McCain Confronts Napolitano Over Back Door Plans For Granting Illegals Amnesty

Last week a Department of Homeland Security memo was leaked that gave new credence to all of those rumors swirling around the Beltway that the President is poised to go against the will of the American people and grant amnesty for illegal immigrants by executive order.

Today the Janet Napolitano, The Director of Homeland Security had to "face the music" as she testified before a senate committee and did her best to deny that the memo meant what it said. Unfortunately for Ms Napolitano, John McCain wasn't having any of it.

The memo in question  was written by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), described administration's back door amnesty program step by step and how they intends to deal with the political ramifications. The idea is that the first phase of a program to legalize illegal immigrants could be implemented by DHS even in the absence of congressional action. The way the memo puts it is"using administrative measures to sidestep the current state of Congressional gridlock and inertia."

The memo talks about administrative processes envisioned involve giving eligible illegal immigrants work permits and an interim process to "legalize those who qualify and intend to stay here." The memo does acknowledge that eventually Congress would have to act to extend permanent lawful residence.

Senator McCain confronted Napolitano was confronted about the the memo in the Senate today.

“You know, Secretary Napolitano, there’s an old saying about your duties on policy, ‘It’s not where you stand, it’s where you sit,’” said McCain, who has called for tighter border security. “What in the world is going on here?”

“First of all, where I sit hasn’t changed my position,” Napolitano replied.

“Clearly you have,” McCain interjected.

“No, I disagree Senator,” she said.

“So it’s not true that ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] has proposed enacting a policy that would prevent law enforcement officers from reporting illegal immigrants identified during the course of traffic related stops or arrests… unless they are convicted felons?” said McCain.

“No,” said Napolitano. “What it has issued guidance on is to prioritize those who are convicted felons.”

“The question was, would it prevent law enforcement officers from reporting illegal immigrants… who are not convicted felons?” pressed McCain.

“No,” said Napolitano.

I believe your answer Senator, should have been "Please don't pee on my leg and tell me its raining."