DREAM Act Portal Forum - Advocates Say Immigration Action Only Posturing

Congress is on a recess, allowing a much-needed pause in the one-upmanship going on between lawmakers and President Barack Obama over border security.
In the run-up to the Memorial Day break, Obama announced that he would deploy up to 1,200 National Guardsmen to help secure the Southwest border until more Border Patrol and Customs agents can be hired and trained.

Obama offered few details in his hasty announcement that came just hours after Senate Republicans, led by Sen. John McCain of Arizona, announced their intention to seek 6,000 guardsmen in a supplementary spending bill.

McCain faces a tough re-election battle at home and has been criticized, relentlessly, by Republican primary opponent and former Rep. J.D. Hayworth as soft on illegal immigration.

The Senate later shot down McCain's request for 6,000 National Guard troops, as well as amendments seeking $3 billion in additional spending for the border by Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, both Texas Republicans.

Hutchison said they offered up the amendments because the president's request for 1,200 guard troops "falls considerably short of meeting our need for more forces on the border."

Gov. Rick Perry, who is also seeking re-election, has asked for 1,000 National Guard troops in Texas alone.

Neighboring New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has put the Guard on the border there citing urgent need.

Perry also cites urgent need, but said he will not place guardsmen on the border unless the federal government picks up the tab.

Immigration rights groups who want comprehensive immigration reform that includes a path to citizenship for 11 million immigrants in this country illegally are exasperated with the White House and Congress.

They say border security is being held hostage to election-year posturing.

The president's National Guard announcement evoked further frustration.

“I don't know what this administration is going to do. I've almost given up hope that they are going to do anything constructive,” said Frank Sharry with America's Voice, a group that advocates for immigrant rights.

Sharry said Obama's decision to send 1,200 National Guard to the border “is a move I can only describe as pandering.”
Republicans, Sharry said, have been successful in moving back the goal posts on immigration reform.

“They are getting what they want, which is enforcement only, and it keeps getting ramped up by this administration,” Sharry said.

It seems everyone is trying to “get tough” on illegal immigration as the election approaches — Democrats and Republicans.

Some see Obama's capitulation on the National Guard as evidence of the competitive nature of the upcoming midterm elections — where Republicans are expected to make gains that could recapture the House.

Democrats are likely to keep control of the Senate, but forcing Democratic lawmakers to make tough choices on immigration or climate change is not what party leaders want now.

In the meantime, both sides continue their one-upmanship.

As if to make a mockery of the whole political gamesmanship going on, Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, is seeking 25,000 National Guard for the Southwest border — which is more than the entire Border Patrol force.

“The ongoing violent assault against our border requires a minimum 25,000 troops for a start,” he said.

Carter said that deployment would only be the beginning.

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