Sens. McCain, Graham make case for immigration bill

The day before the U.S. Senate is to take up an all important vote on immigration, two of the strongest proponents of President Bush’s plan to legalize millions of illegal immigrants were in South Carolina on Monday, talking up the legislation.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. and Arizona Sen. John McCain, a 2008 presidential hopeful, were in Columbia and Greenville, where McCain was to pick up an endorsement from Greenville Mayor Knox White.

“I’m hopeful we can move forward on a first test vote (Tuesday) and pass comprehensive immigration (reform) by the end of the week,” McCain said.

McCain attended a fund-raiser at a private residence in Columbia.
Graham, who is closely allied with McCain and backs his bid for the presidency, spoke to a leadership group in Columbia.

“If this bill passes, all things are possible,” Graham told about 200 members of the Leadership Columbia Alumni Association.

McCain has been heavily endorsed by prominent Republican leaders in South Carolina, but his campaign has slowed in the polls and he and Graham have taken criticism for their support of legalizing some 12 to 20 million illegal immigrants.

Comments

[Palmetto Patriot]

Two traitors giving working together for the worse of America. Legalizing and giving voting rights to tens of millions of 3rd World non-Americans is mainly in the interest of Big Business types who want cheap labour. That's why the GOP supports it. Of course, the Dems support it because most of these illegal invaders will vote Dem once legalized. Making them legal is a great way to weaken and destroy America. Illegals already greatly outnumber South Carolinians across the USA. Ready for 20 million more? Ready to live in a 3rd World Latin-American country?

[JM]

I wonder why the best solution has been avoided so completely? Remove the incentive for the illegals to be here in the first place by penalizing the equally guilty AMERICAN employers who attract them to the point it becomes cost-prohibitive to use them. Jobs dry up, illegals go home and return only on visiting worker visas co-signed by employers who are liable for their health care and conduct. Is the business lobby really so strong that this can't even be be discussed as an option?
12 million people WILL be added to social security if this thing passes. Noble goal by Senator Graham (for whom I have a great deal of respect), but he underestimates the power of entitlement to subvert noble goals in this country.