L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa: Rubio's Dream Act would create "second class status"

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-3460_162...-class-status/

(CBS News) On "Face the Nation," Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said a version of the Dream Act for undocumented students proposed by Republican Senator Marco Rubio would not work.

"I think that Sen. Rubio's version of the Dream Act would create a second class status for folks," Villaraigosa said, referring to a framework by the Florida Senator.

Rubio, who is also considered a potential vice presidential pick for presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney, has said he is considering his own version of the Dream Act. His unwritten version is reported to give young undocumented immigrants legal status - not citizenship - for joining the military or receiving a higher education.

Villaraigosa criticized Romney's opposition to the Dream Act, which has become an issue this campaign season as Hispanic voters make up 11 percent of the electorate (and an even larger percentage in some states, including in the Southwest).

"[Romney] said the Dream Act would be a handout and he's campaigned with Kris Kobach who authored the Arizona and the Alabama laws," Villaraigosa said, referring to the tough immigration laws in two states. Kobach is the current Kansas Secretary of State and an unpaid adviser to the Romney campaign.

Meanwhile, former Governor Haley Barbour, R-Miss., insisted that Hispanic voters are most concerned about the economy and are "in play" for Republican office-seekers because of the economy. "There's no question the Hispanic vote is a very important vote, and it's a very important vote in some states," he said.

"Unemployment among Hispanics is higher than among others in the United States, particularly among young Latinos. They are being hurt worse by the policies of this administration, and don't think that doesn't enter heavily into their and their families' thinking," Barbour said.

Villaraigosa, however, told Schieffer that Democrats' immigration proposals are good for the economy.

"I agree with Gov. Barbour that the biggest issue is going to be the economy, but [immigration] is going to be a big issue, and if you look at the Dream Act as an example, if we were to give kids pathway to citizenship, or the military, it would add $1.5 trillion to the U.S. economy," Villaraigosa said.

Barbour said the Democrats are not serious about passing immigration legislation.

"They never brought it up the first two years when they had 60 Democrats in the Senate, huge majority in the House. They don't bring it up until after the 2010 elections. I mean, how serious is that?" Barbour rhetorically asked.

Speaking for myself.....I would take any bill that allows me to live, work, study and join the military with a eventual shot at citizenship any day of the week. Frankly, I cannot wait around for the original Dream Act to pass. If its this or wait another decade, I choose Dream Act 2.0. All I need is the opportunity. Nothing more, nothing less.

Then again this is just my opinion.

i second that, Bravo and well said!

I could careless about status labels. They could label me 'third or fourth class citizens'.

The good thing is that there is a pragmatic voice, Gaby Pacheco, in Washington representing those who like Rubio's idea of relief. It really prevents the opinions of people like Villaraigosa from gaining strength. It puts pressure on the left for a compromise.

This commentary from Villaraigosa smacks of desperation to me. Rubio's proposal doesn't prevent anyone from attaining citizenship; it doesn't provide an immediate path to citizenship because you first have to attain permanent resident status. But neither does the original DA; it provides legal status and then if you're eligible, you can apply for citizenship.

Renewable visas that allow people peace of mind, to progress and meet all civic obligations are a good thing. I think one too many Dems fell asleep at the wheel and now are scrambling to gain control of the car again.

And until you become a citizen, you live here on borrowed time. Permanent resident or temporary visa holder, you can be deported, so you are "second" class.

You would only be deported if you commit a felony.

Holy molly why are these people concerned when we ourselves don't care? Drive and Work..thats all I want.

For heaven's sake, hence the "you can be deported; not you will be deported.

Citizens who commit felonies do not get deported. I will restrain myself and not write what I really want to reply to you.