It seems as if the previous immigration bill (S 1348), which was debated to death earlier this month, will be resurrected in new clothes (S 1639). The newer bill has been introduced by Sen. Edward Kennedy D-MA, with the co-sponsorship of Sen.
The new bill is expected to see debate sometime this week. Text of the bill is as yet unavailable, but some deeper consideration of the prior incarnation could prove interesting, as dense foliage can often obscure strange, new species. Conscription for Citizenship As reported by the Boston Globe this past Saturday (16/6), the bill offers a scarcely noticed provision granting a path to citizenship for immigrants willing to provide military service.
The Development, Relief, Education for Alien Minors Act is nestled within Title VI of S 1348. The DREAM Act stipulates, in part, that those having entered the US before the age of sixteen who have completed high school and meet other enlistment requirements may exchange a two-year military commitment for immediate “Z visa” eligibility. This would grant them conditional legal status, considered the first step toward full citizenship.
Enlistment would also grant eligibility for student loans and other federal programs unavailable to undocumented aliens. Currently, only citizens and legal resident aliens with green cards can serve in the military. The DREAM Act would make hundreds of thousands more young people eligible to fight and potentially die in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.
These military commitments have stressed troop limits and hindered recruitment. Over the next five years, select armed services would like to increase troop levels by 100,000. American history buffs, and at the very least anyone who saw Gangs of New York, will no doubt recall a similar plan, in which Irish immigrants were granted citizenship (albeit toward the goal of providing a wider base for Tammany Hall), and in turn sent to fight for the Union.
Beefing up Border Patrol or There are plans for “systematic surveillance of the international land and maritime borders of the United States.” This would include the use of unmanned aerial vehicles. There are also provisions for the construction of no less than 370 miles of triple-layered fencing and no less than 500 miles of vehicle barriers along “high traffic areas”.
There will be an increase in border patrol guards and enforcement personal, and with good cause, as the bill will allow the collection of biometric information from any of the following: “any applicant for admission or alien seeking to transit through the United States”, “any lawful permanent resident who is entering the United States”, and any “alien crewman seeking permission to land temporarily in the United States”. This is all under the aegis of the Secretary of Homeland Security. “The Secretary”, as he is referred to in the bill would also see to the increase, by no less than 100, the number of helicopters and by no less than 250 the number of power boats under the control of the United States Border Patrol.
While we’re on that subject, here’s a neat little quote from the bill: “The United States Border Patrol shall have complete and exclusive administrative and operational control over all the assets utilized in carrying out its mission, including, aircraft, watercraft, vehicles, detention space, transportation, and all of the personnel associated with such assets.” Does this mean anyone with access to or control over the aforementioned assets? Does it, then, include jurisdiction over local law enforcement?
Border Patrol would also see one “police-type vehicle” for every three agents, and explicit instructions to have them replaced every three years. There are also stipulations for portable computers, hand-held GPS devices, night vision equipment, body armor (selected by the agent from a variety of approved brand and styles), weapons, and standard uniforms. At first glance, this totals to an enormous expenditure for the federal government; so much that many would suggest no feasible way to pay for the stipulations.
To look at it from a different perspective, though, shows that this is a guarantee for an enormous amount of business to the manufactures that provide this equipment. Where will the money come from? Where does the money come from to pay for the billions of dollars that support expenditures in the occupation of Iraq?
In the world of Military Keynesianism, the manufacturers of war machines always get their money. It is not unlikely that the new battle front would see its suppliers paid in full. No one can say at this point if the examples above will retain their shape in the subsequent bill.
Most of the attention is being cast on permutations of amnesty. As recent labor strikes on behalf of the immigrant community have proven, the immigrant labor pool is one that is rooted in solidarity. Perhaps the aspect politicians fear is granting citizenship, and therefore the right to vote, to millions of people who are highly organized and have been treated poorly for a very long time by the instruments of power.
The aspect we, as a country, should fear is the fervor and xenophobia that leaks out from around the edges of this debate. Historically, this has not fared well for others. Leave Comments(0) | Email to a Friend | Print Article Opinion Pages: Don Siegelman and the Karl Rove Controversy Editorial writers weigh in on the political implications and aftermath of the Don Siegelman federal corruption case Pine Endorsement: Drew Carey as New Host of Price is Right!
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