Here's an opinion piece about the Western Governors' Association
Policy Resolution 2006-01, written by Janet Napolitano (Governor of Arizona) and John Huntsman (Governor of Utah). From the article, "There is a consensus in this country that our current immigration system is broken and broke.
"And while we encourage the president and Congress to move forward on immigration reform this year, we also believe the current debate in Washington, D.C., is polarizing and unhealthy.
"The time for micro-steps and limited action is behind us. Recently, Western governors proposed a comprehensive list of principles to serve as a framework for Congress and the administration to consider as they proceed on immigration reform.
"As governors, we know that the relationship with Mexico is vital to the United States. For many Western states, Mexico is the top trading partner.
"And, although illegal immigration is a national issue, Western states suffer a disproportionate financial burden on our health care, education, and the environmental and criminal justice systems.
"In addition, agriculture plays a pivotal role in Western state economies. It is a seasonal industry that has become heavily dependent upon a stable and reliable foreign labor pool. But, without a lawful way to provide seasonal employees, current law actually encourages unlawful migration to the United States.
"Western governors believe that a limited approach to our immigration problems cannot work. Enforcement alone is not the answer; similarly, a guest worker program alone is no panacea. Rather, we recommend a wide attack: reform of our current visa system and reduction of bureaucratic red tape and an emphasis on new technologies."
Read the whole article before it scrolls behind the Post paywall. Here's the link to the Western Governor's Association framework.
Category: 2008 Presidential Election
6:06:22 AM 
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