So What Does Prosecutorial Discretion Mean (for me)?
Well the calls and reports have started. Friends, clients and people I have not heard from in years, have started coming out of the woodwork. I even heard from someone that they heard a radio report that Pres. Obama passed a new law that will allow all illegal immigrants to stay in this country as [...]
A Reason For Hope…New Approach to Discretion!
I am cautiously excited by the announcements today regarding how discretion may be applied to those without other forms of relief from immigration proceedings. Still, my trust is so low for the administration, that even something that looks good has to be taken with a big grain of salt.
I first got the news from Senator [...]
End Secure Communities
I am sitting at the Homeland Security Advisory Council Task Force on Secure Communities Meeting in Chicago. Its time to end this overbroad, ineffectual, unauthorized program. It is a shame that victims are afraid to call the police. People have been stopped for small traffic offenses and then even with relief, are forced to leave. [...]
Blinded by Dehumanizing Hatred
Several media outlets are carrying an account of the discovery of 72 bullet riddled bodies found in a large room of a ranch in northeast Mexico, about 100 miles south of Brownsville, Texas. Law enforcement officials are indicating that these were persons from Central and South America, on their way to surreptitiously enter the United [...]
Prop 8 Overturned! Time for Immigration to recognize Same Sex Marriages!
Yesterday in a landmark decision, that most think will survive later challenges, Prop 8, a voter initiative in California that had removed same-sex marriages from the state, was struck down as unconstitutional. Amongst the points the decision made, was the inability of people to vote on issues that are rights. Since all have a right [...]
Why does it take so long to get it right?
Yesterday arguments were made in two separate cases as to why the Arizona law (SB1070) should not be allowed to go into effect on July 29, 2010. The judge did not make a ruling, and no one knows for sure when a ruling will be issued, but if the comments she made are any indicator [...]
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 [...]
Lots of Immigration News
So much going on this week, I can’t wait to sit down and write in earnest. But sitting in the airport, I can’t wait.
Padilla was decided, and immigrants get some protection from bad plea advice. Illinois businesses will be getting together to support CIR. H-1B petitions for FY 2011 were accepted beginning 04.01.10. [...]
Detained and Deported: Failed By a Broken Immigration System
Please join me tomorrow for this lunch and learn session hosted by JCUA, and its Immigrant Justice Strategy Team. JCUA – IJST is one of the groups I am working with to raise awareness about the push for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.
Detained and Deported: Failed by a Broken Immigration System, Reflections and Testimonies on why we need Reform; [...]
Congratulations to Mike Quigley
Today, Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley won the Democrat Primary for the seat vacated by Rahm Emanuel, the Illinois 5th District. This seat has been a democrat stronghold for a long time, making his likely victory in the actual election a foregone conclusion. None the less when reviewing the candidates I was surprised to see how [...]
Fan of the NY Times Editorial Position on Immigration
I continue to be amazed by the Editorial Board of the NY Times. While so many keep ignoring Immigration Issues, they continue not only to keep it on the front burner, but to keep getting it right. In this morning’s issue they again implore President Obama and Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano to be smarter on [...]
Immigration Benefits for Same Sex Couples?
We have been watching for this for a long time. Currently even if people are legally married elsewhere, or even in a US state that recognizes same sex marriage, the US immigration system will not extend immigration benefits to the couple. We have been trying to encourage people to at least apply and then when denied [...]
Could this be the end of 287(g)?
I can hope can’t I? “New Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has ordered a broad review of immigration enforcement policies, including 287(g). A report released last week by Justice Strategies offers arguments for eliminating the program.” NAM (March 3, 2009). 287(g) is the program that allows local law enforcement organizations to partner with federal agencies. [...]
Let’s Get Immigration Right II
I am begining to think I could work for the NY Times Editorial Board. They did it again. On Sunday they issued the following:
The country needs to control its borders. It needs to rebuild an effective immigration system and thwart employers who cheat it. It needs to bring the undocumented forward and make citizen taxpayers [...]
Fight Notario Fraud
Please Join the ABA in fighting the fraud perpetrated on immigrants buy Notarios. These unscrupulous people take advantyage of their own communities. Make sure you see a reputable attorney, and if you have a problem, make sure to report them. This abuse must be stopped.
Go Rep. Gutierrez
Rep. Gutierrez will be leading a campaign across the country to get Immigration Reform back on the table. I hope people come out in support everywhere. We need people to remember that the time is now. I know the economy has trumped all, but cant people see that immigration helps the economy. It helps with [...]
Driver’s Licenses?
Why is it that something people need to function and be safe is the place people think they can fight immigration. In Illinois we have motor voter which registes people to vote when they get a license. So manypeople have their futures ruined by this overbroad attempt to compel voting. In Texas even people entitled [...]
Finding a Sense of Who We Are…
The editorial board of the NY Times has gotten it right again. I find myself saying this over and over again. In this mornings edition they talk about how we can figure out who we are if we bring rationality back to the immigration discussion. It is time to stand up and admit that the policies [...]
Let’s Get Immigration Right
As we look ahead to the new year, we have a lot of hope. There are pragmatists being appointed to immigration related positions in the new government. Gov. Napolitano and Gov. Richardson along with Rep. Hilda Solis bring a lot of years of straight talk and recognition that the same old things do not work. [...]
Xenophobia is a Disease
Well leave it to the NY Times to get it right again. (Who knew I was such a fan?) On this morning’s editorial page they highlighted the story of a Latino man who was killed on Long Island in an apparent race/hate based attack by a group of teenagers. The culprits were identified by a [...]
