Lawmakers oppose 'Social Security for illegals'
Some in Congress rip 'immoral proposal' that could give U.S. benefits to Mexicans
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: March 17, 2005
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com
While President Bush continues his push to "save Social Security," immigration-reform advocates in Congress are battling an administration proposal they believe could result in Social Security benefits being paid to Mexicans living and working illegally in the U.S.
Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Va., has introduced a resolution expressing congressional disapproval of the U.S.-Mexico Social Security Totalization Agreement.
Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo.
And in a new letter to supporters of his Team America PAC, leading reform advocate Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., commented: "At a time when the administration is telling us that the Social Security system designed to protect the retirement years of American citizens is in 'crisis,' it is incredible that such an immoral proposal should be put forward."
Tancredo added, "[B]ut you know as well as I that the political establishment in this city will do anything to keep the flow of cheap illegal labor coming over the border! "
The Colorado congressman said he is one of 30 co-sponsors of Goode's resolution, "which is a very significant warning shot across the administration's bows."
The U.S. has similar totalization agreements with 20 other nations, as they're designed to ensure retirement benefits for those who legally work and contribute to another country's retirement fund. The difference in the Mexico proposal is that it would apply to illegal workers in the U.S. who would be eligible for benefits after working only six quarters.
Tancredo noted that for the U.S.-Mexico agreement to become law, President Bush will have to submit it to Congress first.
"The fact that 30 House members –29 Republicans and 1 Democrat – are willing to take a stand against it in advance bodes ill for its success," he said.
Tancredo noted other immigration proposals in Congress, including Rep. Chris Cannon's "AgJOBS" amnesty bill, which would extend amnesty to illegal immigrants, and their families, working in U.S. agricultural jobs.
Tancredo calls Cannon, R-Utah, "one of the most aggresive 'open borders' advocates in the House."
Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, has introduced a companion bill in the Senate.
Tancredo said President Bush's own amnesty plan has even less support in the new Congress than in the previous one, but he expects the administration to press forward.
Tancredo's Team America PAC is a political action committee aimed at generating grassroots pressure on Congress to block "open borders" legislation. |
