Don't fence us in

[Webmaster@ILW.COM]

The debate over illegal immigrants is subtler than it seems (The Economist)

That leaves one question for the Republicans: how much will their tough gestures on immigration make up for financial and sexual scandals in Congress, and for the war in Iraq? But it also leaves one for Mr Bush: will a new Congress, free from immediate electoral pressure, at last deliver comprehensive reform of immigration policy? Ironically for the president, who first called for such a reform in January, 2004, he may need a Democrat-controlled House to make his dream come true.

[Webmaster@ILW.COM]

The debate over illegal immigrants is subtler than it seems (The Economist)
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">That leaves one question for the Republicans: how much will their tough gestures on immigration make up for financial and sexual scandals in Congress, and for the war in Iraq? But it also leaves one for Mr Bush: will a new Congress, free from immediate electoral pressure, at last deliver comprehensive reform of immigration policy? Ironically for the president, who first called for such a reform in January, 2004, he may need a Democrat-controlled House to make his dream come true. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[AliBA]

Remember Gray Davis, the Democratic governor who lost a recall because of his stance in favor of driver's licenses for illegals? In the oh, so Democratic state of California?

I would not count on Democratic Congresspeople being able to deliver "immigration reform", i.e. amnesty, any better than Republicans could. This election will be about choosing the lesser of two evils, and a vote "for" Democrats is more likely to be merely a vote against Republicans. Neither party is held in particularly high regard, and a recent poll shows that Congress in general is viewed as corrupt. Illegal immigration is part and parcel of that corruption. It is a payoff to special interests and wealthy Congresspeople from both parties. (Nancy Pelosi's personal finances and investments in vineyards might not stand the sniff test when it comes to employing illegal immigrants.)

The Economist should also note that Congress is not "freed from electoral pressure". Democrats have no identity other than being "not Republicans" and they'll need more than that to win the Presidency two years from now. Also, the House is up for re-election in 2 years. Any new Democrat who gets in is going to be vulnerable in his or her performance and how it's perceived by the voters.