Congressmen Push Immigration

Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) and Rep. Peter King (R-NY) have introduced legislation, H.R. 2954, to "strengthen enforcement of immigration laws and gain control over our border." Among other provisions, the bill calls for increasing the size of the Border Patrol and establishing an effective system for employers to verify the legal status of prospective employees. Rep. Smith also has introduced H. Res. 499, a non-binding measure calling on the Bush Administration to enforce existing immigration laws.

Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO) plans to author legislation to reduce legal immigration and automatic citizenship for the children of illegal aliens born on U.S. territory.

Commentary: The defeat of the Senate amnesty bill in June was a great victory for immigration reformers-and for America. Nevertheless, that victory did nothing to change the status quo on illegal immigration. We still have at least 12 million foreigners living here illegally, and with our scarcely controlled border, their numbers keep growing and growing. With the public outrage that flared during the amnesty fight still strong, it's time to press Congress for effective enforcement. H.R. 2954 and H. Res. 499 are good places to start. Take Action - Ask your House member to cosponsor them.

Clinton and Obama Appeal to 'The Race'

Leading Democratic presidential contenders Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Barack Obama (D-IL) addressed the national convention of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) in Miami. The NCLR through the years has opposed virtually all measures to control illegal immigration. La Raza" means "the race."

Both candidates promised as president to support "comprehensive immigration reform," a phrase meaning legal status (amnesty) for illegal aliens. One of Clinton's campaign chairs is Raul Yzaguirre, the previous president of NCLR. She told the convention that limited amnesty bills might still pass Congress this year. Obama related that he marched with illegal aliens and their supporters last year to protest legislation to crack down on illegal immigration. Source: (CBS4) Miami Beach 7/22/07