Legion to Congress: Reject amnesty

The American Legion - January 30, 2013
Posted in Citizenship

(Photo by Gerald L. Nino)

"A bad sequel" is how American Legion National Commander James E. Koutz described President Obama’s proposal to grant amnesty to people who are in the United States illegally.

"Whether it’s called ‘Pathway to Citizenship’ or some other euphemism, it’s still amnesty," Koutz said. "It didn’t work when President Reagan signed the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, and it will be even more disastrous if we repeat that mistake again."

Reagan’s attorney general, Ed Meese, has since repudiated the 1986 amnesty. "After a six-month slowdown that followed the passage of the legislation, illegal immigration returned to normal levels and continued unabated," Meese wrote in a 2006 New York Times op-ed. "Ultimately, some 2.7 million people were granted amnesty, and many who were not (granted amnesty) stayed anyway, forming the nucleus of today’s unauthorized population."

The American Legion foresaw of the consequences back in 1986. "Amnesty can serve only to attract future illegal aliens who would also be provided the opportunity for permanent resident status," said Dale L. Renaud, American Legion national commander at the time.

There is an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the country, and the Center for Immigration Studies estimated that the total net cost of the 1986 amnesty amounted to more than $78 billion in the 10 years following the amnesty.

"As far as The American Legion is concerned, amnesty is a deal-breaker for us but there are some measures currently being proposed that we like," Koutz said. "These include tightening security at the borders, crackdowns on those who hire illegal workers and stricter visa procedures.

"The American Legion is not opposed to immigration; we are a nation that was built by immigrants. But we also believe in adherence to the law. What kind of message does it send to those who worked hard to become legal immigrants if we offer the same status to those who disrespected the process? ‘American citizen’ is a special title that should not be bestowed upon people who broke the law to get it."

Koutz believes thorough background screenings should be essential before the U.S. government allows any foreign national to enter U.S. territory. "Public safety and national security is job one for our government to address."

Koutz said the Legion looks forward to sharing its views with Congress and the White House.

"The consequences wrought by the Immigration Reform and Control Act bring to mind the words of George Santayana, ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,’" Koutz said. "Let’s not make the same mistakes again."

To read the Legion's most recent policy on immigration, passed during the 2012 National Convention, click here. 

 

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MAJ Dave

January 31, 2013 - 1:17pm

I don't think that the Amnesty issue is one that the American Legion should be tackling. I look to the American Legion as my advocacy group primarily on Veterans Issues. I wish that the National Commander had addressed the issue of using military service as a pathway to Citizenship. This is one item that I hope he fully supports and has been successful in the past. I hope that taking a hard stance against "Amnesty" doesn't provide a chilling effect on future potential Legionaires who are now faithfully serving in our military in the hopes of earning the rights and privelages of U.S. Citizenship.

schehld

January 31, 2013 - 1:29pm

I agree sir this is not an issue for the legion and has nothing to do with the purpose they were formed. I served with a person from Switzerland and have a friend from Germany who served in the Army. The legion does not speak for me on almost any matter involving politics. If I want to belong to a wing nut organization I can join Glen Becks PAC and watch Fox news.

EZZY49R

February 1, 2013 - 3:00pm

I agree, as a Marine from the Nam era I aquired my citizenship while in the service of my country. I believe anyone serving and risking their life in the name of freedom should be granted citizenship. My parents, who rest in peace, worked hard to legally bring us to this great country. It's simply not fair to all those who respect and follow our laws. For this reason I don't agree with the amnesty program. But I also don't agree with he Legion Taking up this cause. As a Legionare I'd like to see the Legion stick to veteran related issues which are important to all of us.

joet1892

February 2, 2013 - 2:19pm

I've been a Legion Member for 59 years. this the worst crap I have ever heard a National Commander endorse. He does not speak for this Veteran.

aggie

May 30, 2013 - 7:12pm

BULL"! I Like It Very Much... (Talking About All The illegal Aliens On The Doll In America) It's About Time! (24 Year Member.) Would Have Been Longer.(Member Of Legion) But,The Legion Post I Joined Called Me A Baby Killer And A Drug Addict. So Much For Respect,For The Viet-Nam Era Vet.

aggie

May 30, 2013 - 6:59pm

The Legion Is Correct To Bring This Out For An Airing. (Illegal Aliens In America) I'm An Air Force Vet Of The Viet Nam Era. I'M Proud Of The American Legion Giving A Forum For Citizen Americans To Voice there Disgust With Amnesty. My father Came To America LEGALLY As Did My Grandmother And Grandfather. You Come To America Legally Or We Don't want You At All!

L_Arizona

February 1, 2013 - 3:31pm

Completely agree. The American Legion is way outside of the Veteran's advocacy mission here. I am due for renewal soon, and this stance makes me pause.

aggie

May 30, 2013 - 7:01pm

Maybe Your Blood Line Is From Mexico? Or a Latin Country? Just Asking.

From the Bronx

February 1, 2013 - 6:00pm

In total agreement with Maj Dave. Not an issue American Legion should take on. Serving in the military should always be a path to citizen ship.

aggie

May 30, 2013 - 7:04pm

Are You an American? Or A Latin,Hispanic,Black,Minority? Its A Vital Issue To Americas Future. I'M sick Of The People Who Call Themselves Afrikan American,Hispanic American,Latina American Etc Etc. I'M An American. Oh.......And I'M White! Ok''?

jaydub

February 1, 2013 - 9:57pm

I will add my name to the list of people who want the Legion to stick to the things we list in the Preamble.

langej

February 2, 2013 - 10:24am

Agree.

BB

February 2, 2013 - 4:04pm

Spot on, MAJ Dave.

dillonrr

February 2, 2013 - 7:24pm

I totally agree with allowing illegal aliens the rights and privelages to U.S. Citizenship by serving in our Armed Forces. WHAT I DO NOT AGREE WITH IS ALLOWING ALL ILLEGAL ALIENS AMNESTY. We've created paths for illegal aliens to become citizens twice in the past and I don't think we need to create another one. GET IN LINE! If you're here illegally, go home and apply to enter the U.S. legally like our forefathers did. No one deserves special treatment! Abide by the law!

Stan Cohen

February 2, 2013 - 10:20pm

For all those who disagree that immigration is not our issue and we are only about vet advocacy you could not be more wrong. Please be aware that ALL of us took an oath to protect and defend the constitution from all those who would assault it both foreign AND domestic. This oath did not end when we left the service. Non-enforcement of immigration law is an attack on our nation's sovereignty and can only serve to weaken us AS a nation economically as well as politically. Every other nation on Earth enforces their immigration laws. Amnesty is a slap in the face and an insult to those who worked hard to get here and toiled to earn their citizenship. Finally, WHY would a hard stance on amnesty affect future Legionaire membership enrollment from those legally here and earning a fast track to citizenship through their patriotic military service? If these individuals are indeed loyal Americans they too will support and defend our constitution and legal immigration as well as realize the benefits of Legion membership. To say otherwise is akin to political vote getting - much like a politician with certain demographics. We should expect nothing less from our esteemed membership than the full support of our nation's laws and constitution.

aggie

May 30, 2013 - 7:06pm

You Are Correct Sir'!

Ana Zuniga-Maus

February 4, 2013 - 1:39pm

I am proud of the Legion for taking a stand for America and the Americans. I am a Hispanic, married to a Vet and very proud of his Service to our country and I don't see any problem with the Legion taking a stand for America and for defending our laws and way of life. More people and institutions should do the same and sent a strong message to this administration, that selling our country for VOTES, is not acceptable.

Ana Zuniga-Maus

February 4, 2013 - 1:43pm

I am proud of the Legion for taking a stand for America and the Americans. I am a Hispanic, married to a Vet and very proud of his Service to our country and I don't see any problem with the Legion taking a stand for America and for defending our laws and way of life. More people and institutions should do the same and sent a strong message to this administration, that selling our country for VOTES, is not acceptable.

USAF Vet 1951-1955

February 27, 2013 - 1:27am

Maj. Dave,

The American Legion has every right to weigh in on illegal immigration. As for illegal aliens getting U.S. citizenship by joining our military, read the following.

In order to join the US Military, you must either be a US citizen, or you must be a legal permanent immigrant, physically living in the United States, with a green card. The US military cannot and will not assist with the immigration process. If you are not a US citizen, you must legally and permanently immigrate to the United States first, via the regular immigration procedures and quotas, establish a residence, and then (if you meet the other qualifying criteria), visit a military recruiter's office and apply for enlistment.

Since the Legion does not allow links to be added to these emails, do a search "What are the requirements for joining the U.S. Military and read it for yourself.

Here are the requirements to be qualified to join the U.S. Military.

USAF Vet 1951-1955

February 27, 2013 - 4:50am

You legion members who are disappointed with the National Commander opposing amnesty for illegal aliens need to WAKE UP AND SMELL THE ROSES. By opposing amnesty for illegal aliens, the American Legion is supporting jobs for America's Veterans which is one of their obligations. Stop crying about this policy and stop supporting amnesty for illegal aliens. This screwed up government of ours have given amnesty on 7 different occasions and always promised total enforcement. If amnesty passes congress again, this will be the 8th amnesty since 1986. Enough is enough, put an end to amnesty. All the promises were broken, that is why this nation is overrun with not 11 million illegal aliens, but according to the people who follow illegal immigration, there is closer to 30 million illegal's in the U.S.

This veteran did not serve in the military so our nation could be invaded by a bunch of border jumpers who when they get her demand FREE medical care, FREE maternity care all at U.S. tax payer expense. Not to mention they march on U.S. soil waving their rag flag demanding amnesty.

NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL ALIENS.

aggie

May 30, 2013 - 7:34pm

Another Smart 'Common Sense' AIR FORCE Vet'! I Salute You Sir'! Thank GOG..Their Are Some Who Can See Thru The Fog Of Lies By Our FAR LEFT TV MEDIA,ABC,NBC,CBS,FOX,CAN,MSNBC.

aggie

May 30, 2013 - 7:30pm

Where Is Your Common Sense? America Has Over 18 Million Illegal Aliens On The Doll.$$ Either Their Kids In Americas Schools,Breakfast Or Lunch, Etc. Don't Confuse Serving In The Military With Breaking Our Laws. Immigration Laws Are To Protect Us From Welfare Abusers,Gang Bangers,Drug Smugglers, Welfare Cheats,Section Eight Housing,Anchor Babys,Translation Services,Prison Costs,Spanish Speaking Colonizers,ATZLAN,(MALDEF-LA RAZA).....All Of These,WE Pay For As American Citizens And Taxpayers'''! Please.....Are You a Socialist? I'M not. I pay For What 'I' Can Afford. That Should Be Easy For a College Man To Understand'? Do You? I'M An American. Who SPEAKS ENGLISH AND CALLS HIMSELF AN AMERICAN. I'm Not a hyphenated American! (Afrikan American,Hispanic American,Latina,Mexican American,American Native, American Etc Etc Etc'! Please...........!! America Went Thru This Amnesty Issue In 2007-2008. NO MORE AMNESTY!!

henrybasset

January 31, 2013 - 1:21pm

Interestingly enough, I don't recall being asked about this issue. As a Legionare, I would hope the opinions put forth on such an issue would have reflected member's opinions.

In this case, Amnesty has nothing to do with Veterans rights, and frankly, I'm disappointed. I'd hate to see the Legion turn into a general service PAC.

J

gtrucks

February 1, 2013 - 3:52am

The American Legion has this one right and very pleased that they did not wait for your approval to inform Congress!

m. arnold

February 1, 2013 - 9:51am

Gt ruck, where did YOUR. people come from?

m. arnold

February 1, 2013 - 9:49am

Too late! It is just as much a PAC as the NRA, AARP, and anti drug lobbies. One wonders if, like the NRA (funded by arms manufacturers), AARP (funded by United Health) and anti drug legalization lobbies (Cartels), it is funded by special interest corporations.

aggie

May 30, 2013 - 7:41pm

M.ARNOLD..Do You Read The NY TIMES? Watch MSNBC,ABC,CBS,NBC? Are You a Socialist? A Minority? You Sure Print Like One. NRA Is Great! It's The Black Minorities In America Who Do All The Killing With Guns. Ask Mr.Obama Of Chicago. Yet,He Would Eliminate Guns From The White Law Abiding To Soothe The Killings By Blacks In Americas City's (Not The Gun Manufacturers)

schehld

January 31, 2013 - 1:23pm

I am more interested in what the American Legion is ever going to do about the illegal patrons that use the legion post lounge as an open to the public "watering hole". This continued abuse at numerous Post homes should result in the loss of tax exempt status. Why is it that I spent 4 years in the USAF and have paid my dues for over thirty years so I can legally join the legion and then sit next to a guest who is spending his own money in clear violation of the IRS tax exempt laws. Do I go to the IRS or the Department of Maryland first?

johnvaudo

January 31, 2013 - 1:52pm

I would start with your local district commander and then move on to the department Internal Affairs committee. each Post is it's own independent Organization but it is supposed to follow the "guidelines" set up by National and Department.

aggie

May 30, 2013 - 7:46pm

I've seen This In Florida A lot. I'M Talking With A Supposed Vet. He Is Not. In Florida The Post I Visited Was Loaded With More Canadians Then American Vets. And, They Don't tip As We'll as Americans. I've Been told By The waitress And Bar Tenders. Seems they Like Cheap booze. So they Splurge In Out Posts And Country.

jimsharp

January 31, 2013 - 1:25pm

I share MAJ Dave's concerns. In addition, I don't agree that the Obama proposals result in "amnesty". What is clear is that it is past time for immigration reform and I would strongly recommend that, if the American Legion is going to take a position in this regard, it strongly promote the need to get this done.

SchneierM

January 31, 2013 - 1:59pm

The Legion should stick to Veteran's affairs and support. Stay out of politics. The Legion does not represent me in these matters.

K_M_D

February 2, 2013 - 12:59pm

I completely agree ... stay out of politics that do not relate to veterans issues. Being a member of this organization does not mean you can represent me in this manner -- primarily because you did not ask my opinion and also because your opinion is contrary to the opinion of the majority of this country.

aggie

May 30, 2013 - 7:57pm

KMD Majority Of The Country? You Think Americans Want Amnesty For Law Breakers I Sure As Hell Don't Agree With Your position. You Must Be A Dumbocrat? Or Union Member Or Bolshevik? Or Teacher Or Minority.

aggie

May 30, 2013 - 7:52pm

I don't Agree With You. America Is An American Country. We Are All Part Of It No Matter What Our Job,Organization, Ethnic,Color Of Our Skin,Political Beliefs Or Religion. It Is in our Vital Interests To ALL Americans That Our Country Is Overrun By Interlopers And Illegal Aliens with 'NO TIES' To America!! Wake Up'''!

Arlyn Plowman

January 31, 2013 - 3:25pm

The Legion should stick to Veteran's affairs and support. Stay out of politics. The Legion does not represent me in these matters

JoeyG3

January 31, 2013 - 3:43pm

Lima Charlie, Major Dave. The Legion Should STRONGLY be concerned with Veteran's affiars and support. These statements do not represent my views at all, nor was I ever asked to express how I felt on immigration. I agree with the folks who have stated, "STAY OUT OF POLITICS"

John Teschky

January 31, 2013 - 5:38pm

I recently renewed my membership after letting it lapse because of similar stances by the Legion.  I rejoined when it appeared to me that the Legion had toned-down such rhetoric and was sticking to Veterans issues. Evidently, I was wrong. The Legion does much good for Veterans, and I want to support that, and that only, through my Legion membership.

Edward Marruffo

January 31, 2013 - 6:56pm

Isn't it odd that there is more emphasis on immigration even when there more urgent injustices occurring to our active duty service personnel. Wouldn't it be nice if no active duty person could not have to worry about there constitutionally guaranteed right to vote and have it counted. But then again maybe I need to check to if there is a constitutionally guaranteed right to vote. Maybe this should be a more important discussion that the American Legion hierarchy should be concentrating on.

m. arnold

February 1, 2013 - 9:43am

First the only places in the Constitution where the right to vote is mentioned are in the 14th Amenment (Men can vote by right of being born in the USA), 15th (Non-white men can vote), 19th (women can vote), 23rd (citizens of D.C. can vote), 24th (tax delinquents can vote), and 26th (sets voting age at 18).
PGFwr

gbssvcs

January 31, 2013 - 9:00pm

As a 30 year Legion member, I find that the leadership of this organization again falls flat on it's face. This time, like so many times before, the epitome of social injustice! How did an article like this even make it past the editing desk?

MAJ Dave

January 31, 2013 - 10:04pm

The American Legion National Commander has clearly overstepped his boundaries and needs to take immediate action in order to make amends. The American Legion should represent the interests of Veterans, Active Duty, and Reserve members and their families. He has no right to assert that he represents the membership on deeply-divided political issues, nor on any issue that does not involve Military and Veterans issues. The only way for him to re-gain the faith of the membership would be for him to immediately retract his statement to Congress, explaining that the American Legion represents the interests of the Military, Veterans, and their families and that the position that he expressed was his own private opinion only, and that it did not represent the position of the American Legion as an organization nor its membership as a whole, and that he never pulsed the membership of the organization that he represents for their opinion before asserting that it was OUR collective position. Then, he should vehemently apologize to all of us for making such a statement to Congress on our behalf, especially without consulting us, and for abusing the power that we entrusted in him by using his position to make a political statement at our expense. His actions dilutes those important issues where we DO entrust him to represent us, and those where we all do stand united, such as issues relating to our Military and Veterans and their families. It also divides our membership on highly-charged political issues, when we need to be united for the cause of our Military, Veterans, and our families. Should he take these actions, retracting his statement to Congress and apologizing to all of us, then we should consider allowing him to continue to serve us in the Post in which he was entrusted. If not, then we have no other option than to call for him to step down. Let me make it clear that I am not taking a position on Immigration Reform; my point is that our membership is clearly divided on this issue and the American Legion (which is us) should not be taking a position on Immigration Reform either (nor on fiscal policy, Gay Marriage, the Death Penalty, Affirmative Action, etc. etc.). Therefore, the National Commander had no right to claim to represent us to Congress on this.

John La Rochelle

February 1, 2013 - 11:20am

BULLSEYE!

navy-army vet

February 2, 2013 - 9:37am

I agree, the national commander did not think this through or he is using the legion for his own grand stand!!!!

K_M_D

February 2, 2013 - 1:01pm

Agree 100%

jakob

February 2, 2013 - 2:26pm

thanks maj dave. let us address the thing that the legion is suspose to stand for. politics will take care of itself. take care of the military and the vertains, and espicially the fight with the va for better care. jakob

aggie

May 30, 2013 - 8:11pm

That's Your opinion And Your Opinion Alone. I Support The Position Of The American Legion. And that Is My Opinion. America Is Going Down The Tubes And You So Called Vets Attack An American Who Loves His Country And Its Laws!! The Legion''! What Kind Of American are You'? GOD.....! When "PRAVDA" Stated In Their Paper (The OFFICIAL COMMUNIST PAPER OF THE OLD USSR) That American Voters Were Illiterate In Voting In Another Four Years Of A Marxist President.. You Never Saw This On NBC,ABC,CBS,MSNBC,FOX'? With Some Of The Comments Here By 'SO-CALLED Vets'..I'm Not Surprised. The American Legion Position Is Correct. We Defend Our Homeland From All Aggressors, Whether By Gun Or Interloping Illegal Aliens In Our Land.

RLParry

January 31, 2013 - 10:11pm

It seems that National should listen to the members.They,as do I,do not want the Legion involved with this issue.

m. arnold

February 1, 2013 - 9:31am

I agree with Maj. Dave. This is apolitical issue, not a vet. issue. I would like to point out to those of you who do not want immigration reform that YOU are, or are descended from, immigrants. Many of the people who are without documentation were brought here, without their knowledge and consent. Some do not even know that they are not citizens until they try to get a drivers license, register to vote, or enlist. You want to send them back to a country they do not know? How about at least letting these kids serve for citizenship? R. A. Heinlein once proposed the idea that a veteran is more worthy of citizenship because he/she has proven her/his loyalty by going in harms way to protect his/her country. If they qualify in all other respects, let these kids have the chance to prove their loyalty.

John La Rochelle

February 1, 2013 - 10:58am

Good to see a lot of criticism concerning the Legion's position on this. Instead of making united recommendations to tackle the many veterans problems that exist, the 'Legion' finds it better to incite more political division that this country does not need. To keep following this path alienates the membership and exasperates the falling membership issue. Many of the organizational problems that have been mentioned in the past, as well as those on here today, seem to be deliberately side stepped by leadership as miniscule, but let a post become delinquent in dues, and see how fast the leadership acts. Just one other comment: Keep informed as to when the leadership and staff plans to visit your area and approach them with your comments. It may involve some travel and time, but there is nothing more statisfying than bringing one's issues up face to face with those at the top. No organization will survive when the leadership personally controls it and stops listing to ALL of the MEMBERSHIP!!!

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