First things first. This does not need to be rushed – this should not be a “pass it to see what’s in it” bill. This needs to be clearly and methodically, even painstakingly, a deliberative process.
As I see Team Obama requesting the “rushing it to a vote” I become even more suspicious of it….
Report #1 – Senate Budget Committee ranking member Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) told Boston’s conservative radio host Howie Carr on Wednesday that the political momentum is starting to turn against the “Gang of Eight” immigration bill. (Link)
Report #2 – President Obama said there is one thing he absolutely won’t compromise on in immigration reform: a pathway to citizenship [ie. “Amnesty”] But as for what he would be willing to give up, he won’t say. (link)
Report #3 – Just in case anyone is concerned that senators aren’t reading the 844-page immigration reform bill from the Group of Eight closely before returning from recess next week, note that Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) is tweeting as he goes, calling out concerning elements of the legislation (link):
More red flags in #Gangof8 bill #Gof8Fact pg 102 lets Sec of Homeland Security waive employment and education requirements for illegals
— David Vitter (@DavidVitter) May 2, 2013
I'm still reading through the #Gangof8 bill #Gof8Fact pg 83 says Sec of Homeland Security can waive citizenship processing fees for illegals
— David Vitter (@DavidVitter) May 2, 2013
#Gof8Fact pg 71 #Gangof8bill lets Sec of Homeland Security waive citizenship eligibility for illegals who have been ordered for deportation
— David Vitter (@DavidVitter) May 1, 2013
Still going through #Gangof8 bill. #Gof8Fact pg 69 says Sec of Homeland Security can extend time allowed to apply for legal status
— David Vitter (@DavidVitter) May 1, 2013
#Gof8Fact pg 66 of #Gangof8 bill says Sec of Homeland Security gets discretion on whether to start legal proceedings to remove illegals
— David Vitter (@DavidVitter) May 1, 2013
#Gof8Fact pg 65 of #Gangof8 bill says Homeland Security Secretary can waive inadmissibility for humanitarian purposes and public interest
— David Vitter (@DavidVitter) May 1, 2013
#Gof8Fact pg 11 of #Gangof8 bill says that Secretary of Homeland Security can alter legal immigrant status of #DREAM and ag. workers.
— David Vitter (@DavidVitter) April 30, 2013
WASHINGTON DC – A Washington group is criticizing the Senate immigration bill because it allows for up to $150 million for organizations to advertise citizenship opportunities and to help illegal immigrants sign up to become citizens.
The nonpartisan Center for Immigration Services calls the money “slush funds” and earlier this week cited several concerns — particularly that the money can go to the same groups that helped craft the legislation and that the spending appears to have no cap or oversight.
“It’s virtually a blank check,” Jon Feere, a Center for Immigration Services legal policy analyst, told FoxNews.com. “And the groups that helped draft this bill can now give themselves taxpayer dollars.”
The money is divided into two parts. The first is $100 million in grants to public and private nonprofit groups for programs that help people apply for provisional immigrant status, which includes assistance with completing applications and gathering proof of identification. (read more)