Catch and Release....We Talking Marlins or Mexicans?

Ok, so President Bush's immigration reform speech is over, and like me, there are thousands of bloggers, pundits, wags, and wonks lining up to toss their two cents into the opinion pool. The evening talk shows are providing support, spin, or opposition. Sounds like every other day in Washington....

Regardless, it was mildly encouraging to hear the president admit that America can't control its borders. Sort of like the first step in a 12-step program: "Hi, I'm America, and I've lost control of my borders." Yes, admitting you have a problem is the first step towards recovery. If only it was that easy! At least Mr. Bush acknowledged the quasi-criminality of the illegal immigrants: "...[illegals] are beyond the reach and protection of American laws." This was a pretty good start to the speech, in my opinion.

First and foremost, any solution to the immigration problem must address border security, and President Bush made this apparent in his first point. Shutting the border to illegal entrants is a key aspect of a successful program. Easier said than done. Increasing the Border Patrol force by 6,000 agents will provide for greater coverage of key areas. Additionally, using technology as a force multiplier sounds like a great idea. Infra-red cameras and unmanned aerial vehicles will give our security personnel valuable tools to catch more of these pesky border hoppers. Obviously, the White House released some of the talking points prior to the speech tonight, and earlier today the nation got a glimpse of the plan to use the National Guard to supplement the Border Security forces. Another 6,000 soldiers is a step in the right direction, but I think that's not going to be enough, even if they aren't providing direct law enforcement support, which would violate posse comitatus. Deploying the Guard is a good idea, as long as there is a clear and well-defined mission. Throwing those soldiers on border duty with no purposeful objective is a recipe for trouble and wasted money.

As a true believer in the ability of the individual states to determine what is in their own best interests, I was glad to hear the president propose additional funding for local law enforcement. Hey, maybe we can cut the Department of Education or slash some other wasteful entitlement program to free up some extra cash....But I digress. Certainly, the federal government has a constitutional duty to protect our sovereign borders. Allowing localized decisions will help limit the scope of federal involvement. You didn't expect me to support a bigger federal bureaucracy again, did you?

The Federal Catch and Release Program, which evidently has been applied to immigrants as well as trout, salmon, and marlin will end, according to President Bush. This country's been too nice in trusting these illegals to return for their day in court to be out-processed from the USA. Rather than follow the law, the aliens caught by authorities are no-shows and blend into society as yet another illegal who has slipped through our porous security net. The president didn't elaborate on how this will work, and my guess is some other administrative body will have to get involved, but he's on the right track.

President Bush wants a temporary worker program with specific limits and restrictions on immigrants who enter the country. He proposed an identification card as a means of keeping track of those who come to the U.S. My question is which federal agency will be responsible for administering and tracking these cards? Using biometric information is a great plan to avoid fraud, but will the ICE, police, or some other group run this part of the immigration program?

Finally, Mr. Bush, in his own words, opposes amnesty. Granted, anything less than outright deportation or prosecution of illegal immigrants will sound like amnesty to supporters on the far right of this issue, but it's time for a sanity check. 12 million, 20 million....whatever the number -- it will be impossible to round these individuals up for the next train south. I absolutely oppose blanket amnesty. Those here illegally must be made to earn their right to stay. Paying taxes and learning English is a start. I also would advocate that the social welfare spigot be closed off from now on. Eliminating the incentive for illegally immigrating would stem the flow in conjunction with the proposed reforms. Too many financial resources are wasted on social services for illegals. If you cannot prove you immigrated legally, you will be denied welfare and social benefits. By the way, English as a Foreign Language classes meet Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Sign up or hit the road.

The last issue is one Mr. Bush completely ignored. He failed to mention Mexico's role in this process. President Fox must be held accountable for his citizens, especially when he blatantly advocates that Mexican citizens attempt to get to the U.S. any way they can. Hey, why spend welfare pesos when George W. will pick up the tab? Well Vicente, the buck stops here, mi amigo. Perhaps some trade talks are necessary to get some compliance from our neighbors to the south. President Bush should demand a plan of action from Mexico, and hold them responsible.

Perhaps Mr. Bush quieted his critics from the conservative base, perhaps not. I hope his plan isn't too little, too late. Those who placed him in office have been waiting too long for some real action on this issue. Congress and the president must act quickly and decisively. I'm watching closely and will use my vote to express my happiness or displeasure with our government. I urge you to do the same.