Sensenbrenner: "Path To Citizeship" Is Amnesty And A Deal Breaker

Despite his decision to back legislation that would block law enforcement from executing search warrants on Congressional offices, James Sensenbrenner is still going to be my hero if he backs these words up with action:

WASHINGTON, May 28, 2006 (AP Online delivered by Newstex) -- The Senate plan to provide illegal immigrants with a shot at citizenship probably is a deal-breaker that will prevent passage of a compromise on immigration overhaul, the House's lead negotiator said Sunday.

"The words 'path to citizenship' is a buzzword for amnesty. We ought to be honest, it is amnesty," said Rep. James Sensenbrenner, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

The Senate bill passed last week would tighten border security, offer a guest worker program to bring in new foreign workers and provide a chance at citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants already in the country.

The House bill generally is limited to border enforcement and cracking down on employers who hire illegal immigrants.

Negotiators from both chambers will try to reconcile the differences and agree on a compromise.

Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., answered a flat "no" when asked Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press" whether he would accept any legislation that would put illegal immigrants on a path to citizenship.

Fantastic.

Personally, I'd just as soon see us stay at the status quo with the immigration situation than see us award citizenship, even conditional citizenship, to the millions who have thumbed their noses at our laws and taken advantage of our entitlements without becoming citizens.

As I've noted before, a "path to citizenship" would do nothing more than tell those who would cross our border illegally that if they can stay in our country long enough undetected we will allow them to become citizens. The only way a foreigner should be able to become an American is by entering this country legally and going through the process established by our elected leaders at the will of the people.

Shortcuts to citizenship that bypass that process are illegal, and those who use them shouldn't be awarded in any way.

You can read more from Rob Port at SayAnythingBlog.com