This post was originally posted at FRS Daily Times on Blogger

I don’t know where Lou Dobbs gets the 40% figure, but that fact is that deportation of illegal immigrants in the United States are up and at record levels. Just look at the numbers from U.S. Department of Homeland Security. And as far as the bogus amnesty figure that the far-right likes to throw out there. Amnesty would be if we granted all 10-15M illegal immigrants in this country American citizenship or legal residency, just for being in the country. Which no one serious in this debate is suggesting should be offered.

Under comprehensive immigration reform, the illegal immigrants would have to pay a fine for living in the country illegally. Based on how long they’ve lived in this country illegally. And have to pay back taxes for any back taxes they may owe at the federal, state and local levels. And would be probational residents in this country for at least ten years and have to meet certain standards. Just to stay and live in the country, like holding a job, paying their taxes, not committing felonies.

And payoff the fine that they owe. So unless you don’t understand the word amnesty or are simply using it to score political points, you can’t seriously call this plan amnesty in a credible way. Because you’re calling it something that it isn’t either through ignorance or being dishonest. And trying to make the case that these illegal immigrants shouldn’t be in the country anyway. Whether they came to the country legally or not.