Reform bill draws mixed response

Last Friday, some Republican and Democratic congressional members introduced a comprehensive plan to help solve problems of illegal immigrants on the Southwest border.

Among other things it calls for a guest worker program and would permit foreign workers here illegally to apply for a visa to permit them to stay in the United States and perhaps gain citizenship after 11 years.

It would also double the fines for U.S. employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants.

Prime sponsors

U.S. Reps. Jim Kolbe, Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., and Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., and Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Ted Kennedy, D-Mass, were the prime sponsors.

By one estimate there are 10 million to 12 million illegal aliens, many working here in low-income jobs shunned by Americans.

The bill, which incorporates some of President Bush's proposals, has been both praised and condemned.

Bill praised by Grijalva

U.S. Rep Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., said the bill "looks to the reality of immigration and attempts to create a safer, accessible and regulated immigration system."

Grijalva added, "Arizona, like no other state in the nation, understands the need to address immigration and realism, fairness and a sense of urgency."

He also said this is a chance to "move forward toward a solution and not merely react with empty rhetoric and increased divisiveness."

On the other hand, Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., said the bill does nothing to crack down on illegal immigrants who had broken U.S. laws by crossing the border illegally.

Comparing it to other solutions to solve illegal immigration, Tancredo said, "There is a little more lipstick on this pig than there was before, but it's most certainly the same old pig."

Green Valley resident Republican Randy Graf, who recently announced he plans to run against Kolbe again, expressed his "sincere disappointment" with the bill.

"Amnesty for illegal aliens is at the heart of this bill and is why Jim Kolbe needs to be removed from office," he said.

"If this deceptive bill passes, it will do absolutely nothing to secure our southern borders. Politicians will claim total victory and yet we here in Southern Arizona will be stuck with the tab as well as the continued violence and rising crime rates," Graf said.

"This is nothing more than a high-profile smoke and mirrors hoax," he said.

Kolbe summarized some of the bills provisions:

Would improve information sharing and develop technology to strengthen the border.

Fines doubled for some

Doubles fines for employers who violate immigration laws.

Develops a new electronic work authorization system that will replace the current paper system that he called "fraud prone."

Creates a new visa, the H-5A visa to allow foreign workers to enter and fill available jobs. They must demonstrate there is a job waiting for them and pay a $500 fee.

Requires updating of the Labor Department's America Job Bank to make sure job opportunities are first seen by U.S. workers, but then can be used by immigrants to fill open jobs.

The visa is valid for three years and can be renewed once for a total of six years. At the end, the worker must return home or can apply for the Green Card.

Creates the H-5B visa for illegals already here, but would require a $2,000 fee and possibly other fines. It is good for six years and requires the applicant to have a work history, clean criminal record and are not a security threat.

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