Schmidt Q&A on immigration bill

Senate Republicans and the White House announced an agreement on a broad immigration bill last week, which the Senate is poised to consider this week.

The bill is similar to legislation the Senate passed last year, which stalled in the GOP-controlled House: It would give immediate, temporary legal status to most undocumented immigrants, but require them to pay fines, leave and apply from their home countries and wait at least 13 years to become citizens. It also would set up a new program for hundreds of thousands of foreigners to come here temporarily to work.

Finally, the bill would overhaul an immigration system that for years has given preference to relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Instead, a point system, similar to what is used in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, would be used that would give applicants for green cards credit for education, experience in jobs the U.S. labor market needs, ability to speak English and family ties.

In her weekly column, Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-Miami Township, explained where she stands on this bill.

In her own words...

QUESTION: Does Congresswoman Schmidt support the agreement reached among members of the Senate?

ANSWER: I strongly oppose the compromise being considered by the Senate. I believe the proposal rewards illegal behavior and does not do enough to secure our borders. It is important to note that this debate has just begun. The Senate must complete its consideration of this bill before it is sent to the House of Representatives. More importantly, the House is not bound to consider the Senate’s version of immigration reform. We are free to consider any proposal or none at all.

Q: Does the Senate proposal provide amnesty for illegal aliens?

A: My main problem with this agreement is that, immediately upon enactment, anyone here illegally as of January 1, 2007, will automatically receive a legal work permit – exactly what they broke the law to obtain. To me, that is a form of amnesty. This proposal rewards illegal behavior. The foundation of our nation is the rule of the law, and those who enter our country illegally violate the law. By granting amnesty to illegal aliens, we are sending the message that it is okay to break the law, and encouraging others to do the same. In 1986, the Immigration Reform and Control Act provided amnesty for undocumented aliens already in our country. At that time, we let 1.1 to 1.3 million illegal immigrants become United States citizens. Today we have more than 12 million immigrants living here illegally. The less we control our borders, the more we sacrifice our national security. When millions of law abiding people are following the law and patiently waiting to be granted U.S. citizenship, we simply cannot turn a blind eye to the millions who instead came here illegally and place them at the front of the line.

Q: Are there any components of the Senate proposal that Congresswoman Schmidt supports?

A: I believe that strengthening our borders is the number one priority for our homeland security. I understand the Senate agreement provides important border security and enforcement provisions that I support. The Senate agreement calls for expanding Border Control agents by 18,000; constructing 200 miles of vehicle barriers; and building 370 miles of fencing along the border. It also calls for deploying state-of-the-art technology including 70 ground-based radar and camera towers on the southern border and four unmanned Aerial Vehicles. I believe that we must do more to improve border security and enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) already has 15,000 Border Control agents and the 370 miles of fencing is less than the 700 miles of fencing that Congress approved last year. However, including these and other border protection initiatives is at least a tacit agreement that we must secure our borders.

Q: What will Congresswoman Schmidt do to address the illegal immigration crisis?

A: I will vigorously oppose any legislation that grants amnesty to illegal aliens. I have in the past and will continue to support initiatives to strengthen our border security.

For more details on this bill, read THIS STORY from Mike Madden of Gannett News Service.