Legal Commentary

Senate Approves $600 Million for Mexico Border Security

By Jeralyn

Republicans won't agree to immigration reform, but Democrats were willing to kow-tow to them today and pass another $600 million for border security for 2011, 10% more than 2010. $1 billion for border security with one country for two years?

The money would be used for such purposes as adding 1,500 new enforcement agents and deploying unmanned aerial drones to improve border surveillance.

Cops and drones. Just what we don't need more of. And, get this -- John McCain said the $600 million was insufficient, he wanted more. And more jail sentences: [More...]

He suggested, among other things, the addition of $200 million to support Operation Streamline, a program begun under the George W. Bush administration subjecting anyone who crosses the border illegally in areas where the program is in place to federal charges with prison terms of up to six months for the first illegal entry. Those who re-enter face prosecution for felonies punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Why don't the Dems say to the Republicans, "Hey, you want money for border security, then pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill and the Dream Act and then we'll talk." What good is having a majority if you don't use it?

So disappointing.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on August 05, 2010 (boomark / email).