More On Immigration.

Here is the gist of the bill in the Senate:

— Illegals in the United States less than two years would be required to leave immediately. If caught once, they would be subject to a misdemeanor, and if caught twice they would be charged with a felony. About 2 million to 3 million people fall into this category.

— Illegals in the United States between two and five years would have go to one of 16 ports of entry in the United States, determined by the U.S. Visit program, and declare themselves. They would be given a temporary visa and allowed back to their U.S. residences immediately. Once in the United States, they could apply for the citizenship path spelled out in the McCain-Kennedy bill. About 3 million to 4 million people fall into this category.

— Illegals who could prove they have been in the United States for more than five years would immediately be given guest worker status and would get on the 11-year path to citizenship. They would not have to declare themselves as guest workers. This path would be open to about 5 million illegals living in the United States.

But actually passing something doesn't look promising:

"A U.S. Senate compromise on an overhaul of immigration law appeared to get bogged down late on Thursday in the face of opposition by some Republicans who say it would give amnesty to lawbreakers.

It appeared unlikely the Senate would approve before a two-week congressional break on Friday the radical immigration reform that would give millions of illegal immigrants a chance to earn U.S. citizenship."

This is certainly a divisive issue for Republicans. It seems like a lose/lose. If passed many Republicans will be very angry, if not passed many Hispanics, who we need to win, will be very angry.

It seems to me that those on the side of compromise have not done a very good job at convincing many onthe right of how necessary it is to do something.

Guys, we are NOT going to deport or throw into jail 11 million people. It just isn't going to happen. While hoping for things that are politically impossible to pass, we are missing an opportunity to make a real change here that is very necessary.

The one thing that bothers me is why aren't they working just as hard at sealing our borders?? That is a win/win for everyone. I don't get it.

via IowaVoice