Topic category:  Other/General

Somehow, comprehensive legislation sounds better than amnesty. Most people know what amnesty means, and it is opposed by the majority of Americans who, when polled, by an approximately 80% factor do not want amnesty. Indeed, they want our borders secure and employers of illegal aliens punished. They do, however, understand “guest worker” to mean that some workers may come here to work in available jobs, but must go back home, and do not enjoy the benefits that a citizen does. As used by some of our senators and congressmen, however, “guest worker” is interchangeable with amnesty.

The present Republican House of Representatives heard from their constituents and passed a commonsense law that put the safety of American citizens first, by requiring the building of a barrier on the southern border and the penalizing of employers who act as magnets for the illegal aliens coming across that border.

The Senate, working on its bill, was led by Senators Ted Kennedy and John McCain. They were joined by Senators Specter, Frist, Brownback, Hagel, Martinez and others usually considered RINOs (Republican in name only). Their bill, S2611, would have given every benefit this country has to offer to the illegal aliens who sneaked across our borders. If this bill or anything like it is passed, it will mean those who broke our laws will be made legal, while those in other countries who are jumping through our bureaucratic hoops to honor our laws, will continue to wait sometimes as long as several years to enter legally. Not only are illegals going to be made legal with one law, their families will be allowed to join them here.

While some Americans are thinking that the “comprehensive” law being proposed is another guest worker program, the Congress as a whole is poised to give citizenship status to the massive millions who are here illegally. It means:

All illegal aliens would be able to gain citizenship. Once they become citizens, it also allows them to bring in parents and other relatives, by the millions.

U.S. taxpayers would be forced to fund a massive welfare system that would take in those who have invaded the country. It is akin to a robber stealing your money, but hiding out until a general amnesty is issued, then coming back and demanding to be put on your bank account.

The massive tax burden on citizens would include payment for medical care for out-of-wedlock births, subsidized school lunches, K-12 education, rent subsidies, unemployment compensation, food stamps, and in-state college tuition which is denied to citizens of 49 states. They will be considered minorities and will receive favored treatment in admission to colleges and universities operating under our too-prevalent affirmative action practices.

Another giveaway would be the Unearned Income Tax Credit, whereby low wage earners who make too little money to pay taxes nonetheless receive a sort of “refund” check, thanks to the taxpayers who do pay taxes. Some are no doubt taking advantage of this provision now, but a S2611 bill would make it entirely legal.

Perhaps the most outrageous stipulation in S2611 is that before we build any barrier on the border we must have permission from Mexico. This is an assault on our sovereignty and our right to make decisions to protect our citizens. No local, state or federal government would be able to erect any deterrence to what amounts to an invasion without asking Mexico, enabler of most of the invaders.

A Republican led House passed a commonsense law that called for erecting a barrier on the border and penalizing employers of illegals. HB4437 was considered too harsh for the Senate, which came up with its own magnanimous bill for illegal aliens and their benefactors. Any business or even charitable institution would be given amnesty, also. Those who have been “aiding and abetting” these invaders would be let off the hook for past deeds and would be given “carte blanche” for any future assistance to former illegals. Illegal would be suddenly legal.

Those pushing for amnesty, (big business and Democrats who see millions more voting for their party), now see an easier path before them. Democrats will have no trouble voting for amnesty if their constituents don’t tell them to forget about it. However, those constituents may not know the full implications of giving amnesty to millions more mostly low wage earners. It will surely bring all wages down as employers have a vast pool of workers willing to work for even lower wages. An estimated ten percent of Mexican workers are already in this country. Some unions, who profess to protect their members’ jobs and wages, are also inexplicably in favor of a S2611 bill. It could be they think that millions, if made legal, would come into their ranks. Meanwhile, they disregard the interests of citizens now in their ranks; they choose sides.

President Bush has made this a top priority for his administration. He could stop the illegal crossing of our borders by sending troops there, instead of all over the world. Our troops guard the North Korea/South Korea border, for instance, while our own is left open to drug and people smugglers and potential terrorists. He has said that he looks forward to working with a Democrat Congress to effect a “comprehensive” immigration bill.

There is not more outrage from citizens because a compliant mainstream media is not interested in stopping the invasion. They are big business, too, and misinform by omission.

What needs to be understood by every citizen is that what the new Democrat Congress and some RINOs have planned for them is an amnesty package that would allow those who are illegally in this country to become legal, thereby entitling them to every benefit this country offers. What is planned is not a guest worker program, with its limited benefits, and which mandates the guests go home.

Since most Democrats in the Congress voted for the amnesty provision in the Senate and against the restrictive House bill, they can be expected to push through an amnesty bill unless their constituents yell as loud as Republican constituents yelled at their representatives, resulting in the restraint on giving away the store to illegal aliens. Republican candidates, sensing the danger of not being re-elected, knew they had to listen to the anti-illegal immigration sentiments of their voters. Democrats should have the same threat of defeat at the polls, especially House members, who have to run for election every two years.

Democrats who have a sentiment for illegal immigration need to remember that it could be their job next that will be taken by an illegal who just wants to feed his family, and will take a lot less to work for their employers.

There is a lot at stake for American taxpayers and those who might lose their livelihoods to illegal laborers. This is on the agenda of the Democrat Congress, whose leaders have said it will be among the top ten issues they will take up. Unless they hear from their voters an amnesty will be enacted into law.

Barbara Anderson

Biography - Barbara Anderson

Barbara regularly writes for CapitolHillCoffeeHouse. She also appears in California Chronicle, Border Patrol, and Citizens Caucus. Her primary interest is illegal immigration, but she writes about other subjects as well.

Barbara lives in a large city on the West Coast. Her loyalties are with God, family, country, heritage and borders.

She enjoys music, painting, poetry and song writing.