Democrats Talk up Day One Immigration Bill | Eastern NC Now

Publisher's Note: This post appears here courtesy of the LifeZette. The author of this post is David Kamioner.

    Given the Senate loss to the Democrats, their capture of the presidency, their numbers in the House, the growing political power of Latins that both sides recognize, and the decades long impasse on this issue, some type of Democrat immigration bill is likely to eventually become law. The question is, how far will it go? If it goes far enough for the Democrats, the Republicans could lose Texas and with it any chance of enough Electoral College numbers to win the presidency in the foreseeable future.

    FNC: "Vice President-elect Kamala Harris told Univision last week that the immigration bill would be 'first order of business' and will be about 'creating a pathway for people to earn citizenship.' She said that pathway would be eight years long. The Washington Post reported Monday that the bill, to be unveiled on Inauguration Day Wednesday, would put illegal immigrants into protected status and a five-year pathway to a green card. If they meet certain conditions, such as payment of taxes and a background check, they could then be put on a three-year pathway to citizenship. Some estimates put the population of illegal immigrants at around 12 million as of 2015, other estimates are higher. The Associated Press, which also reported that the eight-year path is in the bill, noted that it would be one of the fastest pathways to citizenship for illegal immigrants in recent years. A pathway to citizenship — not just legal status — for illegal immigrants has been a top agenda item for liberals and immigration activists for decades and now — with Democratic control of the White House, House and Senate — that goal could be in sight...While the bill has a good chance of being passed in the Democrat-controlled House, it is unclear of its chances in the Senate. It would need 60 votes to pass the chamber, meaning 10 Republicans would have to vote in favor. A number of past efforts at immigration reform have failed, including a 2013 effort under President Barack Obama."

    "These are some of the things that we're going to do on our immigration bill. And we believe it is smarter and a more humane way of approaching immigration for immigrants," said VPE Kamala Harris.

    Nikki Haley, 2024 likely strong GOP contender, shot back. "Biden will unveil a bill on Day 1 to give citizenship to 11 million illegal immigrants," the former U.N. ambassador replied. "His proposal will undermine the rule of law, even as it fails to secure the U.S. border or address our badly broken asylum system."

    Senator Josh Hawley, Republican of Missouri, echoed Haley. "On Day 1 of his administration, President-elect Biden has said he plans to unveil an amnesty plan for 11 million immigrants in this nation illegally," the populist senator said. "This comes at a time when millions of American citizens remain out of work and a new migrant caravan has been attempting to reach the United States."