Analysis and Comments On The Open Letter by Sen Mel Martinez.
Hey folks,
OK I’m back. Here we go.
In defense of immigration bill
Written by: U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez Publication: Orlando Sentinel
June 3, 2007 -
Immigration reform is very personal to me. As an immigrant to this great country, I am a product of the American Dream. I understand what it means to stand, raise your right hand, and swear allegiance to the United States. I respect the enormity of that commitment, our traditions, and our language. I know the value of not only learning English but more importantly learning and living the spirit of being an American. As Congress moves forward with reforming our nation's immigration laws, it is essential we remember the American spirit as part of our immigration discussion.
I respect you Senator, and I welcome you. You came here legally, and did the right thing. I am proud of what you accomplished. You are not the problem. Immigration is not the problem. ILLEGAL ALIENS sneaking into the country IS the problem. Two COMPLETELY different things.
Hey folks,
OK I’m back. Here we go.
In defense of immigration bill
Written by: U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez Publication: Orlando SentinelJune 3, 2007 -
Immigration reform is very personal to me. As an immigrant to this great country, I am a product of the American Dream. I understand what it means to stand, raise your right hand, and swear allegiance to the United States. I respect the enormity of that commitment, our traditions, and our language. I know the value of not only learning English but more importantly learning and living the spirit of being an American. As Congress moves forward with reforming our nation's immigration laws, it is essential we remember the American spirit as part of our immigration discussion.
I respect you Senator, and I welcome you. You came here legally, and did the right thing. I am proud of what you accomplished. You are not the problem. Immigration is not the problem. ILLEGAL ALIENS sneaking into the country IS the problem. Two COMPLETELY different things.
At its core, illegal immigration is a problem born of the success of our nation. The American Dream is a worldwide attraction, and many are willing to risk their lives to gather even a glimpse of it. We have a booming economy and a huge demand for all levels of labor. These realities plus our failed immigration policies and porous border have resulted in a 20-year flow of illegal immigration amounting to an estimated 12 million people. As lawmakers, it is not only our duty but our responsibility to address this problem. As a sovereign nation, we must arrive at a solution that satisfies the security of our borders.
But Ted Kennedy said that when we did this before for 3 million, it would end the problem. Now we have 12 million. We do not have a failed immigration policy, we have one that is not being enforced. We have laws already in place that is not being enforced. Let’s start doing that first before we add more, that will not be enforced.
But Ted Kennedy said that when we did this before for 3 million, it would end the problem. Now we have 12 million. We do not have a failed immigration policy, we have one that is not being enforced. We have laws already in place that is not being enforced. Let’s start doing that first before we add more, that will not be enforced.
First and foremost, the bill we are debating will make our border more secure. It calls for the completion of several specific border-security measures before any other aspect of the bill is implemented. Among the measures: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must have a total of 20,000 border security agents; build at least 370 miles of additional and strategic border fencing and 200 miles of vehicle barriers; must create and implement effective identification tools using biometric technologies to verify identity and employment eligibility. These measures must be met or else immigration reform will not move forward.
Great! Then just pass a bill that says THAT. THEN we will deal with the rest of the mess. You see, I do not believe that this NEW policy will do ANYTHING to secure the boarder. So I say PROVE it. Pass legislation that secures the boarder FIRST. So far NOONE has been able to explain to me why we cannot secure the boarder without granting amnesty.
Great! Then just pass a bill that says THAT. THEN we will deal with the rest of the mess. You see, I do not believe that this NEW policy will do ANYTHING to secure the boarder. So I say PROVE it. Pass legislation that secures the boarder FIRST. So far NOONE has been able to explain to me why we cannot secure the boarder without granting amnesty.
Our nation has record-low unemployment levels and the demand for all levels of labor remains consistently high. There are jobs for every willing American, but given the dynamic sustained growth of our economy, there still is a need for additional workers. This imbalance creates unsustainable pressure at our borders.
This is why, once certain border-security requirements are met, the bill institutes a temporary-worker program to provide the labor America desperately needs. Workers from other countries will have a clear understanding before coming here that they're coming to work for a limited period of time. Combined with the DHS identification verification system and steep sanctions against employers who hire unverified workers, the demand for undocumented workers will decrease dramatically.
How many people are STILL here after their CURRENT green cards have expired? We are not enforcing this now. What is the big difference in the new plan?
How many people are STILL here after their CURRENT green cards have expired? We are not enforcing this now. What is the big difference in the new plan?
Regarding the 12 million people who are here today illegally, this bill provides an opportunity for them to come out of the shadows and for the U.S. government to know who is in our country. It is imperative we find a fair and practical solution to this problem; it is vital to our society and our national security.
One. By the way, if immigration enforcement REALLY wanted to find them, all they seemingly would have to do is put a mic or notebook in one hand and say they are reporters. They will come to you. CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, Papers galore, seem to have no problem finding them for quotes.
One. By the way, if immigration enforcement REALLY wanted to find them, all they seemingly would have to do is put a mic or notebook in one hand and say they are reporters. They will come to you. CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, Papers galore, seem to have no problem finding them for quotes.
As a nation of immigrants, we must arrive at a humane policy that is aligned with the rule of law. Those who play by the rules are rewarded; those who break our laws will pay penalties. Under the Senate bill, illegal immigrants coming forward will be on probation; they will submit to a background check; they will agree to pay fines; they will prove employment and must maintain employment for as long as they wish to reside in our country. Failing to follow this course or failing any of the requirements will result in deportation.
WRONG. This is completely false. Once President Bush signs this bill they are LEGAL. No fines, no requirements. The only way the fines and other requirements come into play is if they want citizenship. But if they are legal, there is no reason to go all the way. Read the bill. There are NO fines whatsoever. They are just legal.
You say it rewards those that play by the rules, then you vote to allow felons to be rewarded. You see how this does not make any sense. If I or any other American citizen broke the law, we would go right to jail. These people came here illegally, break the laws, and this will reward them.
Those coming forward must be law-abiding and contributing members of our society, and they will know they are our guests. For those individuals who pay fines, maintain employment, obey the law and learn English, they can have a path forward to stay here and continue to work. If they go back to their home country, they can then apply for permanent residence and go to the back of the line as any fair system would dictate.
Then how do you explain this?
"A bipartisan immigration bill narrowly survived a potentially fatal challenge on Wednesday when the Senate turned back a Republican bid to limit the illegal immigrants who could gain lawful status. The close vote on a proposal by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, to bar felons -- including those court-ordered to be deported -- from legalization reflected the delicate position of the contentious immigration bill, which remains under threat from the right and the left." AP
For those concerned about the fiscal impact associated with border security and immigration reform, the Congressional Budget Office reported on May 23rd that the solution we have drafted "would result in a net increase in revenues of $70 billion to $75 billion over the 2008-2017 period."
"A bipartisan immigration bill narrowly survived a potentially fatal challenge on Wednesday when the Senate turned back a Republican bid to limit the illegal immigrants who could gain lawful status. The close vote on a proposal by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, to bar felons -- including those court-ordered to be deported -- from legalization reflected the delicate position of the contentious immigration bill, which remains under threat from the right and the left." AP
For those concerned about the fiscal impact associated with border security and immigration reform, the Congressional Budget Office reported on May 23rd that the solution we have drafted "would result in a net increase in revenues of $70 billion to $75 billion over the 2008-2017 period."
Noone that I know has ever said they were concerned about the cost of boarder security. Not one. What we are concerned about is Amnesty for 12 to 20 million illegal aliens. What we are concerned about is the nations safety and security. Now if you are laying the groundwork for later to say it cost to much so let’s just forget it, that will not work either.
To those who choose to ignore the problem, call any effort to address it "amnesty," or politicize potential solutions, I would say, provide a solution; provide an idea for securing the borders, bringing 12 million people out of the shadows, and answering the labor needs of our nation.
Senator, we do NOT call ANY effort amnesty. This one IS amnesty. If you just pass a bill that secures the board, and this is DONE. Then we start talking about what to do with those here, we would most likely have a different conversation. But to say, as long as those here are considered illegal, somehow hinders our ability to secure the boarder, as Bush has said, is just idiotic.
OK, your house is flooded, and more water is coming in every second. First you fix the leak, THEN you deal with the mess in your house. You do not deal with the mess inside until you STOP more from getting in. You cannot bucket out the house with water continuously flooding in.
Senator, we do NOT call ANY effort amnesty. This one IS amnesty. If you just pass a bill that secures the board, and this is DONE. Then we start talking about what to do with those here, we would most likely have a different conversation. But to say, as long as those here are considered illegal, somehow hinders our ability to secure the boarder, as Bush has said, is just idiotic.
OK, your house is flooded, and more water is coming in every second. First you fix the leak, THEN you deal with the mess in your house. You do not deal with the mess inside until you STOP more from getting in. You cannot bucket out the house with water continuously flooding in.
We, as Americans, must decide whether we want to live in a society where there is a permanent underclass of 12 million people hidden from the law, often paid less than living wages, and disenfranchised from our culture, or we can embrace the spirit that has made America so great and bring people out of the shadows, give them an opportunity to live within the law and become responsible, contributing members of our society. Those who choose humanity over divisive rhetoric will be rewarded with a country that is stronger, more productive and more enduring as we forge ahead in this great experiment of democracy.
Two and three. What am I counting? Phrases you have used to create imagery. "In the shadows" two times, and hidden once. They are in the shadows and hiding because they KNOW what they did was wrong. They KNOW they have broken and continue to break the laws. They CHOSE to hind in the shadow. It is NOT our fault they are hiding. It is THEIRS.
Mel Martinez is a Republican United States Senator for Florida and the only immigrant currently serving in the Senate.
I understand that because you are an immigrate, citizen, and even a Senator, you are the perfect one to write a letter like this. I get it. A lot of people feel that those that receive amnesty will simple turn into Democratic voters. You are an immigrate, and now a REPUBLICAN Senator at that. I get it. But you sir are the exception to the rule.
I also get the compassion that you would of course have, and many others in this country have, on this issue. I understand that you and other proponents of this bill are attempting to guilt people into accepting this. "Look how good you have it. Look at these poor folks that risk their lives to come here, just to better their own lives and families. You want the best for your kids. So do they. Basically you came right out and said it’s Americas fault.
Senator, those opposed to this bill, including I, are not bigots, racists, or guilty for the problem. We are not the problem. This would be like saying to a banker, "well, it’s your fault that you were robbed. Look at all the money you have here. The person robbing you just wanted a little for themselves. To better themselves. You have to feel compassion for them. You have to understand. If you do not get this, then you are arrogant, and hateful. We are going to pass a bill pardoning the thief and you had better not complain about it. The thief is a person too." This IS how ridiculous this all is.
It really is simple. Secure the boarders first. Then we can talk about what to do with those here. Let’s have open and honest debate. NOT backroom deals that will be "explained" after the fact. After it’s too late to do anything about it.
Peter
Mel Martinez is a Republican United States Senator for Florida and the only immigrant currently serving in the Senate.
I understand that because you are an immigrate, citizen, and even a Senator, you are the perfect one to write a letter like this. I get it. A lot of people feel that those that receive amnesty will simple turn into Democratic voters. You are an immigrate, and now a REPUBLICAN Senator at that. I get it. But you sir are the exception to the rule.
I also get the compassion that you would of course have, and many others in this country have, on this issue. I understand that you and other proponents of this bill are attempting to guilt people into accepting this. "Look how good you have it. Look at these poor folks that risk their lives to come here, just to better their own lives and families. You want the best for your kids. So do they. Basically you came right out and said it’s Americas fault.
Senator, those opposed to this bill, including I, are not bigots, racists, or guilty for the problem. We are not the problem. This would be like saying to a banker, "well, it’s your fault that you were robbed. Look at all the money you have here. The person robbing you just wanted a little for themselves. To better themselves. You have to feel compassion for them. You have to understand. If you do not get this, then you are arrogant, and hateful. We are going to pass a bill pardoning the thief and you had better not complain about it. The thief is a person too." This IS how ridiculous this all is.
It really is simple. Secure the boarders first. Then we can talk about what to do with those here. Let’s have open and honest debate. NOT backroom deals that will be "explained" after the fact. After it’s too late to do anything about it.
Peter
5 comments:
WHY ARE THEY HERE?
I think it is an over simplification of a complex problem to simply blame the illegal immigrants for being here and wanting to send them back, aside from the next to impossible task of finding, rounding up and bussing 12 million people to Mexico. It is also just as bad to forgive and forget when someone breaks a law.
So who’s fault is it you ask?
Let me give you an example;
Lets suppose that I pile 1000 dollar bills on my front lawn. You are out taking a casual walk and notice the pile of money, would you pick up a pile; like there is no one around.
Now I’m watching from behind a bush and I call the police and have you arrested for stealing. Who is guilty of what? You are guilty of taking something that didn’t belong to you, but I was irresponsible with my money or trying to trap you into doing something illegal. If I was a law enforcement agency I would be guilty of entrapment.
First, I’m not a bleeding heart liberal (their heart my blood). However the problem is a shared responsibility, consisting of four players USA, Mexico, American business and illegal immigrants. All four need to contribute to its solution.
A series of hearings should take place (PUBLIC HEARINGS) where experts, social workers, college professors, historians, Mexican Government Officials and illegal immigrants are asked, “Hey wata you think”. That’s right , why hasn’t any one asked the immigrants. Where is that liberal press “man in the street thing”.
We or should I say, the USA government hasn’t been interested in stopping illegal immigration from Mexico, it only became important after 9/11. This country has been importing Mexican labor for the past 100 years. During World War ll we imported nearly 4 million Mexicans and it has continued to this day, with everyone turning their head to the illegality of it. It’s only now with the threat of terrorist that it has become a hot issue.
The local farmers and businesses love the illegal immigrants. With out having to pay their share of social security and not be bothered with withholding taxes, including not having to pay for any health
insurance. Include into the mix that most illegal immigrants desperately need a job, any kind of job at practically any salary. Hey what a bargain for our farmers and the price you pay for celery.
Mexico could care less and more than welcome the idea of exporting their poor to this country.
The Constitution says, ‘We the people’ and further defines them as born or naturalized. There are no other references to it. It’s an either or situation.
Some suggestions
1. The border simply needs to be closed. A combination of increased border guards and fences needs to be in place. In addition Mechanized National Guard should also move in to help, with their guns pointed at our friend Mexico. More and more are agreeing that this needs to be done first.
2. Pressure needs to be brought on Mexico to assist in guarding the border as well as invite them to PUBLIC hearings on the subject.
3. Steep sanctions should be brought against any farmer or businesses that hires any illegal immigrants.
4. Illegal immigrants; this is the hardest one. To suggest that 12 million men women and children be rounded up and bussed back to Mexico, is unrealistic at best, although it would definitely get the attention of our irresponsible southern friend. If you could do such a thing remember that what they produce would stop. So don’t cry about celery $20 a bunch, if you could find any.
We need them here, but we need them as naturalized citizens. In order for them to become naturalized it will take an effort on their part. Something needs to be developed that will attract them to signing up to becoming a citizen as well as paying some penalty. If they do not cooperate we will track very few of them down and at a horrendous expense. To threaten them with a $5000 fine and then buss them back to Mexico is absurd. Nobody is going to show up, I sure as hell wouldn’t.
The responsibility for the 12 million illegal immigrants is ours first. We placed those piles of 1000 dollar bills in the yard; the illegal immigrants simply picked them up.
Pete,
I agree 100% with your last paragraph.
Hey Doug,
I think it is an over simplification of a complex problem to simply blame the illegal immigrants for being here and wanting to send them back, aside from the next to impossible task of finding, rounding up and bussing 12 million people to Mexico. It is also just as bad to forgive and forget when someone breaks a law.
Intersting that whenever ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, ETC. Wants to “put a face on the problem,” they have no problem finding them. But if we wnat to round them up, we just cannot find them. But that is beside the point.
I have heard a new proposal that I can live with. More on that in a second.
So who’s fault is it you ask?
Let me give you an example;
Lets suppose that I pile 1000 dollar bills on my front lawn. You are out taking a casual walk and notice the pile of money, would you pick up a pile; like there is no one around.
Now I’m watching from behind a bush and I call the police and have you arrested for stealing. Who is guilty of what? You are guilty of taking something that didn’t belong to you, but I was irresponsible with my money or trying to trap you into doing something illegal. If I was a law enforcement agency I would be guilty of entrapment.
Well, I think I understand what you are saying. Basically they are coming here because of what we have and what we have to offer. So basically, they are coming onto your property and taking the money that you put there. They are trespassing on your land, and stealing from you.
First, I’m not a bleeding heart liberal (their heart my blood). However the problem is a shared responsibility, consisting of four players USA, Mexico, American business and illegal immigrants. All four need to contribute to its solution.
I agree with that.
A series of hearings should take place (PUBLIC HEARINGS) where experts, social workers, college professors, historians, Mexican Government Officials and illegal immigrants are asked, “Hey wata you think”. That’s right , why hasn’t any one asked the immigrants. Where is that liberal press “man in the street thing”.
OK
We or should I say, the USA government hasn’t been interested in stopping illegal immigration from Mexico, it only became important after 9/11. This country has been importing Mexican labor for the past 100 years. During World War ll we imported nearly 4 million Mexicans and it has continued to this day, with everyone turning their head to the illegality of it. It’s only now with the threat of terrorist that it has become a hot issue.
True
The local farmers and businesses love the illegal immigrants. With out having to pay their share of social security and not be bothered with withholding taxes, including not having to pay for any health insurance. Include into the mix that most illegal immigrants desperately need a job, any kind of job at practically any salary. Hey what a bargain for our farmers and the price you pay for celery.
Mexico could care less and more than welcome the idea of exporting their poor to this country.
The Constitution says, ‘We the people’ and further defines them as born or naturalized. There are no other references to it. It’s an either or situation.
Some suggestions
1. The border simply needs to be closed. A combination of increased border guards and fences needs to be in place. In addition Mechanized National Guard should also move in to help, with their guns pointed at our friend Mexico. More and more are agreeing that this needs to be done first.
2. Pressure needs to be brought on Mexico to assist in guarding the border as well as invite them to PUBLIC hearings on the subject.
3. Steep sanctions should be brought against any farmer or businesses that hires any illegal immigrants.
4. Illegal immigrants; this is the hardest one. To suggest that 12 million men women and children be rounded up and bussed back to Mexico, is unrealistic at best, although it would definitely get the attention of our irresponsible southern friend. If you could do such a thing remember that what they produce would stop. So don’t cry about celery $20 a bunch, if you could find any.
We need them here, but we need them as naturalized citizens. In order for them to become naturalized it will take an effort on their part. Something needs to be developed that will attract them to signing up to becoming a citizen as well as paying some penalty. If they do not cooperate we will track very few of them down and at a horrendous expense. To threaten them with a $5000 fine and then buss them back to Mexico is absurd. Nobody is going to show up, I sure as hell wouldn’t.
The responsibility for the 12 million illegal immigrants is ours first. We placed those piles of 1000 dollar bills in the yard; the illegal immigrants simply picked them up.
OK, here is the plan I heard and AGREE with. A lot sounds like what you are saying. Congress solution is blanket Amnesty. Spin it any way you want, that IS what it is. This would also give Amnesty to Felons, and those that are already due to be deported due to crimes. I’m not talking about coming here illegally. I’m talking about crimes they have committed here. Their plan, that WE laid to rest for now, 800 pages long.
Here is the plan I can accept and feel will work.
1- Secure the boarder first. Both physical and high tech fences.
2- Smart cards. An ID card that using DNA, so that they cannot be faked.
3- Give them a chance to become registered. If they fail to do so, when we catch them, they are gone.
4- Commit a crime after you arrived here? You are GONE.
5- Evaluate all new REGISTERED immigrate case by case. If there is health issues, or criminal histories. Gone.
6= HUGH fines for business owners for hiring those without the ID. Possible Jail time for the Executives.
Problem solved. 800 pages, or 6 things? This is not really that hard of a problem. This MAKES sense. I agree with you. The $5000.00 fine? Forget it. Noone but you and I will end up paying that anyway. If we were to try to round them all up? Murders and rapists would have free reign. We would be too busy chasing down maids.
Peter
Amazing what open debate can come up with.
Amazing it is. I truly believe that the American public would also be more open, if those debating this would be open about it.
Working together can accomplish so much more than one group trying to shove an agenda down everyone else's throat.
Peter
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