Thursday, May 17, 2007

On the Immigration “Compromise”

Partisan Politics

The NY TImes and the BBC are reporting on a late day compromise that brings America closer to an immigration reform bill that will leave everyone disappointed.

According to those sources, the crux of the bill is a two visa system.  One, for esteemed gastarbeiters, has a 2 year duration but is renewable only twice, must include a year in country of origin in between renewals, and will not track applicants to permanent residency or citizenship.  The other, which would put applicants on the path to citizenship, seems to go like this:

-Get out
-Pay $5,000 penalty
-Apply for new visa to work in the US
-Wait up to 13 years for final decision on permanent residency or citizenship

Neither news outlet includes mention of what the stick is here; what is the compelling factor to do all this?  What happens to illegals who do not take this route and remain here and continue to work?

Because if you ask me, it’s a sucker bet. 

If I’m already here, paying no taxes, no auto insurance, largely immune from legal action beyond all but the grossest of criminal enterprises, why the holy *hades* would I give that up to go back to the pit I came from, pay 5 g’s while I’m at it, plus fees for a new visa ($700-ish, iirc) and come back to the same job I have but now I have to pay state taxes, federal taxes, FICA, and all the other jazz now?

No thanks.

I don’t see how the bill, as described, would make more than a small dent in the illegal population.  Unless there are stiff penalties for the people who still choose to remain in the “underground economy”, like deportation and permanent bar to return, this is all just alot of wind.

Heh, well, and a windfall to immigration lawyers.


Posted by GeekLethal on 05/17/07 at 04:40 PM
Partisan Politics • Permalink