An article in the Washington Post points out that reconciling the House and Senate versions of the immigration reform bills will be difficult. Blue Crab Boulevard has always maintained that the political reality is that if a fence is built and security at the border is made stronger, many other compromises can be reached. So if the Senate is truly serious about their measure, they need to immediately yield on controlling the border and take a tough stance. Almost everything else will fall into place. If the Senate negotiators do not take that stance, this is going to be a long nasty process with no guarantee of a successful outcome.
With Senate passage appearing likely, focus is shifting to negotiations with the House, expected to begin next month. The immigration issue fractures both parties, especially in the House, along unfamiliar lines, and it is far from clear whether House leaders can craft a compromise acceptable to majorities in both chambers.
House Majority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) told reporters yesterday: "You all know how far apart these two bills are, and how far apart the American people's opinions are. So trying to find a pathway that is acceptable to the House and Senate is going to be very difficult."
Chief Deputy House Whip Eric I. Cantor (R-Va.) said that if a compromise is to win House approval, "it needs to be about border security first." House members might accept some form of pathway to legality for illegal immigrants, he said, but only if it is preceded by clear evidence that tighter border restrictions are beginning to work.
Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.), who supports the Senate version, said finding a workable House-Senate accord will be a challenge. "Whether the speaker and majority leader can pull that rabbit out of the hat is the $64 billion question," he said. "I think if the president puts his full weight behind it, he can get it. But it's a big pull."
Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), a prominent House conservative, called for a bill largely similar to the House version, adding a guest-worker program. But Pence's plan would require all illegal immigrants in the United States to be deported, a move most senators reject.
The Senate debate has mobilized groups opposed to legalizing illegal immigrants. Black conservatives and activists formed an 11-member coalition yesterday called Choose Black America, saying competition for jobs and housing with immigrants have worsened living and working conditions for blacks.
Security first or this will be very ugly.
If you ask around in Europe, what was the result of the Iron Curtain – which was in fact physically built on borders – they can tell you, that having a wall won’t resolve unlawful border crossing.
A live minefield can help of course – it did around here, that’s sure -, but then I am not quite sure that would be the best thing to do. Installing a minefield is a hazardous thing, especially in a country where people got used to cross the border both way.
The wall won’t really help, cause smuggling people is a profitable business, and there always will be people in the army who will look the other way for a sec, or will “forget” to report a hole in the wall.
It’s not about the army in general, just a fact, that there always will be people who will do such things for money.
I think the securing the border thing is a good idea, but not by sealing off the country behind 6 feet of concrete wall.
Now regulating the empoyment of illegal immigrants, tight control and such can help a lot.
I know that corporations won’t be happy with that, as they will loose valuable cheap labour, but then, if you can’t make everyone happy, then might as well try to annoy as many as possible.
So yes, security and tighter control of form of employment.
But that’s just me.
The wall won’t hurt and will at least slow the flood here. There’s a big difference between trying to keep people out and trying to keep them in, Roland. The wall will at least slow the flood we have happening right now.
Never been a big fan of walls.
It helps to turn inward – I don’t want to offend americans, sorry northen hemisphere inhabitants or what was that, but it seems that they already are closing up like hell, already separating from the rest of the world.
At least it seems like that.
You don’t have such a good public image at the moment, and that’s a shame. And don’t blame only us, non US residents, blame Hollywood, and some of your prominent government figures too.
In the short run yes, you have results with the wall.
But I think you know, that building a wall is easier than tearing it down.
And with a wall in place, not much will change with the basic structure, there won’t be a real need to change.
I would like to visit the US someday, but it seems less likely the way things go that I will be able. Most probably wouldn’t get a tourist visa right now – don’t worry, wouldn’t live there, I love my country too much.
Where are you from, Roland?
I think you’ll be able to visit. I hope it would be harder for you to overstay your visa, though!
Yes, I also believe there need to be structural changes as well. Businesses that employ illegals should be hammered.
From Hungary.
Staunch ally of the US, member of NATO, whatever.
The embassy keeps the ratio of denied Visa requests over the 30% limit, and it was a popular thought that we should introduce a Visa for americans, just to get even.
Bit awkward, that american tourists are flying here all the time, and we have to go rounds for months to get – or more likely not to get – a Visa.
Which will be granted a month later, without any change in the circumstances.
Serves us right, what would we do over there? Probably visiting Ede Teller or Gabor Zsa Zsa
)))
Hungary is a good ally. I’ve always wanted to visit there, will likely never do it though.
I never said our State Department was particularly good at what it does. Especially these days.
Well, on the Internet the world is small.
But when physical travel is required…
Try to believe in reincarnation, then you can be sure that you will visit everywhere
Good Lord, no! I’d likely come back as some lower form of life!
I envy our cats.
They do nothing just eat and sleep and hunt mice and birds.
No stress, no need to pay bills.
Maybe I’ll get lucky, and will be reborn as one of our cats
)))
Yeah, the pets have a pretty sweet deal around here, too.