Quote: 

<div> 

 

I don't think waiting 13 years, having to pay back taxes, learn english and having to keep out of jail is really all that much of a 'leg up'


I used to be pretty far right.   Back then I'd have probably gotten along with everyone here a lot better except probably boudreaux.  I thought we should send all the illegals packing.

 

The problem is... we say "Come here legally!"  except... many of them can't.  It's not like they think "I don't want to go to the US legally, because I can avoid paying taxes if I just go there illegally and live off the American's dime!"  They want to provide a better life for themselves.  They see America as an opportunity, and if they could come here legally they certainly would.  Their options are incredibly limited.   They either stay in poverty, or come to America to try to get out of it.   A path to citizenship with those caveats listed above is, imo, totally fair.  And I don't see why anyone would think otherwise.  


 

</div>

 

That's the thing though.  The bill introduced by Marco Rubio and his colleagues had provisions where the path to "legal status" didn't start for anyone until the border is secured.  It also outlines a system of identifying who is here illegally, and placing them at the "back of the line" when it comes to legal immigrants.  It also involves illegals to pay a fine, pay taxes and NOT be entitled to government assistance (Obamacare, welfare, food stamps, etc.).  The bill that was introduced was simply a start to deal with the problem.  What ended up happening though, is it got "shot down" by establishment politicians and Rubio was labeled.

 

If you have a few minutes to spare, here is a video of him describing the problem and the solution on the Senate floor.  He openly asks for input and ways to change the bill.

 

Here is an interview that Rush Limbaugh did with him regarding the bill.  Interesting thing about this is how Rush tried to relate the issue to "politics" and how Marco Rubio pretty much "slammed" the Republican Party when it comes to the issue.  For Rush, it was all about the politics and "the vote".  What is particularly interesting is the question that Rush asks at about the 5:19 mark and Rubio's response.  Particularly interesting is Rubio's remarks at about the 6:15 mark where he blames republicans for not sending the message about what true conservatism is about (economically and regarding opportunity for all, not just immigrants but citizens).

---