PenceBlog: <b>Congressman Pence's immigration reform plan continues to draw national editorial attention, supporters</b> - U.S. Congressman Mike Pence : 6th District Of Indiana

Krieble Foundation President Helen Krieble, pictured right with Rep. Pence, wrote this column in support of the Congressman's immigration plan in today's Washington Times.

Here is an excerpt:

"Rep. Mike Pence, Indiana Republican, has introduced legislation that would provide a comprehensive solution to these issues without any form of amnesty. It would actually combine the House-passed border security and employer enforcement measures with a temporary work program based on our private-sector plan. It would require people who broke our laws to go home and apply legally, and give them strong incentives to do so. It would effectively dry up the illegal labor market, make sure all the workers in this country are legally registered, working productive jobs and paying taxes.

"This legislation would accomplish these things without any new federal bureaucracy, and without any new immigrants. It is not a compromise between two failed approaches, but a third choice -- a way to end the rhetoric and get the problem solved. It deserves a careful look as a way to break the deadlock and get something through Congress this year.

"The public wants a solution, not more election-year slogans."

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The San Diego Union-Tribune editorial staff strongly supported the Congressman's plan in this July 10 editorial.

Here is an excerpt:

"If you're still with us, you should take a look at a bill proposed by Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., one of the most solidly conservative members of Congress and an opponent of amnesty. The Pence plan, called the Border Integrity and Immigration Reform Act, would require illegal immigrants to visit Ellis Island-type centers in Mexico to fill out paperwork before re-entering this country legally as guest workers. The measure would do this by privatizing the issuance of work permits and letting private companies match willing workers with available jobs, with the cost going to those seeking work as opposed to being picked up by taxpayers. After a background check, guest workers would receive a tamper-proof ID card to make it easier for businesses to hire only those who are legally able to work.

"This should satisfy House Republican leaders, who have refused to accept any plan that allows illegal immigrants to stay in the United States without first returning to their home countries. The idea apparently intrigues President Bush who, according to White House Press Secretary Tony Show, called the Pence plan 'interesting.' Like a lone but sane voice in the wilderness, Bush continues to say that it's impractical to deport 12 million people."

posted by Pence Press Office # 7:05 AM