By Joseph Curl
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
President Bush yesterday proposed an expansive new immigration program that would allow millions of illegal aliens in the United States to apply for immediate legal working status, as he called on Congress to increase the number of foreigners allowed into America.
"Out of common sense and fairness, our laws should allow willing workers to enter our country and fill jobs that Americans are not filling," the president said in an East Room speech to members of Congress, his Cabinet and immigrant advocacy groups.
Under the program, which needs congressional approval, millions of
foreigners who illegally have entered the United States and are using fake or stolen Social Security numbers would face no penalty and could remain in the country for an unspecified number of years as long as they hold jobs no American wants.
While the president said the program would "provide incentives for temporary, foreign workers to return permanently to their home countries," opponents say it amounts to a blanket amnesty because millions of illegal aliens would enjoy all the employee rights, such as due process and Social Security benefits, given to those legally employed.
Posted by Suzanne at January 8, 2004