Chaffetz's immigration plan would exclude path to citizenship

JyArete · 01-21-2010, 11:56 PM

As if the news (or thoughts) of CIR wouldn't happen this year was bad enough, this article blows that idea out of the water, and swings the Immigration bill to the other side...

Quote:

Chaffetz's immigration plan would exclude path to citizenship

Politicians passionate about immigration reform are attempting to define the debate in anticipation that Congress may take up the highly volatile issue this year.

Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, leads a group of freshman Republicans and moderate Democrats who support a resolution that says any reform proposal must not include a way for undocumented immigrants to gain legal status. The resolution supported by 12 Republicans and 10 Democrats also calls for bolstered border protection and a new requirement for all employers to verify the immigration status of their workers using the federal E-Verify program.

"Any discussion of comprehensive immigration reform must begin with a renewed commitment to enforce our immigration laws," said Chaffetz, who ran for Congress on a strong anti-illegal immigration campaign. "We need to remove the incentives that encourage illegal behavior if we expect to get immigration under control."

Chaffetz calls the resolution a bipartisan way to reform the immigration system, but it is doubtful that members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus would feel the same way.

One month ago, the caucus members stood behind Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., as he introduced his own reform proposal. That legislation includes a clear path to citizenship, as long as applicants pay a $500 fine, undergo a criminal background check and learn English.

At the time, Gutierrez said the time for reform is now.

"Every American will benefit from this bill, from the heightened national security, from the commitment to family unity, from the common-sense approach to jobs and our economy," he said.

President Barack Obama promised to take up immigration reform in early 2010. But it is not clear whether leading Democrats in Congress have the stomach to take on such a hot-topic in an election year when they already expect to lose some seats to Republicans. Congress also anticipates acting on health reform, an energy bill, new financial regulations and a jobs bill this year.

The last major attempt at immigration reform came in 2007, when then President George W. Bush backed a bill that did offer undocumented people a way to obtain legal status. Bush's own party revolted and Latino groups took to the street to lead mass protests. Ultimately, the legislation died.

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_14240427

skysla · 01-22-2010, 03:59 AM

Isn't he the Republican freshman representative in a program on CNN?

I always hated him...

jin5587 · 01-22-2010, 04:15 AM

He disgusts me. Didn't he say that he would put all illegals in tent cities or something during his campaign?

Fish · 01-22-2010, 05:03 AM

It's a good thing he's filled with bs. I'm sure CIR will have some sort of legalization because the liberals and some moderates would be okay with it. To hell with ONE Republican House member.

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Chaffetz's immigration plan would exclude path to citizenship