Obama floats ambitious immigration bill, stops short of simple ‘amnesty’ promise (2013, illegal immigrants)

[All American NYC]

Obama’s bill was sketched out in a Jan. 12 leak to The New York Times, and it won immediate plaudits from the National Council of La Raza, a major Hispanic lobby group...., the White House said its bill would not grant amnesty to the roughly 11 million illegal immigrants in the country. Instead, “the White House will argue that its solution for illegal immigrants is not an amnesty … because it would include fines, the payment of back taxes and other hurdles for illegal immigrants who would obtain legal status,” the Times reported....But the bill’s future is threatened by a high unemployment level that has left 23 million Americans without full-time employment, and many others skeptical about the need for immigration

With that many people out of work, it makes no sense to reward these people & dilute Americans out of the workforce. We already immigrant enough legal immigrants each year.

[Oldglory]

Originally Posted by All American NYC

Obama’s bill was sketched out in a Jan. 12 leak to The New York Times, and it won immediate plaudits from the National Council of La Raza, a major Hispanic lobby group...., the White House said its bill would not grant amnesty to the roughly 11 million illegal immigrants in the country. Instead, “the White House will argue that its solution for illegal immigrants is not an amnesty … because it would include fines, the payment of back taxes and other hurdles for illegal immigrants who would obtain legal status,” the Times reported....But the bill’s future is threatened by a high unemployment level that has left 23 million Americans without full-time employment, and many others skeptical about the need for immigration

With that many people out of work, it makes no sense to reward these people & dilute Americans out of the workforce. We already immigrant enough legal immigrants each year.

Anything that allows them to remain in this country without returning to their homelands and waiting in line is amnesty, IMO. I don't care if they do have to pay fines, etc. (as if this is going to be monitored anyway, yeah right). They will be forgiven felony ID theft also. As you said, this makes no sense with 23 million Americans out of work anyway.

[majesticat]

I know that Pres. Obama promised the Latino lobby that he would accomplish immigration reform in his 2nd term; however, with the current economic climate and so many out of work, I think this will be a hard sell. Bush couldn't even get it through before the economy crashed. If Congress won't pass it, though, what is to prevent Obama from just ramming it through via Executive Order?

[Oldglory]

Originally Posted by majesticat

I know that Pres. Obama promised the Latino lobby that he would accomplish immigration reform in his 2nd term; however, with the current economic climate and so many out of work, I think this will be a hard sell. Bush couldn't even get it through before the economy crashed. If Congress won't pass it, though, what is to prevent Obama from just ramming it through via Executive Order?

I he has already done something like that. He has given 1.8 million so-called Dreamies a stay of deportation for 2 years along with possible work permits. As for the rest of the illegal immigrants he has ordered ICE not to deport any unless they have a felony "conviction" on their record. It won't take much else to just wave his magic wand and declare them legal and permanent residents.

[HappyTexan]

Because Obama can't change the law via EO. He can only change policies..how the law is carried out.
That's why he gets no flack from Congress..procedural changes can be made by EO.

[All American NYC]

Originally Posted by majesticat

I know that Pres. Obama promised the Latino lobby that he would accomplish immigration reform in his 2nd term; however, with the current economic climate and so many out of work, I think this will be a hard sell. Bush couldn't even get it through before the economy crashed. If Congress won't pass it, though, what is to prevent Obama from just ramming it through via Executive Order?

Congress should prohibit executive orders without the vote of the American people.

[Oldglory]

Originally Posted by All American NYC

Congress should prohibit executive orders without the vote of the American people.

Or at the very least without the vote of congress.

[Oldglory]

Originally Posted by HappyTexan

Because Obama can't change the law via EO. He can only change policies..how the law is carried out.
That's why he gets no flack from Congress..procedural changes can be made by EO.

It's a loophole. One that should be closed. Our immigration laws say deport em and he won't allow that.

[BigDGeek]

The word 'amnesty' shouldn't be on anyone's lips with unemployment as high as it is. It's a slap in the face.

If anything we should be curtailing legal immigration, not talking about giving amnesty to millions of unskilled illegals.

[Wicket]

Originally Posted by Oldglory

Anything that allows them to remain in this country without returning to their homelands and waiting in line is amnesty, IMO. I don't care if they do have to pay fines, etc. (as if this is going to be monitored anyway, yeah right). They will be forgiven felony ID theft also. As you said, this makes no sense with 23 million Americans out of work anyway.

I agree. I hope our lawmakers see it the same way.