Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Bush's immigration plan draws mixed views
By Adam Campbell
OSU Daily Barometer (Oregon State U.)
05/16/2006

(U-WIRE) CORVALLIS, Ore. — Monday night in an address to the nation, President George W. Bush announced a plan to deploy up to 6,000 National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexican Border.

Bush said the guard soldiers would not perform any law enforcement duties. Instead they would only be responsible for providing intelligence gathering, surveillance and other administrative duties. However, they would still be armed and are authorized to use force in self defense.

The troops would not to be a permanent addition to the border patrol, but only a temporary solution while more border patrol officers are trained, Bush said.

The president asked congress to add 6,000 more members to the border patrol by the end of his presidency, as well as 6,700 more beds for detainees at the border.

Bush also voiced his support for a bill aimed at providing a path for legalized citizenship to many of the 12 million illegal immigrants living in the United States.

The plan calls for a guest worker program, which would allow immigrants to take low-paying jobs, and to hold employers accountable for hiring illegal immigrants.

He also stressed that those who wish to earn citizenship should have to immerse themselves into society, learn English, pay fines for breaking the law and pay back taxes.

On the Oregon State University campus, reaction to the plan has been mixed.

"This move looks to be fueled by political considerations and future elections. It's a good political strategy for the administration," said David Bernell, an assistant professor of political science. "It may help to have more eyes on the border, but then immigrants would just drive to areas with less eyes."

Brian Collins, a senior in accounting and member of the College Democrats, echoed the sentiments of Bernell.

"I think Bush wants to have a legislative accomplishment. This is a political strategy to try and accommodate the conservatives in the house and senate," Collins said. "This is a temporary move — not that meaningful. The president feels that it will help get legislation passed for immigrants to get legalized."

"As long as they just observe, I don't see a problem," said Laurence Alifen, a junior in food science and technology and internal public relations coordinator for ISOSU.

Luis Palacios, a junior in forestry engineering and co-coordinator for Centro Cultural Caesar Chavez, has a different opinion — he does not support the proposal but sees it in a different light.

"I see it as a step in a positive direction, using people who are trained as observers as opposed to minutemen. It's a step in the right direction, only if the treatment is humane."

Michael Kempton, a senior in business administration and president for the College Republicans offered his personal thoughts on the matter.

"I feel that Bush is doing a good thing addressing the problem. I'm not sure how it will all play out, but overall I think it's a good move."

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