From Deseret News archives:
Cannon again pushes for immigration reforms
The bill would help farm workers gain citizenship
Cannon is co-sponsor of the Agricultural Jobs, Benefits and Security Act, a bill re-introduced this week that is intended to reform immigration and reinforce national security. The bill would provide temporary legal status for illegal immigrants with American agricultural jobs, thereby providing workers for U.S. farmers and providing the government with a list of the immigrants and where they are.
Workers who followed stringent guidelines could earn citizenship status after several years.
Cannon believes that illegal immigrants perform a valuable economic service in the American economy, doing menial jobs that Americans won't do.
"There will be a 15 million-worker shortfall when people of my generation retire," Cannon said during a debate last year. "It just so happens there are that many surplus workers in Mexico and other countries who can help pay for our retirement system."
Cannon's call for immigration reform has made him a national target for some special-interest groups that say it is tantamount to amnesty, something that could cost American taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.
The issue was a major one in the primary election last year. Republican Matt Throckmorton opposed Cannon on the immigration issue. Cannon easily defeated Throckmorton, but the attacks on Cannon's immigration policies have continued unabated.
Immigration promises to be a major issue on Capitol Hill this year. The House has already passed a bill that would, if passed by the Senate, greatly limit the ability of states to issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. Utah currently allows that practice.
E-mail: spang@desnews.com
Comments
- Stock futures modestly higher 7:32 a.m.
- Boy shot following traffic stop 7:24 a.m.
- NFL: Week 12 recap 12:50 a.m.
- '12 Days' bill would top $87K 12:35 a.m.
- Study finds autism therapy works 12:35 a.m.
- Sports on the air 12:24 a.m.
- Herbert builds his team of rivals 12:21 a.m.
- Corroon a step closer to governor 12:21 a.m.
- Monday on TV 12:18 a.m.
- Editorial: East, West and religion 12:17 a.m.
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
- BYU is champion of the state
- Cougars beat Utes in overtime
- Marriage definitions vary widely
- Credit Coug defense for win
- Max Hall issues apology
- Field goals, penalties doomed Utes
- Y. student vanished in China
- Cougar defense rose to occasion
- Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
870 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime
475 - Max Hall issues apology
153 - BYU is champion of the state
137 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
117 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
116 - Rivalry Week is highly profane
90 - Hall's legacy measured today
79 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
71 - Utes fall to Seattle U. at home
65
I wanted to tell them not to go. I dropped subtle hints. "My money is on...
When I was a kid, I worshipped my grandpa. He was undoubtedly my hero....
Is this just one more sign of an ever increasing police state? Every...
Corroon is a decent common sense politician... however this poll will really...
17 year old, driving, most likely, under the influence, illegal drugs,...
Michael R. Ash states: "That Joseph used a seer stone in a hat to translate...
I'm very happy with your articles Mr. Ash! Thank you & please keep them...
The First few Decisions Herbert made, and things he said proved he was not...
I was just thinking of his goofy antics at the MTC yesterday. I will miss him.
"wow, if that [playing USC] does not fire them up, I don't know what would...
If I want to reduce my debt then I cut up my credit cards and reduce my...
Utah fans throw beer and BYU fans physically assault, remember the BYU fan...




You can be the first to comment on this story.