BRIDGE House Resolution calls for no amnesty, border security, mandatory eVerify

Earlier today, Rep. Jason Chaffetz introduced H. Res. 1026, called the "Bipartisan Reform of Immigration through Defining Good Enforcement" or BRIDGE Resolution. It seeks to (press release here, no bill text yet):

* make E-Verify mandatory for all employers, and hold employees accountable as well;
* provide sufficient border infrastructure and manpower to secure and control our borders; and,
* reject amnesty and any legal status which pardons those here in violation of our laws

The red flag there is the last: no one wants "amnesty". What many political leaders want is comprehensive immigration reform, something that would be an amnesty no matter what name it's given. Both the resolution and Chaffetz are leaving the door open to "reform" rather than outright opposing it and simply demanding that our laws be enforced. That might be for political reasons with no intent of supporting "reform", or they might end up supporting a compromise of some sort. Here's what Chaffetz told a newspaper (link):

"no amnesty means to me that we're not simply going to excuse them and allow them to stay here in the country. Will we listen to discussion and proposals (about possibly imposing fines or work requirements to stay in country)? Of course. But no amnesty."

It boils down to whether he means "listen" in the normal sense or in the, for instance, Hollywood sense where, as they say, "maybe" is another word for "no".

Of 22 co-sponsors, 10 are Democrats, including Heath Shuler. A Republican signing on is Tom McClintock.

Thu, 01/21/2010 - 16:47 · Importance: 4