McCain, Kennedy introduce immigration reform bill

Senators John McCain (R- AZ) and Ted Kennedy (D-MA) have teamed up to co-author a bill intended to deal with the problem f illegal immigration. It has received mixed reviews.

The elements of the bill include:

The proposal would allow illegal immigrants to apply for temporary work permits that could last for six years. They would have to clear criminal background checks, pass an English language test and pay a $2,000 fee to qualify.

At the end of the six years, they and their families could apply for permanent resident status, and five years later for citizenship.

The bill would also allow foreign citizens to apply for low-paid jobs that Americans do not want to do from outside the country. If the worker lost his job, he would have 60 days to find a new one or return home.
Immigration

Mixed reviews include Thomas Tancredo (R-CO)

Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo, a Republican who would supports cracking down on illegal immigrants, said the bill offered amnesty to millions of people who had broken U.S. laws by entering the country illegally.

"There is a little more lipstick on this pig than there was before, but it's most certainly the same old pig," he said.

and Luis Guitierrez (D-IL)

Democratic Rep. Luis Gutierrez of Illinois called the bill an "orderly, humane, compassionate immigration policy" that contained incentives for illegal immigrants to enter the legal economy while punishing them for entering the country illegally by forcing them to pay the $2,000.

It would take an illegal immigrant 11 years to become a US citizen. The biggest objection from US politicians seems to be the $2,000 entry fee.

Hey, using a very low estimate of 12,000,000 illegals, times 2,000, that is 24 BILLION! Gee, how much armor would that be for our troops? Or how much money for Bush&Co to "lose" while the bank Haliburton uses deposits a check for 24billion dollars.

Unless it has to go to the congress, then the republicans will vote against armor for the troops. Last time the majority of republicans said "We don't support our troops, let them die." while only one democrat said "Me Hawaiin, ont wot 12 littes." and wasn't able to spell yes.(that is a joke)

$2000.00 is a small fee considering they usually pay a smuggler $1,700.00-$2000.00 each to enter the US illegally. I don't think this will work if they can get in free, as some do ...why get legal?

I agree with Thomas Tancredo. Doesn't make sence to offer amnesty to people who have already broken laws by illegal entry.