.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Editorial
Reforms now, from border to orchard
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U.S. immigration policy is untenable. The promised once-and-for-all reform of 1986, which granted certain undocumented workers amnesty and vowed stricter enforcement, was a dismal failure.
President George W. Bush 19 months ago proposed immigration reform that would permit workers to apply for legal residency — but with no path to citizenship. His announcement actually spurred an increase in illegal entry by immigrants hoping to get in before the reforms were enacted. But nothing happened. Though the president recently promised Arizonans he would work with their governor to secure the border with Mexico, his administration has all but abdicated leadership on the issue. Two administration officials last month canceled testimony before a Senate hearing on two competing immigration proposals.
In the meantime, citizens are patrolling the border, and the governors of Arizona and New Mexico — both Democrats — declared emergencies to free more money to deal with the effects of extensive illegal border crossings.
So far, two ideas in the U.S. Senate seem to be gaining traction. Though they conflict in fundamental ways, a meshing of both would be the best solution.
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