From Deseret News archives:
Immigration issues challenge Congress
Bush, GOP leaders vow to pass reform bill within year
"A man there said, 'We should kick out everyone who is illegal and stop them from coming in at the border.' I said, 'How are you going to stop them? Shoot them? Do you really want to kill them?' "
Cannon said the man replied to his shock, "Yes. You don't have to shoot them all. You only have to kill a couple, and the rest will quit coming."
"I looked at the audience," Cannon said, "and about a third of them were nodding their heads in agreement."
Cannon added, "I don't think that is representative of the mainstream in Utah or America."
The congressman believes most, like President Bush and himself, are more compassionate, wanting illegals to be able to earn legal status and maybe even citizenship over time. They also want to establish a system that would allow needed foreign workers to come to America temporarily.
Congress is expected to debate such solutions beginning this fall, with Bush and GOP leaders vowing to pass a comprehensive reform bill within a year. Many states are not waiting for a federal solution and are pushing ahead with steps of their own.
Also, Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. pledged, in a recent visit with Mexico President Vicente Fox, to take a lead with the help of the Western Governors Association to find solutions to immigration issues.
Big fix
At least 100 bills, designed to solve various aspects of immigration problems, have been introduced in Congress so far this year. Leaders have vowed to try to pass one big comprehensive reform bill within a year.
"The real question is, what will be in it?" Cannon asked.
House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., has vowed to bring up such a bill this fall. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., said the Senate likely won't consider it until next year.
Vowing to pass such a bill is ambitious, Cannon says, because the issue "splits people in both parties, and even splits regions."
Comments
- Man dies after SUV backs over him 12:39 p.m.
- At 6-5, hard time arguing firing Weis 12:24 p.m.
- $27M transfer for state Route 193 12:20 p.m.
- 'Christmas With King Family' DVD 12:16 p.m.
- Youn men help fill food-pantry needs 12:15 p.m.
- Who is Oprah's heir apparent? 11:39 a.m.
- Florida No. 1, TCU 4 in AP Top 25 11:34 a.m.
- Fed under fire, public anger mounts 11:28 a.m.
- No quagga mussels at Bear Lake 11:27 a.m.
- Former health chief: Ignore guideline 11:11 a.m.
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- BYU records with win
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime
- Utah Utes whip SDSU
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
- Former BYU professor remembered
- Y. coach Hill up for Portland State job
- Cougars put the fun back in football
- Kirilenko heating up for the Jazz
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
194 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
173 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
166 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
122 - BYU records with win
116 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
100 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93 - Huntsman pleased with Obama
87
A little after midnight Wednesday morning, about 21 hours ago as I write...
There's a lot of reason to leave your plastic home as you shop:
Reading the letter, I am not sure that it is eating that is the sin, but...
The media that Sarah criticizes so much is the same force that is providing...
We'll be back next year. I know it, and I hope that all of our coaches and...
This year TCU has proven to the world how weak the MWC is (MWC=WAC). BYU and...
I have no problem with religious people voting their conscience. I do,...
I have to agree that the comment about "the pesky seniors" is uncalled...
I was in my Latin class in High School in California. Our teacher hadn't...
Glenn Beck is Oprah's heir apparent since he has a larger following and can...
of atheism just as morally equal to spreading the Gospel of Christianity. To...
Yes, 40% of doctors polled said they will definitely or seriously consider...



You can be the first to comment on this story.