The Black Informant | African American Commentary, News and Community Building

The intelligence bill that is currently subject to approval by both the house and senate is now back on track after it has been delayed by two Republican congressmen House Judiciary Committee chairman James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) and Armed Services Committee Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif. Hunter at first opposed the bill because of concerns that it might interfere with the military’s ability to get vital information. Sensenbrenner, on the other hand opposed the bill (and still does) because it does not deal with such issues as illegal immigration and asylum changes. It is Sensenbrenner’s opinion that I want to bring to focus in this posting.

For the longest time, both Democrats and Republicans have been reluctant to directly deal with the immigration problem that exists in this country. Democrats (who have built their platform on helping the poor and underprivileged) shy away from it because if they firmly say “yes” to continued loose borders, then all the working class they say they represent here in America will be in serious jeopardy of loosing their jobs due to cheaper labor. If they firmly say “No”, then their whole notion of speaking for the underclass will be invalid. All of this while trying to fight against the image that they are soft on national defense. As for Republicans, by continuing to avoid the whole border issue, they keep their wealthy constituents (many of which are made up of both large and small business owners) happy because they are the immediate benefactors of the cheap labor while blacks and others who make up a large part of blue collar workers are now in a position to compete with those who will take lower pay.

I believe that Republicans also see this as an opportunity to be found in the good graces of the Mexican people (who make up a bulk of the Hispanic population here in the US). Although Hispanics tend to have a slight lean toward the Democratic ticket, this could very well be the bargaining chip Republicans would need to secure the Hispanic vote in future elections. Just as a few of decades ago blacks began the gradual switch from voting a mostly Republican ticket to Democratic all because to the stance Democrats took on Civil Rights, I believe that we are now witnessing the same thing with the Hispanic population today.

Like most people, I want to see all people have the opportunity to have a better life without the fear of tyranny or oppression. However, I also know that on 9/11, foreign born terrorist were able to manipulate our immigration policies to their advantage that resulted in the death of over 3,000 people. Sensenbrenner explains:

“Americans deserve a complete bill so that we can prevent another 9/11 from occurring. Border security and immigration reform are vital components of our homeland security efforts, so why are they not included in this legislation? The time to address these issues is now, not next month, not next year. Hollow promises of future consideration are just that – hollow promises.

“Terrorists have exploited vulnerabilities in our asylum system and in the issuance of drivers’ licenses. This bill fails to include the strong provisions in the House bill because my Senate colleagues found them ‘too controversial.’ That’s unfortunate, because their refusal to consider these security provisions on their merits will keep Americans unnecessarily at risk.

“I said two weeks ago that the Senate was hell-bent on ensuring that illegal aliens can receive drivers’ licenses, regardless of the security concerns. This Sept. 10th mentality in a post-Sept. 11th world is unwise and among those I intend to rectify next year.” (more...)

May we also be reminded that the younger of the two D.C. snipers was also an illegal immigrant.

This is not to say that all immigrants to this country are prone to be more violent; however, the system that we now have in place seems to give ALL who wish to enter this country a free pass including those that want to do us harm. Immigration laws need to be strengthened, not used as some bargaining chip for more political power. The oppression and poverty that Mexicans face on a daily basis should be addressed and eradicated. Having loose immigration policies is not the way to do it.