Border Enforcement...What a Concept

Finally, some movement on illegal immigration issues. The guest worker idea is a sham, but at least enforcement is actually on the table for once.

Chertoff vows to get tough on illegal migration

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff promised Tuesday to end the “catch and release” policy that has allowed tens of thousands of non-Mexican illegal aliens to disappear within the United States.

They haven’t disappeared. I can’t go to the store without running into at least a dozen. I’m a foreigner in my own town. Even my atm knows it.

“Return every single illegal entrant — no exceptions,”

Yep.

Chertoff was joined by Labor Secretary Elaine Chao in presenting administration views on the illegal immigrant problem. He said President Bush remains committed to a comprehensive approach including gaining control of the border, enforcing workplace laws and establishing a temporary worker program.

Well, two out of three ain’t bad.

Leaders in both the House and Senate have suggested taking up a more narrow bill this year that concentrates on beefing up enforcement, leaving the tougher issue of reforming the system for a later day.

First things first. Congress is right for once.

Cornyn…But he also said there must be improved avenues for legal immigration.

Well, some of them anyway.

Chertoff said it is should be possible to achieve significant progress in reversing that policy in less than a year, noting that his department’s budget for fiscal 2006 includes $90 million in new money to add hundreds of beds.

Imagine if we had started five years ago!

Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., back a bill that would let illegal immigrants apply for a temporary work visa for up to six years, after which they must return home or apply for permanent residency.

Which is stupid on a variety of levels. First of all, anyone may apply for permanent residency, regardless of whether they have been a part of any guest worker program. Are McCain and Kennedy suggesting that those that broke our laws should get a leg up on those that have not?

In any case, at least we have some movement on the issue.

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