by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright May 25, 2007
All Rights Reserved.

resident George W. Bush jumped on the chance to divert attention from the Iraq war and partner with Democrats on new immigration reform. Bush's compassionate conservatism took center stage hoping to grant legal status to some 12 million undocumented workers currently in the U.S. A New York Times/CBS News poll indicated that 56% of Americans favor a guest workers program, regarded by conservatives as a new amnesty program. Back in 1986, congress passed and President Ronald Reagan signed the last immigration bill, granting amnesty to millions of illegal aliens. Since then, there's been virtually no enforcement of immigration laws, allowing millions of mostly Latino workers to flood the borders. New legislation, wending its way through congress, now seems to be gaining traction, with most Americans supporting immigration reform.

      Conservatives, like Patrick J. Buchanan, warn of an immigrant invasion, usurping jobs and precious government resources, including welfare, Food Stamps, Medicaid and education funds. Liberals, like Sen. Ted Kennedy, who on this issue joined hands with the White House, talk up the benefits to the economy, despite the drain on government largesse. Conservatives tried but failed to thwart the guest workers provision, essentially paving the way for legal status to around 12 million undocumented workers. “Anything short of kicking them out, as far as some people are concerned, is called amnesty,” said Bush, rebuking conservatives taking an unrealistic approach to immigration reform. “You can't kick them out. Anybody who advocates trying to dig out 12 million people who have been in or society for a while is sending a signal to the American people that's just not real.”

      Bush raises the inescapable fact that Homeland Security has no intention of enforcing current immigration law or mass deportations to satisfy xenophobic conservatives. With presidential primaries in full swing, candidates who support immigration reform risk alienating the conservative base that don't support Bush on immigration reform. While at loggerheads with Democrats on Iraq, Bush managed to win support for his guest workers program. “At the end of this week, we are still together and we're moving forward to accomplish what's going to be tough and fair and practical immigration reform for our country,” said Sen. Ken Salazar (D-Co.), supporting the White House plan. Though the Senate limited guest workers to 200,000 a year, there's no practical way Homeland Security, short of sealing the borders, can stop the flood across the border.

      Partnering with Kennedy helped Bush push his brand of immigration reform that provides an abundant supply of cheap labor to American business. Granting legal status to millions of undocumented workers threatens entitlement programs already stretched to the breaking point. Schools, county health facilities and other social welfare agencies have already watched budgets busted because of dramatic increases in benefits to undocumented workers. Moderates like Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Penn.), who recently called for the resignation of Atty. Gen. Alberto Gonzales, support Bush on immigration reform. “He wasn't prepared to bring the bill down,” said Specter, praising Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) for changing his vote and defeating a conservative attempt to end the temporary guest workers program. Despite all the objections, Specter believes the senate bill best serves the country.

      Heading into the Republican primaries, immigrations reform hurts conservative candidates seeking support from Bush's conservative base. Any diversion from Iraq is welcomed news, despite the obvious problems for conservative candidates. “In my opinion and in the opinion of many Americans, this is amnesty pure and simple,” said Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), believe the senate's new immigration bill repeats the exact same mistakes as the one passed in 1986. Vitter voted unsuccessfully to prevent immigrants who arrived before Jan. 1, 2007 from getting eight-year visas. He believes, along with other conservatives, that granting visas invites immigrants to stay indefinitely just like the 1986 bill. “This is not 1986,” said Kennedy raising his vote on the senate floor, offering no reassurance about enforcement, raising Vitter's concern's “when we did amnesty and not enough enforcement.”

      Immigration reform provides Bush with welcomed cover from Iraq, where there's little good news. Republicans can only hope that immigration reform compensates for a disastrous Iraq policy that cost the GOP dearly during the '06 midyear elections. Unless there's a dramatic turnaround in Iraq, Republicans face the same fortunes in '08. Immigration reform presents thorny issues for Republicans heading into next year's primaries. Most conservatives, like Vitter, believe that current immigration reform sells out the country, providing 12 million undocumented workers amnesty. “Yes, I have learned some new words from my constituents,” said conservative Sen. John Kyle (R-Ariz.), after opposing last year's bill. Instead of sticking to his guns, Kyle supports the White House, believing there's a growing consensus for immigration reform around the country.

About the Author

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He's editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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