Post by Colin Powell on Dec 10, 2005 12:41:26 GMT -5
These are responses to Senator Shackleton's statements on the Senate floor:
1. "First, I do not comprehend why it must be a "Mexican-American" treaty. I do not see any Mexican obligations to this treaty, nor do I see why we should limit ourselves to, while a major source of immigration, simply one source of immigration for these new visas."
The treaty is pragmatic. Our largest source of immigration, and illegal immigration, is Mexico. This treaty aims to offer a legal alternative for illegal immigrants from Mexico. Instead of risking their lives crossing the border and living in constant fear while working in the sweatshops, Mexican immigrants can take a step towards speedy citizenship by proving to the American government they are willing to partake in this nation.
Also pertinent to the topic is the possible source of terrorist immigration into the United States. By encouraging legal guest worker programs, the overall illegal immigrant black market is diminished which subsequently increases our ability to crack down on border control.
2. "I have deeper concerns about the provisions of this treaty. Provisions 3 & 4 of this treaty to me, are an unfair burden on immigrants coming to this country...yet, in the next provision, they are denied all of the benefits which come from paying taxes in the American system. Federally funded social programs are a burden on our budget, but if the statistics of immigration show anything, they show that individuals who come to this country have much more to input with their business and their taxes than they receive in benefits. To disqualify them completely from these benefits is, in my eyes, a severe hindrance on the ideals of fairness and freedom which we, in America, truly champion."
I would like to refer to my first statement: The process allows the Mexican workers the ability to prove to this nation and its citizens, by paying taxes, that they are willing to partake in the system and become full-fledged Americans. This is underscored by the preferential naturalization of guest workers.
However, as this administration and the majority of the American people understand, social benefits, education, and all other federally-funded programs are not handouts just because you work in the United States. They are a privilege that must be earned. This bill understands this fundamental concept: America is the land of opportunity, an opportunity built upon individual accomplishment, hard work, and self-sacrifice. By working hard and thus receiving a preferential naturalization time table, these guest workers will be able to take part in the American Republic.
3. "I do not see why we must meet or cap quotas on the amount of guest workers who come to this country. If there are jobs to be filled, that Americans will not take, how can we deny individuals the ability to come from this country legally, and in doing so, burden ourselves with the task of dealing with them illegally?"
This is a very misguided statement. Of course, immigration must be limited and regulated in each and every nation. Perhaps, as deduced from the other statements of my esteemed colleague, Senator Shackleton would like to allow all immigrants to come into this nation in an unregulated fashion and then give health benefits, education, and welfare to them with no accountability or ensuring that they give back to the nation.
Thank you for your time,
Secretary of State Colin Powell
1. "First, I do not comprehend why it must be a "Mexican-American" treaty. I do not see any Mexican obligations to this treaty, nor do I see why we should limit ourselves to, while a major source of immigration, simply one source of immigration for these new visas."
The treaty is pragmatic. Our largest source of immigration, and illegal immigration, is Mexico. This treaty aims to offer a legal alternative for illegal immigrants from Mexico. Instead of risking their lives crossing the border and living in constant fear while working in the sweatshops, Mexican immigrants can take a step towards speedy citizenship by proving to the American government they are willing to partake in this nation.
Also pertinent to the topic is the possible source of terrorist immigration into the United States. By encouraging legal guest worker programs, the overall illegal immigrant black market is diminished which subsequently increases our ability to crack down on border control.
2. "I have deeper concerns about the provisions of this treaty. Provisions 3 & 4 of this treaty to me, are an unfair burden on immigrants coming to this country...yet, in the next provision, they are denied all of the benefits which come from paying taxes in the American system. Federally funded social programs are a burden on our budget, but if the statistics of immigration show anything, they show that individuals who come to this country have much more to input with their business and their taxes than they receive in benefits. To disqualify them completely from these benefits is, in my eyes, a severe hindrance on the ideals of fairness and freedom which we, in America, truly champion."
I would like to refer to my first statement: The process allows the Mexican workers the ability to prove to this nation and its citizens, by paying taxes, that they are willing to partake in the system and become full-fledged Americans. This is underscored by the preferential naturalization of guest workers.
However, as this administration and the majority of the American people understand, social benefits, education, and all other federally-funded programs are not handouts just because you work in the United States. They are a privilege that must be earned. This bill understands this fundamental concept: America is the land of opportunity, an opportunity built upon individual accomplishment, hard work, and self-sacrifice. By working hard and thus receiving a preferential naturalization time table, these guest workers will be able to take part in the American Republic.
3. "I do not see why we must meet or cap quotas on the amount of guest workers who come to this country. If there are jobs to be filled, that Americans will not take, how can we deny individuals the ability to come from this country legally, and in doing so, burden ourselves with the task of dealing with them illegally?"
This is a very misguided statement. Of course, immigration must be limited and regulated in each and every nation. Perhaps, as deduced from the other statements of my esteemed colleague, Senator Shackleton would like to allow all immigrants to come into this nation in an unregulated fashion and then give health benefits, education, and welfare to them with no accountability or ensuring that they give back to the nation.
Thank you for your time,
Secretary of State Colin Powell