Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Can Obama Be Quiet and Let Congress Deal with Immigration

Dear readers, in the next several weeks, we will examine the major pieces of the program set out by President Obama in his February 12th State of the Union Address. Today, let's consider one item that seems to the only piece of the President's agenda that almost everyone in Washington agrees on - America's immigration policy needs to be changed. The lone outsider...as usual...is President Obama, who does not want to wait until the borders are secure and the United States is in control of immigration to grant a citizenship path to illegal immigrants. This may be the sole time when Barack Obama's penchant for non-leadership on important issues could actually be helpful. As the President mentioned in his State of the Union Address last night, a bipartisan group of senators has announced a "Bipartisan Framework for Comprehensive Immigration Reform." They propose a "tough but fair path" to citizenship for illegal immigrants that would begin only after the federal government has secured the borders and put in place systems to prevent visa violations, as well as helping employers verify that new employees are legal. This "border-security first" solution would require those now in America illegally to register with immigration officials and pass a background check. Those with a serious criminal record or who pose a national security threat would be deported. The rest would pay fines and back taxes to earn "probationary legal status." Then, they would have to wait to begin the process of applying for a green card and citizenship until after a commission of border state governors, attorneys general and community leaders declare that the border is under operational control. This process of regularization could take years, perhaps a decade. Meanwhile, these "probationary legal residents" would not be eligible for welfare, ObamaCare or other public assistance. The framework also calls for a market-driven guest worker program. Supporters say this is important not only for agriculture. It is also critical for reducing pressure at borders and making operational control easier. The bipartisan plan would also increase US competitiveness by giving a green card to foreign students graduating from American universities with a Ph.D. or master's degree in science, technology, engineering and math. The ideas behind the bipartisan plan are popular. In a recent Washington Post-ABC News poll, 83% of those surveyed support stricter border control while 55% favor a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants. Bipartisan agreement on the proposed reforms also shows how important Senator Marco Rubio can be, helping convince Senate Democrats that "border-security first" and a difficult but attainable path to citizenship are essential to achieving reform. A bipartisan House group is also at work on immigration. The presence of Democrat congressmen in the group suggests that House Democrats realize that border security is a necessary precondition for getting a bipartisan deal. But President Obama disagrees with the secure-border solution. An unnamed administration official recently told the Washington Post that Obama would not endorse a security-first proposal. The White House also says that the President favors a fast, easy path to citizenship. The President could sabotage a deal by insisting on provisions such as automatic citizenship or protections for same-sex couples that appeal to his base but make it impossible to get a bill through the Republican-controlled House. If he does this, dear readers, he would be sending the message that he is more interested in immigration as a political weapon than in solving the festering immigration problem. If President Obama would simply take a low-key position, supporting the bipartisan solution and not insisting on his own version, it could be decisive for Democrats still uneasy with the secure-border approach. He should also avoid the partisan comments he seems to enjoy making, something not easy for the fundamentally partisan President. But, if he could bring himself to put bipartisanship and compromise ahead of his naturally devisive leadership style, Congress just might prove that both parties can work together for good.

4 comments:

  1. Maybe Boehner can send a golf gift certificate to the Pres and then they'll get something accomplished.

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  2. Thank you for the apology, not needed though. Just thought i made some "big goof"

    Immigration is a problem that will not be settled until it is bi-partisan in nature and maybe also have an up or down, simple yeah or nay vote on it via a national referendum.

    This issue goes so far into the health and wealth of this country that I think it is worthy of considering the referendum. Let's get everyone stepping up to the plate and being counted. No complaints after he congressional vote is cast. Maybe the national referendum prior to the congressional vote. That would let each congressional member know exactly what his/hers constituents think of their solution. A special national election with the cost being covered via $1.00 voting charge per individual/family, $1.00 per vote cast via federal funds, and $1.00 per vote cast by each state government. NO NEW TAXES OR SURCHARGES allowed by state and/or federal government.

    Get to work Washington and show the citizens what you have to offer us for sitting and watching Immigration becoming a monumental, security threatening, life endangering problem that you have created or at least turned your eyes away from.

    Can't wait for the next installment Casey Pops ... Your right on track.

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  3. Yesterday the Gallup organization released a poll on President Obama's broad acceptance with the American public. There were 9 categories:

    Approve Disapprove

    National defense 53% 44%
    Foreign Affairs 46% 48%
    IMMIGRATION 46% 48%
    Energy 44% 46%
    Gun Policy 42% 52%
    Taxes 41% 57%
    Economy 39% 60%
    Middle east 36% 55%
    Fed. Budget Deficit 31% 65%

    Approval number agree with how Obama is handling the problem, and disapprove they think Obama is wrong in his handling of the problem.

    Average all this and Obama has a 42% Approval and a 52.7% Disapproval rating.

    Does the wishes of Obama really matter to anyone outside of Washington ...NO by this poll. His party needs to sit him down and tell him that they are going to participate (not just talk about) bi-partisanship in attacking Immigration.

    How and why Obama is still president is another long discussion meant for another day. But most of the House members and Senators will be in Washington long after Obama is out and about on the speaking and book tours ... they need to be reminded of this little fact.

    Wake up America, wake up House of Representatives, wake up Senate ... President Obama doesn't care about solving any of these problems or any other problem. he cares about Obama.

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  4. If we as a nation do not get control of this very serious immigration problem that has manifested over the past years we will be doomed as a cohesive nation, as a leader of the free world, as one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

    We will no longer be the "melting" pot for the world. we will be a supplier of bodies to other nations that are a more attractive country to live in. American will settle into the routine of exporting citizens rather than the importer of freedom seeking people.

    The American dream could be dead if we continue to not address the border security question, the illegal immigrants already inside our borders question, and address immigration not as what is good for various 3rd world nation but what is good for AMERICA and those INDIVIDUALS that want to be part of the "dream" and contributor their talents and abilities to it.

    PS: No apology needed Casey Pops.Mistakes happen.

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