S. 1348 is the “Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007” and it is 790 pages long.

You can read the entire 790 pages through Thomas.

Some may give it another name, like, S. 1348, “An Act of Forgiveness” because the bill, gives those illegally in the United States before January 1, 2007 the ability to jump through a few hoops, like paying a $5,000 fine. Then they would get a thing called a non-immigrant ‘Z’ visa. This would allow them eventually to become eligible for a Green Card or permanent residency.

Maybe a better and shorter bill could say something like, “The Secretary of Homeland Security orders Mandatory Departure for all aliens who are in the United States illegally no later than June 1, 2008.” You will be allowed to get in line like all the others who are following the rules.

A first glance, The Western Word (TWW) likes the sections about beefing up our border security and constructing 370 miles of fencing (Sec. 106). I also like the part about detaining those caught and holding them until they are deported (Sec. 301). Sometimes they were released and given a date to report to court and they never showed up. It also contains some language about Northern Border enforcement, which is good for Montana.

Most people think, at a minimum, these three things must be accomplished:

1. Seal the Borders
2. Deport all illegal immigrants
3. Crack down on employers who hire illegals

In April, I wrote about my thoughts for immigration reform:
First, we must seal the borders to prevent illegal immigrants from gaining access to our country.
Second, we must find a way to deal with those illegals that are here.
Third, we must develop a system where companies that employ these workers can easily identify who is legal through some sort of identification card (tamper resistant) and be held highly accountable if they hire illegals.
Fourth, there must be no amnesty for those in this country illegally. None.

So it looks like the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007 falls short as it gives the illegals special consideration and it also does not appear to completely seal the border.

TWW predicts this bill will be amended (a lot). The Senate will be hard-pressed to accomplish this in a week. Remember when the Democrats promised to work five days a week? They’re not. The Democrats also need to support the troops by funding them.

But in the end, there will be a Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007 in some form.