IMMIGRATION AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

I have a theory that the Democrats don't really want comprehensive immigration reform (which is basically code for amnesty).  They would prefer to have the issue and use it as a continual bludgeon against the GOP.  Why actually solve a long-standing problem when you can merely pretend to solve it, undermine it every step of the way and then blame your political opponents for its ultimate failure?  

Black Democrats don't want it.  Even some labor unions are skeptical.  But these groups are happy to let Republicans get all the blame and thus hamper efforts to woo more Latinos into the GOP.  Harry Reid's latest move is simply further evidence that the Democrats are not really interested in legitimate reform.  He's just guaranteed that no legislation will be passed.  Even if the Gang of Ocho gets something through the Senate it won't stand a chance in the House...because it won't be a serious bill.  It will be a bad joke.

Harry Reid warns GOP on border security

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid indicated on Wednesday that he will not allow the Gang of Eight immigration bill to require stricter border security measures merely in order to attract Republican votes.

"Our goal now is to pass the strongest legislation possible with as many votes as possible while staying true to our principles," Reid said.

A number of Republicans, led by Minority Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas), have said they may be able to support the bill if it includes a hard "trigger" of ensuring stronger border security metrics are in place before allowing undocumented immigrants to pursue a path to citizenship.

Senate rejects border security amendment to immigration bill

The Senate voted 57-43 on Thursday to table an amendment to the immigration reform bill that would have required increased border security before providing a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants.

The amendment from Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) would have prevented the government from granting provisional immigrant status until the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary has maintained effective control of the borders for six months.

Grassley blasted Democrats for burying his proposal, which was the first change to the Gang of Eight's immigration bill to be considered on the Senate floor.

"This vote proves this 'open and fair process’ is a farce," Grassley said. "The majority is afraid of having a true vote on my amendment.  This is not the right way to start off on a very important bill."

Grassley said the immigration bill repeats the mistakes made in the 1986 overhaul by "legalizing first and securing the border later, if ever."