Why the lack of action taken by Congress on illegal immigration?

I would like to know what different people here think has led to this problem. It is much more complicated than anyone else seems to recognize.

There are multiple reasons and I think there are a lot people that ignore most of them, so I thought I would set up a poll to see what everyone interested in this problem actually think is responsible.

I hope I can set this up right. I am not a very good computer Guru.

As a side-note -- Does anyone here know exactly why the the Conservative Ronald Reagan proposed the first amnesty bill?

I am just curious how many of you were around then (like myself) and remember the discussions or learned the history of it. It was not a simple deal either.

The magnitude of the illegal alien issue was nothing during Reagan's administration compared to today, so comparing the amnesty he put forth to any similar proposal or action today is comparing apples to oranges. The principle is the same, of course, but illegals were just not much of a problem or a concern at the time for a variety of reasons, among which was simply their small numbers.

The problem with what Reagan did was not so much providing amnesty to the (relatively) few illegals around at that time, but in giving a loud signal that encouraged future illegal immigration by providing a sense that it was unofficially acceptable. In this respect, Reagan made a very big mistake in that he did not anticipate the subsequent massive flood of illegals that would result from his action. In all fairness to him, I am not sure anyone else anticiated it either. I was a very strong Reagan supporter, and still consider him one of the best, and the right man at the right time, but his amnesty program IMO was his single biggest mistake as President...

Folks, am I wrong or Bill Clinton also signed some kind of amnesty?

Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


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Sort of,

http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrele...Act_122100.pdf


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I don't remember any - but it does not mean he did not. He did sign the republican "pushed" welfare reform bill, which made it more difficult for illegals to get "entitlements" - on paper, at least.

When the first people started settling North America weren't they all illegal immigrants?

I would say because both houses are self serving, and the legislative branch is completely broken. For example

Dream Act students sue to stop Senate filibuster - Washington Times

Illegal alien students sue to stop US public servants from governing and representing the people (US citizens) so that they (illegals) can benefit from a US bill floated by someone that clearly feels illegals are "more equal" than citizens. And, remember, "more equal" is not in the constitution, which is the docterine the public servants are suppose to be flying by. I think that speaks volumes.

Lets not forget Faceman that Reagan was the Gov. Of California.
A state with a large influx of undocumented workers. He was also a ranch owner.
Gov Perry of Texas and both Presidents Bush also were not in line with the anti immigrant portion of the Republican Party that is now very vocal.
In fact George W bush had a favorable image in Texas with hispanic voters.
Funny Faceman I thought the amnesty was one of Reagans better decisions. Shalom