Gang of Eight Claim No Deficit Impact from Amnesty
“Members of the Gang of Eight say their immigration reform bill will not add a dime to the nation’s deficit. That anticipated Congressional Budget Office (CBO) score will defy conservative policy experts who recently claimed the measure would cost trillions of dollars,” The Hill reports.
“The budget office has announced it will depart from its usual practice and apply a dynamic scoring model to estimate the costs of the law over the next decade. This is good news for the Gang of Eight because the model will factor in the expected economic boost provided by millions of new legal workers. Projecting higher tax revenue from increased economic activity will produce a more favorable budgetary outlook.”
Poll Says Public Wants Border Security First
“Most American voters want tougher new border security measures before changing immigration policies. A Fox News national poll released Wednesday also shows a majority favors giving illegal immigrants already in the United States a chance to qualify for citizenship. On Tuesday, a Senate committee passed an immigration reform bill that would create a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants. The bill would also strengthen border security. It now goes to the full Senate for a vote,” Fox News reports.
Boehner Says House Immigration Deal Will Happen
“House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said Thursday he’s confident the House will “work its will on immigration” reform and come to a deal — he’s just not sure how,” the Huffington Post says.
“‘We’re not going to be stampeded by the White House or stampeded by the president,’ Boehner said at a press conference. ‘The Senate is working its will, a lot of good work that’s going on over there, but the House will work its will. Don’t ask me how, because if I knew I’d certainly tell you, but the House is going to work its will.'”
Rep. Labrador Says Obamacare Will Kill Amnesty
“A key House Republican negotiator on immigration is warning Democrats that the health care law – a favorite boogeyman of the GOP – could be the downfall of comprehensive immigration reform. ‘What might be the story at the end of this year, at the end of this session, is that Obamacare killed immigration reform,’ Rep. Raul Labrador said Wednesday. The Idaho Republican is one of eight House lawmakers who have engaged in private talks on immigration reform,” Politico reports.
“House Democratic leaders are uneasy with the idea of blocking undocumented immigrants from accessing publicly-subsidized care – such as health coverage if they have to be treated in an emergency room. That could have the effect of deporting the immigrants if they can’t afford those expenses, Democrats worry.”
Rep. Goodlatte Says Amnesty Bill Won’t Stop Illegal Immigration
“House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte leveled several criticisms of the Senate Gang of Eight bill on Wednesday, saying the legislation ultimately will not stem the flow of illegal immigration to the United States. Those remarks from Goodlatte — who will be a central figure in whether immigration reform is enacted — were his most critical yet on the landmark Senate legislation, which passed the Judiciary Committee Tuesday night on a bipartisan 13-5 vote,” Politco writes.
“Reflecting the concern of many House and Senate conservatives, Goodlatte said he was not convinced the Gang bill would sufficiently secure the border. The Senate legislation requires a series of security benchmarks before undocumented immigrants can transition into a provisional status and, a decade later, obtain a green card.”