Kennedy Shaped Modern-Day Immigration System

[pampango]

Source: WBUR

"Sen. Edward Kennedy’s first major legislative victory helped change the face of this country. In 1965, Kennedy sponsored the Immigration and Nationality Act, which lifted national quotas on immigrants entering the country. This victory also launched his political career advocating for the foreign-born.

Before 1965, it was nearly impossible for immigrants from anywhere besides Western Europe to come to the United States. Sen. Kennedy was in his early thirties and in office just a couple of years when he sponsored a bill that would change all that.""This ushered in a flood of immigrants from Latin America and Asia. The foreign-born population went from 10 million to nearly 30 million in 40 years. The system that Kennedy created has vexed people who favor strict restrictions on immigration.

"This ushered in a flood of immigrants from Latin America and Asia. The foreign-born population went from 10 million to nearly 30 million in 40 years. The system that Kennedy created has vexed people who favor strict restrictions on immigration."

"Kennedy sponsored a bill with Sen. John McCain in 2007 that would have helped 12 million illegal immigrants get on a path to citizenship and strengthened workplace sanctions. The bill failed. Reform advocates are gearing up for another try in 2010. They say it will be harder without Kennedy, but the senator laid the groundwork."

Read more: http://www.wbur.org/2009/08/27/kennedy-immigration

[Romulox]

1. I thought our modern day immigration system was "broken" and "grossly unfair"?

:hi:

[pampango]

2. Kennedy was a force for good with respect to improving our immigration system.

Unfortunately he was not always a victorious force and at times, most recently in 2007, lost to forces who opposed reform. :)

[Romulox]

4. File that sentiment under "failure is an orphan", I guess.

The wonderful system he created is "grossly unfair". Gotcha.

[WriteDown]

3. We should not focus on the negative things that Ted did. nt.

[pampango]

7. I'm not. I'm sure he was quite proud of his accomplishments and hoped for more in 2007.

Plenty of people disagreed with his politics and proposals, but that does not make them negative things.

[WriteDown]

8. I was being a tad facetious.

Sorry if that didn't come through. :)

[pampango]

9. No prob. Sorry I didn't catch your intent.

;)

[Name removed]

5. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Romulox]

6. Would you believe too many OSHA regulations?

Because if you can't stomach that answer, "dialoguing" with the OP will be a bit of a frustrating experience, I'm afraid.