Looks like Republicans have caved and joined with Democrats to approve the acquisition of the U.S. by Mexico.

Key senators in both parties announced agreement with the White House Thursday on an immigration overhaul that would grant quick legal status to millions of illegal immigrants already in the U.S. and fortify the border.

Of course, they toss in the “and fortify the border” to make it look like real immigration reform. That’s like putting a deadbolt on your front door after you’ve been burglarized. Nice goin’, guys.

I guess Congress figured they represent their voters.

Hundreds of illegal immigrants have registered to vote in Bexar County in recent years and dozens of them have actually cast ballots, canceling out the votes of U.S. citizens, 1200 WOAI news will report Thursday morning.

Figures obtained by 1200 WOAI news shows 303 illegals successfully registered to vote, and at least 41 cast ballots in various elections.

Trying to preempt criticism from conservatives, Republican Arlen Specter, said, “It is not amnesty.”

Silly me, how could I ever construe a bill that would “grant quick legal status to millions of illegal immigrants already in the U.S.” as amnesty?

UPDATE:
Jim DeMint gets it:

“[T]he bill contains a new ‘Z Visa’ that allows those who entered our country illegally to stay here permanently without ever returning home. This rewards people who broke the law with permanent legal status, and puts them ahead of millions of law-abiding immigrants waiting to come to America. I don’t care how you try to spin it, this is amnesty.”

UPDATE 2:
Apparently, amnesty isn’t enough for some illegals…

David Guerra wants to be legal, but he says the path to citizenship offered by the Senate on Thursday would be too risky and too expensive…

Fine… then go back home!

It’s not enough for Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi, either…

The Senate’s Democratic Majority leader Harry Reid confirmed debate would start on Monday, but expressed reservations about the pact, hammered out by top senators and key members of Bush’s cabinet.

“I have serious concerns about some aspects of this proposal, including the structure of the temporary worker program and undue limitations on family immigration,” Reid said.

Yeah, it’s just too damn hard to enforce law in this nation… so let’s just ignore them all.

____________________________________________
Got your bumper sticker yet?