It appears that the Senate has reached a bipartisan agreement on Immigration Reform and I support this long overdue legislation. From CNN:
Washington (CNN) – “Millions of undocumented immigrants would get immediate but provisional status to live and work in America under a compromise plan proposed Monday by a bipartisan group of eight senators.”
“While temporarily removing legal uncertainty for the nation’s 11 million undocumented immigrants, the senators’ outline also called for strengthening border controls, improved monitoring of visitors and cracking down on hiring undocumented workers.”
“Only after those steps occurred could the undocumented immigrants already in the country begin the process of getting permanent residence — green cards — as a step toward citizenship, the senators told a news conference.”
“They would no longer be deported, provided they don’t have a criminal record. They would no longer be harassed, they would be allowed to stay here and work,” said Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York in describing the immediate impact of the framework if crafted into legislation and enacted.”
It appears that the plan is similar to a two part plan I proposed in 2011 – 1) increases security on our borders and 2) provides a path to citizenship for those who are law abiding. And if you’re interested, here is another, more detailed plan that I can also support.
In my opinion, Republicans have missed their window of opportunity to get a political boost out of this plan since the MSM will spin this new deal as something the Republicans were ‘forced’ to do based on the voting demographics of the last election. From this exit polling data, you can see where Hispanics voted overwhelmingly in favor of Obama, the margin increased from 2008.
I am supportive of an immigration reform plan not because it is the politically right thing to do (passing this bill might win future Hispanic voters) but because it is the right thing we must do as human beings living in a country that values capitalism and freedom.
The genie can’t be put back in the bottle. We have at least 11 million illegal immigrants in this country and we can’t expect to forcefully deport them. Maybe I have an overly optimistic view but I believe that most of these immigrants came to the US to contribute to society, start a new life and take advantages of the freedoms we cherish. Many of them have kids in schools, own businesses and contribute to our society and those people are who we need in this country right now!
It’s my belief that many immigrants can show other legal citizens how hard work and good old fashioned capitalism can lead to a better life as opposed to the life Democrats support that keeps many on Welfare and Food Stamps.
I see this path to citizenship for the vast majority of law abiding, hard working immigrants as a type of blood transfusion to our country. A small but significant quantity of hard working citizens starting businesses, paying taxes and stimulating the economy might inspire others to break the chains of government handouts that have enslaved them for generations.
cosmoscon 
There are certainly components of this proposal that are very attractive, but the hard sell will be in the details – for example, although CNN didn’t report it in this story, parts of the requirements to even get to the end of the line for citizenship include paying taxes and fines, not having a criminal record, and learning English. I’m sure some of the Left will have a definite problem with that. Personally, I think it’s a good start – the problem isn’t going to go away. Somehow we forget sometimes what the furure repercusions will be.
I think you hit on the part that has been so frustrating with Republicans in Congress. They’ll give the Dems what they want as long as the Dems promise future goodies. Which never come. It’s like the Republicans are acting like battered wives who can’t leave or refuses to get help.
As always, a solid post, partner.
I’m partially in agreement. I agree we can’t put the genie in the bottle, across the board.
BUT: these folks came into the country illegally, and far, far too many of them are not the types of people we would want on a “Glory of Immigration” poster.
I agree with you that this is a complicated issue, Cosmo.
The initial failing was our government’s unwillingness to address the issue BEFORE it happened. And now that they’re here, those that are a productive part of our society (or who WISH to be) shouldn’t necessarily be sent packing. I have a problem with the portion that is NOT the sort we want here, …and I’m willing to bet that’s a fair number.
But I’m willing to give the benefit of the doubt.
Here a few things which could help figure out which type of potential citizen they are:
–OPTION #1: If they want to stay, immediately enter the military.
–OPTION #2: If they won’t qualify (and many won’t, for a variety of reasons) then they have to prove employment and maintain that employment. No applications for Unemployment should be allowed, either.
–OPTION #3: If they can’t/won’t serve, and if they aren’t employed, then they should go back.
That leaves spouses, and if they are married with the spouse supporting the family, that should be okay.
There is a humane way to do this, but what we have now, and even what is being proposed, is woefully insufficient. In essence, we get amnesty now and protection of our border “sometime in the future”. And don’t hold your breath waiting for THAT to happen.
It’s a can of worms, and my opinion is the same regardless of their voting habits. They could skew 95-5 for Republicans and I couldn’t care less. They did more than cut in line; they broke into the establishment itself and took up residence.
I have a hard time rewarding that behavior without having them answer for it first.
Again, good post. It’s just a tough topic…
Yep, this is a tough one and my views changed in late 2011. I was of the opinion to ship them all back no matter the cost but that is just not going to happen.
I’m ok with a path to citizenship (even though they did break the law) but strengthen the border FIRST! Then they go thru a probation period and if any laws are broken, ship the whole family back. Let them know the rules going in.
But I like your three options too! I’m like you, I’m not interested in the political fallout, just solve the problem in the best interest of the country.
I need to read the details of the Senate plan and I couldn’t find that last night when I wrote this and I’ve been busy at work all day and didn’t read/listen to Rubio today.
A always JTR, thx for stopping by!
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