Fury grows over US immigration bill

Senate defenders of the reform plan cite misinformation, as e-mails clog their mailboxes and calls jam the switchboards.

from the May 25, 2007 edition

Page 2 of 3

Page 1 | 2 | Page 3

Boos for two backers of the bill

Last weekend, two senators who helped negotiate the bill were booed at their respective state Republican conventions. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina was shouted down when he called the reform "the best bill I think we can get to President Bush."

In Duluth, Ga., Sen. Saxby Chambliss of Georgia was booed when he said the nation needs a "meaningful guest-worker program."

Aides to both senators note that the lawmakers also drew applause at other points in their speeches. Most of the "grand bargainers" will not be up for reelection again until 2012, but Senators Graham and Chambliss both face the voters in 2008.

"The case he's been making to folks is: I haven't committed to supporting this bill, if it doesn't meet my criteria in the end. Most significant is border security first," says Lindsay Mabry, a spokeswoman for Chambliss. "It's a very emotional and complex issue, so it's understandable what the reaction would be. But when the senator gets out there explaining why we need immigration reform now, people are starting to understand."

Sen. Jim DeMint (R) of South Carolina says he's "never seen [his] constituents so angry and emotional." His opposition to the bill was cheered by those at the GOP convention in his home state. His office has received more than 2,000 phone calls on the bill, most opposing it. "People pulled me aside [at the convention] and told me to fight it," he says.

Freshman Sen. Jon Tester (D) of Montana says his office has been overwhelmed with calls from constituents "opposing amnesty." "I'll be meeting with them all next week," he says.

1 | Page 2 | 3 | Next Page