Pace Paw Print

Media Credit: www.Teens4sullivan.com The debate over illegal immigration has become one of the most prevalent issues of our time.

White House officials are scratching their heads as they try to create a proposal on immigration that will make everybody happy. The partisan split over immigration and the requirements that immigrants go through in order to receive citizenship is once again coming to a head. The Republican and Democratic officials each have their own ideas and preferences as to how they want to take care of this issue. Unfortunately, neither side can wholeheartedly agree with the other.

Some plans prove to be extremely rigid. For example, one plan stated that undocumented immigrants who still want to live in the United States must return to their country of origin and pay a ten thousand dollars for a three-year work visa.

Republicans are calling for a plan that will require tougher requirements and policies. Democrats who want the support of their fellow Republicans are also considering such measures. House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, and top Senate Democrats conveyed that they will not pass a bill that is based only on Democratic votes.

There exists, however, people who do not agree with this and who want to see more lenient and less harsh policies. Immigrant advocacy groups, business interests and organized labor, and many Democrats all are in conflict with this plan. As Angela Kelly, deputy director of the National Immigration Forum, states, "This is a kind of gut-wrenching moment that happens before a deal is about to be cut and before legislation is about to start moving."

In fact, time is running out on the discussion for an immigration proposal. According to some, the White House needs to make a decision. Janet Murguia, president and CEO of the National Council of La Raza, the nation's largest Hispanic civil rights group, stated, "At some point [Bush] needs to…start delivering on his plan." Bush is making strong attempts to find a solution to this issue. Last year, he called for a deal that would establish a Guest Worker Program for new arrivals and a way for illegal immigrants already in this country to gain citizenship. However, Republicans were against these measures and rejected them.

This year, he said he would cooperate with both Republicans and Democrats "to find a practical answer that lies between granting automatic citizenship to every illegal immigrant and deporting every illegal immigrant." He has to find a plan that will satisfy both parties, which may prove to be a difficult process; but according to some, he is up for the challenge. Eileen McMenamin, McCain's spokeswoman stated, "The more members that are involved the better, but he is thoroughly engaged and totally committed to finding a solution."

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