[ OUR OPINION ]
Immigration reform
requires balancePRESIDENT Bush faces the challenge of legalizing the presence of at least some illegal aliens from Mexico without luring others to trespass onto American soil. A Republican proposal in Congress that would include a temporary work visa and eventual permanent residency for many aliens appears to strike an acceptable balance. The proposal is not radically different from those made by congressional Democrats and should receive bipartisan support.
THE ISSUE
A major reform of immigration law is expected from the Bush administration to reduce the number of illegal aliens in the United States.
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge told a town hall meeting earlier this month that the country needs to "come to grips" with an estimated 8 million to 12 million illegal immigrants and "determine how you can legalize their presence" without immediately rewarding them with citizenship.
At least half of the illegal immigrants are from Mexico, including an estimated 9,000 in Hawaii, mainly farm laborers on Maui and the Big Island. The president is expected to reveal his plan before scheduled talks with Mexican President Vicente Fox and other Latin American leaders in Monterey, Mexico, on Jan. 12.
Sens. John McCain and Reps. Jeff Flake and Jim Kolbe, all Republicans from Arizona, have introduced a bill that would create a Labor Department job registry on the Internet. Jobs advertised on the Web site would be offered first to American citizens and then to prospective immigrants, who would be allowed to enter the United States with a temporary work visa.
A foreign citizen offered a U.S. job advertised on the Web site could work under that visa for three years, then be awarded legal permanent residence -- a green card. Previously illegal aliens would be allowed to remain in the United States for three years, then be granted the temporary work visa and placed on the path toward permanent residency -- three years later than those who entered the country legally with a temporary work visa.
That is consistent with Bush's desire for "an immigration policy that helps match any willing employer with any willing employee."
Most U.S. jobs held by illegal immigrants from Mexico are not wanted by American citizens because of their low pay and difficult working conditions. The McCain legislation would entitle the temporary visa holders to equal rights, wages, working conditions and protections with American workers.
Bush has said he is "firmly against blanket amnesty," the kind of legal status that was offered by President Reagan in 1986 to immigrants who had illegally moved to the United States before 1982. That amnesty did not stem the tide of illegal northward migration by Mexican workers, which has reached the outrageous level of 400,000 a year. In addition to immigration reform, more effective border patrols are needed to reduce that rate.
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Filipino-American
vets get their dueCONTRIBUTIONS of Filipino-Americans during World War II have been eclipsed by others, but tomorrow veterans will receive a long overdue honor when a memorial to distinguish their efforts will be displayed. Congratulations for their accomplishments are richly deserved.
THE ISSUE
Filipino-American World War II veterans will be honored tomorrow with the unveiling of a memorial.
It is fitting that the memorial was made possible through contributions of members of the Filipino community. Designed by architect Oscar Paez Jr. and constructed by Lito Alcantara of Group Builders, the memorial's unveiling coincides appropriately with the fiesta of the Olongapo Association of Hawaii and with the 10th anniversary of the World War II Filipino-American Veterans Hawaii chapter with ceremonies at the new Filipino Community Center.
Recognition also comes on the national scene as legislation was approved earlier this year to provide health and compensatory benefits to veterans and their wives.
It will be a proud day of acclaim for worthy veterans.
