On Tuesday, I suggested that Lou Dobbs may be softening his stance on immigration now that he has an eye for political office. Little did I know that a few days before, Dobbs had been interviewed by Maria Celeste on Telemundo's Al Rojo Vivo.

During the interview, Celeste hammered Dobbs on the leprosy controversy from his 2005 program, his comments about criminal aliens and other issues that have made Dobbs unpopular within the immigrant community. About twenty heated and rather uncomfortable minutes into the interview, Dobbs redirected the discussion towards immigration reform. When asked how he proposes we fix immigration reform, Dobbs replied:

1. "We need a rational, effective and humane immigration policy in this country."
2. "We need the ability to legalize illegal immigrants on certain conditions."
3. "We need to be able to influence the direction of the conversation toward securing the border because until we can control immigration, we cannot meaningfully, substantively alter immigration law because it would have no point if we cannot establish the basis for the control of the flow of people across that border."

Dobbs' second point will come as a shock to those familiar with his strong anti-amnesty, anti-undocumented immigrant rhetoric. But as Celeste astutely points out, Dobbs now "sounds like a politician." The former CNN host confirmed that he is considering a run for office.

Dobbs knows that without the Latino vote, he doesn't stand a chance at the presidency. And with his track record, Dobbs will have to work magic to smooth his rocky relationship with those voters. Celeste gave Dobbs the opportunity to address that issue when she asked if he had any parting words for the Hispanic community.

"Whatever you have thought of me in the past, I can tell you right now that I am one of your greatest friends and I mean for us to work together."

Watch the interview.

Photo: George De Sota/Getty Images

About 400 years ago, the pilgrims came to America seeking a better way of life. Although modern-day immigration is dramatically different from what the pilgrims experienced, the U.S. remains the top desired destination country for those who would like to relocate permanently to another country. On this day, let's give thanks for our country's immigrants and the important contributions they have made to America. Soon we will come together to fix our broken immigration system, and we would be wise to remember that our country would not be as strong as it is without its immigrants.

Some holiday reading:

Is Thanksgiving Day a Good Idea For Sikhs?
"Sikh immigrants new to America may be wondering what Thanksgiving is all about and whether its a good idea to participate. Before making such a decision it's a good idea to have all the facts." From About.com's Guide to Sikhism, Sukhmandir Khalsa.

12 Thanksgiving Facts
Newcomers to the U.S. (and some of you who have been here for a while) might enjoy About.com's American History Guide Martin Kelly's Thanksgiving fast facts.

New York City: Thanksgiving 2009 Macy's Parade
"This annual tradition was started in the 1920's by immigrant employees of Macy's department store who wanted a festival." About's Guide for NYC for Visitors tells how to get the best viewing spot for the parade.

Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Just when you thought the world (or at least your television) was rid of one less windbag telling us how undocumented immigrants are ruining this country, Lou Dobbs revealed yesterday that he is considering running for president.

Questioned by former senator and current radio show host, Fred Thompson, on the possibility of running for president in 2012, Dobbs answered, "Yes, is the answer," adding that his Mexican-American wife, Debi, will "help make that decision."

Dobbs has always maintained that he opposes illegal immigration, not legal immigration, but his anti-amnesty, pro-border enforcement views have crossed the boundaries, understandably leading many people to believe that Lou Dobbs is "anti-immigration."

And who could blame them? Dobbs uses phrases like "illegal alien invasion"; he has been accused of perpetuating myths and stereotypes about immigrants; he is supported by groups such as ALIPAC and FAIR, an organization the Southern Poverty Law Center has listed as an anti-immigrant "hate group." Dobbs' tales of undocumented immigrants contributing nothing to this country but disease and crime have done little more than feed into the public fear of "the other."

Over the years, Dobbs has done an excellent job of angering the pro-migrant and Latino communities. But as every presidential candidate knows, every vote counts, so would a hardcore anti-amnesty advocate like Lou Dobbs moderate his position to increase his appeal?

On yesterday's show, Fred Thompson asked Dobbs for his thoughts on "the status of the illegal immigration issue." Dobbs replied:

"Right now, the great quandary for the administration is how to complete its promised payoff and provide unconditional amnesty. Obviously there is not the support for it in neither the Senate--perhaps there is in the House, but certainly not in the Senate.

I don't doubt one bit that there will be a tremendous, vigorous effort to bring comprehensive immigration reform forward in the first part of the new year. But I think that if they continue to game the system instead of dealing honestly with the issues, it'll fail again as it did in 2006 and 2007.

All they have to do is be straightforward about securing that border. I'm not a restrictionist; I want a rational, effective humane immigration policy just as badly as anyone else in this country, but we can't control immigration if we don't control our borders, and if we don't control immigration, there is no way in the world to meaningfully reform immigration law."

Apparently Dobbs is feeling the need to clear the air and clarify his views on immigration, because he also posted his "pro immigration riff" yesterday on his website.

"I've said for some time that the only rational factor in this entire immigration crisis, illegal immigration crisis, is the illegal alien, trying to benefit himself, herself and better their lives."

"I have great respect for the people who make up the preponderance of the illegal alien population in our country, that is Mexican migrant workers."

Do you think the possibility of Dobbs becoming a presidential candidate will make him think twice before spouting off his critical and disparaging comments about undocumented immigrants, or are you more worried about Dobbs gaining a broader platform for his views on immigration?

"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 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...

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

"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.

"Our overhead, our costs, need to be reduced. There exists the possibility that we may have to seek a fee increase. We're considering all the options."

- USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas in an interview with the Houston Chronicle. The agency is struggling with a $164 million revenue drop at the close of the 2009 fiscal year. USCIS last raised its fees in 2007.

During a speech Friday, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano stressed the Administration's commitment to moving ahead with immigration reform in 2010.

With economic recovery efforts underway and a strong foothold in health care reform, Napolitano, designated by President Obama as point person for immigration overhaul, emphasized the need "to deal with long lingering problems that cloud our future," and identified immigration as the next problem that will be addressed.

Homeland Security has worked hard at strengthening the border and doing a better job of immigration enforcement, according to Naplitano, but the department has done all it can do "within the current legal framework" and "the laws themselves need to be reformed."

Let me be clear: when I talk about "immigration reform," I'm referring to what I call the "three-legged stool" that includes a commitment to serious and effective enforcement, improved legal flows for families and workers, and a firm but fair way to deal with those who are already here. That's the way that this problem has to be solved, because we need all three aspects to build a successful system. This approach has at its heart the conviction that we must demand responsibility and accountability from everyone involved in the system: immigrants, employers and government. And that begins with fair, reliable enforcement.

In her speech, Napolitano outlined the changes that have been made to the immigration landscape since the last failed attempt at immigration reform in 2007: additional manpower, technology and infrastructure, has strengthened the border, increasing the number of seizures and reducing the levels of illegal entry into the U.S.; new policies have been put in place to to enforce interior and worksite enforcement laws; and policies have changed to improve and streamline the legal immigration system. Having met many of the benchmarks Congress asked for back in 2007, the Administration is ready to push ahead.

The President is committed to this issue because the need for immigration reform is so clear. This Administration does not shy away from taking on the big challenges of the 21st century, challenges that have been ignored too long and hurt our families and businesses. When Congress is ready to act, we will be ready to support them.

You can watch a video of Napolitano's speech or read her full remarks.

November 11th is Veteran's Day; a time to recognize the service and sacrifices of U.S. veterans. While Memorial Day serves to honor military members who died in service to their country, today we honor the bravery and sacrifice of all American veterans.

Immigrants contribute something special to our military. I've had the pleasure of speaking with immigrant service members, and they told me that it an honor to serve their adopted nation and its people. They talk about this country with deep respect, and you can hear the gratitude and appreciation in their voices when they discuss having the opportunity to serve.

The uniform is the great equalizer. Immigrants' native tongues, upbringings and past experiences may be different from that of U.S. citizens, but once that uniform is on, those differences disappear. America's immigrants stand shoulder-to-shoulder with native-born citizens for a shared purpose: to protect our great country.

While Veterans Day is our opportunity to thank our brave men and women for their service to our country, we would be remiss if we didn't spend a moment remembering the 13 people killed on November 5th in Fort Hood, Texas. Two of these soldiers came to the United States as children. These immigrants chose to serve their adopted country, and in doing so, paid the ultimate price.

President Obama closed his Fort Hood memorial speech with the following remarks--perfect words for Veterans Day.

"So we say goodbye to those who now belong to eternity.  We press ahead in pursuit of the peace that guided their service. May God bless the memory of those that we have lost."

Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images