Feinstein Does Something Right

Yes, that has to be a headline. But her amendment to the immigration bill, while it failed, shows that she understands how ridiculous this "compromise" has become:

Feinstein's amendment, defeated 61 to 37, would have supplanted the compromise that allows illegal immigrants here five years or more to stay and work six years and seek legal residency after paying back taxes and fines and showing they were learning English.

Those in the country two to five years under the compromise would have to go to a point of entry, exit and file an application to return as a guest worker. Those here less than two years must leave the country, but could apply from their native country to return as a guest worker and wait in line to get a visa.

"I have come to believe that the three-tiered system is unworkable, that it would create a bureaucratic nightmare and it would lead to substantial fraud," Feinstein said Tuesday.

OF COURSE it's unworkable. Undocumented workers don't have papers. If you're basing their status on a pay stub or electric bill, and you think that'll be foolproof, you're nuts. Feinstein has at least shown she lives in the real world. 36 other Senators agreed with her. The rest have their heads in the sand (or they want to save the bill, but what good will saving it do if it's impossible to implement?).