Senate Leader Harry Reid is pushing for a vote ? as soon as today ? on the Gang of Eight immigration bill, likely because he knows that the longer they wait, the fewer votes they will receive. If you're unaware, the bill is being sold by a clan of four Republicans and four Democrats who are adamant that the legislation will secure the border, reform legal immigration processes, prevent amnesty, lessen the national debt, and strengthen the economy. It's all we could ever want!
That is, if you're a proponent of creating a law-enforcement holiday for illegal immigrants in the United States until they become legal residents. Matthew Boyle of Breitbart News broke a story this morning that shows portions of the Gang of Eight bill authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to "terminate" any detainment proceedings against an illegal immigrant and "permit the alien a reasonable opportunity to apply for [legal status]" while their matter is investigated. This is according to a new version of the bill that includes the massive Hoeven-Corker Amendment, and has not been made available for public viewing.
Recall, for a moment, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi telling us that we'd have to pass Obamacare to find out what was in it. This lack of transparency sets a dangerous precedent.
Whether or not this claim is factual, the rest of the known bill is a disaster. The Heritage Foundation has a great infographic detailing the ten worst consequences of the bill. Besides ignoring the rule of law, the legislation will be costly, the federal government will grow, and states' rights will be shoved aside. There are proper ways to reform our immigration system, but the Gang of Eight's proposal is not one of those ways.
If you want to see this bill stopped dead in its tracks, call your senators and congressmen by phoning the Capitol Switchboard, (202) 224-3121.
That is, if you're a proponent of creating a law-enforcement holiday for illegal immigrants in the United States until they become legal residents. Matthew Boyle of Breitbart News broke a story this morning that shows portions of the Gang of Eight bill authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to "terminate" any detainment proceedings against an illegal immigrant and "permit the alien a reasonable opportunity to apply for [legal status]" while their matter is investigated. This is according to a new version of the bill that includes the massive Hoeven-Corker Amendment, and has not been made available for public viewing.
Recall, for a moment, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi telling us that we'd have to pass Obamacare to find out what was in it. This lack of transparency sets a dangerous precedent.
Whether or not this claim is factual, the rest of the known bill is a disaster. The Heritage Foundation has a great infographic detailing the ten worst consequences of the bill. Besides ignoring the rule of law, the legislation will be costly, the federal government will grow, and states' rights will be shoved aside. There are proper ways to reform our immigration system, but the Gang of Eight's proposal is not one of those ways.
If you want to see this bill stopped dead in its tracks, call your senators and congressmen by phoning the Capitol Switchboard, (202) 224-3121.
