State of the Union

[Luiz]

Immigration talks at the State of the Union. I was hoping for more, but litle is better than nothing.

State of the Union

President Bush

BUSH: We hear claims that immigrants are somehow bad for the economy, even though this economy could not function without them.
Keeping America competitive requires an immigration system that upholds our laws, reflects our values and serves the interests of our economy.
Our nation needs orderly and secure borders.
To meet this goal, we must have stronger immigration enforcement and border protection.
BUSH: And we must have a rational, humane guest worker program that rejects amnesty, allows temporary jobs for people who seek them legally, and reduces smuggling and crime at the border.

Democrats

The failure of the federal government to implement and enforce a rational immigration policy has resulted in a confusing patchwork of state and local efforts. KAINE: Of course, we should welcome those who seek to lawfully join and contribute to our American family -- and we must.
But at the same time, we have to ensure that our homeland defense efforts begin with consistent federal action to protect our borders.

 

[berkeleybee]

American Competitiveness Initiative

The real substance is in the American Competitiveness Initiative at http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/01/20060131-5.html

America's Economic Strength And Global Leadership Depend On Continued Technological Advances. Groundbreaking ideas generated by innovative minds have paid enormous dividends – improving the lives and livelihoods of generations of Americans. With more research in both the public and private sectors, we will improve our quality of life – and ensure that America will lead the world in opportunity and innovation for decades to come. The President's comprehensive strategy to strengthen America's competitiveness includes:

Doubling the Federal commitment to the most critical basic research programs in the physical sciences over the next 10 years;

Encouraging the expansion of a favorable environment for additional private-sector investment in innovation;

Improving the quality of education to provide American children with a strong foundation in math and science;

Supporting universities that provide world-class education and research opportunities;

Providing job training that affords more workers and manufacturers the opportunity to improve their skills and better compete in the 21st century;

Attracting and retaining the best and brightest to enhance entrepreneurship, competitiveness, and job creation in America by supporting comprehensive immigration reform;
and
Fostering a business environment that encourages entrepreneurship and protects intellectual property.

Further down:

Enabling The World's Most Talented Individuals To Put Their Skills To Work For America Will Increase Our Productivity, Improve Our International Competitiveness, And Create Many High-Paying Jobs For Americans. The President supports attracting and retaining the best and the brightest high-skilled workers from around the world by reforming the Nation's immigration system, while maintaining national security priorities. The President's comprehensive plan for immigration reform meets the needs of a growing economy, allows workers to provide for their families while respecting the law, and enhances homeland security by relieving pressure on the borders.

 

[marlon2006]

Unfortunately, lip service.
By the time they allow 12 million+ illegal guest workers apply for the temporary guest-worker status, that would give enough reason to USCIS take 10 more years to approve your I-485 petition. They care only with the illegal immigration crowd, since employers know they are still getting reasonable supply of high-tech workers thru H1B or slow GC process.

The real substance is in the American Competitiveness Initiative at http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/01/20060131-5.html

America's Economic Strength And Global Leadership Depend On Continued Technological Advances. Groundbreaking ideas generated by innovative minds have paid enormous dividends – improving the lives and livelihoods of generations of Americans. With more research in both the public and private sectors, we will improve our quality of life – and ensure that America will lead the world in opportunity and innovation for decades to come. The President's comprehensive strategy to strengthen America's competitiveness includes:

Doubling the Federal commitment to the most critical basic research programs in the physical sciences over the next 10 years;

Encouraging the expansion of a favorable environment for additional private-sector investment in innovation;

Improving the quality of education to provide American children with a strong foundation in math and science;

Supporting universities that provide world-class education and research opportunities;

Providing job training that affords more workers and manufacturers the opportunity to improve their skills and better compete in the 21st century;

Attracting and retaining the best and brightest to enhance entrepreneurship, competitiveness, and job creation in America by supporting comprehensive immigration reform;
and
Fostering a business environment that encourages entrepreneurship and protects intellectual property.

Further down:

Enabling The World's Most Talented Individuals To Put Their Skills To Work For America Will Increase Our Productivity, Improve Our International Competitiveness, And Create Many High-Paying Jobs For Americans. The President supports attracting and retaining the best and the brightest high-skilled workers from around the world by reforming the Nation's immigration system, while maintaining national security priorities. The President's comprehensive plan for immigration reform meets the needs of a growing economy, allows workers to provide for their families while respecting the law, and enhances homeland security by relieving pressure on the borders.

 

[khodalmd]

President Bush clearly denied amnesty. Current 12 million illegal people will not get benefit of Guest Workers program. On the countrary, they will be in big trouble.
If they invite new guest workers, naturally they will increase the employment based GC quota. We have to carefully lobying for Immigration reform bill. The only soulution today is join www.immigrationvoice.org and contribute financially

Unfortunately, lip service.
By the time they allow 12 million+ illegal guest workers apply for the temporary guest-worker status, that would give enough reason to USCIS take 10 more years to approve your I-485 petition. They care only with the illegal immigration crowd, since employers know they are still getting reasonable supply of high-tech workers thru H1B or slow GC process.

 

[nishokie]

i'll put money right now that this temporary guest worker visa program is not going to work unless it leads a path to permanent immigration. heck...i wouldn't mind staying illegal and take my chances and not sign up because i dont get any benefit from this program instead now i would have to pay taxes...i am better off illegal unless i can get a gc from this.

temporary visa program will be a waste if it doesn't lead to final immigration. i think the govt. is wasting their time.

Unfortunately, lip service.
By the time they allow 12 million+ illegal guest workers apply for the temporary guest-worker status, that would give enough reason to USCIS take 10 more years to approve your I-485 petition. They care only with the illegal immigration crowd, since employers know they are still getting reasonable supply of high-tech workers thru H1B or slow GC process.

 

[marlon2006]

It all depends if they are serious about enforcing laws. In my community here I was told that 30 illegal aliens have been deported already. If they really shut down benefits such as public schools, driver's license and end the sanctuary for illegals, then people would be naturally forced to apply for the guest worker. On the other hand, if they don't enforce the immigration laws, the illegal population would just increase since people would come here to connect with potential employers and hope to apply for such guest worker program down the road. Either way, this is a controversial debate. I want to see if they are able to pass such bill this Spring ? Not sure.

i'll put money right now that this temporary guest worker visa program is not going to work unless it leads a path to permanent immigration. heck...i wouldn't mind staying illegal and take my chances and not sign up because i dont get any benefit from this program instead now i would have to pay taxes...i am better off illegal unless i can get a gc from this.

temporary visa program will be a waste if it doesn't lead to final immigration. i think the govt. is wasting their time.