Graham: Hey, who’s up for immigration reform?
posted at 3:35 pm on February 7, 2011 by Ed Morrissey
Unemployment remains high, we’re dealing with a $1.5 trillion deficit, and we don’t have a federal budget yet for a year that’s already half over. Lindsey Graham figures this must be the time for yet another push at comprehensive immigration reform, and he’s found just the partner to move forward with it:
Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) have rekindled their alliance on immigration reform, taking some early steps to test the political will for addressing the contentious issue this year.
Their call list hasn’t focused so much on House and Senate members who’ve been reliable pro-immigration votes in the past. Instead, they’re looking to a strange-bedfellows mix of conservative and liberal constituencies that can provide a “safety net” of support, as Graham put it, once the issue heats up.
Strange bedfellows? No, not really:
Now, conservative evangelicals, the AFL-CIO, the Service Employees International Union, business organizations and immigrant advocacy groups say they have gotten word from Schumer’s office that a renewed effort is under way. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce confirmed that it is back in the mix, after a hasty exit last year when Schumer proposed a legislative framework with a temporary worker program that favored labor unions.
Unions and big business partnering on amnesty? Say it ain’t so! Why, that’s as shocking as the opposition of both to ICE raids and e-Verify. There’s nothing strange at all at this partnership; it’s business as usual.
Congress and the last two administrations could easily have had immigration “reform” had they performed their duties to (a) secure the borders, and (b) fix the visa program that has nearly no follow-up on expirations. The 9/11 Commission demanded both from Congress in the summer of 2004. To date, not only has Congress mostly ignored those recommendations, they defunded the one project that addressed the commission’s concerns — the border fence.
Secure the border, and fix the visa system. Those should be the prerequisites to any discussion on “reform.” When Congress proves that they’re serious about securing this nation, then we can debate what to do with those who are in the country illegally now, but not before.
The Boss Emeritus has more on this subject.
Blowback
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D.O.A. in the House of Representatives.
A Balrog of Morgoth on February 7, 2011 at 3:38 PM
Heh, it won’t pass the House so I have no idea why they’re wasting taxpayer’s money on it.
Levinite on February 7, 2011 at 3:39 PM
This is DISGUSTING.
I pray he’s done in 2012!
stenwin77 on February 7, 2011 at 3:39 PM
Useful idiot (and Chuck knows it).
mankai on February 7, 2011 at 3:39 PM
Is anyone in South Carolina even moderately embarrased? Are there any plans to get rid of this human loufa?
lm10001 on February 7, 2011 at 3:39 PM
Oops, sorry for copying your sentiment. Great minds must think alike! :-)
Levinite on February 7, 2011 at 3:40 PM
The city is burning, Nero is fiddling, and the imperial senate has decided to accompany his music with a full orchestra.
How did it come to this?
Bishop on February 7, 2011 at 3:40 PM
Unemployment remains high, we’re dealing with a $1.5 trillion deficit, and we don’t have a federal budget yet for a year that’s already half over. Lindsey Graham figures this must be the time for yet another push at comprehensive immigration reform, and he’s found just the partner to move forward with it:
===================================
In 2013 would be a better date,when Team Right owns
both Houses,and a Republican President!
Jus say’n!
canopfor on February 7, 2011 at 3:40 PM
I don’t mind a guest worker system. But you have to come through the front door, not a side window. And we do have a naturalization process.
rbj on February 7, 2011 at 3:40 PM
Go away.
therightwinger on February 7, 2011 at 3:40 PM
Thank God for the House.
El_Terrible on February 7, 2011 at 3:42 PM
Three times in the 20th century illegals were forcibly deported. The last was the Eisenhower administration. Then the liberals tricked Reagan with the border security that never seemed to get funded.
Every time it was for the same reason — Just stealing the jobs Americans used to have. With real unemployment around 17% …
tarpon on February 7, 2011 at 3:42 PM
ummmmm no
ain’t gonna happen
cmsinaz on February 7, 2011 at 3:43 PM
If by “immigration reform” you mean building a wall … then yes.
Tony737 on February 7, 2011 at 3:43 PM
“Thinking Man’s Conservative” nonsense…
MeatHeadinCA on February 7, 2011 at 3:43 PM
Face palm. This guy just doesn’t get it. Instead of leading and worrying about job creation, Graham stays in perma-idiot mode and falls in love with the liberal agenda again.
search4truth on February 7, 2011 at 3:44 PM
What about welfare reform? It’s bad enough when someone breaks the law to come here, but worse when they suck off tax payer money…
MeatHeadinCA on February 7, 2011 at 3:44 PM
This guy can’t get primaried fast enough.
portlandon on February 7, 2011 at 3:44 PM
Can I ask what SC is thinking.. re-electing this tool over and over and over?
upinak on February 7, 2011 at 3:44 PM
he’s got mccain’s vote
cmsinaz on February 7, 2011 at 3:45 PM
Go away, Grahamesty.
kingsjester on February 7, 2011 at 3:45 PM
Graham has got to go.
Cicero43 on February 7, 2011 at 3:45 PM
When is Graham going to come out of the closet?
Wine_N_Dine on February 7, 2011 at 3:45 PM
O/T: does anyone know when AP is coming back?
Kataklysmic on February 7, 2011 at 3:46 PM
Why do they want to reform immigration policies? Is there something wrong with them?
darwin on February 7, 2011 at 3:46 PM
AP and Graham are on a RINO-palooza vaca cruise.
MeatHeadinCA on February 7, 2011 at 3:47 PM
Immigration reform is the distraction to be used to hide the more devious actions planned by the WH in the coming years.
In 6 weeks, the only thing we’ll here about is immigration reform. We won’t here about EPA regulating rabbit shit and its associated vapors, nor the tax being created to help rid the world of rabbit farts.
BobMbx on February 7, 2011 at 3:48 PM
MeatHeadinCA on February 7, 2011 at 3:47 PM
Then, I wish they would have taken our Trolls with them.
kingsjester on February 7, 2011 at 3:48 PM
Huntsman keynoting?
Kataklysmic on February 7, 2011 at 3:48 PM
Wait a tic,when did the Nov.2010 Election
Game Plans get changed,I thought it was to
roll back Hopey’s damage,and excessive spend
ing!!
canopfor on February 7, 2011 at 3:50 PM
No kidding- these little princes in the Senate are so out of touch it’s frightening.
C’mon South Carolina- do you really want to re-elect this GOP friendly fire machine?
jjshaka on February 7, 2011 at 3:50 PM
Lets see,must make a note,of Lindsay,for
priority ranking,in the upcoming,
Great RINO Purgation Part Deux!!
(sarc).
canopfor on February 7, 2011 at 3:52 PM
Starting the 2012 GOTV effort to pander to Hispanics and paint GOP conservatives as racist.
Useful tool Miss Lindsay helping them, as always, and given McCain’s recent visit with Obama, I’d say Juan will jump on board soon, too.
Wethal on February 7, 2011 at 3:53 PM
focus on jobs bites the dust :)
cmsinaz on February 7, 2011 at 3:53 PM
+1 to both
MeatHeadinCA on February 7, 2011 at 3:54 PM
canopfor on February 7, 2011 at 3:52 PM
cmsinaz on February 7, 2011 at 3:55 PM
When Lugar and this ninny go down, cause for celebration.
rrpjr on February 7, 2011 at 3:55 PM
he’s got mccain’s vote
cmsinaz on February 7, 2011 at 3:45 PM
cmsinaz:Ugh,”Maverick Jr.”!:)
canopfor on February 7, 2011 at 3:58 PM
Graham and McCain are two menaces.
mobydutch on February 7, 2011 at 3:59 PM
So…um…Graham wants to help in Obama’s re-election!
(sarc).
canopfor on February 7, 2011 at 4:01 PM
That may not be the best turn of a phrase when speaking of Miss Lindsey.
Aviator on February 7, 2011 at 4:02 PM
Graham and McCain are two menaces.
mobydutch on February 7, 2011 at 3:59 PM
mobydutch:D*mmitt not another Star Wars Movie!!:)
canopfor on February 7, 2011 at 4:03 PM
*sigh*
cmsinaz on February 7, 2011 at 4:03 PM
Canop, There’s something I’ve just got to ask you. I am genuinely curious and not being snarky in any way either. I love your posts and have for a long time. You’re Canadian why on Earth are you so interested in U.S. politics? Most Americans, me included, don’t know squat about Canadian politics other than in a broad general sense. You on the other hand seem to have a very good grasp on what goes on down here and why. Your insight has sometimes amazes me.
Oldnuke on February 7, 2011 at 4:03 PM
Heh, it won’t pass the House so I have no idea why they’re wasting taxpayer’s money on it.
Levinite on February 7, 2011 at 3:39 PM
Maybe it’s a symbolic vote. /s
rjl1999 on February 7, 2011 at 4:03 PM
Is the election over? Fuggettabout the danged fence, we need immigration reform…
Grrrr…
Fallon on February 7, 2011 at 4:04 PM
mobydutch:D*mmitt not another Star Wars Movie!!:)
canopfor on February 7, 2011 at 4:03 PM
You always make me laugh!!!!!
mobydutch on February 7, 2011 at 4:04 PM
When Lugar and this ninny go down, cause for celebration.
rrpjr on February 7, 2011 at 3:55 PM
rrpjr:For some inexplicable reason,I picture Barney Franks
somewhere in this mess!!(sarc).
canopfor on February 7, 2011 at 4:05 PM
Just clearing the decks for the coming Muslim waves of refugees from war torn Iraq, Afghanistan and any other grievance infected land. As soon as the quarters in the whack-A-Mole machine runs out, they will be coming.
BL@KBIRD on February 7, 2011 at 4:06 PM
mccain is in for another 6 years, he’s gonna help grahamnesty as much as possible…
*sigh*
cmsinaz on February 7, 2011 at 4:06 PM
This isn’t going to hurt the libs, the public already knows they suck but striking an immigration deal of even working towards one with the GOP will absolutely kill any credibility Republicans have built up with the public.
Its a sucker bet, don’t fall for it.
Speakup on February 7, 2011 at 4:06 PM
Not making excuses for them here but the Obamacare repeal doesn’t have a chance of passing either (at least right now) but that’s moving ahead. They’ve gotta do something to pick up some votes somewhere and maybe they think this is the way to do it.
Oldnuke on February 7, 2011 at 4:07 PM
I really want to smack him in his stupid looking campbell’s soup kid looking face.
rollthedice on February 7, 2011 at 4:07 PM
canopfor on February 7, 2011 at 4:03 PM
========
You always make me laugh!!!!!
mobydutch on February 7, 2011 at 4:04 PM
mobydutch:)
canopfor on February 7, 2011 at 4:07 PM
….sorry, that wasn’t very civil.
rollthedice on February 7, 2011 at 4:07 PM
O/T: does anyone know when AP is coming back?
Kataklysmic on February 7, 2011 at 3:46 PM
Kataklysmic:He’s marooned on Cat Island,on his way to
Kitty Mecca in Katmandu!!(I kid):)
===============================================
Katmandu – Bob Seger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wd3Mt8JBBBg
canopfor on February 7, 2011 at 4:11 PM
The reason Graham is pushing immigration reform is because unless Obama is elected in 2012 he will not have a job. Since his claim to fame is being McCain’s lapdog. When the people of South Carolina elect someone like Graham and Arizona elects McCain, how they can complain because they stab them in the back over and over. These loons would not be in office if the majority of voters in their states put them there.
volsense on February 7, 2011 at 4:17 PM
Come on. You know exactly why Shumer is doing it. So in 2012 the
SocialistsDemocrats will be able to tell Hispanics that Republicans are anti-immigrant. Same reason they do this every couple of years.What I don’t get is why Ghraham wants any part of it.
angryed on February 7, 2011 at 4:18 PM
McCain and Graham are the two biggest frauds in congress. you can’t trust anything they say.
exceller on February 7, 2011 at 4:20 PM
This must be so much harder than anyone thinks because for decades it hasn’t even been attempt.
Cindy Munford on February 7, 2011 at 4:25 PM
canopfor on February 7, 2011 at 3:52 PM
=====================================
Canop, There’s something I’ve just got to ask you. I am genuinely curious and not being snarky in any way either. I love your posts and have for a long time. You’re Canadian why on Earth are you so interested in U.S. politics? Most Americans, me included, don’t know squat about Canadian politics other than in a broad general sense. You on the other hand seem to have a very good grasp on what goes on down here and why. Your insight has sometimes amazes me.
Oldnuke on February 7, 2011 at 4:03 PM
Oldnuke:
Well,I grew up,through the years,and always thought the
US was a force of good,the Military and its people,and
all the problems on this planet are NOT the Fault of the
US!
When I was a courier,had a rural route,was lucky,to listen
to Rush,for over ten years!
My grandmother’s sister after WW2,married a US Airman,and
they moved to Utah.My oldest uncle married a gal,across our
ditch,from Sault Michigan!
When I was in my early twentys,I worked for 3 Americans at
a auto parts store that they opened on our Canadian side,
after WW2,and they commuted back and forth to the US,btw,
best boss’s I have ever had!
Went up the train line,with my Gramps to his buddies camp,
for a week,and bumped into a kid,my age from Kentucky,and
had a blast with him,and at the end of the week,we both
realized Canada/America,are almost the same!!
I dunno,I have had postive experiences throughout my life
with Americans!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh,and I do love American Politics!!:)
canopfor on February 7, 2011 at 4:26 PM
Hey voters of SC, have you no Shame?
antisocial on February 7, 2011 at 4:34 PM
That really ruined my day because I’m afraid it might very well be true.
BowHuntingTexas on February 7, 2011 at 4:36 PM
.
Step 1 and step 2 of what Governor Palin says needs to be done. Think she could/would do it?
News2Use on February 7, 2011 at 4:48 PM
so it’s DOA in the House but Grahamnesty thought it would be nice to give the Dems an ‘antiHispanic GOP!” talking point in time for ’12? what a moron.
We got Nikki Haley elected in SC
I dont see why Graham doesnt have a challenger
I realllly don’t.
ginaswo on February 7, 2011 at 4:50 PM
Oh,and I do love American Politics!!:)
canopfor on February 7, 2011 at 4:26 PM
Like I always said, Canofor is as American as apple pie. (no need for a birth certificate) Ha!!
mobydutch on February 7, 2011 at 4:51 PM
volsense
well, we in AZ only had JD Hayworth as an option.
I am still a reg D so I dont speak in the GOP primary voting process, but we certainly werent going to put in a D over MAC when that was the choice.
now what is the excuse for the GOP nominating MAC in ’08?!
anyway on to the issue
primary Graham.
ginaswo on February 7, 2011 at 4:52 PM
Like I always said, Canofor (excuse the sp.)C-A-N-O-P-F-O-R
mobydutch on February 7, 2011 at 4:54 PM
I hear you. I could have phrased that one better.
rrpjr on February 7, 2011 at 4:55 PM
canopfor on February 7, 2011 at 4:26 PM
===============
Like I always said, Canofor is as American as apple pie. (no need for a birth certificate) Ha!!
mobydutch on February 7, 2011 at 4:51 PM
mobydutch:Birth certificate,Lol,and apple pie,I’m honoured,
thank-you:)
canopfor on February 7, 2011 at 4:56 PM
So Lindsey has a new BFF in Chucky Schmucky? Not such strange bedfellows after all (relax Barney).
pain train on February 7, 2011 at 4:59 PM
My father, who was born and reared in South Carolina is spinning in his grave. Lindsey Graham is a bigger RINO than even Scott Brown. Chuck (three branches of government)Schumer should know better than to teamup with this loser. What has happened to the state where I once lived and the people I once respected?
flytier on February 7, 2011 at 5:06 PM
Like I said in Headlines—The biggest reason to bring this up is because liberal-voting Hispanics are often single-issue amnesty voters. If amnesty comes completely off the table in 2012, these voters stay home or worry more about issues like abortion.
I’ll go even further: If the Hispanic vote were closer to 50-50, the GOP could never again be intimidated by the potential of alienating Hispanics. What happens when the single-issue amnesty liberals stay home and illegal aliens can’t vote with voter reg cards handed out by leftist interests….?
Sekhmet on February 7, 2011 at 5:09 PM
If only the Federal Govt would focus its energies on this. You want a Manhattan Project, this is it.
Paul-Cincy on February 7, 2011 at 5:11 PM
SOUTH CAROLINA: he needs to go away…
Khun Joe on February 7, 2011 at 5:12 PM
You cannot cross a RINO with an Elephant. It doesn’t work.
lilium on February 7, 2011 at 5:13 PM
Same shi* ,different day! Why the he** doesn’t South Carolina recall their village idiot ?
In the last week we have had the two biggest Republican clowns McCain and Graham pot banging for the One. No wonder a lot of folk want a third party with fools like these two up to their old Rino tricks .
Sandybourne on February 7, 2011 at 5:14 PM
Keep praying. He was reelected 2008…with a 6 year term that would be 2014.
clement on February 7, 2011 at 5:17 PM
Considering the fact that all of the “Conservatives”, particularly those on this site are perfectly happy to lose America’s strong moral fabric to the GLBTNAMBLA and every other socially progressive position, why are you even concerned about who lives here anyways?
astonerii on February 7, 2011 at 5:24 PM
how many days until a South Carolina Primary? PLEASE just tell me who and where to send my money to retire this fool!
SDarchitect on February 7, 2011 at 5:26 PM
Hey Back Folks! You aren’t underpaid enough yet, so we are bringing in 16,000,000 more Mexicans to compete for your existing jobs….How’s that working out for you?
rgranger on February 7, 2011 at 5:37 PM
They both need to be replaced. Good grief. Talk about being completely clueless.
dogsoldier on February 7, 2011 at 5:42 PM
Makes you wanna go out and punch a South Carolinian for re-electing that moron.
paulsur on February 7, 2011 at 5:45 PM
With Obama’s economic policies there are no jobs even for illegals and they will be shrinking further. Won’t be long before Michelle shuts down MacDonalds and BK. Rich Lowry and the GOP brain trust are thinking Jeb Bush for Prez in ’12. So we’ll get 4 more years of Obama and then even fewer jobs. All the illegals will self deport. Who needs reform? Mexico will have a better economy and they’ll all be gone. All we need do is stall any “reform” for another year or two.
JimP on February 7, 2011 at 5:52 PM
2nd that!
cmsinaz on February 7, 2011 at 6:12 PM
Graham and Schumer can stick it were the sun doesn’t shine.
1986:
“There will be no more amnesty. We will secure our borders.”
Until that happens, these two useful idiots can both pound sand. That blunt enough?
GarandFan on February 7, 2011 at 6:13 PM
I guess Amnesty is another one of those loser social issues we need to just let them pass.
hawkdriver on February 7, 2011 at 6:17 PM
That ‘splains a lot. BTW I’m a Kentucky boy m’self. Born and raised there.
Oldnuke on February 7, 2011 at 6:21 PM
Someone should sponsor a contest with a big prize for the person who comes up with an actual productive use for a Senator.
ps. Don’t worry about the cost of the prize – nobody will win it.
drunyan8315 on February 7, 2011 at 9:53 PM
Obama advanced the least respected judge in Arizona to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. A very liberal and very young Hispanic woman. Very soon they will hear SB 1070, Arizona’s law. How convenient.
This is why we must never allow liberals in the Whitehouse. The 9th Circuit is already a basket case, it will now be worse than ever.
I can’t remember her name Murgia… or something like that.
petunia on February 8, 2011 at 11:45 AM