How do you feel about combining comprehensive immigration reform and an economic stimulus bill?

If you read this blog regularly, you might remember how I critiqued the immigration bill being sponsored by Lindsey Graham and Chuck Schumer. As you might recall, I didn’t like it, and I suggested some issues that need to be addressed in an effective immigration bill. Unfortunately, I don’t think my ideas went far enough.

The exact number of illegal aliens in the United States isn’t known, but I’ve heard estimates ranging between 12 million and 20 million. I also read that illegal aliens have around 8 million jobs. This made me think: What if we could combine a second economic stimulus that would put people to work, while addressing immigration reform? » read more

Chuck Schumer and Lindsey Graham offer an immigration reform plan that will be a miserable failure

Dumb and Dumber: Senators Chuck Schumer and Lindsey Graham

Barack Obama announced his support for a comprehensive immigration reform bill being sponsored by Senators Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. and Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Here are some details of the bill:

* Illegal aliens must admit they broke the law
* Pay a fine and back taxes
* Perform community service
* Pass background checks
* Be proficient in English
* Grant legal status to those who receive a masters degree or doctorate from a U.S. university
* Zero tolerance for illegal aliens who commit crimes
* Flexible system which bring in more immigrants when the economy is strong, and fewer during a recession
* Require all U.S. citizens to get a new Social Security card with built in biometrics » read more

New Gallup poll is bad news for Barack Obama

Barack Obama's approval rating continues to drop.

The latest Gallup Poll shows that more Americans disapprove of Barack Obama’s performance than approve. The poll shows that 47% of Americans disapprove of his performance, while just 46% approve. This is just the latest sign of the slow erosion of the President’s support.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Barack Obama’s approval rating drop into the high 30% range. If the health care bill passes, especially without being voted on by the House, his approval rating will take a massive hit. This will only be compounded once debates start on immigration reform. » read more

David Axelrod seems fine with illegal aliens receiving health care

In yet another bit of hypocrisy, Barack Obama’s senior adviser, David Axelrod went on CNN’s “State of the Union” to discuss the health care bill. During his appearance, he criticized addressing illegal immigration and abortion in the health care bill:

“The president’s view is that this is not the vehicle to address immigration issues…this is not the place for this, this is not the place to resolve disputes over abortion,” he said. “I believe that as the week goes on, these issues will clarify themselves…We have to resolve the larger questions, which is the status of undocumented workers…we can’t resolve it within the context of this debate.”

Axelrod’s words might have had some credibility if the health care bill weren’t being used to expand the federal government’s role in higher education. Student loans have nothing to do with health care, yet they are part of the debate. On the other hand, the debates surrounding illegal immigration and abortion concern who is eligible for benefits and what procedures are covered. The last time I checked, those were both central issues that would need to be discussed in any reform plan.

In regards to the undocumented workers illegal aliens David Axelrod referred to, his position is a harbinger of things to come. By ignoring any prohibition on illegal aliens, he’s essentially hoping to extend benefits to the law-breakers. Maybe I’m wrong, but wouldn’t health care costs be reduced if we deported the 12 million or so illegal aliens who burden the United states financially?

Here’s a way to cut California’s deficit in half

I came across an article today, and I’m having trouble believing what I read. It discussed California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s idea of paying to build prisons in Mexico to house prisoners who are in the U.S. illegally. Schwarzenegger claims that the plan could save the state more than $1 billion, which could be used for higher education.

So, why am I in disbelief? It’s because of some stats provided by the Governator: Out of 170,000 inmates in California’s prison system, more than 20,000 are undocumented workers illegal aliens. Don’t liberals always say that undocumented workers illegal aliens come here to earn an honest living (after trespassing of course), and that they contribute more financially than what they cost? Well, these numbers seem to fly in the face of their reasoning. » read more

Illegal Haitian Immigrants allowed to stay in U.S.: What’s next?

Not surprisingly, the Obama administration has decided to offer protected status to Haitians in the United States illegally. This status is often given to people who face going back to a country affected by a natural disaster or war. Many will agree with this decision and consider it humane. I think it’s insane.

For Haitians in the United States legally, extending their visas is the right thing to do. For Haitians in need of medical service due to injuries from the earthquake, I support bringing them to the United States temporarily so they can receive the treatment they need to survive. For those here illegally? They deserve nothing more than a plane ride home. » read more

“Law & Order’s” lies

On a recent episode of “Law & Order,” the show’s liberal bias was once again on display. In an episode which dealt with illegal immigration, a character made this assertion:

“Limbaugh, Beck, O’Reilly, all of ‘em, they are like a cancer spreading ignorance and hate…They’ve convinced folks that immigrants are the problem, not corporations that fail to pay a living wage or a broken health care system…”

So, if you are to believe Dick Wolfe and those on the “Law & Order” team, anyone who believes the United States has the right to determine who can or cannot enter the country is spreading ignorance and hate. If you mention that illegal aliens are taking jobs and bringing down wages, you’re spreading ignorance and hate. » read more

Illegal aliens and the road to health care

When Representative Joe Wilson called President Barack Obama a “liar” for insisting illegal immigrants wouldn’t be eligible for insurance under any of the health care plans, he was on to something. Barack Obama and the Democrats have insisted that illegal immigrants will not receive government subsidized benefits, but this is only partially true.

Many workers would be required to obtain health insurance from their employers. Illegal aliens wouldn’t be eligible for subsidies if they’re honest about their status, but those who provide false documents and lie about their status will be eligible. Maybe I’m wrong, but if someone will break U.S. laws by coming here illegally, then why wouldn’t they break more laws to get free or reduced cost benefits? Then they can get free benefits and have legal residents and citizens foot the bill. » read more

Barack Obama’s approval rating continues to fall

Barack Obama’s approval rating continues to fall. According to the most recent Gallup poll, just 48% of Americans approve of the President’s performance, while 44% disapprove. I have a feeling this trend will continue for some time.

The health care debate will begin in the Senate this week, and there has been talk about starting work on comprehensive immigration reform in January. Both of these bills have the potential to further erode the President’s approval ratings. Think about it: The unemployment rate is over 10%, and we have a health care bill that will increase expenses for businesses, and an immigration bill that will probably include amnesty for illegal aliens who are taking American jobs. How do you think those bills will sit with those who are unemployed, or struggling to make ends meet?

Patrick Kennedy: The poster boy for liberal ignorance

Here’s a clip of Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy, who makes me think of the following line: “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” Kennedy seems to feel that any opposition to illegal immigration makes an individual a racist, then takes issue with the word “alien.” Just in case there are any pro-illegal immigration advocates reading this, here is the formal definition of “alien”: » read more

Lou Dobbs to run for Senate…or President

After more than 30 years at CNN, Lou Dobbs is considering his career options. It appears that politics might be in his future. He is reportedly considering a run for U.S. Senate in New Jersey, or an independent run for President in 2012. Dobbs had this to say:

“I am ruling nothing out. … I have come to no conclusions and no decisions,” he said. “Do I seek to have some influence on public policy? Absolutely. Do I seek to represent and champion the middle class in this country and those who aspire to it? Absolutely. And I will.”

If Lou Dobbs were to run for President, he would certainly be a factor. Presidential debates normally include the Democrat and Republican, but exclude candidates from other parties. If Dobbs were to run, he would almost certainly poll well enough to be included by the debate committee, thanks to his long television career. Giving Americans an opportunity to hear a different voice could draw some support from the other parties. Of course, Dobbs is also controversial. » read more

Coming to the U.S.? Where does the line start?

You often hear supporters of illegal aliens talk about providing a “path to citizenship” for those who have broken U.S. immigration laws. These same people also tend to support moratoriums on workplace raids and deportations, and extending help to illegal aliens. They usually won’t admit it, but they basically favor open borders.

Just in case you needed more reason to oppose any immigration policy that brings us closer to having open borders, a new poll finds that more than 700 million people world-wide would like to move to another country. So, where do most respondents want to go? The United States of course! Of the 700 million people who want to move, 145 million chose the United States as their first choice for a new home. » read more