Recent restaurant raids show immigration agency's new strategy - Springfield, IL - The State Journal-Register
This article from Springfield, IL discusses the new enforcement strategy for immigration. That is to audit the I-9 files of employers all over the country and to fine the employers and putting the undocumented workers in deportation. This is what restrictionists say they want (although I'm not holding my breath waiting for them to praise the Obama administration). But it also has to be what reformers want because even though it is painful...change is not going to come until more powerful economic interests start to be affected by our antiquated immigration policy.
When popular restaurant chain names start appearing in articles like this with big fines next to their names - that is when you know reform is on the way.
Showing posts with label Obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Obama. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Shakira on Comprehensive Immigration Reform (that's right, I said Shakira)
From Foreign Policy online by way of Benders Immigration Daily...
Lebanese-Colombian singer and activist Shakira got the red-carpet treatment in Washington today, meeting with President Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden at the White House and then joining World Bank President Robert Zoellick to announce a new $300 million initiative for early childhood development...
And Shakira isn't confining her advocacy to education; she also wants Obama to push forward on immigration reform. White House officials told Shakira that they hope to reach an agreement this year with the Republican Party to legalize undocumented immigrants, her representative said.
And Shakira isn't confining her advocacy to education; she also wants Obama to push forward on immigration reform. White House officials told Shakira that they hope to reach an agreement this year with the Republican Party to legalize undocumented immigrants, her representative said.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
President Obama Aunt Zeituni Onyango Fights Deportation - ABC News
Risky case to take if you're her lawyer - how are you going to look if she loses? Kenyan asylum cases are not always easy. I have won a good number of them but not all of them. I don't remember having any Kenyan asylum cases before judge Shapiro. He is a fair-minded judge but he's no pushover. If she doesn't have the case she won't be granted. As a civil service employee he isn't going to be fired for not going along (even the Bush administration wouldn't have tried to pull that - I think?!?) Even if higher-ups in the Justice Department tried to lean on him - Judge Shapiro can retire any time he wants to - there's no leverage. If she's granted asylum it'll be because she makes the case.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
DHS: Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano
DHS: Statement by HomRelease Date: January 13, 2010
Release Date: January 13, 2010
For Immediate ReleaseOffice of the Press SecretaryContact: 202-282-8010
"The entire Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extends its sympathy for the devastation and loss of life in Haiti following last night's earthquake--a disaster that has called the world to action in response. The U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are leading DHS actions to support the larger assistance effort. Several Coast Guard cutters and aircraft have mobilized and are on the ground to assist the humanitarian effort as needed. FEMA has been in close contact with the State Department and USAID, the lead U.S. federal response agencies, and stands ready to provide assistance as requested. I am being kept closely apprised of the developing situation, and the Department will continue to support the people of Haiti and others affected by this tragedy. I encourage the American people to donate what funds they can afford to disaster relief organizations such as the American Red Cross to allow these voluntary groups to provide goods and services to disaster survivors as quickly as possible."
On background:
The Coast Guard Cutter Forward arrived off Port Au Prince this morning and was the first U.S. asset on the scene. The cutter is equipped with a helicopter flight deck, satellite communications equipment, and the ability to provide coordination to military aircraft in the area. The Coast Guard cutter Mohawk is scheduled to arrive this afternoon. Two Coast Guard C-130 airplanes are flying the coast of Western Haiti this morning doing damage assessments and searching for people in need of assistance. Two Coast Guard helicopters are also forward deployed in the area to provide rescue or other assistance.
RAD~THIS RESPONSE WHILE IMPORTANT IS JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH!
The American Immigration Lawyers Association Leadership Blog has this to say about responding to the humanitarian tragedy taking place in Haiti -
"The reality is that failure to move forward with TPS Designation for Haiti now will be considered by many to be racist. Honduras has had TPS for YEARS since the one Hurricane which devastated that country. El Salvador has enjoyed such designation for numerous years as well since the earthquakes in that country. Yet, Haiti, which appears to be at the center of Mother Nature's wrath for the last 18 months, remains forsaken, its nationals abandoned. "
I would point out that the United States never granted TPS to Indonesian Nationals while they have been experiencing earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and other natural disasters as well as other issues that deserved consideration.... Indonesia, however, is a much larger country than Haiti with more resources and a greater population to mount efforts to aid its people and rebuild. Haiti does not have the ability to recover from this on its own, so the notion that the USA will provide humanitarian and logistical assistance is a good one. However, we as a country - apparently are going to be content to deport individuals and families back to this nightmare scenario while pledging how concerned we are for their welfare!
Send an Email to President Obama on this issue: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Release Date: January 13, 2010
For Immediate ReleaseOffice of the Press SecretaryContact: 202-282-8010
"The entire Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extends its sympathy for the devastation and loss of life in Haiti following last night's earthquake--a disaster that has called the world to action in response. The U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are leading DHS actions to support the larger assistance effort. Several Coast Guard cutters and aircraft have mobilized and are on the ground to assist the humanitarian effort as needed. FEMA has been in close contact with the State Department and USAID, the lead U.S. federal response agencies, and stands ready to provide assistance as requested. I am being kept closely apprised of the developing situation, and the Department will continue to support the people of Haiti and others affected by this tragedy. I encourage the American people to donate what funds they can afford to disaster relief organizations such as the American Red Cross to allow these voluntary groups to provide goods and services to disaster survivors as quickly as possible."
On background:
The Coast Guard Cutter Forward arrived off Port Au Prince this morning and was the first U.S. asset on the scene. The cutter is equipped with a helicopter flight deck, satellite communications equipment, and the ability to provide coordination to military aircraft in the area. The Coast Guard cutter Mohawk is scheduled to arrive this afternoon. Two Coast Guard C-130 airplanes are flying the coast of Western Haiti this morning doing damage assessments and searching for people in need of assistance. Two Coast Guard helicopters are also forward deployed in the area to provide rescue or other assistance.
RAD~THIS RESPONSE WHILE IMPORTANT IS JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH!
The American Immigration Lawyers Association Leadership Blog has this to say about responding to the humanitarian tragedy taking place in Haiti -
"The reality is that failure to move forward with TPS Designation for Haiti now will be considered by many to be racist. Honduras has had TPS for YEARS since the one Hurricane which devastated that country. El Salvador has enjoyed such designation for numerous years as well since the earthquakes in that country. Yet, Haiti, which appears to be at the center of Mother Nature's wrath for the last 18 months, remains forsaken, its nationals abandoned. "
I would point out that the United States never granted TPS to Indonesian Nationals while they have been experiencing earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and other natural disasters as well as other issues that deserved consideration.... Indonesia, however, is a much larger country than Haiti with more resources and a greater population to mount efforts to aid its people and rebuild. Haiti does not have the ability to recover from this on its own, so the notion that the USA will provide humanitarian and logistical assistance is a good one. However, we as a country - apparently are going to be content to deport individuals and families back to this nightmare scenario while pledging how concerned we are for their welfare!
Send an Email to President Obama on this issue: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Where the Public Stands on Immigration Reform - Pew Research Center
Where the Public Stands on Immigration Reform - Pew Research Center
Recently the Obama administration announced that it will push for legislation next year to overhaul the nation's immigration system. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said that the administration will argue for what she called a "three-legged stool" including stricter enforcement, a "tough and fair pathway to earned legal status" for undocumented immigrants already in the U.S., and a more efficient process for legal immigration.
How is the public likely to react to this new push? Since 2007 when the Bush administration failed in its effort to build a coalition in support of comprehensive reform, the issue has been relatively dormant. Pew Research polling has found significant public support for both tougher enforcement and the so-called "path to citizenship," but several factors suggest that the debate could be a difficult one.
First, if the experience of 2007 is any guide, opposition to setting up a process for undocumented immigrants to achieve citizenship may be more intense -- even if less widespread -- than support for it. Second, the nation's economic situation is significantly worse than it was when the issue was debated in 2006 and 2007. Some Republican lawmakers reacted to Secretary Napolitano's speech by raising concerns about the competition for jobs posed by foreign-born workers. More generally, partisan differences on the issue have grown since two years ago, potentially making it more difficult to achieve a consensus in Congress. And third, as the debate over health care reform has shown, there is considerable public anxiety right now about the scope of the federal government's activities and its capacity to undertake major policy changes.
RAD ~ This is going to be a painful process but we will be better off as a country once this debate is behind us.
Recently the Obama administration announced that it will push for legislation next year to overhaul the nation's immigration system. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said that the administration will argue for what she called a "three-legged stool" including stricter enforcement, a "tough and fair pathway to earned legal status" for undocumented immigrants already in the U.S., and a more efficient process for legal immigration.
How is the public likely to react to this new push? Since 2007 when the Bush administration failed in its effort to build a coalition in support of comprehensive reform, the issue has been relatively dormant. Pew Research polling has found significant public support for both tougher enforcement and the so-called "path to citizenship," but several factors suggest that the debate could be a difficult one.
First, if the experience of 2007 is any guide, opposition to setting up a process for undocumented immigrants to achieve citizenship may be more intense -- even if less widespread -- than support for it. Second, the nation's economic situation is significantly worse than it was when the issue was debated in 2006 and 2007. Some Republican lawmakers reacted to Secretary Napolitano's speech by raising concerns about the competition for jobs posed by foreign-born workers. More generally, partisan differences on the issue have grown since two years ago, potentially making it more difficult to achieve a consensus in Congress. And third, as the debate over health care reform has shown, there is considerable public anxiety right now about the scope of the federal government's activities and its capacity to undertake major policy changes.
RAD ~ This is going to be a painful process but we will be better off as a country once this debate is behind us.
Friday, November 13, 2009
White House to Begin Push on Immigration Overhaul in 2010 - NYTimes.com
White House to Begin Push on Immigration Overhaul in 2010 - NYTimes.com
The Obama administration will insist on measures to give legal status to an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants as it pushes early next year for legislation to overhaul the immigration system, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said on Friday.
RAD~ Better late than never.
The Obama administration will insist on measures to give legal status to an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants as it pushes early next year for legislation to overhaul the immigration system, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said on Friday.
RAD~ Better late than never.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
1,200 janitors fired in 'quiet' immigration raid | Minnesota Public Radio NewsQ
1,200 janitors fired in 'quiet' immigration raid Minnesota Public Radio NewsQ
I think this story shows that immigration enforcement is alive and well under the Obama administration. This sort of enforcement is more effective and cost effective than the swat like raids of previous years. It is also more humane than surreptitiously whisking away parents into immigration detention while the children are still at school (as happened in the Bianco raids in Massachusetts).
Still, if this is not as emotionally disruptive to families - it is still disruptive of business. Perhaps some out of work US citizens or legal residents will end up with janitorial jobs now. But they won't stay in those jobs - and there won't be 1200 of them hired. The 1200 people who have lost their jobs will now stop contributing to the local economy. Some additional number of homes will likely now be foreclosed on. Some will leave and some will simply find other jobs (probably for lower wages in this economy).
So although this type of enforcement is much to be preferred over "cowboy justice" -- legalization and reform of our immigration and employment laws are needed to avoid prolonging this recession.
I think this story shows that immigration enforcement is alive and well under the Obama administration. This sort of enforcement is more effective and cost effective than the swat like raids of previous years. It is also more humane than surreptitiously whisking away parents into immigration detention while the children are still at school (as happened in the Bianco raids in Massachusetts).
Still, if this is not as emotionally disruptive to families - it is still disruptive of business. Perhaps some out of work US citizens or legal residents will end up with janitorial jobs now. But they won't stay in those jobs - and there won't be 1200 of them hired. The 1200 people who have lost their jobs will now stop contributing to the local economy. Some additional number of homes will likely now be foreclosed on. Some will leave and some will simply find other jobs (probably for lower wages in this economy).
So although this type of enforcement is much to be preferred over "cowboy justice" -- legalization and reform of our immigration and employment laws are needed to avoid prolonging this recession.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Over 100 Democrats Push Obama on Immigration Reform - NAM
Over 100 Democrats Push Obama on Immigration Reform - NAM
A report from New American Media on Congressional Support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.
A report from New American Media on Congressional Support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
New Hampshire Obama Protesters Don't Dissappoint
Here's a link to the BlueHampshire blog and a you tube video of another glorious NH moment of racial tolerance outside the Obama Health Care Town Hall.
Check out the guy who might have been third runner up in last year's Ernest Hemingway look alike contest shouting through a bullhorn that we don't need illegals and that we should send them home with a bullet in the head. The next thing out of his mouth is a reference to the quote of Jefferson to the effect that the Tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. "It's comin' baby!"
Nice job Papa! Way to set a good example for the kids coming up!
This is apparently what passes for political discourse these days. I wonder who he would be left to hate if all the illegal aliens either went home or became legal? Well, I suppose he'd have to be content with just -- Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank, Keith Olbermann, Democrats in general, Liberals, Gays, Blacks, Jews, Muslims, imagined Socialists, the World Bank, the IRS and anyone else who has a "reality based" view of the world and politics.
http://bluehampshire.com/diary/8021
Check out the guy who might have been third runner up in last year's Ernest Hemingway look alike contest shouting through a bullhorn that we don't need illegals and that we should send them home with a bullet in the head. The next thing out of his mouth is a reference to the quote of Jefferson to the effect that the Tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. "It's comin' baby!"
Nice job Papa! Way to set a good example for the kids coming up!
This is apparently what passes for political discourse these days. I wonder who he would be left to hate if all the illegal aliens either went home or became legal? Well, I suppose he'd have to be content with just -- Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank, Keith Olbermann, Democrats in general, Liberals, Gays, Blacks, Jews, Muslims, imagined Socialists, the World Bank, the IRS and anyone else who has a "reality based" view of the world and politics.
http://bluehampshire.com/diary/8021
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Change we can believe in! Would you believe change eventually?
It seems that Barack Obama's ambitious agenda for change may have been a little too ambitious for some in Washington and in the country at large to take so quickly. It is not surprising though. Most people are fearful of change; except those who truly can't do without it.
You know what though, I think all the complaining about the stimulus plan and cash for clunkers and Obama isn't a Natural born citizen and the health reform "Death Panels" is about to "jump the shark". I can't wait to see the what the Town Hall Criers do today as my home state of New Hampshire gets a visit from the President. It is amazing the kind of frenzy a little misinformation and a lot of paranoia can whip up.
So immigration reform looks to be set back about six months as the health care debate takes a swerve into the ditch. I think things will actually improve as the stimulus kicks in and the economy heats up again. As the Right-wing continues its descent into whack job parody status, it is important that reform minded Legislators don't fracture and lose sight of their goals (right, that never happens).
In fact, I think there may be nothing better for the cause of progressives than to let the ultraconservatives lock their foaming jaws onto comprehensive immigration reform again right now. One more issue that can keep up their red faced, vein bulging, apoplectic tantrum in a teapot. As painful as it may be to endure -- it is usually a good long-term strategy to be viewed as the "sane and adult" party in an argument.
http://www.rollcall.com/news/37686-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS
http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/2009/08/obama-immigration-reform-must-wait-until-next-year.html
You know what though, I think all the complaining about the stimulus plan and cash for clunkers and Obama isn't a Natural born citizen and the health reform "Death Panels" is about to "jump the shark". I can't wait to see the what the Town Hall Criers do today as my home state of New Hampshire gets a visit from the President. It is amazing the kind of frenzy a little misinformation and a lot of paranoia can whip up.
So immigration reform looks to be set back about six months as the health care debate takes a swerve into the ditch. I think things will actually improve as the stimulus kicks in and the economy heats up again. As the Right-wing continues its descent into whack job parody status, it is important that reform minded Legislators don't fracture and lose sight of their goals (right, that never happens).
In fact, I think there may be nothing better for the cause of progressives than to let the ultraconservatives lock their foaming jaws onto comprehensive immigration reform again right now. One more issue that can keep up their red faced, vein bulging, apoplectic tantrum in a teapot. As painful as it may be to endure -- it is usually a good long-term strategy to be viewed as the "sane and adult" party in an argument.
http://www.rollcall.com/news/37686-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS
http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/2009/08/obama-immigration-reform-must-wait-until-next-year.html
Friday, June 26, 2009
And so it begins...
President Obama met with Congressional leaders yesterday to discuss the way forward on immigration reform in the United States. It is an important first step because it emphasizes two principles that have often been overlooked. First, that a solution is needed sooner rather than later...meaning that it is not prudent to wait until the recession is over or until after the mid-term elections to bring reform; and second that common sense and practical solutions are what this country needs as opposed to more political grandstanding, manufactured outrage, and draconian enforcement.
Here is a link to the Presidents post meeting comments --
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-after-meeting-with-members-of-Congress-to-discuss-immigration/
Here is a link to the Presidents post meeting comments --
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-after-meeting-with-members-of-Congress-to-discuss-immigration/
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