This is just as well. I don’t think anything sensible regarding immigration could be legislated in the current political climate.
See also “Immigration Bill Prompts Some Menacing Responses” by Jeff Zeleny in today’s New York Times —
Republicans who support the immigration bill are facing unusually intense opposition from conservative groups fighting it. This is among the first times, several of them said, that they have felt the full brunt of an advocacy machine built around conservative talk radio and cable television programs that have long buttressed Republican efforts to defeat Democrats and their policies.
This may be among the first times I’ve noticed a mainstream media outlet admitting there is an advocacy machine built around around conservative talk radio and cable television programs that has long buttressed Republican efforts to defeat Democrats and their policies.
I didn’t really care for a bill with more than 24 ammendments. But the “amnesty for illegals” argument is just a red herring. Those ‘against’ amnesty would also be against setting up the machinery needed to send them to country of origin.
I estimate a buracracy of 400,000 added U.S. gov’t workers and about 200 billion a year. Detention facilities, courts, transportation, all need to be greatly enlarged.
The ‘conservatives’ have thrown Bush overboard but need an emotional wedge-issue to keep the wingers stirred up.
All the nation needs do is enforce the existing laws. Arrest a few employers and the problem goes away.
It is interesting, that reference to the “advocacy machine.” I notice that the machine is used against Republicans, for a change. Probably makes it safer to stop pretending the noise machine isn’t really there.