Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006

The Great Hijack

I am watching Fox and Friends' coverage of the outrage that is the ''Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006'' passed by the Senate yesterday.  Sen. Jeff Sessions from Alabama had his staff comb the entire bill, something I'll warrant no other Senator did  before signing on, and  - in a nut shell - this is total capitulation.   I hope readers will use this space to list facts about this bill as you run across them.  Here's an example.  Naturalized citizens can bring their families into the country.  That means 13 million X what?  3? - 4? 7?  On his web site, Session writes • Future Immigration Levels: The bill increases future legal immigration at least three times the current level. Instead of 18.9 million people coming in the next 20 years, more than 66 million people will immigrate over the same time period. Ay Carumba! Comparing House, Senate versions Major provisions House bill Senate bill Illegal immigrants Makes illegal immigration a felony and increases fines. Those in USA more than 5 years could eventually become citizens. Those here 2-5 years would have to leave but could come back legally. Those here fewer than 2 years would have to leave. “Guest Workers” Makes no changes in current visa program. Creates special program for estimated 1.5 million farm workers. Adds 325,000 visas annually for low-skilled workers and increases visas for high-tech workers from 65,000 to 115,000 annually. Border fence Requires 700 miles of double-layered fencing along the 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexican border Requires 370 miles of triple-layered fencing along the U.S.-Mexican border and 500 miles of vehicle barriers. Employer penalties Requires employers to verify work eligibility of all employees. Boosts fines for hiring illegal immigrants to $40,000 for each worker. Requires employers to verify work eligibility of new hires. Increases fines for hiring illegal immigrants to $20,000 for each worker. Sources: Associated Press and USA TODAY research