| Up until the final debate at Arizona State University, the | | | | are successfully screened for security purposes will be |
| issue of immigration had not been much discussed. | | | | given a path to citizenship. |
| Both presidential candidates know very well that illegal | | | | 5. - Eliminate the administrative backlog and delay, |
| immigration is a hot button topic in our country, and | | | | which have left many families divided. |
| each man is now trying to use it to his political | | | | 6. - Create a secure channel for a limited number of |
| advantage. Since the eighties the Democratic Party | | | | temporary workers to come into the United States. |
| has, in general, supported immigrants and has been for | | | | 7. - Kerry would restore legal immigrants' eligibility for |
| fair and just immigration laws. However, there are | | | | health care, welfare and other government programs. |
| those members of the party who claim that the | | | | (The 1996 welfare reform law made most legal |
| presence of millions of undocumented immigrants | | | | immigrants, including those already in the United States |
| undermines the bargaining power of the US born labor | | | | for a number of years, ineligible for welfare, health care |
| force. On the other side, the Republican Party | | | | and other essential programs.) |
| traditionally has been against immigrants, but is | | | | Unfortunately, the reality is that little of significance will |
| increasingly reaching out to the Latino population. | | | | be done about immigration under either a Bush or |
| Advocates of free markets within the party have flat | | | | Kerry administration. Immigration is an issue which is |
| out called for the opening of the borders. | | | | brought up when it is time to court voters; namely |
| BUSH ON IMMIGRATION. | | | | Latinos. Kerry, like Bush is also close to corporations |
| 1. Because of his policies, the Mexican border is now | | | | and businesses that wish to continue their supply of |
| more secure. | | | | cheap, exploitable labor. He speaks of a path to |
| 2. Proposed temporary guest-worker program, for up | | | | citizenship for hardworking undocumented immigrants, |
| to 6 years (originally announced in Jan 2004) but is | | | | but how hard will he push for these proposals in |
| against amnesty for illegal workers. | | | | Congress? Bush proposed a temporary worker |
| 3. Claims that our southern border is more secure now | | | | program in Jan. of 2004 (with no plan for becoming |
| than before 9\11, partly due to his efforts, which include: | | | | green card holders), but nothing at all has come of it. |
| 4. - More than a thousand additional border control | | | | These gestures are mostly political pandering. |
| agents since he took office. | | | | Democrats tend to be more immigrant friendly, but |
| 5. - Un-manned vehicles patrolling the US-Mexico | | | | remember it was Reagan who gave undocumented |
| border. | | | | workers amnesty in this country. Republicans are |
| KERRY ON IMMIGRATION. | | | | better, though, at fanning the flames of immigrant hate. |
| 1. Our southern border is now more of a security risk. | | | | Immigration is an issue which needs to be addressed |
| 2. Would put illegal immigrants on a path to citizenship. | | | | seriously, not simply with one-liners at election time. |
| 3. Proposes a comprehensive immigration reform bill | | | | Kerry promises more, but promises can be empty. For |
| with four major components: | | | | Bush, immigrants are to be courted for elections and |
| 4. - Undocumented workers who have lived and | | | | also used as fodder. When the economy is not doing |
| worked in the U.S. for 5 years, pay taxes, and who | | | | well, it is easy to blame illegal immigrants. |