Fool Me Once Shame on
You;
Fool Me Twice Shame on
Me
Comparing the 1986 and 2007 Political Promises
On Immigration
Enforcement
Then v. Now
FOOLED ONCE DON’T GET FOOLED AGAIN
|
Enforcement
Promises |
Simpson-Mazzoli
Debate (1986) |
Bush-McCain-Kennedy
(2007) |
|
Then as now, the bill promises to have tough
employer sanctions |
“The
bill reported by the conference—and I assure my colleagues that this is
correct—contained the same essential elements that had passed this body, this
Senate in years past ….Those essential things are employer sanctions, meaning
penalties against those who knowingly hire illegal undocumented persons…” (Senator Simpson)[1] “It
has universal application of employer sanctions. You sent us to
conference to keep it, and we kept it. Finally, it has criminal
sanctions. You sent us to conference to keep it, and we kept it…With
regard to employer sanctions, the conference agreement remains essentially
the program previously approved by the House. Criminal penalties for
pattern or practice violations are preserved.” (Rep. Mazzoli)[2] “In my judgment, employer
sanctions are essential if this country is to regain control of its
borders. Indeed, it is our sovereign
responsibility to do so…” (Rep. Rodino)[3] |
“With only four workplace
enforcement actions in 2005, a tough new policy must enforce realistic
sanctions to deter illegal hiring.” (Senator
Specter)[4] “Not only will this
legislation finally accomplish the extraordinary goal of securing our
borders, but it will also greatly improve interior enforcement and put
employers on notice that the practice of hiring illegal workers simply will
not be tolerated.” (Senator McCain)[5] “This bill also addresses
other problems with the 1986 reform… Businesses that knowingly hire illegal aliens
will be punished.” (President Bush)[6] |
|
Then as now, the promises to have a working employee
verification system |
“The
bill reported by the conference …[contained]… a secure system to determine
worker eligibility in the United States.” (Sen. Simpson)[7] “Universal
and mandatory verification of documents is similarly still required.” (Rep. Mazzoli)[8] |
“As you know,
the bill starts with triggers on border enforcement ….and get an electronic
verification system up that is operational and can start to provide to the
employers an ability to verify who is an American citizen.” (Secretary Chertoff)[9] “The result is
legislation that puts border security first…[and] sets up a mandatory system
for verifying employment eligibility…” (President
Bush)[10] "The
employee verification system is really the complement to the border. You can
try to prevent people coming in, but there is a magnet of employment.
Resourceful people can find ways to get here. So if you can shut off that
magnet of illegal employment, that complements the work you are doing at the
border. A lot of businesses just want to have a legal way of doing things . .
. and the employer now has a way to make the law work." (Senator Kyl)[11] |
|
Then as now, the bill promises to provide secure
borders |
“It’s high time we regained
control of our borders & [Senator Alan Simpson’s] bill will do this.” (President Reagan)[12]
“I believe we should vote
to approve this conference report and get a bill to the President. Our
country desperately needs to regain control over its borders. This bill
will help us start that process and will provide the immediate relief on the
border that we need.” (Rep Moorhead)[13] |
“This bill focuses on
border security. … Certain aspects of the [bill] don’t come into being until
certain border measures are taken.” (President
Bush)[14] “First and foremost among
our priorities was to ensure this bill included strong border security and
enforcement provisions. We need to
ensure that the Department of Homeland Security has the resources it needs to
secure our borders to the greatest extent possible." (Senator McCain)[15] |
|
Then as now, the bill promises to double resources |
“Under this conference
committee report the resources of the border patrol will double together with
assuring additional sums for the INS to perform their functions.” (Senator Simpson)[16]
"...one of the items
that has not been mentioned is the debate today is we are doubling
up the border patrol. This
immigration bill says we are going to get tough with immigration laws; we are
going to expedite our exclusionary process; we are going to take care of the
backlog; and we are going to blunt the economic magnets that draw these
people into the country illegally." (Rep Shaw)[17] |
“My Administration is
determined to learn from the mistakes of the past decades. And that is why we
are now committing more resources than ever before to border security, doubling
the number of Border Patrol agents…” (President
Bush)[18] “We will have more than doubled
the Border Patrol in a relatively quick period of time. We believe the more
manpower is on the border, the more likely it is we will be able to enforce
the border, like the American people expect us to do.” (President Bush)[19] |
|
Then as now, the bill promises that this bill is
going to work and take care of the immigration issue once and for all. |
“I am glad to see that we
are on the brink of resolving this important issue in a constructive and
definitive way… In my view it is a good
bill. We should all support it and be glad that this long controversy
has been finally put to rest.” (Rep.
Seiberling)[20] “No legislation before this
Congress is of higher priority. I am
hopeful that enactment of this legislation will help us regain control of our
borders and avoid a future repressive public reaction that will fail to
distinguish lawful immigrants and refugees from illegal aliens. . … Mr.
Speaker, I believe the conference report before us today contains the
essential provisions needed for comprehensive immigration reform.” (Rep. Fish)[21] “I know that this was a
troubling issue to many of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle, but I
can assure you that it is our intention and the conferees intention that
legalization be a “one -time” only event …” (Rep Rodino)[22] |
“If you want to
kill the bill, if you don't want to do what's right for America, you can pick
one little aspect out of it. You can use it to frighten people. Or you can
show leadership and solve this problem once and for all”. (President Bush)[23] |
Then as now, this bill claims that it has to be
comprehensive or it won’t work |
“The conference report
before us contains the fundamental twin components of immigration reform –
that is, employer sanctions and legalization. Those interlinked components have been in every Judiciary
Committee bill since 1975 and any bill that does not contain both of these
elements cannot be called immigration reform.” (Rep. Rodino)[24] |
“If you're serious
about reform, it makes sense to support comprehensive legislation that
addresses all aspects of the problem. You cannot solve the problem unless we
address all aspects of the problem at the same time.” (President Bush)[25] |
|
Then as now, defenders of the bill threaten that the
only alternative to a “comprehensive” bill
is deportation |
“But let me share with you
that the alternative to legalization is to go hunt for them…The alternative
to legalization is deportation. And the only way you are going to find the
persons to deport is to go find them.” (Senator
Simpson)[26] |
“I have the impression that
perhaps for some people, the only thing that would not be amnesty is mass deportation.”
(Secretary Gutierrez)[27] |
|
Then as now, supporters of the bill say that this
bill finally brings people out of the shadows |
“We will be bringing people
out
of a shadow economy, people will be paying taxes, people will be coming
out in the sunshine, there will not be the abuse of workers, employers will
not be able to provide poor-quality jobs for people, they will not be able to
oppress people, sanctions will keep a magnet from attracting these people
here—all of those things we know…” (Rep
Smith)[28] "There are millions
and millions of illegal aliens in this country that now will have an
opportunity to start on the road toward citizenship. They will have the opportunity to come out
of the shadows…" (Rep
Shaw)[29] |
“We, as Americans, must
decide whether we want to live in a society where there is a permanent
underclass of 12 million people hidden from the law, often paid less than
living wages, and disenfranchised from our culture, or we can embrace the
spirit that has made America so great and bring people out of the shadows,
give them an opportunity to live within the law and become responsible,
contributing members of our society.” (Senator
Martinez)[30] |
|
Then as now, people who want to control the border
are called nativists |
“[Simpson-Mazzoli] is an
undeserved slap at millions of Hispanic citizens. In our zeal to control our borders, we should resist the
temptation to break faith with the noble ideals of America’s immigrant
heritage. This measure fails that
test, and it should not be enacted into law.” (Senator
Kennedy)[31] |
“But the real passion in
this debate is not political, it is cultural -- a fear that American identity
is being diluted by Latino migration.” (Michael
Gerson)[32] “Those who choose humanity
over divisive rhetoric will be rewarded with a country that is stronger, more
productive and more enduring as we forge ahead in this great experiment of
democracy.” (Senator Martinez)[33] “We are going to solve this
problem. We're not going to run people down. We're not going to scapegoat
people. We're going to tell the bigots to shut up, and we're going to get
this right.” (Senator Graham)[34] |
|
Then as now, supporters claim that this bill is the
best we can do |
“[Simpson-Mazzoli] will
help us control the borders and at the same time doing justice and decency
and equity to the people who are in this country illegally. It is not a perfect bill, but it is the
least imperfect bill that we will ever have before us…. As I have said
before, those who are looking for a perfect immigration bill will not find it
here, since there can be no perfect immigration bill. This is, however, a good bill and the best
we are likely to produce. ” (Rep. Mazzoli)[35] "There has not been a
perfect bill to come to this floor, but this bill certainly falls in the
classification of making the best out of a bad situation…" (Rep Shaw)[36] "This is a grand
compromise. This satisfies no one
entirely, but I would suggest that it does violence to no one entirely. It takes care of the legitimate needs that are recognized in this country." (Rep Lungren)[37] "Mr. Speaker, I rise
in support of this historic conference agreement. It’s not perfect. God
knows there are things in here that I wish weren’t…Reject this conference report,
whatever its imperfections, and there’s no looking back. We will have lost a historic
opportunity. Far-reaching and
critically needed immigration reform will be by the boards." (Rep Conte)[38] |
“Like any legislation,
[McCain-Kennedy] is not perfect. And like many Senators, I believe the bill
will need to be further improved along the way before it becomes law.” (President Bush)[39] "From my perspective,
it's not perfect, but it represents the best opportunity that we have, in a
bipartisan way, to do something about this problem." (Senator Kyl)[40] “[Illegal immigration]
is a serious national security problem. We need to act, my friends. And
if someone else has a better idea, I’d love to have them pursue – give it to
us. That will get the support of enough people so that we can pass
legislation. This isn’t the bill that I would have written, but it does
satisfy our national security challenges, which are severe and intense. And
we cannot have 12 million people washing around America illegally, my friends.”
(Senator McCain)[41] |
[1] House and Senate Debate on the Conference Report. Congressional
Record. 99th Congress., 2nd Session, 1986, 32409-32410.
[2] House and Senate Debate on the Conference Report. Congressional
Record. 99th Congress., 2nd Session, 1986, 31633-31634.
[3] House and Senate Debate on the Conference Report. Congressional
Record. 99th Congress., 2nd Session, 1986, 31631.
[4] Senator Arlen Specter. “Improved Border Security is
Needed.” 17 July 2007.
<http://specter.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Articles.Detail&Article_id=89&Month=7&Year=2006>
[5] Senator John McCain. “Statement
on Secure Borders, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Reform Act of 2007.”
25 May 2007.
[6] President George W. Bush. “President’s Radio Address.”
8 June 2007. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/06/20070608-8.html
[7] House and Senate Debate on the Conference Report. Congressional
Record. 99th Congress., 2nd Session, 1986, 32409-32410.
[8] House and Senate Debate on the Conference Report. Congressional
Record. 99th Congress., 2nd Session, 1986, 31633-31634.
[9] Michael Chertoff, “Press Briefing on Immigration
Reform.” Office of the Press
Secretary. May 17, 2007.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/05/20070517-12.html
[10] President George W. Bush. “President’s Radio Address.”
8 June 2007. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/06/20070608-8.html
[11] Senator Jon Kyl, as quoted by Collin Levy. "The
'Amnesty' Canard: Senator Jon Kyl Talks About Efforts to Forge An Immigration
Compromise." WSJ Opinion Journal. 9 June 2007.
http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110010190
[12] President Ronald Reagan and Douglas Brinkley, ed. The
Reagan Diaries. New York:
HarperCollins, 2007. (pp 445).
[13] House and Senate Debate on the Conference Report. Congressional
Record. 99th Congress., 2nd Session, 1986, 31638.
[14] President George W. Bush. CBS News Video, speech at
the White House, June 1, 2007,
<http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/01/politics/main2876096.shtml>
[15] Senator John McCain. "Statement on the Secure
Borders, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Reform Act of 2007." Press
Release. 25 May 2007.
<http://mccain.senate.gov/press_office/view_article.cfm?id=1088>
[16] House and Senate Debate on the Conference Report. Congressional
Record. 99th Congress., 2nd Session, 1986, 32409-32410.
[17] House and Senate Debate on the Conference Report.
Congressional Record. 99th Congress., 2nd Session, 1986, 31639.
[18] President George W. Bush. “President’s Radio Address.”
8 June 2007. <
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/06/20070608-8.html>
[19] President George W. Bush. “Bush Delivers Remarks on
Immigration Reform.” CQ Transcripts Wire.
29 May 2007. <
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/29/AR2007052901110.html>
[20] House and Senate Debate on the Conference Report. Congressional
Record. 99th Congress., 2nd Session, 1986, 31635.
[21] House and Senate Debate on the Conference Report. Congressional
Record. 99th Congress., 2nd Session, 1986, 31634.
[22] House and Senate Debate on the Conference Report. Congressional
Record. 99th Congress., 2nd Session, 1986, 31631.
[23] President George W. Bush. “Bush Delivers Remarks on
Immigration Reform.” CQ Transcripts Wire.
29 May 2007. <
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/29/AR2007052901110.html>
[24] House and Senate Debate on the Conference Report. Congressional
Record. 99th Congress., 2nd Session, 1986, 31631.
[25] President George W. Bush. “Bush Delivers Remarks on
Immigration Reform.” CQ Transcripts Wire.
29 May 2007. <
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/29/AR2007052901110.html>
[26] House and Senate Debate on the Conference Report. Congressional
Record. 99th Congress., 2nd Session, 1986, 32409-32410.
[27] Joshi, Jitendra. “Bush’s Immigration Deal Faces Battle
in Congress.” Yahoo News. 20 May
2007. < http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070520/ts_alt_afp/uscongressimmigration_070520202355>
[28] House and Senate Debate on the Conference Report. Congressional
Record. 99th Congress., 2nd Session, 1986, 31644.
[29] House and Senate Debate on the Conference Report. Congressional
Record. 99th Congress., 2nd Session, 1986, 31639.
[30] Senator Mel Martinez. “In Defense of Immigration Bill.” Orlando Sentinel. 3 June 2007. < http://martinez.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=InNews.View&ContentRecord_id=5414&CFID=1012467&CFTOKEN=61483539>
[31] House and Senate Debate on the Conference Report. Congressional
Record. 99th Congress., 2nd Session, 1986, 32377.
[32] Gerson, Michael. “Letting Fear Rule.” Washington Post. 25 May 2007.
[33] Senator Mel Martinez. “In Defense of Immigration
Bill.” Orlando Sentinel. 3 June 2007.
<
http://martinez.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=InNews.View&ContentRecord_id=5414&CFID=1012467&CFTOKEN=61483539>
[34]Gaynor, Michael J.
“Catastrophe! Peggy Noonan, Laura Ingraham Agree On Bush
Immigration.” The Post Chronicle. June 11, 2007.
http://www.postchronicle.com/commentary/article_21285168.shtml
[35] House and Senate Debate on the Conference Report. Congressional
Record. 99th Congress., 2nd Session, 1986, 31633-31634.
[36] House and
Senate Debate on the Conference Report. Congressional Record. 99th Congress.,
2nd Session, 1986, 31639.
[37] House and Senate Debate on the Conference Report.
Congressional Record. 99th Congress., 2nd Session, 1986, 31643.
[38] House and Senate Debate on the Conference Report. Congressional Record. 99th Congress., 2nd Session, 1986, 31644.
[39] President George W. Bush. “President’s Radio Address.” 8 June 2007. < http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/06/20070608-8.html>
[40] Senator Jon Kyl. “Immigration Breakthrough Could Pave the Way for Citizenship” CNN. 18 May 2007. <http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/05/17/senate.immigration/index.html>
[41] Senator John McCain. Transcript: Republican Primary Debate. CNN. 5 June 2007. <http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0706/05/se.01.html>