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Right Side News Reports from the Federation for American Immigration Reform in this November 9, 2009 Legislative Weekly
House Leadership Sides with Congressional Hispanic Caucus on Health Care Bill, Passes Bill With Illegal Alien Coverage Loophole Last week, the latest House health care bill (H.R. 3962) raised a number of concerns over the direction the bill was taking with respect to immigration policy. Earlier this summer, FAIR had raised concerns over the language of the bill with respect to Section 342(d), which would waive the current 5-year waiting period before legal aliens can access the affordability credits under the bill. (See FAIR's Cost Analysis). FAIR also led the national debate over the loopholes that existed in the earlier House bill, H.R. 3200, that would allow illegal aliens to access the benefits under the bill. (See FAIR's Legislative Analysis of H.R. 3200 and FAIR's Legislative Update, August 17, 2009). As detailed in a new analysis by FAIR, the latest House bill contains many of the same problems as the earlier bill. (FAIR's Legislative Analysis of H.R. 3962). Section 342(d) of the new House health care bill contains identical language to the earlier bill and waives the 5-year waiting period. In addition, FAIR's new analysis explains how the verification process in the new bill is so flawed that illegal aliens will still be able to fraudulently claim benefits under the bill. These flaws in the bill prompted FAIR's President Dan Stein to state: "If powerful special interests prevail, the final version of a health care reform bill will have been used to transform immigration policies as aggressively as it was used to transform the U.S. health care system itself." (FAIR's Press Release, November 4, 2009). When the full implications of these provisions in the House bill came to light, several Members of Congress agreed to file amendments with the House Rules Committee in an effort to have the House consider amendments on the floor to correct the immigration problems with the bill. True immigration reformers Reps. Nathan Deal (R-GA), Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Dean Heller (R-NV) filed an amendment with the Committee to ensure that the bill maintained the current 5-year waiting period. Additionally, the Deal-Wilson-Heller amendment sought to reform the bill to include a workable verification system that would protect the American taxpayers. In addition, Rep. Steve King filed an amendment to ensure that illegal aliens would be unable to participate in the taxpayer-funded health care exchange to buy discounted health insurance. FAIR and our thousands of loyal activists pushed House leadership and Members of the Rules Committee to help shepherd these amendments through Committee. FAIR issued an action alert on Thursday, and Dan Stein sent a letter to members of the Rules Committee urging the committee to permit these key amendments a vote on the floor. The Rules Committee began its meeting on Friday afternoon and finished their work after midnight on Saturday morning. By a vote of 6 to 4, the committee reported the "rule" for the House bill, which established the time for debate and determined which amendments could be considered on the House floor. The rule capitulated to the demands of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus by blocking each of the key immigration amendments supported by FAIR from any consideration on the House floor. (See H.Res. 903). Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) made a motion to make the Deal-Wilson-Heller amendment in order - which would have guaranteed that the amendment would get an up or down vote on the House floor - but her motion was defeated by a vote of 4 to 6. The motion was defeated on a party line vote with all four Republicans on the committee voting for the motion and six Democrats on the committee - Reps. James McGovern (MA), Alcee Hastings (FL), Dennis Cardoza (CA), Michael Arcuri (NY), Ed Perlmutter (CO), and Jared Polis (CO) - voting against the Foxx motion (Chair Louise Slaughter (NY) did not vote). See Rules Committee Report No. 111-330, Record Vote No. 278 on page 6 of the Report). On Saturday, the rule was adopted on the House floor by a vote of 242 to 192. (Roll Call Vote 882). The adoption of the rule eliminated any chance that the House would consider any immigration related amendments to the bill. During debate on the bill, Rep. Nathan Deal stated the following: "make no mistake about it, illegal aliens will receive government-funded health care under this because all they are required to show is a Social Security number and a name. There is no way to prevent the same Social Security number from being used by numerous individuals, and there is no requirement that a picture ID be produced in order to prove that the person is in fact the name that appears on the Social Security card. If you think identity theft is a problem now, just wait until this bill passes." (Congressional Record, November 7, 2009, H12836). The House later passed H.R. 3962 - without any fixes to the immigration problems contained in the bill - by the slimmest of margins: a vote of 220 to 215. (Roll Call Vote 887). Senate Democrats Block Vitter/Bennett Census Amendment On Thursday, November 5, all 60 Senate Democrats voted to shut off debate on the Fiscal Year 2010 spending bill for the Departments of Commerce, Justice and certain federal science programs. This vote effectively blocked the Senate from voting on an amendment offered by Senators David Vitter (R-LA) and Robert Bennett (R-UT) that sought to require the Census Bureau to include questions about citizenship and immigration status in next year's decennial census. (Associated Press, November 5, 2009). As FAIR has previously reported, this was not the first time the Senate voted to shut off debate on the so-called "CJS" spending bill. On October 13, 2009, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) filed "cloture" on the CJS bill in an attempt to block the Vitter/Bennett amendment from receiving a vote. This parliamentary maneuver, however, failed, as the motion to invoke cloture received only 56 of the necessary 60 votes to pass. (Roll Call Vote #320, October 13, 2009). After this original attempt to block the Vitter/Bennett amendment failed, Reid pulled the bill from the Senate floor. (See FAIR's Legislative Update, October 19, 2009). On November 5, Reid once again brought the bill to the floor and promptly filed a second cloture motion. This time, Reid's procedural maneuvering worked: all 60 Senate Democrats voted for the motion, effectively blocking the amendment from receiving a vote. The vote was entirely along party lines, with 39 Republicans voting against Reid's cloture motion, and one Republican, Senator John McCain (R-AZ), not voting. (Roll Call Vote #335, November 5, 2009). The U.S. Constitution requires that the government conduct a census every 10 years to determine the nation's population. The results of the census are used to allocate Congressional seats to each state and, according to the census bureau, to determine how nearly $400 billion is allocated in federal spending every year. According to data compiled by Senator Vitter's office, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania and South Carolina each stand to lose a Congressional seat after the 2010 census. These seats are ultimately going to be re-dispersed to four states with exceptionally high illegal alien populations: California, Texas, Illinois, and New York. This means that these four states with large illegal alien populations will receive more than their fair share of federal funding and representation in Congress at the expense of nine other states. The Vitter/Bennett amendment would have laid the groundwork for reforming how Congressional seats are apportioned by disregarding illegal aliens and other non-citizens so that they are no longer able to affect both the outcome of U.S. elections and the dispersal of funding for certain federal programs. The question that true immigration reformers are asking, then, is why did Senate Democrats from the nine states that stand to lose federal dollars and representation in Congress vote to block the Vitter/Bennett amendment? The following is a list of ten Democratic Senators from the nine states listed above, all of whom voted to block the Vitter/Bennett amendment: Evan Bayh (Indiana); Tom Harkin (Iowa); Mary Landrieu (Louisiana); Carl Levin (Michigan); Debbie Stabenow (Michigan); Kay Hagan (North Carolina); Jeff Merkley (Oregon); Ron Wyden (Oregon); Robert Casey, Jr. (Pennsylvania); and Arlen Specter (Pennsylvania). (Roll Call Vote #335). Vulnerable Democrats Tell Leadership to Avoid Amnesty in 2010 On Wednesday, November 4, The Hill ran an article indicating that moderate Congressional Democrats who may be vulnerable in the upcoming 2010 midterm elections "want their leaders to skip the party's controversial legislative agenda for next year to help save their seats in Congress." The Hill noted that these vulnerable Democrats "don't want to be forced to vote on...immigration reform...which they say should be set aside so Congress can focus on jobs and the economy." (The Hill, November 4, 2009). These comments all reflect the feelings of the American people who, with the national unemployment rate now above ten percent for the first time in 26 years (Bureau of Labor Statistics, November 6, 2009), are adamantly opposed to "comprehensive immigration reform" - Democratic Leadership's euphemism for granting amnesty to millions of illegal aliens. The Hill article quoted several Democrats who may be vulnerable in 2010 as expressing reluctance with taking up amnesty legislation with the economy and unemployment in its current state. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) stated: "[T]he most important issue in front of us is the economy right now, and that's where most of us really want to stay focused, the economy and jobs, that's what our constituency is concerned about." Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-NC), a moderate Democrat who is considering challenging Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) in 2010, said that "[t]hree things ought to be the top priority: jobs, jobs and jobs." Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) echoed Etheridge's sentiments: "[J]obs should be our top priority and we shouldn't do anything that detracts from that." (The Hill). The Hill piece noted that "[s]ome Democrats are worried the [Democrats'] ambitious agenda could make winning reelection [in 2010] that much harder," adding that "[o]ne Democratic senator facing election in a Republican-leaning state said he does not want to see the issue of...immigration reform...on next year's agenda." The article went on: "A group of vulnerable Democratic lawmakers see...immigration reform as [a] desperation pass[] down the length of the political playing field. They acknowledge that healthcare reform may very well pass, but they say...immigration reform [has] dim prospects." (Id.). The Democrat leading the charge for amnesty in the Senate, however, does not appear to sympathize with the concerns of his colleagues. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee's Immigration Subcommittee, told reporters on Tuesday, November 3 that amnesty "is still on the agenda for the 111th Congress." The Hill noted that "Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has called immigration reform his No. 3 priority after healthcare reform and global climate change legislation." (Id.). It is curious that Reid, who is also up for re-election in 2010, has chosen to place such an emphasis on amnesty: Data released by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics in October indicate that the unemployment rate in Reid's home state of Nevada is one of the highest in the country at 13.3 percent. (Bureau of Labor Statistics). True Immigration Reformers Win Statewide Elections in Virginia On Tuesday, November 3, a group of three true immigration reformers won statewide races for public office in the state of Virginia. While immigration was not a major factor in any of these races, the three candidates who won on Tuesday have staked out pro-enforcement positions on several immigration-related issues. Former State Attorney General Bob McDonnell beat State Senator Creigh Deeds to become the commonwealth's next governor. In a September 4 interview with the Washington Examiner, McDonnell indicated that he supported 287(g) - the federal program that allows federal officials to train state and local law enforcement agencies in the enforcement of federal immigration law. McDonnell indicated that he supported expanding the program statewide: "I have urged [current] Governor Kaine for one and a half years to enter into [the] partnership. It would be a proper and limited tool to help us enforce the law." On the other hand, McDonnell's opponent (Deeds) indicated that he would oppose a statewide expansion of 287(g). (Washington Examiner, September 4, 2009). In addition to McDonnell, two other pro-enforcement candidates won statewide elections in Virginia. Bill Bolling was re-elected as the state's Lieutenant Governor. In a July 2007 op-ed published in the Richmond-Times Dispatch, Bolling expressed opposition to amnesty and benefits for illegal aliens, and support for immigration enforcement measures, including enhanced border security and the 287(g) program. (Richmond-Times Dispatch, July 8, 2007). In addition to Bolling, pro-enforcement candidate Ken Cuccinelli was elected to serve as Virginia's next Attorney General. Cuccinelli has said that he is "committed to passing legislation that removes the economic incentives that encourage illegal immigration." In addition, Cuccinelli has opposed in-state tuition for illegal aliens, and supports requiring state contractors to use E-Verify, the online, electronically operated system that allows employers to quickly and easily ensure that their new hires are legally authorized to work and not illegal aliens. (See Cuccinelli's Immigration Page). This past Tuesday marked a significant victory for true immigration reformers in the Commonwealth of Virginia
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  written by Dave, November 09, 2009
Unfortunately the House pa*sed a bill that allows illegal aliens to use the new health care "exchange". There are several loopholes that doe’s not require stringent verification to keep illegal aliens out Health care reform. However the bill was not in the best interest of the majority of Americans who want health care reform, but wanted a bill approved without the financial complication of insuring the millions of illegal immigrants. Now the next hurdle is the Senate chambers where enactment must bypa*s Sen. Harry Reid and other Democratic leaders who are adamant on giving illegal immigrants access. Please call all Senate Members and urge them to vote against the rule that provides a weak verification mechanism that still allows illegal aliens to purchase insurance from the health care exchange.
E-verify is a progressive computer tool, that is capable of ensuring illegal aliens are excluded from nationwide work-sites. Its innovation frees employers from being held responsible for unknowingly hiring foreign nationals, if accompanied with the federal 1-9 documentation. WE MUST JAM THE SWITCHBOARDS IN WASHINGTON, PUSHING OUR OWN DEMANDS at 202-224-3121 that bars illegal aliens from the health care insurance "exchange" YOUR VOICE IS MAKING AN IMMENSE DIFFERENCE TO HOW THE POLITICIANS VOTE? WARN THEM OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF IGNORING PUBLIC OPINION. Other pieces of relevant information contributing to the dilemma of US legal population: House Members Urge President to Enforce Immigration Laws to Lower Unemployment. Friends of Arizona Businesses with Illegal Workers Take E-Verify Law to Supreme Court Senate Census allows to Count Illegal Aliens for Congressional redistricting . CBO Says New Health Care Bill Would Cover 2.5 Million More Illegal Aliens. Sen. Reid Kills E-Verify Amendment to Unemployment extension Bill. Pro-Enforcement Candidates win in Virginia and New Jersey. 68% of Americans Oppose Sanctuary Cities and States You can learn about the corruption and incompetence of lawmakers at NUMBERSUSA. Court cases, political sleaze and immigration non-enforcement at JUDICIAL WATCH. How population growth will effect future generations at CAPSWEB. SAY NO BLANKET AMNESTY!
 written by mario aguilera, November 12, 2009
hi my name is mario
and im what people call an ilegal alien. I have live in the U.S. for almost 8 years as an ilegal and through that time i have been discriminated in education, health, jobs and even to drive or get a licence. well i have a strong reason why i dont go back to my country I have two beautiful kids and i want them to be raise as americans and why is that because i love this country. If i could i would even give my life defending it! i think is the greatest country in the world and the best and because my kids will have a better chance to susceed here than any other place in the planet. i think all im suffering now one day wont be in vain. cause is not the same being the prey to be the hunter. i wish all this people that hate us would be in our shoes to know what it feels to be hated for no reason. cause i know i havent offended you. GOD BLESS AMERICA
 written by Texas Frog Soup, November 13, 2009
Mario,
You have NOT been "discriminated" against, YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED to be here! You broke the LAW when you entered this country without permission! You are NOT a citizen of THIS country and you do not have any RIGHT to "education, health, jobs and even to drive or get a licence." These are things that AMERICANS work hard for, pay taxes for to provide for their children - NOT to foot the bill for you or your children. If you say that you pay taxes, then to that I say that YOU stole the job from an American, there are about 16 million unemployed Americans who WOULD do that job. And the taxes you pay do not even come CLOSE to paying for what you cost ME by being here (for each $1.00 you pay in taxes, you COST me $4.22 in services/entitlements you consume). I did NOT invite you here, you have broken into my HOME, you have committed document fraud, identity theft, you have stolen from me, my children, my neighbors, my friends and you need to go away. I do NOT care WHY you are here, you are a liar if you say you love MY country. You have NO respect for my country because you sneak into my home (my country) breaking the law, stay here against the law and steal resources from me, you steal food (food stamps fraud illegal alien only - 1.1Billion each year), you steal medicine (emergency room/hospital - 33.4Billion each year) from me, you cause my taxes to go up (jails/prisons - 8.8Billion each year), you cause my auto insurance to cost me more (1.3Billion each year), you steal money (Welfare/Social Security/Disability - 14.2Billion each year), and of course there is the crime - 800,000 illegal aliens in gangs, drugs, rape, drunk drivers kill Americans, child porn, prostitution/sex slavery, murder and multitudes of others. Do NOT even TRY to tell me that "Americans commit those crimes too", yes, they do and because YOU are here , there are murders that would NOT have been committed if YOU weren't here, rapes that would NOT have been committed if YOU were not here. Yes there is crime here, but if there were even just ONE less murder, THAT would be worth the expense of hauling your illegal arse BACK to YOUR country. I do not WANT you to "give my life defending it", you dishonor every American soldier who has ever served and given their life for this country, for America. You say you are here because "my kids will have a better chance to succeed here than any other place in the planet.", well golly, that makes me all fuzzy inside. hmm you know what, MY kids would have a better chance to succeed if I could pay for them each a Harvard education, so I think I'll steal into the city up there, break into one of the biggest, wealthiest looking houses, steal everything in sight, sell it, steal the home owners identity, credit cards and get all the money I can from that and that way I can send my kids to a better college. Maybe they will see YOUR kids there, THEN they will have something in common, parents who broke the law, stole, defrauded, committed crimes and then justified it by demanding that they "have rights" and if anyone doesn't like it, whine about how You have "suffered", and been "discriminated" against, and had your "rights" taken. How DARE you try to justify your presence here. Your very existence is an affront and an insult to EVERY LEGAL immigrant who played by the rule, who worked hard and EARNED their citizenship, I have LEGAL immigrants in my family, but YOU are disgusting. What makes you think that you are the sort of citizen this country even WANTS?? Someone who demonstrates their scorn for my country's laws, who spits on the very way of life of all those who have worked and died to make this country great, you who are so lazy that you are not willing to do the work to make YOUR country better, but want to come into MY home and steal from it for no other reason than because you WANT it. Selfish, criminal, degenerate, lazy, immoral scum. You deserve NOTHING. If you are "suffering" it is YOUR choice because of your greed, and people here DO hate you for ALL the reasons above. So if that makes YOU unhappy or "feel" bad, TOO BAD!! You have NO one to blame but yourself. It is NOT MY responsibility to feed, clothe, educate, medicate, and support your bum arse and your anchor-puppies, that privilege goes to YOUR cesspool of a country. And you are WRONG, you HAVE offended me, so get out of my home, put the silverware BACK into the drawer and leave.
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Fact:
In January 2010 we can ALL Celebrate the two year aniversary of the start of the E-verify Law, the start of the I.C.E. Deportation Program, the start of the worst Re-cession in U.S. History, followed by the Global Re-cession, and a Re-surgence of Racism in America worse than that of the 1960's!
An 1840's French Historian said this of America: "America is great because it is good, when it ceases to be good it ceases to be great."
This Ethnic Cleansing Campagain has been no less than E-vil, it has persecuted and starved good Family units made up of both U.S. Citizens and un-documented hard working HUMAN's, that were knowingly allowed to come here for nearly thirty years! They were allowed to legally own homes, have Legal Citizen Children, and become a Vital part of our Stong E-conomy!
The Area's and States that engaged in these harsh E-mployer Sanctions and Deportations are now the Areas and States that are E-conomically Devastated!
Phoenix for E-xample now has aprox: 30% E-xecess Government, since the U.S. Census Bureau had counted these HUMAN's as Citizens all along!
Our Staqte Government can't figure out why they since January 2008 can't make their Budget?
Let me say DUH!
Please America, keep Bailing us out our un-employment is already at 12%, just think whaat it would be if we fired 30% of our Government E-mployes that by lkaw should have been fired the very day E-verify pa*sed?
That Said.
To Liberty, and Prosperity!