Why doesnt the senate care what the vast majority of US citizens think when it comes to illegal immigration??
613264
For the wrong reason.....VOTES\n\nElections comes down to the center voters. While I disagree with many things that my party has done over the last year or so I they know I will still vote for them because they are the better choice then the other side. Roughly 41% of the country almost always votes Democratic while roughly 41% votes Republican. Leaving the middle swing voters the real controllers of elections. Right now the largest minority voting block is Hispanic, hence their fear of that voting block. Since the House is based on districts they can cater to a smaller voting block. The Senate is based on the whole state so the center has more power with them.\n\nHowever stating all that I think the Senate and President is making a mistake on reading the American public. I think a lot of Republicans are willing to skip and election cycle just to prove a point. \n\nYou also have the added point that runs through all political moves "Follow the money". It takes a lot more money to run for the Senate then the house. I am sure many of the people giving money to their Senators have benefited from the cheap labor and they don't want to loose that. They really want nothing to happen and as long as this debate is dragged out and not solved the longer they get the cheap labor. Once one of these illegals get citizenship I seriously doubt they will be willing to work for the same rate.
680882
I'd rather see no bill at all than the Senate bill.  They snuck in a rolling amnesty in a 10 year statute of limitations which would say that anyone who can get here and hide out for 10 years (or forge papers saying they have) will have amnesty. That treats the offense as just 'passing the border' rather than the ongoing pilfering of services they are not entitled to.\n\nIt is dishonest because there was this huge public debate on the amnesty about '5 years' and '2 to 5 years' and 'less than 2 years' yet they sneak this in with no discussion at all.  The Senate bill also gives social security benefits to people who STOLE social security card numbers from others. Any of us who did that would go to jail, not profit from the crime!\n\nI can't even get into all the problems.  The cumulative numbers of amnesty, the 1.5 million person annual agriculture guest worker program and the 200,000 other unskilled guest worker program, when multiplied by the ability to bring in their families has been calculated to add up to an additional 185 to 217 million poor immigrants in the next 20 years ABOVE our current rates and ABOVE illegals currently here.  That is about a 60% increase in the population of the United States.  They put in a cap on how many of those can be made permanent residents in a single year, but all of them and their families would be here using services.\n\nI want them to solve the hard problems, but ONLY if they do it right. \n\nI'd be ok with border security only, then let's figure out the rest.  If the Senate is really not just holding border security hostage for their own pet slave labor program, they should have to approve that sort of law.\n\nComprehensive isn't good if the law sucks.
548699
I think the rebellion will be at the ballot box if Congress goes against the majority will.  Blood is hot on this one, but thoughts of revenge by illegal immigration opponents are aimed at the government, in my opinion.
761311
Oh boy! Im glad you broke the ice! This has been bothering me too! Right now until the elections are over,nothing will be done. They are all focused on campaigning and basically looking good.Half of them are spending 3 times as much just commercializing themselves and If they get into office they are only going to make 1 times worth of the cost they spent out! I dont mind people coming to my country BUT they need to do things and respect the country like an american citizen.Dont misconstrue,they can still cherish and keep their respects to their own heritage. But they dont need to look at me funny when i put my american flag up by my front door!!!They need to learn our language,just like we do in their country. THEY NEED TO PAY TAXES!!! Thats the part that really makes me mad there! And the majority of them sneaking in here are living off of our government!?! Now if they are here illegally and our government is signing them up for all kinds of welfare,they should be taxed from that! The whole reason people come here is for freedom and a better chance for a more meaningful life. You see them driving these beautiful cars around and the average hard working tax payer cant even afford it,and the tax payer deserves it! I have heard of local factories with thier employees having social security cards from the 1930's and the people who have those in their wallets dont look a day over 25! But i think something will give soon,we cant ignore it much longer. Its going to take a group other then the government to put something in action. Right now the government has too many wars,not enough eyes or money to keep it all under watch. These people should put america right beside the place in their hearts where they have a place for their own country,make a stand for whats right and fair,walk up to the offices and make their own selves leagal without threats! Our country is not a free ride,its a home to alot of different types of people. If you are here illegally,you are not being fair to us!
1180669
I have absolutely nothing to feel guilty about.  All that I want are the immigration laws enforced.  All other laws are enforced but for some reason, these criminal illegal (mostly Mexicans) think they should be exempt from obeying all laws.  I care about my country, even if these lying and useless politicians do not.
520502
I write public officials constantly about these issues, especially my senators and the representative of my ward.  The truth is that hundreds of thousands of people are writing, calling, showing up....to demand border security and extreme limits on all forms of immigration.  So many that the lines of communication are all jammed most of the time.\n\nThat's why you saw the whole amnesty craziness come to a screeching halt (its also why an enforcment only bill came out of the house).  It has become extremely clear that any politician who, in any way, stands in the way of reform, is finished.  Something like 90% of people in the US feel this way and feel strongly enough about it that they will vote out anyone who tries to prevent reform.  Bushes stance on amnesty is what has driven his poll numbers into the toilet...not the situation in Iraq (for which he has been completely vindicated I might add).
502795
I am NOT against illegal immigration, and I get your point, the majority that are so gung ho about stopping it have never left the country, they live in a "America is the best" kind of bubble. They dont know, so their ignorance reigns.
1113335
If the Senate bill is passed you can say"Good by to the USA as we once knew it".  Illegal immigrants will be free and the American citizens will have gotten a rude "\nGo to HELL" from their (our) government. Here is what that bill will give to the illegal immigrants:\n\nSenate Bill-- the rights illegals will get:\nCurrent Bill:\n\n1. grants amnesty to the MILLIONS of illegals already here!\n2.grants amnesty to illegals FAMILYS,who live OUTSIDE the country\n3.admits HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of unskilled "guest workers",through a new "guest worker" program,with a direct path to permanent resident and citizenship!\n4.admits 1.5 MILLION\nagricultural "guest workers" with a direct path to citizenship!\n5.increases the number of employment based, immigrants admitted to the U.S. each year,by 400%!!\n6.gives the Dept.of Homeland Insecurity,the discretion to waive fines for employers who knowingly hire illegals!!\n7.allows states to give ILLEGALS,in-state tuition benefits that they can DENY to citizens who live in other states!\n8.requires consultation with the MEXICAN government,before we begin construction of a fence along OUR border!\n9.creates new student visa programs,with direct path to citizenship!\n10.allows ILLEGALS to claim Social Security benefits,for work performed ILLEGALLY!!!!\n11. Adds a 10 year 'statute of limitations' to give amnesty to illegals coming in in the future if they provide documentation saying they were here for 10 years at any future point. (This to people who have been using false documents all along.)\n12. Each of the guest workers in each of the 1.5 million person PER YEAR and 200,000 unskilled person PER YEAR program would, upon obtaining residency or citizenship be able to bring their families as well. This includes indigent parents at a time when we already don't know how we will fund old age requirements for the baby boomers.\n\nThe Wall Street Journal just touted a poll saying Americans are beginning to prefer Bush and the Senate's view to immigration reform. However, I've read the questions they asked. Had I not actually read the Senate Bill and had I been asked those questions, I'd have ended up being counted as supporting Bush and the Senate in this. People only approve of the Senate Bill if they don't know what it says.\n\nThey are not looking out for legal American Citizens. They don't listen to us. They are listening to freeloading illegal immigrants. If enough of the voting legal population will get their heads out of their butts and let their senators and representatives know how they feel about this atrocity to the American people they just might start to listen to us. \nThe laws on illegal immigration are already on the books, they just need to ENFORCE THEM
923192
I think you need to get your facts straight. The Republican controlled house passed the so=called "enforcement" only bill. This is the Bill that the people want. The Democratic controlled Senate knows better than the American people because they are well, superior intellects, so they put their own bill together. The Senate amnesty bill. Look up Diane Feinsteins speech before Congress\nhttp://feinstein.senate.gov/06speeches/cr-immigration.htm\n If you look up voting records you will find that Republicans vote overwhelmingly in favor of tough immigration laws while Democrats like Dianne overwhelmingly oppose. This is precisely why nothing gets done. The Dems won't let it happen. The Republicans have the lets tackle one problem at a time approach. Let's seal the borders, let's plug the holes, then we will worry about what to do with those already here. The Dems won't hear of it. They feel we have to have a comprehensive plan. We have to solve all the problems at once. In short they are selling the American people down the river so they can play their political game. BTW it is 700 MILES of fence not 500 feet.
273834
Because it is the fastest Growing Vote Block... Do you think its a miracle that 98% of Congressmen and Senators get reelected... You tough the immigration issue... you disturb the Status Quo.\nIf GOP gets tough on our Southern Friends, They can Kiss Texas, Florida, New Mexico and Arizona good bye.\nIf Democrats get too cozy, then they can kiss Middle Class Voters, California and African American (The kind of people who are actually heads on with Mexicans for jobs) good bye.
1083843
WOW!  37 answers in only two hours!  Is this a heated debate or what?  ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS DESERVE NO RIGHTS!  If they want to march, they should march their asses straight south & cross the border!  Obviously, our Govt is more concerned about economy then they are about securing our borders, making us safe from terrorists & illegals or listening to THE PEOPLE WHO ARE LEGAL CITIZENS AND VOTE THEM INTO OFFICE--inc the President of the US.  Every national poll on CNN or MSNBC shows that the majority of Americans are against, rather than for this amnesty proposal.  If Congress doesn't represent the majority of Americans than what good are they?  I ADVOCATE going to the polls in Nov & getting something done about it!  And for some of the people here who don't know what they are talking about, illegal immigrants ARE getting free medical benefits AND free schooling AND free food stamps EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE NOT CITIZENS.  Oh yeah, and in case you haven't seen the article about the female in LA who had her social card (the numbers)  stolen by over 200 illegals who kept circulationg the numbers on her ss card--don't tell me they can't get a ss card!  If I sound bitter, I am!  Illegals are driving down the wages of middle class Americans now and when the SS admin, Medicare & VA benefits and student loan funding is no longer available to US citizens, I hope you're still singing the same tune!
1060765
Yes, this is one of those instances where the MINORITY has voiced their opinion loudly and then filibustered any measures ont he subject. \n\nThe majority doesn't feel it needs to organize since we (supposedly) elected representatives to represent our wants, desires, and needs. Sadly, the majority doesn't do that for us anymore....
889340
I think they are people who have fled their countries for a better life here.  I do not think they are the biggest part of this problem.  US companies that seek them out and in some cases help them get into the country are the biggest part of the problem.  Until that is dealt with no ridiculous, under patrolled wall or fence will keep people out.  Congress (both parties) would like for us to focuus on the illegal entrants, on fences and even on beefing up security.  that is dishonest of them.  Do you ever notice how very few Senators and House members are drawing our attention to corporate America's hiring of these people?  Could it be that they don't want to upset the source of their campaign dollars?
891975
Impeachment and conviction in the senate are a matter of actual criminal activity, and not just because someone has a difference of opinion in how things should have been handled.  Get a grip!\n\nSue
1181673
It is unclear how much of this is going forward.  It is clear that the Bush administration, who are globalists, did try to have discussion continue without public scrutiny.  For example, when Congressman Tancredo recently called for public hearings to find out what is going on, the press was told that the names of Americans on the working groups were not being given out 'so they wouldn't be distracted by the public'.  Compare this to Canada where the names of the people on the working groups are on the government web page.\n\nBush thinks it would be dandy to have free immigration here from Mexico for cheap labor for employees, only screening for security.  The Senate Immigration bill which contained elements having us buy and give to Mexico equipment and training for patrolling their SOUTHERN border is possibly part of this - so Bush could ease up restrictions on their northern, our southern, border.\n\nWe don't know what is going on, and some of what is guessed is probably wrong.  However, it is disturbing that these discussions have been going on for more than a year and we know so little about it.\n\nI don't know if an 'Amero' is in the works.  However, the overall idea might work with a generally equal economy like Canada.  With Mexico it would flood our services including education.  Middle class tax payers would foot the bill while corporate employers benefit from cheap labor.
604633
It doesn't surprise me.  The public discussion is so corrupted by silly partisanship that the truth about immigration is hard to find.  BTW, my wife is from Mexico and she is against illegal immigration.  Larry Kudlow has written a column that does the best job of getting it right so far.
699531
Well, that is a good question, and it depends on how you look at it, or what your view is on the issue of immigration (That is the correct way to spell immigration, not immagration)\n\nCongress was lost to the Democrats because of the war in Iraq, not immigration issues. The media and the elitists of both parties hardly had the courage to bring up the illegal immigration issue when it came to the election. The only one who had true courage on this very important issue was and still is, Lou Dobbs of CNN. \n\nMore than likely the elitist of both parties in congress, will do nothing on this issue, until one of their sons or daughters have been victimized by an illegal immigrant gang member. Maybe MS-13. Who knows.\n\nHowever, I still refuse to have any contractor at my house who has illegal immigrants working for them. \n\nThe real problem though is the people who come here illegally. While they run over the northern border like scared rats. They leave their brothers and sisters in the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas Mexico to fight for economic justice, and social equality. \n\nBut, you need an answer for your question, and the answer is, we will have to wait and see.