Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Mickey Kaus really means business.
Much of the immigration debate has an otherworldy tone to it, a detachment from reality on the part of people who spend too much time in a solipsistic political world, or something. For example, here is Mickey Kaus:
It's one thing to propose something of the sort for political reasons -- i.e., as a sop to those who want something done, without much expectation that the law will be enforced any more than current laws are. But it takes a special obtuseness to read this proposal and start fantasizing about "[t]he actual sight of millions of illegals having to leave the country."
Presumably this proposal came from the same legal minds who think that the way to deal with the administration's disregard of FISA is for Congress to pass another law.
A not-uninteresting Senate compromise is discussed on page A9 of today's WaPo. Under the deal, illegal immigrants who've(The bolding is Kaus's own -- a gift to those who can't be bothered to do more than glance at what he writes?) Of course, illegal immigrants are in this country notwithstanding laws which do not permit them to be here. What to do? I know! We'll pass a law requiring them to leave.Sen. Frist is quoted saying that 40% of the 12 million illegals have been here less than five years. ... The actual sight of millions of illegals having to leave the country might have a deterrent, they-mean-business effect that could counterbalance the inevitable incentive effect (on potential future illegals) of the deal's partial semi-amnesty.lived and worked in the United States for five years would qualify for a work visa and an opportunity to apply for citizenship. They could stay in the country as they apply for a green card.
Those not meeting the requirements would have to return to their native countries. New measures in the larger immigration bill, such as a tamper-proof identification card and sanctions against employers who hire illegal immigrants, would convince recent illegal immigrants they have no choice but to comply, advocates of the compromise said.
It's one thing to propose something of the sort for political reasons -- i.e., as a sop to those who want something done, without much expectation that the law will be enforced any more than current laws are. But it takes a special obtuseness to read this proposal and start fantasizing about "[t]he actual sight of millions of illegals having to leave the country."
Presumably this proposal came from the same legal minds who think that the way to deal with the administration's disregard of FISA is for Congress to pass another law.
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]