As immigration rights activists rallied outside the Capitol, senators broke
Monday from the House's get-tough approach by refusing to make criminals of
people who help illegal immigrants.
The Senate Judiciary Committee adopted an amendment by Sen. ***** Durbin,
D-Ill., that would protect church and charitable groups, as well as
individuals, from criminal prosecution for providing food, shelter, medical
care and counseling to undocumented immigrants.
"No one should play on people's fears or try to pit neighbors against each
other," Bush said. "No one should pretend that immigrants are threats to
America's identity because immigrants have shaped America's identity.
"No one should claim that immigrants are a burden on our economy because the
work and enterprise of immigrants helps sustain our economy," the president
said. "We should not give in to pessimism. If we work together I am
confident we can meet our duty to fix our immigration system and deliver a
bill that protects our people, upholds our laws and makes our people proud."
"Charitable organizations, like individuals, should be able to provide
humanitarian assistance to immigrants without fearing prosecution," Durbin
said.
Another approach offered by Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., would let illegal
immigrants get temporary work permits for up to five years. They would have
to leave the United States but could then apply for legal re-entry.
http://www.sacbee.com/24hour/politics/story/3241351p-11993889c.html
It's an election year. The Pugs are running scared.
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