McCain Says Guest Worker Proposal Is In Trouble
By Justin Gardner | Related entries in General Politics, Social Programs, The World
WASHINGTON – Supporters of a guest worker program that would let illegal immigrants stay in the United States said Tuesday they don’t have enough Senate votes to overcome objections from conservatives who oppose the measure on grounds it amounts to amnesty.As negotiators worked on a compromise to let those who have been here longest remain, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said a majority in the 100-member Senate support his and Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Edward M. Kennedy’s proposal to provide green cards to illegal immigrants after they’ve worked in the U.S. for six years.
But it takes 60 senators to overcome opponents’ parliamentary tactics, and McCain said he doesn’t have that many.
There’s been a lot of hay made about this issue in recent days, and this poll at least seems to suggest that immigration will have an effect this fall. And if that’s the case…expect a lot more political wrangling ahead. A LOT more.
Me, I’m torn on this issue. Of course, I think border security is what we need to address first, and the 700 mile fence is a completely valid way to solve that problem. I just don’t think we can have a serious discussion in this country about amensty or guest workers until we seriously cut the number of illegals who flow through our borders each year.
However, do I realize that the American economy depends on illegal workers? Yes. And since they’re contributing, we have to acknowledge that in a way that isn’t “Kick em out!” The guest worker program that McCain and Kennedy propse is a good first step to coming clean on this issue.
But again…if people keep streaming across the border…we’re going to keep on having this same conversation over and over and over again.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 4th, 2006 and is filed under General Politics, Social Programs, The World. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
July 5th, 2006 at 4:11 pm
n my opinion, the “guest worker” program sounds so ridiculous(Aside from it’s ramifications) that if it wasn’t so sad it would be hularious(Did I spell that right?)Anyway, this is basically an attempt by the powers to be to re-establish a modern form of slavery, without actually enslaving anyone. It is genious. But think about it. If this guest worker program actually went into effect. If would do us all more good then bad(What the f***)Thats right, kind of switched it on you huh? But think about it. If dirt cheap labor becomes an institution in this country, the market will expand far beyond just mexico. Eventually, we all
could have american Air planes flying in workers from Samolia or other extremely desperate nations where people will do anything to survive. Including working for 2$ or 3$/hour. Or just to have food in there stomachs. Since they are “Guest Workers” they have abolutely no rights with regards to what or how long they work. Why? Because they don’t even have a right to be here anyway, and they are lucky that they even get a can of spagetteos or beans and franks(Where a Bosnian or Ethiopian is from, that is like a 5 star resturant). Have I gotten to the good part yet? That means that even you or I(Or anyone) Who is an American Born citizen) Can afford to higher a $2/hr nanny, baby sitter, chef, maid, etc. Without any limit on how much we pay them. If they don’t want to work for food, they can stay in Africa and starve. Sound evil? Well, their current plight is definatly no better(In fact, it’s far worse) As long as they are accounted for(Perhaps some form of an ankle bracelet, SS, I.D,etc) they can be sent back to their country every 5 years and have a little money to bring back home(Well, I guess so). The thing I find amusing about this is that you all act like this country was founded on principle. Reality check. This country was built on the misery, suffering, and death of Millions of individuals. Why would anyone expect the decendants of such characters(Who’s wealth was established by such means)Would all of a sudden be so beyond such tactics now. It’s gotten them this far, why stop now? Can you think of any reason?
Anyway, as long as we can expand our influence. It might end up being almost identical to slavery. Once the workers become totally dependant upon there boss(massa heh heh)a mandatory “replacement” sceem can go into play where the worker MUST agree that he/she will report for deportation, or some huge penulty will be inacted. Again, who could complain? Hey, I hate you Bush, you flew me from my 3rd world shit hole, gave me a job, put cloths on my table and food on my back when I had none, and you have the nerve to make guidelines for me to follow. Go to hell! The “Guest Worker” program is Genius. As long as we work with other nations. Such as Europe, Japan, Saudi Arabia, China, and other Established nations of the world, we can create a cap on the amount of labor, and the periods by which the labor force must be rotated.
(Amongst the various nations I’ve just mentioned).
The illegal aliens that are here now. I agree, must be delt with. The best way I can figure is to
spend how ever much money and sanctions to cripple
Mexico or sway them in some other fashion to partake in the sceem with us. What do you think?