Teddy *Hic* Kennedy’s Reply to a Constituent on Immigration – **WARNING – DISTURBING IMAGES**
Somebody alert Green Peace…. we’ve got a beached whale here! Oh, wait… never mind. That’s just Unca Teddy manning the crossing down at the Rio Grande so he can register them to vote as they cross. Teddy at the river?
Somebody quick! Build a bridge and put Teddy in a car on the messican side! Then he can give them all RIDES over here!.
A friend of mine wrote Teddy “The Swimmer” Kennedy about his views on illegal immigration, and much like the rest of us, he received the standard “form” letter in return. However, unlike most of the conservatives I wrote who spoke of support for strong enforcement of current laws (although their inaction does not speak the same), Teddy offers no apologies for his views (well, would we have expected him to, since he never was held to account for the events at Chappaquiddick?). I guess he would know something about somebody trying to survive in a body of water – just not the Rio Grande. 
Here’s the letter to my friend:
Dear Mr. Davis:
Thank you for contacting me concerning the ongoing debate over immigration reform. This is a complex issue, with many concerns, and it requires a comprehensive solution. 12 million undocumented workers are currently living in the United States, working, paying taxes, and raising children who are U.S. citizens. These undocumented immigrants contribute to our economy, and it is long past time to provide legal avenues to bring them out from the shadows.
Border enforcement has increased dramatically from 1990 to 2004. The budget for the Border Patrol has increased from $263 million in 1990 to $1.6 billion today – a six-fold increase. During this period, between 480,000 and 660,000 undocumented immigrants entered the U.S. each year. In all, nearly 9 million have arrived since 1990. Our immigration system is broken, and enforcement alone will not fix it.
We need realistic and comprehensive solutions that will protect our borders, enable temporary workers to enter the country legally, and allow workers already here to earn legal status. I’m proud to be a sponsor, with Senator McCain, of the Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act, a comprehensive reform of our nation’s immigration system. Under our proposal undocumented immigrants who wish to become citizens must show they are currently working, pay a $2000 fine, work for an additional six years, pass security checks, pay taxes, learn to speak English, learn about American civics, and get in line behind all other legal immigrants before being eligible for a green card.
Border Security is addressed in the bill. It establishes a National Border Security Strategy, based on “smart” border technology, information sharing, and cooperation with our neighbors. A new temporary visa will be created to allow foreign workers to enter the U.S. The visa will be valid for 3 years, and can be renewed one time for a total of 6 years. Enforcement of current laws will be strengthened, improving fraud detection and allowing random audits of employers to ensure compliance with existing labor laws.
Unnecessary obstacles preventing families from being together when immigrating to the U.S. are also removed. The bill will enable undocumented immigrants to come out of the shadows, submit to background checks, and register for legal status. During this time, they would have to continue working, play by the rules, and pay substantial fines and back taxes. The bill is not an amnesty, which implies that all is forgiven. It is not. Undocumented workers must pay fines and go to the back of the line before earning a chance for citizenship.
By heritage and history, America is a nation of immigrants. Our bill proposes necessary changes in the law while preserving this tradition. These necessary changes will ensure that immigrant families today, as in the past, continue to live the American dream and contribute to our prosperity, our security, and our values.
Again, thank you for writing to me about this important issue.
Sincerely,
Edward M. Kennedy
At the time of this writing, Mary Jo Kopechne was unavailable for comment. Must be a busy girl these days – nobody seems to be able to reach her.
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