Speakers address president's immigration reform proposal

By: CANDICE REED - For the North County Times | Tuesday, January 27, 2004 11:58 PM PST ∞

ESCONDIDO - More than 200 people crowded into the conference room at the Escondido Public Library on Tuesday night to hear speakers evaluate President Bush's immigration reform plan.

People of all ages ---- including high school students doing research ---- listened to James Goldsborough, a foreign affairs columnist for The San Diego Union-Tribune and UCSD political science professor Wayne Cornelius. The two men were invited to the forum ---- which was sponsored by the North County Times ---- on behalf of the North County chapter of the San Diego World Affairs Council.

Bush's proposal would allow workers to stay in the country for three years without guaranteeing legal permanent residency. The president has not spelled out many of the details, leaving legislators to wrestle with such questions as the number of times permits can be renewed and how many guest workers would be allowed in.

Goldsborough said the president's plan would legalize up to 9 million people in this country illegally, and that it will do nothing to shut off the flow of more illegal immigrants. In fact, he said, it will encourage more illegal migrants to cross the borders into this country.

"Congress will most likely pass this bill because Republicans want the Latino vote," he said. "And the Democrats want the Latino vote, so they too will pass it."

The forum drew a diverse crowd.

"I came tonight because something has to be done," said Mary Janson of Escondido. "We have people who were born here who can't find a job. I say let them have the first crack at it, then offer it to people who aren't supposed to be here."

Goldsborough was frank in his discussion.

"I imagine managers at Wal-Mart, under investigation for employing illegal immigrants, are relieved that these people may get amnesty," he said. "But in the end this bill will not stop more illegal immigrants from coming. For a decade, I have said that amnesty would only be justified if it simultaneously cut off the flow of millions more people awaiting the next amnesty.

"These people are striving to improve their lives. But the fact is, they have no right to be here."

Cornelius spoke of enhanced border-enforcement efforts that began in 1993 with a tripling of budgets and personnel on the border. He said those efforts have led to a redistribution of crossing points toward more remote areas, more permanent settlement of illegal immigrants in the United States, and an increase in the costs of illegal entry and in deaths at the border by people attempting to immigrate.

"Over 2,700 migrants have died since 1993," he said. "Current data reflects approximately one death at the border per day. Generally, the deaths are caused by exposure to intense heat and severe cold, depending upon the season and the topography."

Neither speaker agreed with Bush's new proposal, although many in the room thought the plan would work.

"I guess I'm sort of an optimist, but I think if President Bush lets them come and work legally, then less people will die," said Bill Demarest of San Marcos. "We've got to do something. Obviously the plan we have now just isn't working. Anyone could tell you that."

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