Been too long – Too much to talk about
I was away for a short while and the world of immigration went crazy. I will try and touch on as much as I can as quickly as possible.
First, it looks like the lack of hiring has really impacted the Specialty Worker H1-B filings. There were very few (like 13,500) submitted. This is a great opportunity for people who have been afraid to invest because they thought they would not get a spot. Now is the time.
Second, our politicians keep fighting with each other making the prospect of CIR dubious. But even in this climate a bunch of Democrats in the Senate announced a framework called REPAIR to fix the Broken Immigration System. I don’t love every provision, but there is a lot in there to really like. It does lay a heavy hand on enforcement, but also gives a path to legalization for those currently here out of status, improves some of the issues with the current system, and expands some areas that have been in dire need of reform. It also discusses a national biometric social security card to be used to demonstrate authorization to work, I think this is really coming. No surprise, the Republicans claim it is just for partisan politics, and vow that nothing will happen. I am hopeful, but this fight is far from over.
Third, today is Mayday, May 1. There are marches/rallies scheduled all over the US to show support for Immigration Reform. Click here to find a rally. Years ago there were marches for labor rights that turned violent (started in Chicago) and since 2006 Chicago has been a leader in this area. I will be out in Union Park today. I hope to see you there or hear that you were somewhere else. Stand up and be heard!
Fourth, did you hear? The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce joined the Illinois Buisness Immigration Coalition. I take personal pride in this, as I was personally involved in getting them to join the coalition. It is important for people and politicians to hear that people who support CIR are not limited to those out of status, but that it really makes financial and business sense. The US Chamber has been a long time supporter of CIR.
Fifth, civil disobedience has been added to the arsenal. Earlier this week community and religious leaders in Chicago blocked buses of intended deportees from leaving the Broadview Detention Center. Those blocking the way were arrested but highlighted the injustice in the system. It was especially timely in light of what I am going to reference next.
Sixth, and maybe what has gotten the most attention, Arizona has gone off the deep end. In regards to immigration, they passed a law that makes it a crime (misdemeanor) to be in the state without status. It requires police to stop people they reasonably suspect to be out of status. It also allows individuals to sue the police if they don’t think the law is being enforced. They have tried to limit it by saying race alone cant be the reason for the stop, but they are opening the door to racial profiling. They claim the genesis of the law is because the federal government has not taken any meaningful steps to deal with the broken system. People are talking boycotts and already there are at least three lawsuits against it filed. But on the flipside at least three other states. Texas, Oklahoma and Utah, all have started discussions to pass a similar law. Many people expected everyone to be outraged but polls show a pretty even split between supporters and detractors. The harder part is that there are many that think the law has a chance to survive the constitutional arguments. I believe that even if that were true, immigration is reserved to the federal government, and that means states need to stay out. The argument that the state has a right in security/protection is only mildly persuasive as crime has actually gone down the last few years. But the timing of last night’s shooting of a deputy who came upon drug smugglers will only galvanize the supporters. No matter what happens, we are in for a long fight. I am hopeful that this much attention will actually hasten reform from Congress.
Finally, I was on Local Fox TV last night for a short segment on Immigration. I was able to at least touch on some of these items. Even though it is unclear how far we are going to get, I like that all of these items are happening. The more we can talk about it, the more hope we have of change happening.
Stand up and be heard!
I am so impressed I had to save it so I continously go back and read things I may have skimmed