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Senate Immigration Reform Bill Criticized by House Republicans

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A proposed immigration reform bill in the US Senate is facing increasing criticism from House Republicans, who argue that it grants broad amnesty to illegal aliens and includes provisions that are perceived as outrageous. The 850-page bill, drafted by Senators Edward Kennedy and John McCain, would allow illegal aliens to collect Social Security benefits based on past illegal work and requires the US to consult with Mexican officials before constructing a fence along the border. House Republicans, who must approve any final legislation, have expressed strong reservations about the bill, citing its potential to create more problems than it solves.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Senate immigration reform bill grants amnesty to illegal aliens by allowing them to collect Social Security benefits based on past illegal work.
  • The bill requires the US to consult with Mexican officials before constructing a fence along the border, a provision that has been met with skepticism by opponents.
  • The bill allows for discounted in-state tuition rates at state colleges and universities for illegal aliens who reside in those states, while legal immigrants and citizens who reside outside that state must pay the full price.
  • Employers who have hired illegal aliens in the past will be granted amnesty, rather than facing punishment.
  • The fine of $2,000 imposed on aliens before obtaining citizenship is deemed inadequate by opponents, who point out that it is equivalent to only a few months of a typical American's income.
  • Many illegal aliens have committed serious crimes, including counterfeiting documentation, committing Social Security fraud, and cheating on taxes, yet they will be granted citizenship under the bill.
  • House Judiciary Committee Chairman F. James Sensenbrenner Jr. has expressed outrage at the bill's provisions and has accused the Senate of being out of touch with the concerns of American citizens.
  • Rep. Tom Tancredo has criticized President Bush's endorsement of the bill, calling it "Clintonesque" and stating that it does not avert amnesty.

Statistics:

  • The 850-page Senate bill has been criticized for its length and complexity.
  • $2,000: the fine imposed on aliens before obtaining citizenship under the bill.
  • Months: the equivalent amount of time that $2,000 would represent as a percentage of a typical American's income.
  • 2 years: the amount of time an American would need to fail to pay taxes before facing federal imprisonment.
  • Number of aliens that have committed crimes: unknown, but many illegal aliens have been found to have committed a variety of serious crimes.

Sources:

  • Charles Hurt, THE WASHINGTON TIMES
  • F. James Sensenbrenner Jr., House Judiciary Committee Chairman
  • Rep. Tom Tancredo
  • Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, Connecticut Democrat
  • Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, Massachusetts Democrat
  • Sen. John McCain, Arizona Republican
  • President George W. Bush
  • Marriott International Inc.

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