Summer Swoon?
I need to find a way to have my home life not get in the way of my NEED to post at least one time every week (hopefully more often). Since I was here last my family welcomed a little baby boy to the mix. He is now five weeks old and mom, big sister and baby are doing great. If we have more nights like last night, I will be posting with much greater regularity.
In any event, we need to catch up a lot of things. First, there are the seven law suits moving forward against the state of Arizona and SB1070. Hopefully an injunction will be entered before next week keeping that ludicrous state attempt to enter federal domain quiet, and making the law not a law until further notice.
The Supreme Court has agreed to review another attempt by Arizona to enter this area from a few years ago. In that case the state’s interest in business regulation was said to be more important than the federal right to govern immigration. Let’s hope the Supreme Court makes a resounding statement that there is no interest that trumps the federal government’s in this area.
That leads us back to what is the federal government doing? CIR? Clean Dream? Anything? Well, President Obama gave a very nice speech. It was annoying to the antis, and equally disappointing to those hoping for real change. In a year of (major?) financial reform and health care reform it does appear that immigration reform is just too toxic for politicians. I am frightened that something morally right and economically right, can not get the traction. So people have begun hoping for Clean Dream if they can not get the whole thing done. I personally do not see this going anywhere by itself. The issue is too complex to boil it down to help for a few. And they call it ‘clean’, because they do not want any repressive security or enforcement measures added. Also seems impossible. I want the Dream Act as much as anyone, but it seems to me the reality is the fight for change is going to be the same whether its just about the Dream Act or its about Comprehensive Immigration Reform.
I was at the Cubs game last night. So many players not native born. They are getting involved in the immigration change discussion. The Agricultural Workers together with Stephen Colbert, they are getting involved in the immigration change discussion. I think this is how change will come. We all need more people to get involved and interested in the discussion. I personally keep campaigning for more stakeholders at the table. Let’s get big business back. Let’s get the right and the left of the political aisle to see that this makes sense.
It summer all right. But if TV can have original series that run in the summer, I think its time for politics to have an original summer too.
Some Honesty, as Opposed to Scare-Mongering Mythology, About Border Security
We are constantly admonished that states like Arizona and Nebraska are constrained to pass strict immigration enforcement legislation because the Federal Government has abandoned or neglected its responsibilities to secure the (Southern) border and to enforce existing immigration laws. In the face of these assertions, facts, figures, and statistics are being reported that directly challenge the stated basis for these restrictionist state laws. There is high anxiety and fear that Mexico’s explosive cartel violence may bleed over the international border line. In fact, FBI and Arizona records show crime is dramatically down statewide and along the border. Murders in Arizona decreased by one-fifth last year; aggravated assaults dropped nearly 9 percent. Much of the violence and death in the border region is the result of actions taken by or in the United States. By walling off the easier border crossing points, those wishing to enter the U.S. without inspection must cross over much more dangerous terrain. According to Border Patrol statistics,at least 1,954 people died trying to cross illegally into the U.S. from Mexico between 1998 and 2004, with the numbers increasing each year since the mid-90s. The most frequent causes of death have been exposure (heat stroke, dehydration and hypothermia), but some are shot by Border Patrol or National Guard troops, or by the acts related to criminal activities of smugglers or vigilante groups. In June of this year, a U.S. Border Patrol Officer chased a stone throwing teenager back into Mexico and shot across the border into Mexico, killing the youth. Read more…
It is Really Hard
So much happens every day. Asylum cases that you believe should be approved are denied. You see bad choices being made, and people losing or being denied benefits because of them. Judges make bad decisions. People can not afford to challenge the system to make it right. Officers who think there is something sinister so they take no action or make a wrong adverse finding.
It is just really unfair. Of course I have certain specific examples in mind. These occurrences make it really hard on people, families, the system. They make it hard to explain to people what went wrong. They make it hard for people to have faith in their attorneys.
This is why we believe you need to make sure you have the best assistance possible. This is why we believe that the system needs reform.
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!
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. How many were submitted? How long will the cap remain open?
I hope this wordpress blackberry tool works.
Senators Schumer & Graham on NBC’s Meet the Press
I was all excited when I heard that Senators Schumer and Graham were going to be on NBC’s Meet the Press this morning. For the last few months every time I have heard their names together it meant a discussion of the (hopefully) forthcoming proposal for Comprehensive Immigration Reform. Less than two weeks ago they released their framework in a letter to the Washington Post.
Our plan has four pillars: requiring biometric Social Security cards to ensure that illegal workers cannot get jobs; fulfilling and strengthening our commitments on border security and interior enforcement; creating a process for admitting temporary workers; and implementing a tough but fair path to legalization for those already here.
Healthcare reform has now been thrown out there as a possible roadblock to their plan going forward. Senator Graham said if it passed he would back away. Then he told Univision he was going forward.
Needless to say after this build up, I wanted to hear what the real deal was. After 15 minutes on healthcare we got to immigration reform. David Gregory asked them if it was still on the table. I was very glad to hear that it is. After that it got a little more murky. They discussed the now common knowledge issue of wanting a 2nd Republican sponsor and still not having one. Senator Graham asked the president to take the lead instead of relying on him and others to take the lead for him. Senator Graham also made clear that to get this through will be heavy lifting. (click here to see video from Meet the Press.)
Well I don’t feel worse after seeing them this morning, but I don’t feel much better either. I am still wondering if they have a plan. I can feel an undercurrent of not wanting to give Pres. Obama a victory if he is not invested. But I am still an optimist and I am still full of hope. And next time they show up on something I know I am going to turn in again.
More Meetings about CIR
The week ended for me as it started. More meetings with Congressional Staffers. I was back in DC as part of the National Day of Action with AILA campaigning for comprehensive immigration reform. A large delegation descended on the Hill. From Illinois we had almost 20 people and met with someone in the office of almost every IL member of Congress. The more amazing part is that a few refused to schedule meetings with us.
I was personally in meetings with staffers from Mike Quigley’s office (Mike Quigley joined us as well), Judy Biggert’s office, and Aaron Schock’s office. I also had an opportunity to chat with people in Dan Lapinski’s office. There is no question that people are getting interested in addressing CIR. The big debate seems to be whether it will need to be bi-partisan, will the one-liners get in the way of what most feel like is worthwhile change, and will anything happen in the Hill before the mid-term elections. There is also consensus that the economic positives of immigration reform are going to be a very important part of the discussion.
For those of us who believe its a good idea, tomorrow is not soon enough, but that is not the way change comes about. Patience will be needed and constant advocacy will be needed. We can not rest until this issue makes it to the forefront.
I believe that for CIR to emerge its going to require a broad base of support. That means labor and business as well as religious, and ethnic leaders. I used my time this week to also meet with local and national leaders of business organizations. I am encouraged by the realistic view they take. I am very hopeful that the dialogue will continue. They have been throwing their support behind CIR for years now. We need to remind them of this, and make sure they stay at the table. Their support means we end up with bipartisan support.
If we make sure to not take anything for granted, do not get disheartened by the long process, and keep pushing hard, I am confident we can bring about this long overdue reform to the immigration system.
What a day! Keep the Pressure on for CIR!
I am back in the airport after a long day of meetings with Congressional staffers. Our group met with staffers in the offices of IL Representatives Bobby Rush, Mike Quigley, Luis Gutierrez, Danny Davis, Dan Lipinski, Jan Schakowsky, Mark Kirk, Melissa Bean, Don Manzullo and IL Senator Dick Durbin. There were also meetings scheduled with the offices of Representatives Aaron Schock, Debbie Halvorson, Bill Foster and Senator Burris.
No matter what side of the aisle you sit on, what was amazing was the activity on the Hill. Staffers were already thinking about how the activity of the last few days was going to impact the landscape of what was next. What issue would be next? Immigration reform? Financial Reform? Nothing? If an issue did hit the floor, what would the impact of the partisan results of healthcare have on it?
I leave still encouraged and hopeful. The supporters are ready to go. Those you would expect to have issues with CIR, are of course already thinking there is no chance. But there is hope in their words. If we can find a way to have a dialogue on the issue of how immigration impacts the economy and job growth we have a lot of opportunity. The stakeholders are diverse and even though we don’t agree on all the issues there is an opportunity.
I know, people are already ready to say the differences are too great. I am much more optimistic then that. The business community, the religious community, the grass roots community, labor, family all support CIR in some way. If we can get them to all push we have hope. Contact your representatives and senators. Let them know we want this issue heard. Its only through constant effort that this issue will be discussed. Don’t let the minority anti message drown you out.
I will be back in DC later this week for another set of meetings. Let’s keep the pressure on. Stand up and be heard.
Show your support for CIR
There were 200,000 people in DC today rallyingfor Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR). (Local DC Fox said 500,000.) Its time for each of us to stand up and be heard. We need to make sure that all of our reprsentatives and senators hear from us. We can not let the antis drown out our voices. Advocacy will be going on all week in DC.
Reform Immigration For America (RI4A) has assisted all of us in an easy way to be heard, click on this link and fill out the form in order to have them fax our representative and senators. Please do not delay.
200,000 in DC March for America – CIR NOW!
I am in awe as I watch the 200,000 people, the congressional leaders, Pres. Obama, civic leaders, religious leaders, and the people. The masses and masses of people. To watch the news you might not know this was going on. CNN, MSNBC, Fox are all focused only on Health Care Reform, and don’t misunderstand, today could be very significant for health care, but the world does not stop. Comprehensive Immigration Reform is being called for – by all. It is time for people to stand up and take notice.
To check it out for yourself click here. CNN has a live feed from the rally on the Mall!
Big Immigration Weekend Upon Us
So its March 20, 2010, and I am in Chicago. Looking outside for the start of spring and I am seeing snow. But I am all warm and giddy for spring. The season of rebirth. Seems appropriate when there is so much excitement in the world of immigration. Locally close to 200 buses are loading up today to start their journey to DC. I know many people making the journey, to March for America on the Mall in DC tomorrow. They are expecting 100,000 people to speak up for Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR).
In light of the mass movement, DC is alive with immigration reform activity. Senators Schumer and Graham announced the framework of their plan in the Washington Post. Its not perfect, but it has real life and possibility. President Obama announced his support in a release posted on his web site. There are even rumors of other Republican Senators preparing to jump in. Considering the threats that were coming from people trying to tie the launch of CIR to the health reform debate, these are very promising signs.
Next week is a big week on the hill. Lots of different groups flooding Congressional offices to show their support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform. I am excited to hear what the staffers have to say when I am there multiple times. Its time for all of us to stand up and be heard. We want Comprehensive Immigration Reform and we want it now.
Change Takes Courage and Friends Keep Promises!
A Very Positive Sign for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Yesterday was a good day for Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR). From all reports, most of the day at the white house was spent focused on this issue. Meetings with Senators (Schumer & Graham) and leaders from faith and grass roots organizations, and Obama reaffirmed his commitment to CIR. He also indicated that there needed to be some more GOP support. So, nothing new has happened yet, but it does look like a step forward.
Chicago continues to be a big player on the national scene. ICIRR was involved in the meetings yesterday. On March 10, there was a national come out of the shadows day for undocumented youth spearheaded by the Immigrant Youth Justice League which is based in Chicago. Chicago is sending 200 buses to DC for the March 21 rally on the Mall. JCUA last night held their Freedom and Justice Seder, and one of the rallying points was around immigration reform.
I was honored to be asked to speak to the crowd last night about immigration. I reminded them that the issue of immigration is not a current news event, or something that is only relevant when we are talking about freedom, but something that we should all care about every day. Talk to the people around you, ask them how they got here. We each have a story. Its important to remember that ‘We Were Strangers Too.’ If more people remembered this, there would be less debate. We would all be talking about how we can fix this broken system.
If you can not be in DC please click here to register for a national conference call JCUA is hosting on the importance of immigration reform. Please also go to this link and fill out one of the postcards to be delieverd to members of Congress on March 22.
Change Takes Courage and Friends Keep Promises.
2010 Chicago Filipino American Hall of Fame
I am honored to share that I have been selected to receive the Friend of the Filipino Award (Immigration Law) at the 2010 Chicago Filipino American Hall of Fame Event, to be held this Saturday, March 13, 2010, at the Hyatt Regency Downtown.
Thank you to Veronica Leighton, Joe Mauricio, VIA Times and CPRTV. It is a great honor to be the 2010 recipient of the Friend of the Filipino Award. It is especially gratifying as this is the third such award that an attorney at AzulaySeiden Law Group has won, following in the footsteps of Judd Azulay and Robert Gard. I believe that I am accepting this award on behalf of every person who works hard for our clients at AzulaySeiden Law Group. Each day we endeavor to bring high levels of customer service, leveraging our experience, to bring the highest quality product to every immigrant, in the Filipino and other immigrant communities. Thank you to the attorneys and staff of AzulaySeiden, I am accepting this award for you. Without you there would be no recognition. Our success is based on your work. I hope that over the years even more of our attorneys are recognized for the effort and product that we try to deliver to each and every client.
At AzulaySeiden we believe that every person who wants to come to the US should have a path to chase their American Dream. Every person at AzulaySeiden works to achieve those goals. To me this award says that people in the community recognizes how hard we work for them.
Currently we are pushing for Comprehensive Immigration Reform. We ask the community to stand up and support this very important law change. There is a rally scheduled for next weekend in Washington DC. Please stand with us and ask for change. It is time to legalize those that have no status, fix the backlogs so people from the Philippines don’t have to wait as much as 40 years to get here, and time to address the future flow of immigration. Please send me an email if you want to know what you can do to get involved with this timely and gravely important push for immigration reform. (One thing those of you in Illinois can do to show your support is sign on to the JCUA postcard campaign.)
Thank you to the community. We pledge to continue our work on your behalf. Thanks for putting your faith and trust in us.
I am a Hopeful Realist
I think that is the best way I can think of to describe my feelings about tomorrow. Hopeful Realism.
Rumor has it that Pres. Obama will be meeting with Sen. Schumer and Sen. Graham to discuss immigration, presumably with a significant emphasis on Comprehensive Immigration Reform and the status of the bill that has been talked about for what seems like forever. Some people think the grass roots efforts focused on the rally on March 21, is responsible for the renewed presidential interest – maybe they are right. Maybe its the focus on getting something done that has a chance be bipartisan – maybe that’s right. Maybe its the concern over the votes that might not show up for the mid-term elections if immigration is not discussed and changed – maybe that’s right.
The bottom line is, no matter whether it was one or all of these. the fact is, immigration and reform are being discussed. That fact alone brings hope. Right now we will need to take it one day at a time and keep fighting for reform until it arrives.
Detained and Deported: Failed By a Broken Immigration System
March for America – Change Takes Courage
People should go to the Hull House located 800 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL on Monday February 22nd at 10:30 AM for the Press Conference on “March for America – Change Takes Courage” – and should volunteer to ride and donate to support immigration reform through the 100,000 person march planned for March 21, 2010 in Washington DC. Click here for more info on how to ride or volunteer.
Our office is going to announce an economic incentive for our clients tomorrow if they are riding on a bus. We want to make it as economically feasible as possible. We want immigration reform as much or more then you do. If you are interested in learning more, please contact our office at info@azulayseiden.com or by phone at x300 for more information.
Please remember to remind your elected officials ‘Change Takes Courage!‘ and ‘Friends Keep Promises!‘ I look forward to seeing you there on Monday morning!
H1B Problems for 2011
Well here we go again. In 2007 and 2008 the H1B visas ran out the first day (April 1), and then last year companies were prevented from using the program (TARP funding), and the California Service Center went crazy with inappropriate Requests for Evidence. So its only natural as we look ahead to April 1, 2010, for H1B visas for fiscal 2011, that there is a new problem. Since all requests now have to go to one place through one system its just typical government that the system does not work. Instead of getting the information back quickly (old system) the new system has gone down repeatedly, in December there were temporary regulations to allow processing in advance of receiving responses, and now we are hearing there are 60 day delays. That means that even April 1 filing is impossible. I guess on the bright side it means visas can’t run out the first day, since people can’t apply…
Why does our government get everything so wrong? Sometimes the government inefficiencies create opportunity, but in this case all it does is perpetuate the recession, make it harder to hire people, and encourage people to off shore projects or labor. Where is the value in that?
Don’t Give Up
There are a lot of people who want change to come to the broken immigration system who are out there, and who are disheartened by recent events and are prepared to pack it in and head home. To you I say – Don’t Give Up. The more I talk to people the key is to find a way to bridge the language.
I keep coming from meetings where Job Creation is a key, it was also the key element of the State of the Union Address. Well, in that case, the challenge is to show how changes to the immigration laws will create jobs. If people get persuaded by the sound bite ‘they are stealing my job’ then we do have an issue. Instead we need to show that more legal immigration, increases salaries, revenues and jobs. So there are the easy programs to see where jobs are created, like EB-5, where if an investment is made, in order to get the immigration benefit you have to create 10 jobs per qualifying investor, but there are also programs like the E-2, where for a smaller investment business are started. There are L-1, where affiliate companies are opened. Of course USCIS has decided to make it really complicated for the principal to get a visa and stay. Where is the logic? What job do business owners steal when they open up their companies int eh US and hire other workers.
And let’s not forget the students we train here. If we find a way to keep them here, we get the benefits of the companies and ideas they create. If we don’t, what we get instead is new competitors in foreign countries. We don’t just lose job potential, but also lots of revenue.
Even last year with the TARP, stimulus funds. Those institutions who received funding could not avail of certain immigration programs because Congress wanted to make sure they created jobs for US workers. But if we needed a foreign architect or engineer, and their work created other jobs, we should be running to find people to create those jobs, no matter whether the worker was from the US or from somewhere else…
State of the Union
I wonder when immigration will be addressed. Lots of references to commissions and agenda items. Jobs, taxes, schools, college, healthcare reform, even a shout out for child obesity. Recovery program. Housing. Government spending. Campaign Funding. Supreme Court. Confirmations. Iraq. Military withdrawal. Military families. Haiti. Civil rights. Hate crimes. Gays in the military. Equal pay.
Finally – “And we should continue the work of fixing our broken immigration system — to secure our borders, enforce our laws, and ensure that everyone who plays by the rules can contribute to our economy and enrich our nations.”
I wish I could say this surprises me. Right now immigration is an afterthought. If other things get accomplished then maybe immigration will get addressed. Until those other more important items get addressed it will remain on the back burner. It does not matter that immigration can raise revenue or create jobs. All the recent studies show how reform creates opportunity.
I have to add, I am in Manila right now. When you fill out your disembarkation card, there is a note. “Foreigners, want indefinite stay? Give jobs to at least ten (10) Filipinos and stay indefinitely in the Philippines under SVEG (Special Visa for Employment Generation).” In the US we have something like this, but it also requires 500K to 1MM, in addition to the job creation. I am not saying that is the solution, but it is certainly an example of what we need to do while workling on comprehensive reform.
I just wish more people saw the connection between the current top line agenda items and immigration. Well I guess that will be the challenge. There is a lot of hard work ahead.
Traveling
I am reminded as I get on and off planes, especially in foreign countries, going through immigration passport control and customs, how much we (Americans) take for granted our ability to travel and move freely from country to country. I have an issue with a connection in Tokyo, and there is no big hassle. Well sure missing the plane was a big hassle, but none from the vantage point of immigration. They quickly give me a card and within moments I am admitted for up to 90 days. Of course I was back at the airport in the morning to catch my replacement connection, and again I was through in moments.
Which makes me wonder why so many other places seem to have the security thing figured out better then the US. I mean the number of hours spent waiting for bags, security, etc. seems criminal in the US. What we have to take on and off seems worse in the US. Is the US security better? Seems not. So who is making money off the problematic process?
Sadly, no solutions today, just observations. We will see what my frame of mind is after I return to the US later this week.
