Pres. Bush on immigration: "I'm going to try to do better."

Bush to Try to Clarify Immigration Stance (link)
Jun 9, 10:36 AM (ET)
By SUZANNE GAMBOA

Whoa now. Stop the bus. Let's just focus on this title for a second.

Take a breath. Rub the disbelief and sheer dumbfoundedness out of your eyes.

Okay, on with the show.

WASHINGTON (AP) - In a meeting with members of Congress, President Bush said he needs to do a better job explaining his position on immigration changes, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay said Wednesday.

How about, hasn't done ANYTHING.

What the heck does the POTUS have to lose now? It's not like he is depending on the Latino vote for reelection! What was it about his time as governor in the Great state of Texas (Texas rules, people) that makes immigration reform such a non-issue in a post-9/11 world? I mean, if he was governor of Maine where there are probably 23 Hispanics, that's one thing, but Texas?

"He admitted he hasn't done a very good job in being clear to the American people where he's coming from, and he's going to try to do better," said DeLay, who attended the White House session where the president discussed his legislative agenda.

I feel better now already, don't you? I can no longer feel the draft blowing from the South... must be that 20 50-FT HIGH CONCRETE WALL FROM TEXAS TO CALIFORNIA.

In January 2004, Bush urged an overhaul of immigration policies and said he supported a temporary guest worker program. His proposal would include giving temporary legal status to undocumented immigrants already in the United States so they could work without fear of arrest or deportation.

Opponents of that idea say it amounts to amnesty for lawbreakers. Bush has said he does not support amnesty.

Asked about DeLay's comments, White House spokesman Taylor Gross said are no updates to Bush's immigration principles.

"I think the American people understand that the president is going to continue to make America a safer place," Gross said.

DeLay said immigration changes must be preceded by tougher border security and enforcement of U.S. laws.

DeLay has said people who are in the U.S. illegally should have to return to their native country before applying for a U.S. guest worker program.

Bush has proposed allowing illegal immigrants already in the country to pay a fee before participating in a guest worker program.

He has said those workers should be allowed to apply for permanent residency but should not have priority over other immigrants who have been waiting to enter the country legally.

A bill by Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz. and Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., would allow undocumented immigrants in the country to pay a $2,000 fine before they can participate in a guest worker program.

I'm down with DeLay. Illegal immigrants should have to return to their homeland and apply for guestworker, citizenship or whatever status their hearts desire just like anyone else.

And what's this bi-partisan garbage from McCain and Teddy K? Pay a mere $2Gs before they can "participate"???

How about repaying every single tax dollar spent on the health and social services as well as public education (among other things) that they so unlawfully enjoyed?

This is America. Unless you are a refugee or asylum-seeker, you gotta pay to play.

Posted by Kyer at June 10, 2005 12:00 AM