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Immigration Storm Clouds Gathering

by Man Eegee
Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 01:31:08 AM EST

The summer months in the desert Southwest are a mixture of blistering hot days followed by the methodical rolling-in of the thunderheads in the afternoon; bringing lightning, thunder and rain to the parched earth.

As I was watching a storm roll through the city today, the immigration reform issue came to my mind. (Really...) I have a habit of googling 'immigration' in their news section to see if anything new has popped up. I've noticed an uptick of articles over the past months and was drawn again to the fact that storm clouds are gathering on the horizon.

The Republicans are searching for their next issue to divide Americans and it looks like immigration will be at the top of their list. Rumblings of thunder below the fold...

For starters, I've got Georgia on my mind:

During the last primary campaign for the U.S. Senate, the three Republican candidates - Johnny Isakson, Herman Cain and Mac Collins - each visited the Daily Post to speak with reporters and editors. At each session, the candidate was asked the following: "What is the No. 1 issue on the minds of Georgia voters?" All three candidates gave the same answer: immigration. [snip]

Immigration, it seems, has become a touchy subject in some quarters. Nothing else will have greater impact on the future of our nation. Yet when it comes time to have substantive discussion, many would rather not. Perhaps they fear not being "politically correct." Perhaps they fear being labeled "racist." Perhaps they don't want to disturb an inexpensive labor force. Perhaps the politicians don't want to alienate a voting bloc. [snip]

Adding to the frustration is that many come here illegally. Without proper documentation, they skirt the laws the rest of us are expected to follow. Some U.S. citizens see the influx as a threat to their way of life. The Post receives more letters concerning immigration than any other topic.

Clearly, U.S. immigration policy is waffling in the wind. We have laws we don't enforce. We have borders we do not patrol. We have an estimated 10 million illegal immigrants in this country. It seems we're stymied for fear of being regarded as politically incorrect.
At all levels of government, the issue of immigration needs to be outed. Leaders and citizens of our cities, counties, states and the nation should discuss problems and solutions. We need to face the problem head-on. Immigration is no place for kid gloves.

Gwinnett Daily Post - GA (emphasis mine)

Or how about this flash of lightning from my home state. Are you ready for Goldwater V2.0?:

Republican Party activist Don Goldwater announced his candidacy Tuesday for governor in 2006, sounding some of the same conservative themes once heard from his uncle, 1964 presidential candidate Barry Goldwater.

"The state is headed in the wrong direction," said the 50-year-old candidate. "We must return to the basic principles of limited government, individual liberty and economic freedom."

Goldwater said he would push for tax cuts and school choice and combat illegal immigration. He said he would fully enforce a voter-approved immigration law, including its requirement that voters produce identification at polling places.

He called illegal immigration destructive to the state's health care industry, a burden on public schools and a threat to public safety.

"No longer can we turn a blind eye to illegal immigration, hoping that it will just go away," said Goldwater, who is seeking to unseat first-term Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano. (emphasis mine)

If the Republicans have their way, especially the increasingly nasty strain of Republicans ala Kyl and Cornyn, there will be a modern-day witch hunt in this country with anyone who resembles an immigrant being a target. Mark my words, there is no tin-foil hat on my head.

The Republicans are still trying to craft their response to the immigration "problem". They aren't stupid, they know that their past antics scream of bigotry. They don't want to smell a whiff of racism in their response. It will be devastating towards any inroads they've managed to make with Latinos and other minority groups. They are clearly being careful with this issue:

Two Cabinet members were no-shows yesterday at a U-S Senate committee hearing on immigration.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Labor Secretary Elaine Chao canceled their appearance at the hearing focusing on two immigration bills filed in the Senate. One bill is co-sponored by Senator John McCain and Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts and the other is co-sponsored by Senator Jon Kyl and Senator John Cornyn of Texas.

Aides say Chertoff and Chao will testify later.

"Later" will occur after the Rovian minions have fully calculated their response to the two competing Senate bills on immigration. Will the Democrats be ready to weather the storm? or will they step up to the plate and change the wind?

Immigration Storm Clouds Gathering | 26 comments (26 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

Alms for the poor (4.00 / 12)

Crossposted from

We are condemned to kill time, thus we die bit by bit - Octavio Paz / Latino Político

by Man Eegee (man.eegee at gmail dot com) on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 01:32:46 AM EST

NPR had a segment today (4.00 / 8)

that rubbed me the wrong way. It was regarding Freehold Borough in New Jersey. Did anyone else listen to it?

These days Freehold is a different place, but it's still struggling with big economic and racial changes. In just two decades, Freehold has become a magnet for undocumented workers and a court battle has erupted over what to do about them." Link to listen

We are condemned to kill time, thus we die bit by bit - Octavio Paz / Latino Político

by Man Eegee (man.eegee at gmail dot com) on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 01:44:52 AM EST

I heard it (4.00 / 7)

and I especially liked the response from one immigrant that stated, you don't like that we come here illegally, yet you want us to work in your homes out of sight.

The area surrounding Freehold, was stated as having McMansions and they needed the cheap labor to keep up the appearances, you keeping up with the Jones'.

I heard a lot of anger toward those immigrants, yet I don't suppose many of them want to pay a living wage to have citizens perform those same functions.

click on me

by ghostdancers way (ghostdancers_way@hotmail.com) on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 11:07:21 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I heard it (4.00 / 6)

I heard alot of bitterness with regards to the schooling situation; they were complaining of overcrowded classrooms due to immigrant children. The whole bit grinded against my ears like sandpaper.

We are condemned to kill time, thus we die bit by bit - Octavio Paz / Latino Político

by Man Eegee (man.eegee at gmail dot com) on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 01:45:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Immigration Storm Clouds Gathering (4.00 / 7)

It is something when a party opens the doors to lower the wages (it truly is that fact) by letting in cheaper labor. Then is in total denial of it by not responding to the problems, after, setting the laws and policies themselves.

The working class is more vocal about the new Trade Agreements than anyone, and rightfully so. It is all geared for the corps, not the common person by any means.

This issue is multi-leveled, and has good points, as well as bad. It deffinately needs a remake, but to who's advantage?

Your correct about the storm, my question is, who's property will receive the most damage, and will there be a FEMA to help out? Now that's scary a thought.

"what a wonderful world"- Louis Armstrong

by infidelpig (rdewaynetaylor01@earthlink.net) on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 08:30:09 AM EST

Re: Immigration Storm Clouds Gathering (4.00 / 6)

"but to who's advantage?" I think that's still unclear. Aside from Senator Kennedy, I haven't heard much direction from the Democrats. Are they even supportive of the bi-partisan bill? If they don't craft a position, the Republicans will take control of the debate next year and use it against us. It is going to get very ugly--and no one will win.

The wage issue is a problem, I support tougher stances on businesses who hire cheap labor to improve their bottom line. My biggest concern however, is that only the bigoted voices of Kyl and Cornyn are being trumpeted. Where are our leaders on this? I hope I'm wrong and that they're actually working behind the scenes to get ready for a real discussion.

We are condemned to kill time, thus we die bit by bit - Octavio Paz / Latino Político

by Man Eegee (man.eegee at gmail dot com) on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 01:37:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Immigration Storm Clouds Gathering (4.00 / 6)

Time will tell, and what it will tell us if/who was/is working behind the scenes.

One thing for sure, someone will step up to the podium and claim the praise, be it there's or not ; )

I have sincere doubts about the good of this bill, for anyone but the Robber Barons. (regaurdless of which side of the isle they rest)

"what a wonderful world"- Louis Armstrong

by infidelpig (rdewaynetaylor01@earthlink.net) on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 03:05:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Immigration Storm Clouds Gathering (4.00 / 5)

I have nothing but utter contempt for Jon Kyl. I will knock on every doorstep in Arizona if that is what it will take for him to be thrown out with the rest of the garbage from the Senate. He and Cornyn were clearly positioning themselves politically with their bill. Why else would he break with McCain?

The bipartisan bill info can be found here, it's sponsored by Kennedy/McCain and others. Like I said in the diary, I think Bush is still trying to discern which part of the road to stake out.

We are condemned to kill time, thus we die bit by bit - Octavio Paz / Latino Político

by Man Eegee (man.eegee at gmail dot com) on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 03:42:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Shrubspeak (4.00 / 6)

Looks like the wait is almost over:

President Bush says immigration reform will be a big issue when Congress reconvenes, and he's against amnesty.
Bush's comments drew applause Wednesday at the American Legislative Exchange Council convention in Grapevine.
Bush says our obligation is to secure the borders.
KVUE.com - Austin, TX

Also, I recommend a re-reading of this analysis by Tom Barry of the International Relations Center.

We are condemned to kill time, thus we die bit by bit - Octavio Paz / Latino Político

by Man Eegee (man.eegee at gmail dot com) on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 03:04:34 PM EST

Word play (4.00 / 4)

Bush knows he better be against "amnesty" or his base will revolt. From what I can gather he is very much in favor of various guest worker approaches, though.

by catte nappe on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 05:50:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Immigration Storm Clouds Gathering (4.00 / 5)

This seems to be an issue that makes people batshit crazy-against immigrants(legal or not) and blame them solely for the problem. I get dam sick and tired of their stupid arguments against immigrants...and not at the goddam people who hire them because they are cheap fucken bastards.

It seems as if no one can sanely discuss immigration without ranting and raving(as Fox news, etc). I personally know of a woman here in my apt. complex who is about 47 years old, never worked and has no experience at anything who decided she wanted a job. After about a month-of putting in applications at the K-mart here etc she couldn't get a job. She proceeds to tell me it's cause the 'mex's' are getting all the jobs...which is patently untrue as to the jobs she wanted. Adding to the fact that she has zero experience and no skills whatsoever she unfortunately had Bell's palsy and her face is a bit crooked looking-unfair I know but I would assume some employers would not hire her for jobs because of that....

So she then goes to a 6 week college class to learn basic computer skills and gets a certificate and passes her test-just barely. Now she believes she has a 'college' education and finds she still can't get a 'good job' as some high powered secretary and is once again blaming the 'mex's' for not being able to get a job.

It didn't make much of a dent in me trying to tell her that jobs were very very scare in this little one horse town and that the 'mex's' were not applying for the same jobs she was and besides that if she wanted to get mad she could get mad at companies hiring immigrants etc etc..but people want to blame someone else for their problems and immigrants are the obvious hot button whipping boys.

As far as I can tell no democrats are talking much about this issue and probably won't until next election comes around. As long a big business and small businesses hire immigrants without being subject to fines say for hiring illegal and cheap labor/exploiting immigrants nothing is going to change. No one seems to care when they are ranting about immigrants either how fucken explointed they are and the deplorable wages and living conditons they are subjected too. Or purposely forget that they are paying taxes and paying into social security.

Also most studies I've read point out that immigrants are not the main problem for schools, heath care etc.

'Poverty is the worst form of violence'--Gandhi

by chocolate ink on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 04:20:22 PM EST

Re: Immigration Storm Clouds Gathering (4.00 / 5)

Thx for that story ink, I hear you regarding the scapegoat issue. What worries me is the turning-up of the fire on the blame game. The lines are already blurred for people whom they label as immigrants; this will only further blur those line. I know plenty of American-born Mexican Americans who speak horrible English (which is their responsibility to learn), but I bet you if they were at a grocery store trying hard to communicate, there would be snickering and inner-thoughts of accusations that that person was illegal.

Arizona is an interesting place to live. We have a lot of Latinos but a lot of blatant racism towards Mexicans--even from among our people. It's a shame but also the reality. I just hope that we can continue to educate the community on the need to work together to foster hope for everyone.

We are condemned to kill time, thus we die bit by bit - Octavio Paz / Latino Político

by Man Eegee (man.eegee at gmail dot com) on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 04:45:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Immigration Storm Clouds Gathering (4.00 / 4)

And it all basically comes down to racism-color of skin. No one calls white people who immigrate names as far as I know-such as all the 'white' actors who live and work here from Canada, Australia, England etc...including our asinine Governor here in Ca.-who still chooses to speak in his own stupid 'arnold-english'.

Usually when I hear someone speaking another language I only wish that I was smart enough to know more than one language.

There's also the reverse side of the jobs issue, a school of thought that is prevalent where I live-and that is that immigrants get all the good loans to start up businesses such as 7/11's etc and that poor white people are discriminated against in getting loans..yeah I know really stupid but that is the kind of crap that goes around.

I have a nephew who lives in Arizona so have some understanding of what you're talking about.

'Poverty is the worst form of violence'--Gandhi

by chocolate ink on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 05:23:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Calling white people names.. (4.00 / 4)

Not these days they don't. Once before immigrants were destroying the fabric and decency of our society; Irish, Polish, etc. and there were names, and stereotypes, and discrimination galore.

by catte nappe on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 05:48:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Side note (4.00 / 5)

Thanks to those of you who have recommended this diary. I know I harp constantly about this, but I'm really afraid that the Democrats are going to be sucker-punched on this next year. If you have any links to local news on immigration, please post them so we can see how things are playing out in your neck of the woods (or desert in my case).

We are condemned to kill time, thus we die bit by bit - Octavio Paz / Latino Político

by Man Eegee (man.eegee at gmail dot com) on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 04:58:50 PM EST

Re: Side note (4.00 / 5)

I live in a blue-as-blue-can-be city about 50 miles from Canada.

I think most of the 'illegal immigration' in my area is going the other way :)

Tengo un sueño.

by ejmw (ewitham (at) umich (dot) edu) on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 05:12:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Growing issue (4.00 / 4)

I've noticed this too. Being in a border state (TX) it's always been an issue of discussion, but lately the quantity of discussion and the quality (sometimes vicious) has been on the increase. Not a good vibe at all.

Dallas Morning News editorialized on the two bills this past Sunday
http://www.dallasnews.com/s/dws/dn/opinion/editorials/stories/073105dnediimmig.2285e40f.html

by catte nappe on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 05:43:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Growing issue (4.00 / 3)

thx for that link catte nappe, the Dallas News ed. board deserves kudos for pointing out much of the straw-men arguments on all sides. I especially liked this:

First, let's get this straight: Neither John McCain nor John Cornyn is talking about a free pass for illegal immigrants. Their bills are not like the 1986 immigration measure that granted many illegal immigrants amnesty to stay in the U.S.
For starters, both senators would require workers to have a legal visa. And Mr. McCain would have illegal immigrants pay a $1,000 fine before securing a visa. He also would have them earn their right to citizenship. Those are fine ideas and do not constitute amnesty in any shape or form.
GOP Rep. Jeff Flake of Arizona, a conservative's conservative, emphasized that point in his Viewpoints column Thursday when he explained why he supports the McCain bill. And, as he wrote, the chatter about "lock 'em up and send 'em home" is nothing but rhetoric. There's no way the U.S. can round up 11 million illegal immigrants.

We are condemned to kill time, thus we die bit by bit - Octavio Paz / Latino Político

by Man Eegee (man.eegee at gmail dot com) on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 06:01:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Growing issue - California (4.00 / 3)

and the Gropinator is always pushing the immigration button. Some places in this state it's a hot button - when it comes to schools and other services.

The red counties in our agricultural areas want the labor but not the cost of services. The coastal areas are mostly Democrat with fewer immigration oriented issues ~ or at least here in Northern California.

I'll watch for items of interest but this is always a hot button election year item. There will be lots of stuff in 2006.

by SallyCat on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 06:41:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Growing issue - California (4.00 / 3)

Thx Sally, you would think someone like Arnold would be less likely to throw out fire bombs but he has proven to have decent aim. I wonder what the Republican buyers' remorse index is in California with Bush and Arnold tanking in the polls.

We are condemned to kill time, thus we die bit by bit - Octavio Paz / Latino Político

by Man Eegee (man.eegee at gmail dot com) on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 06:45:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Buyers remorse on Ahnold (none / 1)

Overall ratings are now in the 30's here. With Republicans only the approval ratings are below 50 in some polls. The special election is tanking them further...Arnold is a fool.

The Gropinator has attacked nurses, teachers, firemen, police, and state pensions. He's offended the Hispanic population regularly....

We'll see how it goes with the special election in November then it's full throttle for 2006...

by SallyCat on Thu Aug 4th, 2005 at 10:35:58 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Tancredo in the headlines again (4.00 / 5)

Rep. Tom "Nuke 'Em" Tancredo is back in the headlines:

Republican Rep. Tom Tancredo told law enforcement officers that illegal immigrants are held to lower standards by the justice system than Americans.
"An illegal alien actually has a different system of justice here," he said Tuesday in a speech to about 30 officers. "If you're here illegally, you can get a pass."

They are already starting to fan the flames of hatred.

We are condemned to kill time, thus we die bit by bit - Octavio Paz / Latino Político

by Man Eegee (man.eegee at gmail dot com) on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 05:09:02 PM EST

Re: Tancredo in the headlines again (4.00 / 4)

Some days as the saying goes, my head just wants to explode at the stupidity of people who say this shit and worse the people who believe it. Yeah, they get a pass alright, that's why there's only white people in prison.

'Poverty is the worst form of violence'--Gandhi

by chocolate ink on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 05:29:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Family Values (4.00 / 4)

No Child Left Behind, except for these 30:

When immigration authorities raided a poultry plant in Arkansas and took away more than 100 employees to face deportation, some workers were able to call home and arrange care for their children.
But about 30 children, some as young as 3 months, were left behind with no parents after the arrests, officials said.
"A lot of those families had kids in day care in different places, and they didn't know why Mommy and Daddy didn't come pick them up," Arkadelphia Mayor Charles Hollingshead said. A local church ground was helping make arrangements for them.

We are condemned to kill time, thus we die bit by bit - Octavio Paz / Latino Político

by Man Eegee (man.eegee at gmail dot com) on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 05:13:51 PM EST

Re: Family Values (4.00 / 4)

So the article says the authorities said each immigrant was asked if they had children and every single one of them said 'no'...yet some were then able to make phone calls and arrange care for kids....what a load of crap. For some reason this reminded me of slaves who had their kids taken away and sold because slaves weren't human you know-had no family values and all that happy horseshit. This is really disgusting beyond words.

'Poverty is the worst form of violence'--Gandhi

by chocolate ink on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 05:41:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Immigration Storm Clouds Gathering (4.00 / 3)

I can only speak from what I know of Idaho. I can't imagine the red, red, red, state of Idaho will go along with this deport and keep them out policy (if that is what it is).

The farmers here go to Mexico and bring in workers by the truck loads to work the farms and at the "farm hand minimum wage" we have here in Idaho. . .or pay them off the books totally some ridiculously low wages. They do give them horrible old run down trailers to live 20 or so all together with no running water, heat, electricity, etc. It is really criminal.

But they won't be supporting anything that will change that status. Also the Potato processing plants, which are really big business here, hire large numbers of illegals for the same reasons and at much lower wages than the gringos.

It is a disgusting practice and it should stop. But the immigrant workers shouldn't be the ones it should be taken out on.

don't miss ~ Matters of Spirit and Expanded Views

by shirlstars (shirlstarsw@aol.com) on Wed Aug 3rd, 2005 at 07:46:13 PM EST

Immigration Storm Clouds Gathering | 26 comments (26 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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