All agree immigration policy needs reforms, but divides seen on how to proceed

[alp227]

Source: Washington Post

t was perhaps the one topic that received bipartisan attention Tuesday night — from President Obama during his State of the Union address, in the official Republican response delivered by Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, and in the tea party’s response to the response: the need to overhaul the nation’s immigration laws.

But despite the bipartisan call for broad action, partisan divides on how the complex topic should be tackled were on display Wednesday as the Senate held its first substantive hearing on the path forward.

Several Republicans on the key Judiciary Committee complained that the nation’s borders are not secure and that the latest efforts to change laws could lead to a new attempt at amnesty for illegal immigrants similar to those they have helped derail in the past.

Some Democrats stressed that a legal rewrite must recognize the rights of same-sex immigrant couples, an issue some Republicans involved in the effort have said could cost GOP support.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/all-agree-immigration-policy-needs-reforms-but-divides-seen-on-how-to-proceed/2013/02/13/0c9820c6-75fc-11e2-aa12-e6cf1d31106b_story.html

[COLGATE4]

1. More "Same 'ol, same 'ol"

The Rethugs, in the spirit of 'bi-partisanship' which characterizes them, have now decided that their new-found support for Immigration reform depends on two things:

1- "The border must be secure". (By their definition it can never be 'secure enough' to qualify)
2- "No amnesty". (No path to citizenship, but it's OK is there's a permanent underclass of people who can legally work her but can never vote).

Nothing to see here. Move along.

[Samantha]

2. Looking at the issue pragmatically, I do not see Republicans seriously supporting this issue

Why would they assist in moving thousands onto the road to citizenship, knowing that once each acquired the right to vote, they would in great numbers vote Democratic?

The Republican party as a collective group of politicians simply looks at what is in it's best interests, as well as those who donate to their campaign. There is no room to look after the well-being of those who could potentially threaten their ability to win. Winning is everything; serving the interests of the populace in the overall scheme of things ... not too important.

Sam