Obama sets WH immigration reform meeting June 8, 2009 NO AMNESTY

by CynicalPatriot | May 26, 2009 at 10:02 pm
5036 views | 13 Recommendations | 83 comments


President Barack Obama is inviting members of Congress to the White House for a June 8 meeting to highlight immigration reform, an administration official confirmed to POLITICO Wednesday.


"The meeting will be an opportunity to launch a policy conversation that we hope will be able to start a debate that will take place in Congress later in the year," the official, who asked not to be named, said.


Asked if the session would be billed as a summit or a forum, like similar meetings on health care and fiscal responsibility earlier in the year, another official said, "This isn’t a forum or a summit with outside groups, this is solely a meeting with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle and both sides of the issue."


Another aide said about possible labels for the meeting: "I don't know that we're going to brand this in any particular way."


During a meeting in March with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Obama promised to host a public event on immigration


Please contact President Obama by either of the two following methods in the next two weeks and Leave a message..... If nothing else just leave the message, "NO AMNESTY!"


CALL President Obama regarding the June 8, 2008 immigration reform meeting


PHONE 202.456.1111  


EMAIL  http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/


Mail 


The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500



Thank you,

Respectfully Yours,

Don Mashak
The Cynical Patriot

recommend This comment thread is now closed
0
Mimi B

First of all, if you read my story, you will see that I came here while a civil war raged in my country, a lot of people died and many more were displaced.  At times I didn't even know where my parents were.   They dealt with fighter jets flying over their heads...It may not fit into your category of life or death but to a 17-year old, it was! Yes, I came alone at the age of 17! Worked very hard to succeed in this country without any family close by!  So, I think this gives me the right to make those statements.

Second, I am not blaming anyone other than the bureaucracy for the situation I am in.  My point was and is that if people will get permanent residency simply for being here even though they broke the law, people like myself should be given the same!  It is called equal opportunity!  A lot of illegals give birth to their children in the US so I would really hope that those children are not starving in this country!  My child also deserves both parents in his  life just as much as children of illegal immigrants, he was also born in the US.  But I guess since he wouldn't be starving if I had to leave, that doesn't count, does it!?  Do me a favor please! Go home today and look at your children (if you have them) and ask yourself how they would feel if you had to go even though you did everything right!  Ask yourself how you would feel if you had to miss 2 or more years of their lives even though you did everything right. Because it will take at least that long for you got get all the paperwork in order so you can come back. Ask yourself if they would be the same with or without you! And remember, you did everything right! When you have an answer, then you let me know how you feel about all of this! 

0
CynicalPatriot

Hello Mimi

I am not even sure that "STopblaming post" is directed at you.

It may have just come happenstance in chronoligical order of posting.

You also must understand that some legal American residents are hurting at this time and do not know where to direct their anger.  Let them vent, and do not take it personal. Free Speech is the hallmark of American Society.  Believe what you want of what others say, and toss the rest.

In any case, do not rise to the bait, and waste your energy.

As for me, your references to children and separation of families really does not effect my position of supporting you being able to become a legal resident.

My support of your situation arises from your first following the law, coming from a war torn country, you not sucking off the system, your improving yourself and being a contributing member of society.  The emotional stuff makes it easier for me to sell your situation to others, but it is not the source of my support.

1) USA Immigration policy should not discriminate against those that obey the law;

2) The United States needs "Quality" Immigrants with sought after skills;

3) You have been in the United States for many years and have remained law abiding.

4) The USA has an inadequate couple fertility rate to prevent a decline in the population and thus our culture. 

My championing your situation is selfishly based on loyalty to my country and what is best for my country.  The fact that you have a genuine human interest component to your situation just makes it easier for me to sell the justness of your legal resident status to other Americans also so inclined.

Thank you for your contributions to our society thus far.  Though I am just another insect on the windshield of life, I shall see what I can do to effect some relief for your situation.

Respectfully,

Don Mashak

The Cynical Patriot

0
Mimi B

Hi again,

You are correct, my energy should not be wasted,  but StopBlaming did quote me so I felt the need to explain why I said what I said.  Yes, my family situation should not be THE reason why I should be allowed to stay, but it should be taken into consideration along with everything else I have been doing in this country.

Thanks for your support!

0
HeyNow

Mimi B is the poster situation of why an immigration reform is needed desperately. I personally know people in very similar situations who have followed the "rules" for 15+ years and up until know have not been granted permanent residency. A couple have lost status because "options" run out. These are people who speak good English, have a college education, pay taxes and contribute positively to society. They are not here to take advantage and abuse this country. All they want is an opportunity to have a better life with peace of mind. I'm not saying open free amnesty is the anwser, no at all! But if the "legal system" to immigrate to this country does not work, it takes years, it's very expensive (specially when you add legal fees, because through employment you must have a lawyer to help you navigate the complex INS system) what option does that leave????  chaos and people breaking the law. Because why follow the law when it does not work? 

Something needs to be done, instead of just ignoring this situation all together. I don't have a specific recommendation for what this reform would look like. It's totally out of my reach, why invest the time to map it out? I do agree with Mimi B that people who have followed the law need to be given prefencence, it is onlty fair. Not to say that fair even matters in all of this. Unfortunately the longer it takes, the more people will lose status and just become "illegals" like the rest.

0
HeyNow

Definitely not a "black and white" situation where a yes/no or good/bad answer would do it....

0
FreedomRise

I will first address your analogy about breaking into people houses and how it relates to the United States on the macro level. It true that these situations could be described as similar. But please don’t forget how the original thirteen colonies were first established.. Did we not break into the Native American’s country and stole their land? Did we not kill the Native American and forced them unto reservations? Why were we not punished for our murderous acts? What the illegal immigrants did is petty compared to what we did to the Native Americans. I’m not asking for the United States to let illegal immigrants become legal without some type of retribution for entering illegally. But I am pushing for Immigration Reform so they have a chance to become legal. As for my proposals I will post them after I give it some thought. I personally couldn’t understand your first half of your post but I think I got the gist of it.

0
CynicalPatriot

Hello FreedomRise:

While I think you raised the Indians and 13 original colonies to show some kind of discrediting irony, I actually embrace your brandishing that unfortunate episode in these arguments.

In life, there are winners and losers.  The American Indians lost because they could not control there borders. They lost.  That is the harsh reality of life and this world.

I am not excusing it. I am not endorsing it. But it is what it is?  And winning and losing in this world will continue in this vein until less than 2 living organisms exist on this planet.  That is the undeniable reality that no amount of happy happy joy joy warm fuzzies will undo.

Do you want the United States of American to lose control of our Country the way the Native Americans did.

Why weren't was the United State of America punished for these acts? If you believe in a God, who says those responsible weren't punished in the after life. If you want a more worldly reason, I submit to you another undeniable reality that "Might makes Right" I don't make the rules, I just live by them.

Perhaps another conqueror will seize America and deliver the retribution on behalf of the Native American's that you think we have coming. Would that eventuality satisfy your desire for America be held accountable?

All that being said, What exactly do you want me to do about it?  What do you want anybody to do about it?  If you agree that it can't be undone, then your point is moot and irrelevant to the matter at hand.

In proofing this, I think I came off a little harsher than I wanted.  I apologize, but in looking at our exchanges, I think that you and I have been fair and reasoned our arguements, avoiding the personal, and I going to let it stand.  If you think I have been to harsh or unfair, let me know and I will dial it down.

I appreciate good dialogue.  I look forward to your proposals.

Best to you and yours.

Respectfully,

Don Mashak

The Cynical Patriot.



0
lgar

ALERT: President Obama plans meeting with COngress on immigration reform He needs to hear from YOU!-Tell him 2 pass immigration reform- Call 1-866-961-2143 b4 5pm ET/2pm PT Today!

0
CynicalPatriot

Hello Igar

What immigration reform do you want him to pass?  Reform just means change, hopefully for the better?  Can you send me to a website where the proposed reform you support is outlined or spelled out.  Change for the sake of Change is not the way to proceed on any issue. I will not blindly follow any leader.

Please define the reform you endorse.  Please address how the reform you endorse address the reality of limited resources facing virtually unlimited human demand. 

Thank you for your attention to these matters.

Respectfully,

Don Mashak

The Cynical Patriot

0
G_d

We are ALL humans, we are all equal, we are God's Kingdom.  Who are we as humans, to set obstacles in peoples life? Who are we to separate families? Who are we to deny people the opportunity of a better life?
God give us a brain, and a heart to make the best of our actions, to help people in need and to create a better world for generations to come.
I believe that by having an immigrant reform, people will have better opportunities and more likely to succeed and have a better life. The immigrant reform will help end human trafficking, and corruption. Many immigrants die trying to cross to the promise land, to achieve the AMERICAN DREAM but when they come here most of the doors are close. The few doors open lead them to a no ending exploitation, to hard and low pay jobs, and to a place where people's dream cannot be fulfill.
Moreover, students are not able to attend colleges and universities. They end up working in the fields and their goals and dreams of having a career end there, in the the fields.  
The only way immigrants can achieve their goals and dreams is to open the door of success and to give them the opportunity they need to create a better life for themselves and for others people as well. 

0
CynicalPatriot

Hello g_d

"Render unto Caesar…" is the beginning of a phrase attributed to Jesus in the synoptic gospels which reads in full, “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s” (“Ἀπόδοτε οὖν τὰ Καίσαρος Καίσαρι καὶ τὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ τῷ Θεῷ”) (Matthew 22:21).

This is such a active article for comments, that I don't have enough time to answer each one all over again. 

Please seem my response to FreedomRise on Page 2 for insight as to how i would respond to your post.

I don't make up the rules, I just choose to acknowledge them and prepare for the consequences of their existence.

Thank you for comment.

May God go with you.

Respectfully,

Don Mashak

The Cynical Patriot

0
FreedomRise

Immigration Reform Proposal:

Illegal immigrants in the country for over 10 years should become legal by doing the requirement below:

  1. Pay $1,000 dollar fine per person payable in 3 months.
  2. Cannot take advantage of public welfare for 2 years after becoming legal.
  3. Must learn English
  4. Must do 100 hours in community service
  5. Must pay taxes/pay any unpaid taxes
  6. Must not have any criminal history
  7. Must show the ability to be self sufficient
  8. Cannot vote for 1 years after becoming legal.
  9. Cannot sponsor another person to the United States for 5 years after becoming legal.

Illegal immigrants in the country for 5-9 years should become legal by doing the requirement below:

  1. Pay $5,000 dollar fine per person payable over a year.
  2. Cannot take advantage of public welfare programs for 4 years after becoming legal.
  3. Must learn English
  4. Must pass citizen test
  5. Must do 200 hours in community service.
  6. Must pay taxes/pay any unpaid taxes
  7. Must not have any criminal history
  8. Must show the ability to be self sufficient
  9. Cannot vote for 2 years after becoming legal.
  10. Cannot sponsor anyone from another country for 10 years after becoming legal.

Illegal immigrants in the country for 3-5 years will be trailed in court and if the judge allows them to say they must:

  1. Pay $10,000 dollar fine per person payable over two years.
  2. Cannot take advantage of public welfare programs for 6 years after becoming legal.
  3. Must learn English
  4. Must pass citizen test
  5. Must do 400 hours in community service.
  6. Must pay taxes/pay any unpaid taxes
  7. Must not have any criminal history
  8. Must show the ability to be self sufficient
  9. Cannot vote for 3 years after becoming legal.
  10. Cannot sponsor anyone from another country for 15 years after becoming legal.

Illegal immigrants in this country for a period of 1-2 years should be sent back to their country unless their lives are in danger for political reasons. We should then strength our borders and make our immigration system more efficient so there no back up or unreasonable wait time to come to the United States the legal way.

This is what I come up with so far. Reason I organized this by how many years the immigrants been in this country is because the longer they been in this country the more Americanized the person has become.

Feel free to express your views about this proposal but please explain why you like it or don't like it.


2
John Doe

As a senior paralegal at an immigration firm for 5 years with a political science degree, I have worked with countless immigrants who played by the rules and those that didn't.  I have even worked with some people who both played by the rules and broke the rules who have committed felonies against the United States.  I have realized that almost every single person I have worked with have had one simple goal for coming to the United States...To start new lives here and contribute to society.  They are compassionate people who got down on their knees and cried when they received their green cards...I am not a supporter of Obama...i didnt vote for him and was strongly against him being president based on his policies...but i have to say that a green card (legal status whether they came in legally or illegaly) means opportunity.  It is not a free pass to do whatever they want.  It is an opportunity to improve their lives and the lives of others.  These are the same people who have worked hard while paying taxes and doing community service on their free time i.e. cleaning streets, picking up garbage, organizing community events for children etc. (those who were here for many years that were able to get social security and/or tax ids).  Many of these people who still do many of the aforementioned things are scared to show their faces because ICE (immigration and customs enforcement-for those who dont know...immigration police) will literally kick down their doors and drag them out in broad daylight or sometimes ridiculously early in the morning while their children grab on to their parents legs begging not to leave.  Also many of these people are business people who employ Americans at damn good wages. So yes I do believe that many undocumented workers are beneficial to the economy as I have seen it first hand.  I have even seen Trial attorneys and Immigration Judges tear up when they hear some of the stories that these people have.  Unfortunately, immigration laws today are so contradictory and unclear and open to radical interpretations that many of these people are not able to come out of the dark and be fully able to contribute to society.  I am against legalization of felons but those who come here with a the goodwill of escaping their horrible lives back home to start anew here deserve a chance to contribute to society.

0
Lauracore

To Mr. Paralegal Yuppie Douchebag above:

You are a moron. Standing outside of Home Depot waiting to be picked up and paid in CASH isn't a real job!!!!!! They aren't paying taxes! They aren't having taxes taken out of paychecks! NO! They just stand around all day and get paid cash at the end of the day. You are a MORON if you think these people actually file income taxes and pay it. Just STFU already.


DEPORTATION 2009! LET'S GO!!

1
Lauracore

The only immigration reform needed is to DEPORT THEM ALL! I don't care if it costs millions in the next couple of years. I will GLADLY put all of my tax money forward if it gets rid of these scum. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE SICK OF THESE FILTHY PEOPLE BRINGING THE THIRD WORLD COUNTRY THEY RUN FROM TO THE UNITED STATES! This country WILL BECOME a third-world nation if we don't STOP IT NOW!!!

0
Lauracorethedumbass

I hope your going to be able to fork over billions of dollars because millions won't put a dent into it. Pay those taxes you dumb piece of shit, once they leave and the companies leave you'll be a bum trying to run to another country. And lauracore wtf does that mean? is that a hardcore girl who wants to be a guy?

0
CynicalPatriot

Hey Lauracorethe.....

If you to can't control yourselves and remain civil, you are both going to get the boot.

How can each side understand the other if we get personal?

This is our country.  If you think it is ok for people to break into our country, then it would be equally ok for me to break into your house take your TV, your ipod, raid your frig and drive off in your car.  micro or macro, the morality is the same.

Respectfully

Don Mashak

The Cynical Patriot

 

0
G...

Nonsense ones they break into your country, they go to work .. Not to your house to drive your car... Why are you guys don't see the big picture here.  Why don't you ask president Bush were first bailout went???? Any one heard I would like to get updated on that...As of my kids or even grandkids... will pay for it ..   

0
CynicalPatriot

Hello G...

First of all, I am trying to put this politely as english is difficult and has many nuances, maybe you misunderstood my previous post.

I used and "analogy" that compared me breaking into your house to illegal immigrants breaking into our country.  It was meant to have you internalize your thoughts on how you would feel if i broke into YOUR house and stole YOUR STUFF.  And then for you to consider the sentiments and morality of that situation to the macro situation of illegal immigrants.

NO WHERE DID I SAY ILLEGALS COME HERE JUST TO BREAK INTO HOUSES OR STEAL MY CAR.....

As politely as I can, this is some of the miscommunication that happens when immigrants do not make learning english a priority.

Next, as for the accountability on the bank bailout, I was against the bailout.  Next, the democrats had the majority in both houses, so the democrats passed it too. 

But, to settle this, you bring the tar and I will bring the feathers. We will tie Bush and Obama up back to back on a light pole. 

I will tar them both and you can feather them both. or vice versa if you prefer.

The crooked politicians, republican and democrat alike, took bribes and kickbacks and that is why we cannot get an accounting from either Bush or Obama..

Do you understand now, that it is not me vs you, nor Republican v Democrat but instead the real war is average voter vs corrupt politicians.

They steal us blind by having us argue stupid stuff like who should have provided the accounting.

As for your kids, grandkids, greatgrandkids.....

I have been using this saying, "I don't know how anyone over 30 can look anyone under 25 in the eye" We shoveled these problems onto there backs.

Those were my thoughts.

Please advise if we are now friend or foe.

Respectfully,

Don Mashak

The Cynical Patriot

0
CynicalPatriot

Hello Lauracore:

I am the original poster of this article.  We have pretty much maintained a certain level of decorum since May 26, 2009, with the exceptions of a few outbursts. 

I am the person that posted the title ending in NO AMNESTY.  I am very frustrated by this situation that the politicians have allowed and thereby betrayed us on.  Please dial it down a bit. Though some people in the USA feel the same way you do, I believe we are better off lobbying polticians than engaging in rancor. If you want to be mad, be mad at the politicians that did not secure our borders which could easily be secured.

Blame the judges, and politicians that take bribes to look the other way while drugs and human slaves are brought to America.  Blame the judges and politicians that take bribes to look the other way while guns are smuggled out of our country to Mexico.  Our own damn politicains betrayed us.  We are stuck with the consequence of that betrayal. 

FDR has stimulus plan that build highways, bridges and eletrified rural american.  Tell me that some portion of 2 trillion dollars would not have been enough to build a fence, an almost permanent asset to stop illegal immigration.  in the 20's, 30's and forties, the Mafia smuggled the drugs and booze into our country.  Now our Politicians have cut out the middle man, and take their bribes more directly.

Instead, Obama is spending stimulus money on turtle crossings, museums and jet setting dates. When it is gone, it will be gone for good with nothing to show for it.  In the mean time, the nations electrical grid has not been updated in 30-40 years.  Our roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure is falling apart. Did I mention we could build a virtually inpenetrable fence along the Mexican Border for less than 2 trillion dollars?

D-bag is not acceptable, and they are not all filthy people. I consider myself a true patriot because I stand up to my government and tell them what is on my mind?   i point out their corruption and conflicts of interest.

I agree that all the criminals should go. I am interested in finding revenue streams that can fund social security that the politicians already spent.  Big Penalties for those that are desirables with the ability support themselves could convince me to consider limited amnesty. 

 

0
G...

Ok here is a story... I am Not Mexican... 10 years in the country all my family are citizens

including my two kids. Paying taxes from year one... Always had med insurance. For not never taken anything from this country for free . My husband happen to pay more taxes a year that most of born here Citisenz make a year.. My kids working from age as models and happen to pay taxes for several years now... With my job being a photographer all my customers have their choices of going to anyone they like... Still a lot coming to me. May be because I work hard? 

Everybody is different you can't judge everyone the same.... Some people do take a lot from this country and 70% were born here .. Had 7 Kids sitting on government help all their lives maybe working only for cash(not to lose all benefits...) Eating McDonalds every day not educating their kids have no manners... But please don't take job from them Illegal immigrants... Teens are dropping of from schools because they want have fun...

When see other side of the world, you come here and you learn and work 3 jobs to become someone. Nobody pushing others back by being here you want to be someone you will. Let's not blame immigrants. Besides all country is based on immigrants everyones grand or grand-grand parents came here. You were born here and illegal immigrant takes your job away? I am sorry you probably a lazy looser. That had all possible opportunities to be somebody.

Com-on let's be realistic  look around you Illegal immigrants are not the greatest problem of this country. 

I made a mistake when I was 18...  I couldn't go on my dads funeral .. I can't go on vacations  with my kids.. You think I should pay for this mistake all my life? They will send back to my country ? All my family here legally I have no one left back there..

 

1
John Doe

i hate to make this personal but i agree with the cynicalpatriot...the majority of "debaters" dont debate with their minds rather they debate with their hearts and that does not allow for constructive planning...hate all you want but in the end we were all immigrants once. trace your roots...I dont see anyone here fighting for immigration control for the native americans who were here before any of us...look at the big picture...keep your pride and prejudice in check and see the bigger picture.  if u were a billionaire and your next door "immigrant" billionaire neighbor said hi to you, you would be saying hi back to him instead of chasing him out with a pitchfork saying get off my land...please read the text on the Statue of Liberty that sits proudly on the Hudson  "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free". br proud of what our country offers the world...look at Iran today...

0
Mimi B

Well, it appears that the talks have indeed started.  It is now a waiting game for all to see.  Curious what will happen in the end.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/06/29/navarrette.immigration.reform/index.html


This story was created over 3 months ago, the comment thread is now closed.

What is NowPublic?

NowPublic lets people work together to cover news events around the world.

Find out more

Crowd Power

Anonymous
First Flagged at 2:06 PM, May 27, 2009 by Anonymous (not verified)
These members have powered this story:

Most Recommended Stories in World

Recommendations (13)

Most recently recommended by:
 

closeSign in to NowPublic

is reporting from