KINKY FRIEDMAN PRESS RELEASE: Immigration policy

PRESS RELEASE: Immigration policy
Kinky Friedman today said he supports the legislation passed Monday by the Senate Judiciary Committee, which includes the legalization of the country’s 11 million illegal immigrants who hold jobs, pass background checks, and pay fines and taxes.

Friedman also supports the expansion of the guest worker program, which would allow approximately 400,000 new guest workers per year. Friedman has been calling for a Bracero-sized program since he first announced his candidacy for governor in February 2005.

Friedman also supports a portion of the House bill, which calls for the construction of 700 miles of security fence along the U.S.-Mexico border and which would make illegal immigration a felony.

“I’ve been urging action on the border for over a year,” Friedman said. “I’m pleased that Congress is finally debating an issue I’ve been talking about since I announced my candidacy – the re-introduction of a guest worker program that allows immigrants to legally enter our country and seek opportunities. I hope this puts an end to the countless lives that have been lost on the backs of cargo container trucks on U.S. soil at the hands of coyotes who take advantage of those seeking a better life.”

Friedman urges Gov. Rick Perry to put partisan politics aside and meet with Govs. Bill Richardson and Janet Napolitano to develop a coordinated state plan which would supplement the federal efforts to stem the tide of illegal immigration.

source: http://www.kinkyfriedman.com/2006/03/press_release_immigration_poli.html