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Jennifer's Immigration Issues Blog

Immigration Quote of the Week

Saturday November 21, 2009

"Today's guilty plea makes it clear that those who harm our brave men and women in uniform will be swiftly brought to justice and punished. I am confident that any others involved in Agent Rosas' tragic death will also be held responsible, and I applaud the U.S. Attorney's Office and the FBI, as well as the Government of Mexico for their cooperation in this case. The devoted men and women of Southern California's law enforcement and first responder community deserve our deepest appreciation for their support of Agent Rosa's family and his Border Patrol colleagues over the past four months."

- Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on Friday's guilty plea in the case of murdered border patrol agent Robert Rosas.

ICE: Campaigns and Crackdowns

Friday November 20, 2009

I E-Verify Logo, Photo courtesy of ICE

ICE has launched an ad campaign to publicly recognize businesses who use E-Verify and participate in the IMAGE program.

The "I E-Verify" campaign kicked off with a public service announcement promoting the use of the E-Verify program. In the ad is a sign that will presumably be displayed at participating companies' places of business. The sign reads: "This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce."

ICE Assistant Secretary John Morton ends the clip saying, "Employment verification: it's the law," but he is not referring to E-Verify, a voluntary program. Only federal contractors, some federal subcontractors and employers in some states are required to use E-Verify. Employment verification, however, is the law. All U.S. employers are required to complete and retain Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, for each individual they hire for employment in the United States, including citizens and noncitizens.

DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano commented on the "I E-Verify" campaign, saying:

Read more...

Strong Show of Support For Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Thursday November 19, 2009

Strong support for comprehensive immigration reform

ALIPAC might think that "several thousand" supporters at its tea parties is "dramatic and encouraging," but those numbers can't compete with the 60,000 people who joined last night's virtual town hall in support of comprehensive immigration reform.

Attendees gathered at more than 1,000 house parties in 45 states and Puerto Rico to listen to the teleconference, hosted by the Reform Immigration FOR America Campaign, featuring Rep. Luis Gutierrez, Rep. Raul Grijalva, and Rep. Nydia Velazquez.

Congressman Gutierrez led the call to action and announced that he will introduce his reform bill in December. He urged listeners to keep the pressure on members of Congress to move forward with immigration reform.

"We need everyone on this call to take action with your churches, your families and your organizations so that we can deliver a strong message to President Obama and Congress that, hey,  it has been a year...We want you to keep your promise to our families.  We'll be watching on the State of the Union to make sure you keep your promise."

You can listen to a recording of the call at Reform Immigration For America.

Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Is ALIPAC Losing Support?

Wednesday November 18, 2009

"Only 12 days remain in our funds drive. ALIPAC has never failed to reach our minimum goals before but we are in danger of not reaching the mark unless we receive a new and strong wave of donations immediately."

That desperate-sounding message was posted on the anti-immigrant Americans for Legal Immigration (ALIPAC) website this afternoon and sent via "emergency backup e-mail system." Is one of the largest anti-immigrant groups in the country running out of steam? They may be.

The "Tea Parties Against Amnesty and Illegal Immigration" held this past weekend were not what you'd call a rousing success. "Several thousand" people attended tea parties nationwide, ALIPAC President William Gheen reported, likely the same 5,575 supporters who signed up on the event website. According to news reports, crowds ranged from a few dozen to a few hundred in each of the 53 tea parties held across the country. Those numbers pale in comparison to the thousands of people who typically come out for pro-migrant rallies. Hardly what I'd call "dramatic and encouraging" results.

"Please remember that the $25,000 we must raise by Nov. 30 is our minimal survival operations costs. Anything less and we will not be able to continue our mission into 2010."

What's that? ALIPAC might not be able to continue dehumanizing immigrants through their campaign to "control and reverse America's illegal alien population?" What a pity.

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