Bush plan sparks ire, immigration rally
Immigrant rights advocates say many of the area's illegal immigrants feel betrayed by President Bush, who they had long considered an ally.
"People are really upset," said Juan Jose Gutierrez, president of Los Angeles-based Latino Movement USA, one of several organizers of Saturday's rally. "For years, the president spoke in no uncertain terms about supporting immigration reform ... then this kind of plan comes out and people are so frustrated."
The White House's draft plan, leaked last week, calls for a new "Z" visa that would allow illegal immigrant workers to apply for three-year work permits. They would be renewable indefinitely, but would cost $3,500 each time.
To get a permit and become legal permanent residents, illegal immigrants would have to return to their home country, apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate to re-enter legally and pay a $10,000 fine.
First, I hope that the INS has plenty of overtime available so that the maximum number of agents can attend these rallies.
Second, I hope there's room in the INS budget for the hundreds of 97-passenger vans they're going to need to haul the illegals caught at these rallies to the deportation processing centers.
Third, what kind of stupid pills are the immigration policy makers in the Bush administration taking? How in the name of fresh strawberries can any rational person even think of fining poor people $10,000 and charging them fees of $3,500 for work visas?
I support legal immigration to the fullest extent practical. I kinda like poor people since I come from a long line of them and still sorta am one. I support low-priced fresh fruits and vegetables even though I'm starting to lean to the "eat in season" side of that.
Howsomever. Don't come into my country illegally. Don't sneak into the US for work just because it will allow you to pay off your two homes in Mexico in half the time. Don't use the backs of illegals to artificially depress the real price of produce so that your profit is greater; I'm willing to pay more for produce if I can eat it with a clear conscience.
I hope lots of law breakers get sent back home after these rallies and then I hope some logical policy is developed that will allow people who are willing to work to come here and do so.
And you know what? Neither of my hopes will be realized.
