The man handed us several crumpled $20 bills. "I would like to donate $200 to help a household worker or a day laborer go to Washington and speak for us," he said, turning to walk away.

There is a dark undercurrent to the jobs package, as anti-immigrant Republicans once again attempt to turn debate on this economic recovery bill into a referendum on immigrant workers.

A new DHS program will create one more hoop for job seekers to jump through during a period when what we need the least is more Big Brother breathing down our necks.

Who would want to risk their political standing -- or at least their glass windows -- by voting in favor of immigration reform? We think every Senator and House member should.