Illegal Immigration Watch: Senate Immigration Bill Supporters More Optimistic

Senator Jon Kyl speaks about immigration legislation during a press conference on Capitol Hill, May 24, 2007, in Washington, D.C. Listening, from left to right are Senators Dianne Feinstein, Lindsey Graham, Mel Martinez, Arlen Specter and Edward Kennedy. The U.S. Senate, by a single vote, defeated a bid to place a five-year expiration date on a guest worker program that is a cornerstone of a proposed overhaul of U.S. immigration law.

Backers of Immigration Bill More Optimistic

After a week at home with their constituents, the Senate architects of a delicate immigration compromise are increasingly convinced that they will hold together this week to pass an overhaul of the nation’s immigration laws, with momentum building behind one unifying theme: Today’s immigration system is too broken to go unaddressed.

Congress’s week-long Memorial Day recess was expected to leave the bill in tatters. But with a week of action set to begin today, the legislation’s champions say they believe that the voices of opposition, especially from conservatives, represent a small segment of public opinion. Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), who led negotiations on the bill for his party, said the flood of angry calls and protests that greeted the deal two weeks ago has since receded every day.

Flap knows of very few folks in California that support this grand compromise bill.

Everyone hates it. But, everyone hates the status quo and President Bush’s inaction to enforce the existing laws MORE.

But, calling California Senators Feinstein and Boxer is a waste of time and most California voters know it. They are insulated against public opinion, since neither will be up for re-election in 2008.

Flap predicts that this bill may not pass the United States Senate but will CERTAINLY FAIL in the House since there will not be the 70 plus GOP members to give cover to the Democrats who represent districts who may not be so predisposed to support the bill. If GOP House members support the bill, then Flap looks for even greater GOP losses in 2008. And contributions – well, we have seen already how they have been affected.

California voters are “tired” and “frustrated” by the inaction of politicians on both sides of the aisle. They will make their frustrations known soon in 2008 Presidential polling and the 2008 House election cycle, despite what the Senate does this week.

And President Bush will be down to 20% approval if he does not demand major changes to the bill. Watch how fast the GOP Presidential candidates (except McCain) run against the President on this issue and the Iraq War.

Stay tuned….