Debunking More White House Immigration Facts

The White House has released yet another "Immigration Fact Check" where they respond to key myths. Let's take a look at them.

1. MYTH: A comprehensive approach to immigration reform is not necessary.

I think it's safe to say we all feel the same way.

We do need a comprehensive approach to immigration reform, but before we can get to the point of discussion on "comprehensive" reform, we should he tying up the loose ends of legislation that has already been signed into law. We have several laws on the books that are not being enforced, and we should be enforcing those laws before we create more laws which we do not intend to enforce as well.

2. MYTH: The Administration is not enforcing current immigration law.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this is not a myth.

While the administration is quick to point out all of the money they have spent since 2001, the fact remains that nothing is really being done. Oh sure, they have "sent back" nearly 1.2 million illegal immigrants, but they fail to mention how many they have ignored or otherwise had no idea came here. Percentage wise, is 1.2 million a large number?

They attempt to debunk this "myth" by touting statistics like "arrests have increased" and "worksite enforcement actions", but isn't that all part of the status-quo?

What about that Border Fence? The Secure Fence Act was passed last year, when is that immigration law going to be enforced? The Bush Administration is not enforcing current immigration law, and that's a fact.

3. MYTH: The preliminary background checks required for illegal immigrants to gain probationary legal status are insufficient.

One of the facts they use to debunk this myth says,

Creating a mechanism to bring illegal workers with clean records out of the shadows will enhance our national security by letting enforcement officials know who is in the country and why they are here. This is far preferable to the status quo, under which millions of illegal workers live outside the recognition of the law.

With the new system, enforcement officials will know who is in the country (legally) and why they are here. Wow. We already have systems in place to tell us who comes here (legally) and why they came here (jobs, family visits, tourism, etc).

Sure, our current system needs help, we all know that. We have no idea when people leave, if they leave at all. The new system is not going to change that. Those that have a record, those who know they will not pass the background check, those who come here with ill-intent, are not going to bother applying for probationary legal status.

We still won't know who is here (illegally), or why they came here, and we won't really see any difference in the status-quo.

4. MYTH: The Employee Eligibility Verification System (EEVS) required under the bill will create a vast government database containing extraordinary amounts of information.

Of course this is a myth, but not for any of the reasons the administration lists in the "Fact Check".

As defined in Amnesty Bill II (Section 307) the Employee Eligibility Verification System (EEVS) is a voluntary system. Employers will not be required to participate in the program, therefore, a vast government database containing extraordinary amounts of information will never exist.

Many smaller employers will find the government procedures for checking the EEVS too cumbersome, and those employers who currently hire illegal immigrant workers will continue to do so, and will have no need for the EEVS.

The White House has been trying to convince the American public that this comprehensive immigration reform bill is our only option, and they are wrong. The best way to approach comprehensive immigration reform is to start enforcing our current immigration laws and secure the border. Once we have done that, then we can discuss where to go from there.

Don't forget. Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 26th is the day. The Senate will attempt to revive Amnesty Bill II. If the cloture vote passes, the Senate will only debate those amendments which were agreed upon behind closed doors. So, basically, a YES vote on cloture is the same thing as voting to pass the bill, and AMNESTY.

Unless your senators hear from you, they won't know how you feel about the Amnesty Bill. Please, take a moment out of your day to contact your senators or send them a fax. Urge them to oppose this measure and support enforcing our current immigration laws. When you're done calling them, call the National Republican Senatorial Committee at (202) 675-6000 and let them know you won't support the reelection of any senator who votes for this bill. Then call the Republican National Committee at (202) 863-8500 (option 1) and tell them the same thing. You should also contact the White House and tell the President that, as an American, you do, in fact, know what’s right for America.

Save your country now!