Michael Ramirez on the Illegal Immigration Bill
Republicans, Democrats strike immigration bill deal with the White House
Agreement allows millions of illegal immigrants to gain citizenship and creates new merit-based system for future legal immigrants.
A bipartisan group of senators reached agreement today on an immigration reform bill that would allow millions of illegal immigrants to gain citizenship and create a new merit-based system that will determine whether some legal immigrants are admitted.
The agreement, negotiated with the intense involvement of the White House, brings President Bush one step closer to a domestic goal that he has championed for years. It also sets the stage for a divisive debate that some lawmakers hope to complete by Memorial Day.
“This plan isn’t perfect, but it’s a strong bill and a worthy solution,” Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) said at an afternoon news conference.
Bush called the compromise “an important first step toward a comprehensive immigration bill.” He said the agreement will secure U.S. borders and “treat people with respect — without amnesty and without animosity.”
Even as senators reached agreement on the major facets of the legislation, they acknowledged they expect protests from the left and right.
But, something HAS to be done and the Congress has been stalemated for years. This compromise bill unfortunately may be the best bill that the legislative process can produce.
McCain called the new proposal “a first step but important step in moving forward with comprehensive overall immigration reform,” said McCain. He said the measure would “put employers on notice that the practice of hiring illegal workers will no longer be tolerated.”
Below is a statement from Giuliani Communications Director Katie Levinson regarding the immigration bill agreement announced by the Senate today:
“Rudy’s top priority and main objective is to ensure our borders are secure and to stop potential terrorists and criminals from coming in. The recent Fort Dix plot is a stark reminder that the threat of terrorism has made immigration an important matter of national security. We need to know who is coming in and who is going out of this country if we are going to deal with those who are here illegally.â€
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