The 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives serve short terms (two years) and are elected by far fewer people (only those in their respective districts) than the members of the U.S. Senate.

Charlotte Observer Editorial
Lost in the panting and ranting in North Carolina over a recent simple suggestion that community colleges admit illegal immigrants is a stark truth: If this nation had a sensible federal immigration policy that secured borders and provided a path to legal status, states wouldn't have to thrash about in this way.

You can argue the details of immigration policy all you want, but you can't argue with this fact: The nation's immigration system is broken, and Washington has done nothing to fix it.

How broken is it? Our borders are like cheesecloth and we have no workable plan to deal with the fact millions of people would do almost anything to come here for a better life. We also have no practical plan for an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants who already live here and are important to our economy.

Why? Federal lawmakers continue to put narrow, ideological views above reasoned compromise. Among them: Sen. Elizabeth Dole , R-N.C., whose seat comes up for election next year.

By Jackie Kucinich, The Hill

Two ardent proponents of border security are teaming up to introduce a bipartisan bill aimed at curtailing illegal immigration through employer sanctions.

Reps. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.), who were both elected after strongly criticizing President Bush’s approach to immigration reform, are unveiling a bill Tuesday that has already attracted the support of dozens of members.

“It’s the one [immigration] bill that will pass this Congress,” said Bilbray in an interview. “We have to make this about illegal employment and crack down on employers.”

The Secure America with Verification and Enforcement (SAVE) Act focuses on three areas: employment enforcement, interior enforcement and increased border security.

One of the more controversial provisions would make the so-called E-Verify program mandatory, a move that raises major concerns with industry officials.

Proponents of the E-Verify program say it allows employers an inexpensive way to ensure they are hiring legally documented workers. They maintain that the program has been successful, but is only being used by a small percentage of employers.

According to the New York Times, Americans are increasingly identifying with progressive values. Americans ages 17 to 29 are drifting away from Republican hatred of immigrants and gays, and toward the Democratic vision of health care and economic opportunity for all.

Read the article here.

An editorial in today's USA Today outlines a list of issues that the Republican "Do-Nothing" Congress failed to address before heading off for the August recess after the shortest legislative session in 60 years. From immigration reform to the war in Iraq to increasing the minimum wage, while Democrats have stood ready to get to work, the Republican-led Congress has failed to lead.

So much to do, so little time ... so Congress skips town

Editorial

USA Today

August 7, 2006