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Subscribe to RSSObama expected to embrace Senate deal… The reason Obama is headed to Las Vegas: No state has better epitomized the power of the Latino vote… The Kabuki dance… On Rubio selling reform to the conservative base… On Schumer becoming the Democrats’ dealmaker… And Senate is set to confirm John Kerry as secretary of state.
*** Obama to embrace Senate deal: When President Obama delivers his immigration speech at 2:55 pm ET today in Las Vegas, he will hug the principles that the bipartisan group of senators outlined yesterday. “POTUS will applaud the bipartisan Senate agreement that is very consistent with his long-held view and lay out his vision for immigration reform,” top White House aide Dan Pfeiffer just tweeted. Obama also will call on the Senate to act on the legislation soon. While one publication is reporting that the White House has developed its own immigration-reform plan that’s more liberal than the bipartisan Senate outline, that information is outdated. Had the bipartisan senators NOT acted yesterday, you likely would have seen Obama offer his own plan. But the senators did act, and their plan is the plan. The last thing the White House wants to do is blow up this fragile coalition. As we reported yesterday, the White House floated the idea of doing a more liberal or progressive bill during a meeting with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus last week, as a counter to what was being offered in the Senate, and the CHC shot the idea down. The CHC’s advice to the White House was let the Senate work its will – at least for now. That said, the White House insisted last night to reporters that if the Senate coalition falters and if bill shows signs of dying, the president will step in with his own legislation.
Related: Obama’s vs. Senators’ immigration reform plan: 6 points on what overlaps, what differs
Larry Downing / Reuters
President Barack Obama speaks in the State Dining Room of the White House, Jan. 24, 2013.
*** Vegas, baby: So why is the president giving his speech in Las Vegas? There is no state that better epitomizes the power of the Latino vote in American politics than Nevada. In 2010, Harry Reid won 69% of Latinos in his race against Sharron Angle, according to the exit polls, saving his Senate seat from a GOP that was convinced was theirs for the taking. And two years later, Obama won 71% of that vote -- matching what he received nationwide. The three states that have moved the most dramatically in presidential contests since 2004 have been Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico, and it’s due primarily to the Latino vote in all three states. (New Mexico is not even remotely a purple state anymore.) In Nevada, in particular, Latinos make up 27% of the state’s population and 19% of the voters in the 2012 election. Translation: The Latino influence in the state has even more room to grow.
*** Kabuki dance: While Obama will embrace the bipartisan Senate framework today, one Republican senator who’s part of the deal -- Sen. Lindsey Graham -- was criticizing Obama on FOX last night. “In 2008, he promised comprehensive immigration reform in the first year of his presidency, and it took all the oxygen out of the room,” Graham said. More: “In 2007, when we were trying to do immigration reform, he folded like a cheap suit because labor, the AFL-CIO, got mad at the bill to allow temporary workers... So I don't need a lecture from Barack Obama about bipartisanship; he was never very good at it in the Senate.” Moreover, top Marco Rubio staffers last night tweeted that Obama was “to oppose security and enforcement triggers,” even though the article that was cited never explicitly said that; it simply said Obama “does not favor linking legal status to border security.” So what’s going on here? This is all Kabuki theater to show that these Republicans aren’t in bed with the White House. The best way some Republicans privately believe they have to get more folks on board (or at least to convince some groups not to be overly aggressive AGAINST this plan) is to not look like they are “giving” the president a “win.” Politico also makes this point: “Whether he likes it or not, the president’s top legislative priority rests in the hands of McCain, his former 2008 rival, and Rubio, one of the GOP’s leading candidates to take back the White House in 2016.”
*** On Rubio selling reform to the conservative base: That said, this is an important test for Marco Rubio. He has spent the last several days selling comprehensive immigration to conservatives. And today, he speaks with Rush Limbaugh, who has criticized the bipartisan Senate framework. (“This immigration bill that everybody’s touting on TV is essentially the Bush immigration bill that was beat back in 2007,” Limbaugh said yesterday.) One of Ronald Reagan’s great talents was selling compromise to his party -- and declaring victory. Can Rubio pull this off, especially on an issue that base conservatives have opposed in the past two presidential elections? Rubio’s job with Limbaugh isn’t to convince him to sign on; we’re not sure that’s possible. What Rubio’s goal is today is to convince Limbaugh not to aggressively be AGAINST what he’s doing. If he can pull this off, it will be quite the feather in his hat as we get closer and closer to 2016 -- and perhaps show Rubio has some Reagan-like political skills.
*** On Schumer becoming the Democrats’ dealmaker: For those who closely follow American politics, Chuck Schumer is an easy target to mock. The running joke, for years, has been that the most dangerous place in DC is to be between Schumer and a TV camera. Perhaps lost in this caricature, however, is that Schumer has become the Democrats’ mover and shaker on key legislation -- dare we say the most effective dealmaker on the Democratic side of the aisle right now. On immigration, he’s reaching across the aisle to work with John McCain, Lindsey Graham, and Marco Rubio. And on guns, the legislation that has the best chance of passage is Schumer’s (on universal background checks) where he just might MIGHT convince Republican Tom Coburn to come on aboard his bill. What made Ted Kennedy a lion of the Senate was that he had influence with his Democratic colleagues (if he was backing something, they had cover to get on board) but also the ability to reach across the aisle. And so it’s worth asking: Is Chuck Schumer the closest thing to that right now? And we haven’t even touched on how relentless (and effective) Schumer has been the Senate Democrats’ de facto political director. Is there anyone better at candidate recruiting and clearly primary fields right now than Schumer?
*** Senate set to confirm Kerry: In non-immigration news, U.S. Senate today is expected to vote on John Kerry’s nomination to be secretary of state, and he’s a sure bet to win an easy confirmation. As one of us reported yesterday, if Kerry is confirmed and if his letter of resignation is received tomorrow, Massachusetts will set the special general election for June 25 -- with the primaries to take place on April 30. Also, Gov. Deval Patrick (D) is expected to announce his pick of an interim senator to fill the seat until the special election.
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Again the president working on and the media reporting on everything but getting people back to work, the economy and reducing the deficit. Happy all you folks voted for a guy who works on social issues Job #1. How is the pipeline coming now that Nebraska has said they have figured out a solution. Hate to see all those people getting jobs.
Oil sand is the most dirty energy on the planet and it should not be utilized. The pipeline is only going to help rich people. Our economy is kicking ass right now just look at the stock market. Why not pull yourself up and get an education. There are plenty of jobs in the engineering and science sector for anyone smart enough to get an education.
This proposal came from Republicans in the Senate.
You're an idiot if you don't give credit to those who deserve it.
crushedu What are you talking about.
Really? Are you awake?
Why do you say that? What do you know about it?
crushedu,
It is pretty obvious from your posts, you need the education more than most people. If you think the economy is kicking ass, that also shows your lack of education as well as common sense. Do you really think the only indicator is the stock market? People around the country are out of work and under employed.....that is a simple fact that the President admits but just doesn't understand how to help them. Pretty sure a pipeline would employ many people and not just the rich ones you seem to envy.
Jim we still have our problems but the economy is better but it will take time nothing good happens over night.
I do agree with you that things are getting little better but make it job number one vs Gun control, immigration and we just might see things turn around quicker. Unfortunately, the majority of people and media give the President and his administration a pass on the issue he said was Job # 1 on the campaign trail.....jobs.
Where, in LaLa Land where you live......
Fru Vegge--we have MORE than 'problems'. Did you SEE 60 minutes last week (NOT the week Obama and Hillary were on?) on the subject of the economy and its so called recovery?
CBS is a very LIB network, and even THEY ran a story about the 'recovery' being a JOBLESS recovery.
And that that will NOT change, not even over a whole BUNCH of 'over nights'.
The stock market is booming as investors are struggling with how to protect the value of their assets, since you cannot even keep up with inflation (no matter how low it is now) by putting your money in savings. That does NOT mean our country is recovering.
I do not envy the so called wealthy. I have both money and happiness and a very good education thanks ;o). Also do some research oil sand is an extremely dirty energy source and is polluting a lot of water in Canada. Just because I don't agree with you doesnt mean I am wrong. Also I do not know of anyone who is not gainfully employed right now that does not want to be. Most unemployed people are just to lazy to get either an education or reeducated.
You really have no clue do you? I know of several people who have children to support and live literally on nothing from paycheck to paycheck and can't afford to go to school, work 3 jobs and keep their household in order. Most probably work more than your dumb azz ever has....
crushedu,
You are truly a piece of work. For an educated person, you seem to have a hard time with the English grammar......maybe time to go back and get "reeducated".
I do not like that these illegals broke the law and are getting a freebie for doing so. That being said, these immigrants want to become a U.S. citizen and love our country and want the American dream more than most U.S. citizens do. I have no respect for the free loaders who were born here and who have milked our social systems from cradle to grave.
Heyjoe-sorry, but MANY of the 'immigrants' do want to become US citizens, but that does NOT mean they love our country and want the dream more than most US citizens do.
IF the illegals here did ONE simple thing, they would earn my respect--and that is to LEARN ENGLISH (OK, 2 simple things, as they also have to force their KIDS to do so, too). That is THE surest way to improve their chances at the American dream.
And you DO know that many illegal families are ALSO free-loading off of our social systems?
The dumbest thing yet is this bill because why would a country that is going broke and in an economic downward spiral add 11 million more poor people, who will never support themselves, or their numerous children. Why don't we just take a weekend this year and shoot every hard-working American, as it would be less cruel than making them work to support criminals who snuck in here and essentially robbed those born here.
Part 1- Yo, stupid redhead!The article is on immigration not gun control!
Part 2- It's about time the pharaoh in chief learned what compromise means. A deal on naturalizing status of people hear illegally that came from the senate is accepted rather than one from the white house being shoved on the country followed by threats and accusations from the administration trolls.
LOL....
It's funny how the same people who claimed Obama couldn't lead now claim he's been forcing policy on the country.
These people have no clue what they're saying...just rant and hate...wait for someone to agree. You guys crack me up.
He still can't lead. Obama is too busy on vacation to lead.
He's doing an awful lot of dictating to be on vacation all the time.
This whole article is pretty much a lie. obama has already opposed the proposal because he wants legalization with out enforcement. That will never and should never be the case and will not pass Congress (which by the way is made up of the House and the Senate). obama, msnbc and the minions have for the most part stalled a bipartisan plan from the Senate to finally do something substantial about illegal immigration in and for this Country. Those are the facts-spin, lie, smear, and cover how ever you want. BTW the leader of this plan is Hispanic. His people comprise 80% percent of illegal immigrants in this Country. He wants this done right for the Country and his own demographic. obama wants neither. If you can not see that you are an idiot.
They might pay taxes but we will get killed with the healthcare for these folks.
John g--most illegals, contrary to claims, do NOT pay taxes, other than sales tax. Their low income, combined with the large number of dependants, insures that not only will they not OWE any taxes, but will also get MONEY "BACK" that they never paid in.
Those who claim they 'pay taxes' are claiming that on the number of illegals who FILE tax returns, without pointing out that the ONLY reason to file is to get a refund. Filing to PAY IN would not only cost them money, but put them on record as being here.
The ONLY taxes a small percentage have paid is SS. But that money is NOT to be used to bail out SS, and can ONLY be drawn OUT by the person who paid it in, which can ONLY happen if they become citizens.
Meanwhile, Citizenship will INCREASE the number of 'benefits' illegals are entitled to, a NET COST to the country. For instance, an illegal parent can get food stamps for their 'anchor baby', but the amount will be ONLY for that child--not the entire family.
Citizenship would increase the amount to reflect ALL the members.
It is very easy to debate a Liberal because they are debating based upon emotion while conservatives debate upon the facts! Simple but true. I'll take the facts every time!
Mutable
Toilet jokes aren't "debate".
Lets see 5 weeks before the election King Obama gave1.7 million wetbacks the right to work in America. I still don't have a job. But now we don't talk about JOBS we talk about adding 11Million ( I think the number is closer to 50 million ) more to a job market that already don't have enough JOBS. WHY !!!!. I'm a US citizen , taxpayer & home owner. but they ( Obama) won't do a damn thing to help us 25 MILLION OF US. Hell maybe I can sell my house to one of these freeloaders we think we need to help. Obama sold us out to the wetbacks so the rest would vote for him & I'l be damn they did DUH!!!! The dumba$$ needs to be in prison for TREASON!!!
I wholly agree with you. I ended up taking a retail job in a home center for 1/4 of what I use to make to keep from starving to death. I cannot get food-stamps or any of the freebies the illegal Hispanics receive.
So you're unemployed, use ethnic slurs and waiting for the POTUS to help you but you wonder why you're marginalized in America. You sound like EVERYTHING the right stands against!
You're a taxpayer? It's more likely that you're on unemployment and taking from social programs that working minorities like me pay for.
Obama has created no jobs but he said that was his priority in his first term. Another lie/failed promise.
Unemployment rate when Obama took office in 2009? 7.8%
Unemployment rate in 2013? 7.8%.
Uh oh.
That would be interesting if we didn't also know unemployment spiked at 10.1% in the first quarter of 2009.
Beardown-3307297, if one is on unemployment and they have paid into it, it is considered a benefit. Once the illegals begin drawing unemployment it will break the system.
What about the first year that the illegals file taxes? A family of 4 who has not worked or barely worked and paid into the system will have a massive deduction and get a ton of money "back" from the government that they never paid into, this, in addition to the other "benefits" that are packed away in the immigration bill will bankrupt this country.
As far as your "Spike" of 10.1%, please read up on how the government calculates the unemployment rate before posting. You can find it here; www dot bls dot gov /cps/cps_htgm.htm
There it is in clear written words by Liberals. To them it does not matter what happens to the population in this country as long as the Democrats can get the votes to win mainly from illegal citizens. The Democrats have zero conscience on what this could mean to our countries future. Call it failed ethics and morals. Wall Street does not hold a candle to the Liberal Democrats when it comes to failed ethics and morals.
President Obama is already one of the best Presidents we have had in a long time. If he pull off a win in his two current priorities (gun control and immigration), he will go down in history as the most concequential President since Lindon Johnson. Just think about what President Obama has managed to accomplish so far. Since the election He has manage to make the Senate work, and has rendered the Republican House of Representatives irrelevant to any legislative discussion. John Boehner himself has given up and has express his willingness to follow the lead of the Senate on any issue. So it is now between the President and his Senate to get things done for our people, and he is doing just that. Obama will go down in history as good or better than Lincoln, FDR, JFK, and LBJ. For that I am a very happy Democrat.
So, as an example of his accomplishments, you cite that he alienated an entire legislative body. A body that is required to pass any laws. Quite an acomplishment!
Nice touch, capitalizing the "H" in he....
Jose,
How in the world can you possibly state that without laughing out loud? What in the sam hell has he done for fixing the unemployment and economy? Nothing, nada, zilch. He has succeeded in making gas prices much higher and everything else more costly. He will go down as the worst president we have ever had. In addition these so called victories you falsely claim are usually against the will of half the people. So how is that great in anyway? Although I am sure you secretly hope he succeeds because of his skin color that does not figure into any of this It is about what you do for all the people.
Absolutely! The plans are already in the works for Boehner to bypass the Tea Party caucus and work more with Democrats in the House. He's concerned about being reelected but his challenge won't come from the far right so he will position himself in the best place to get reelected in Ohio.
The far right did a great job marginalizing themselves, now the left and center right will push them over the cliff.
Wow Jose....you are totally drunk on the kool-aid...worst President ever...look at the debt? Where is the budget? He has managed to turn Americans against each other and Racism is alive and well because of him...I guess I and 1/2 the Country have a different take.
Jose,
If you were an American, you would know better than to spew your silliness.
The House stops Obama's nonsense and the Senate is gutless.
Obama is another waste of oxygen.
NO ILLEGALS FOR ANY REASON!!!
I disagree, he's not even in my top three and the best Prez on my list is Jimmy Carter.....
Our debt and budget problems are the direct responsibility of the House of Representatives who refuse to submit any passable legislation in accordance with their Constitutional obligation. They've prided themselves on STOPPING Obama rather than accomplishing anything positive. And they've convinced their constituents that a NO agenda is an agenda.
Racism? You idiots still haven't come up with one thing Obama has done that could be considered racist. Most of the racism wasn't created by Obama, it just reared up from those idiots who hate him for his race.
You guys fool yourselves into thinking half the country thinks like you. You are the far extreme right and there are very few of you in this country.
Bear,
Wow, have you ever drunk too much Kool-Aid!!! Surely you are not this ignorant!
The GOP House passed three budgets in two years plus 30 jobs bills. The Obama mis-administration did not pass any budget measure for 4 years and it is law to have a budget! They could not even do it when they had the WH and both chambers of Congress!!! GOP could have done nothing to stop them.
What happened, Bear? Hmmm?
Get a job.
And how many of those ever stood a chance of becoming law? AND HINT: Tax cut bills aren't "jobs bills".
Please show us where it is law that the executive branch pass a budget. ANOTHER HINT: The executive branch can only submit legislation to congress. They don't PASS anything.
LOL! No Kool Aid here my firends, just a dose of reality. You might not like it, but we are a progresive and fair country. Conservatism and Tea Partyism is dead. Get used to it. Obama did not alianate the House. The House Isolated themselves by being the least productive and most hated institution in government. The numbers don't lie my friends. 9% approval ratings. Laughable! As far as The Presidents accomplishments, they are documented, so I suggest you educate yourself and go google it. A few examples are unemployment under 8%, GMC alive and well, Banks are lending again. over 30 concecutive months of job growth, Equal pay for women, the dream act executive order, the repeal of DADT. Do I forget something... oh yeah, Obamacare, otherwise known as The Affordable Care Act. LOL! Now let me finish by responding to NC-492358 reference to me not being "American". I will simply respond to your overtly racist remark with this. Born in Connecticut, I served my country (and yours) for over 20 years in the U.S. Army, to keep this country free for everyone, including jerks like you. I faced 5 war deployments and put my life on the line to protect your right to be ignorant. What have you done for your country? Spare me your fake patriotism. I am a real American patriot, and have the battle scars to prove it.
If you ask me its the governments way of saying they won't fix it they rely to much on the Latino vote while not really saying anything else about immigrants from other nations. Its pure profiling by both parties. They're not interested in the people or the problem, they want the vote.
To all Libs who say its impossible to deport 11+million illegals. NO its not. Its very easy you make it where they deport themselves. How do you do that very easy.
You cut off the easy money to them.
Stop giving them Food stamps, section 8 housing, SSI payments and Medicaid and medicare.
If we did just this 8+ million if not more would deport themselves since they would no longer be able to afford to live in the USA.
Next you make it where if they show up to a doctors office or the hospital then they have to pay for services up front like everyone else. No money, then no doctors will see you.
Next make it where there babies are not granted American citizenship automatically at least one parent has to be an American Period.
After that 99% of all illegals will self deport themselves with it costing US tax payers ZERO.
Its simple and easy LIBS.
But, then they would'nt get their votes! There is the problem!
Not sure who to believe here... Breitbart is reporting that the President's priority is "no borders sealed before amnesty.." NBC (the lefty version of breitbart) is reporting that the president will embrace the plan.
Here, Charlie Brown, I'll hold the ball and you run and kick it..
The white man,is now being replaced,by the brown man,,lmao
Where?
Bulletman: Racist much? Divisive Tactics: standard fare for the left.
Reform...another liberal term for " I will do just about anything for a Vote!"
The national GOP has finally woken up to the fact that the Hispanic voter regards the immigration issue far more important than any other issue so the GOP is only doing what it must to try to win a part of the Hispanic vote to be competitive on a national basis. The bad news for the GOP is that no matter how hard it tries to win the Hispanic vote, the GOP state legislators will sabotage this effort by passing new and more cruel state laws regarding immigration.
No amount of amnesty or forgiveness for illegals.
NO ILLEGALS FOR ANY REASON!!!!
Bob, What is far more important is the the GOP would like to see our laws enforced! Obama and the liberals only care about the Latino vote not the actual Latino....
watt,
Good point. Bob just wants more of his fellow illegals here sooner.
Low information people clearly do not know there is an immigration law. If you come here without citizenship, you are illegal. ' nuff said.
Something that MUST be taken away is the status of "Anchor Babies". As
long as someone can "sneak" across the boarder to have "an American
citizen" the practice will continue. If that "status" is taken away,
people are more likely to try and gain citizenship legally. This issue
MUST be addressed for this new law to have any effect.
Here is why I support this plan even though I strongly oppose illegal CRIMINAL immigrants.
1: The plan as laid out calls for all illegal immigrants to pay taxes and a fine. This serves to generate some money into the system but more importantly it will weed out those illegal immigrants who wont pay (and I predict the number will be quite high) while allowing those illegals who can actually contribute something to become citizens. Those who fail to pay the fine and taxes no longer have any socially acceptable argument to make for their case for citizenship.
2: If the Dems oppose the plan it opens up the doors to better recruitment into Latino communities by the GOP. After all they want citizenship. That is the price of their loyalty. It also serves to bring in a higher population that is strongly opposed to abortion at a time when abortion is already losing ground nationwide.
3: Immigration reform was Obama's number one promise and after 4 years and nothing done it took a leading GOP figure with a promising future to get the ball rolling. The fact that it usurped Obama's plan serve to remind democrats that the GOP is not only far from dead but is actually primed for the same level of comebacks as 2010.
4: The bills as it currently stands also calls for stronger border security which means that when dems start to pick it apart, and they will no doubt try the American people can be reminded that it was Bi-Partisan, GOP led immigration reform that is being destroyed because of the Liberals within the DNC who want an open door policy and no penalties. This is always a losing argument.
Obama is going to move ahead with his own "legislation" if the Senate immigration plan falters? What!?
Obama needs to learn that he does not legislate. He may propose, offer, cajole, wish, bribe, etc. bu it is Congress that legislates; NOT Obama.
Let him try to get pushy and Congress will put a stop to his nonsense.
Welcome to the demise of an organized, march in lockstep GOP!! They are now the proverbial cat herd that the DEMS are always accused of being.
The GOP, with their Tea Farty Moron Faction and their non-existent command of fact and truth, and their aging, centrist faction at war with their own conscience between the right thing to do and what the TP-ers want,
are now irrelevant and nothing more than an impediment to progress and a deterrent to prosperity.
Time for them to GO!
Your complete ignorance is now on display for everyone to see.
If the House says no, then the answer is no.
No legislation for you!
Comrade Betty has been outed.....
Why are the 47% not income tax payers? Two words," JOB DISCRIMINATION". Can personally testify to this in Evansville, INDIANA. When a worker with past skills and experience is forced to wash dishes for two years to make a living in the pre-recession years of 2004-2007. A 21 yr UNION member, over 25 yrs industrial work experience operating two multi-million dollar production lines at a Silica Processing Mill in S. ILLINOIS. A worker with over 120 hrs total college credit, not including 6 hrs college credit for his work experience that was never added to his transcripts. Enough for a Bachelors Degree had all these hrs been in one field. However he did achieve an Associate Degree graduating with honors in 1999, making the National Deans List.
He applied for work at Whirlpool appliance factory the first month he moved here in 2004. Submitted hundereds of resumes, applied with every HVAC contractor in the city as he was a licensed HVAC tech and this is what his degree was in. Yet the only work EVANSVILLE, INDIANA could find for this worker with all this experience and education was washing dishes and delivering meals to the elderly for $7 an hr.
Need any more proof of DISCRIMINATION TOWARD DEMOCRATS IN INDIANA? The republicans dominate the hiring, they are the managers, they are the HR people. You will never convince them to take responsibillity for their actions toward these workers when they have applied for the better paying jobs that would make them income tax payers. You will never make them take responsiblilty for these workers lifes and what they have done to them.
Easy, son.
How do you "know" all of this is true? Maybe others were better qualified. No one is owed a living. Make yourself valuable enough to be employed.
Also:
Get an education.
Get a job.
Take some tranquilizers.
Do not have children.
Feeling sorry for yourself? You are not alone, but it isn't Republicans keeping you away, it's who you know and nepotism in a shallow job market. But then, if you are a Dem it could be Bush's fault.
///////SHOCKING NEWS UPDATE///////
........Muslims love Obama
Totally shocking and unbelievable!
Time to cut off all aid for all illegals
Man, shouldn't all those retarded people who are against illegals but vote Democrat every election, be shot?
Wonderful...both sides buying the illegals vote now. Think I'll just spend my savings and go on welfare asap before the illegals get it all. Free health care, dental, housing, food. Ah....come on in - the good life paid for by the middle class fools like us.
You really have no idea how ignorant you are? The good life?? You have a lot to learn about the poor.
Betty, for illegal aliens, that very possibly IS the "good life", or at least far better than they had it in their home countries. Even low wages here are better than they earn at home, especially if they don't pay taxes and get "free" stuff, including "free" money, such as the $4.2 billion illegal aliens who filed for the child tax credit with ITINs got last year.