Can Governor Jan Brewer read?
The statement from her office on the immigration reform plan released today by U.S. Senator John McCain and his colleagues makes me think not. Though that's no big surprise.
See also: -Jan Brewer "Kinder, Gentler" on Immigration? Republic Dons Kneepads for Governor -John McCain, Fellow Republicans, Scurry Like Rats To Embrace Immigration Reform Either she's illiterate or delusional or both, based on this statement from the Ninth Floor. It reads, in part:
"I have been in contact with Senator McCain regarding the now released immigration reform ideas presented by his working group of Senators. I am pleased that there is expressed recognition of what we have been saying in Arizona: immigration reform will not succeed unless and until we have achieved effective border security. If this occurs, it would be a triumph for the rule of law and a testament to the united voices of Americans from across our country who have been clear in their call for the federal government to uphold its duty to secure the border."
Earth to Jan: Today's plan calls for legalizing 11 to 12 million illegal immigrants, while at the same time "securing the border," which, as I've already pointed out, is absurd, because migration from Mexico is at a net zero.
The bull about securing an already heavily-militarized border is cover for what most nativists would denounce as "amnesty." (BTW, that was a good word during the Reagan era.)
If you don't believe me, peruse the following passage from the proposal. The italics are mine.
"While these security measures are being put into place," it states, significantly, "we will simultaneously require those who came or remained in the United States without our permission to register with the government. This will include passing a background check and settling their debt to society by paying a fine and back taxes, in order to earn probationary legal status, which will allow them to live and work legally in the United States."
McCain and his fellow Senators have not made this shibboleth of "securing the border" a sine qua non for legalizing the 12 million.
"Once the enforcement measures have been completed," the plan notes, "individuals with probationary legal status will be required to go to the back of the line of prospective immigrants, pass an additional background check, pay taxes, learn English and civics, demonstrate a history of work in the United States, and current employment, among other requirements, in order to earn the opportunity to apply for lawful permanent residency. Those individuals who successfully complete these requirements can eventually earn a green card."
Allow me to interpret for GED Jan:
If you're here illegally, you can get "probationary legal status," which allows you to live and work in the U.S. without having to worry about la migra. Later on, after that border-securing nonsense, you can apply for a green card. Though, by then, it will largely be symbolic.
The rest of Brewer's statement, which is reproduced below, reads like a pathetic stab at relevance by a two-bit political hack who owes her entire political career to xenophobia, hyperbole, and signing Senate Bill 1070.
If only this hate-mongering hag would stick to sucking back scotch and getting her face worked and reworked by plastic surgeons until she shuffles out of our sight and minds come January 2015.
Which can't come soon enough, I tell ya.
Statement from Governor Jan Brewer
"I have been in contact with Senator McCain regarding the now released immigration reform ideas presented by his working group of Senators. I am pleased that there is expressed recognition of what we have been saying in Arizona: immigration reform will not succeed unless and until we have achieved effective border security. If this occurs, it would be a triumph for the rule of law and a testament to the united voices of Americans from across our country who have been clear in their call for the federal government to uphold its duty to secure the border.
"Our nation cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past by pursuing immigration reform before tangible and effective border security, particularly in the Tucson Sector, is completed. That is the lesson of the last major immigration reform effort in 1986. The promise of border security was broken, and Americans - especially in border states like mine - have been paying the price ever since. We must not - and will not - let that happen again.
"In the weeks ahead, I will review the specific details of this immigration plan when proposed in actual legislation. I am hopeful that the immigration system is reformed in a manner that combines the rule of law and human compassion, while strengthening the United States' competitive position in the world.
"In the meantime, I'll be speaking with Arizona ranchers, business leaders and other residents of the border region, as well as law enforcement. I will continue to talk with those on the front lines and I will make sure their voices are heard. I am committed to do everything within my power to make certain our federal government finally upholds its obligation to secure America's borders."
