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President should back up his rhetoric with real reform

In the News - Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Last year, the Judiciary Committee approved two important pieces of legislation to stem the flow of illegal immigration and protect America’s communities from dangerous criminal immigrants. Despite promises of bipartisanship, the president has not expressed support for either one of these proposals.

By Rep. Lamar Smith -- The Hill

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/207643-rep-lamar-smith-r-texas

Border Patrol to toughen up policy on returning illegal border-crossers

In the News - Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The U.S. Border Patrol is moving to halt a revolving-door policy of sending migrants back to Mexico without any punishment.

The Border Patrol now feels it has enough of a handle to begin imposing more serious consequences on almost everyone it catches, from areas including Texas’ Rio Grande Valley to San Diego. The “Consequence Delivery System” — a key part of the Border Patrol’s new national strategy to be announced within weeks — relies largely on tools that have been rolled out over the last decade on parts of the border and expanded. It divides border crossers into seven categories, ranging from first-time offenders to people with criminal records.

By Associated Press

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/ap-exclusive-border-patrol-to-toughen-up-policy-on-returning-detained-migrants/2012/01/17/gIQAK6D14P_story.html

Reporter takes E-Verify program for test run

In the News - Saturday, January 14, 2012

I wanted to see firsthand what's involved, so with the help of a local business, I "applied" for a job with Carson-Mitchell Engineers.

Office Manager Cheryl Zielke took down my basic information -- full name, middle initial, date of birth and then asked for two key identifiers.

My driver's license and my Social Security card.

By Wes Johnson -- Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader

I wanted to see
firsthand what's involved, so with the help of a local business, I
"applied" for a job with Carson-Mitchell Engineers.

Office Manager Cheryl
Zielke took down my basic information -- full name, middle initial, date of
birth and then asked for two key identifiers.

My driver's license
and my Social Security card.

The E-Verify system came
back with an answer in about five seconds.

"Employment is
authorized," Zielke said.

By Wes Johnson -- Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader

Show More Show Less http://www.news-leader.com/article/20120115/NEWS01/201150331/wes-johnson-carson-mitchell-e-verify?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CHome%7Cs

Admin. extends Salvadoran deportation freeze

In the News - Tuesday, January 10, 2012

The Obama administration has extended temporary protected status to El Salvadoran nationals through late 2013, shielding them from deportation and forcible return to their home country.

By Byron Tau and Joshua Gerstein, Politico, January 10, 2012

http://www.politico.com/politico44/2012/01/admin-extends-salvadoran-deportation-freeze-110304.html

Commissioner: Lack of labor hurt Georgia farms

In the News - Friday, January 6, 2012

A shortage of workers in the field caused $10 million in crop losses for 500 Georgia farmers who responded to a study called for by Georgia's new immigration law.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution January 3, 2012

http://www.ajc.com/news/commissioner-lack-of-labor-1287760.html

Alabama jobless rate falls amid immigration reform

In the News - Sunday, December 18, 2011

Alabama’s unemployment rate fell at a record pace in November amid stepped-up efforts by President Barack Obama’s deputies to frustrate enforcement of the state’s popular new immigration reform.

The state’s unemployment rate fell 0.6 percent in November to 8.7 percent, according to new state reports, partly because the state’s employers opened up jobs to Americans after shedding illegal immigrants.

The unemployment rate is far below October’s rate of 9.3 percent and September’s rate of 9.8 percent.

DailyCaller.com

http://dailycaller.com/2011/12/18/alabama-jobless-rate-falls-amid-immigration-reform/

Colorado Senator Michael Bennet introduces bill to give skilled immigrant students a pathway to legal status

In the News - Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Undocumented students who graduate high school and enroll in college in a science, technology or math program would be eligible for temporary student visas in an immigration overhaul bill introduced today by Sen. Michael Bennet.

Bennet, a Democrat and former Denver schools chief, said his proposed bill would also make it easier for students who graduate with advanced degrees in science or math to stay and work in the United States — particularly if there is a need for them.

By Allison Sherry -- The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_19537105

No, Obama can’t grant ‘amnesty’ by pardoning illegal immigrants

In the News - Tuesday, December 6, 2011

In reality, the president does not possess this authority, as unauthorized presence in the U.S. is a civil violation, not a criminal one. Presidential pardon power only applies to federal crimes, described as “offenses against the United States” in the Constitution. As such, “a pardon can’t make someone a citizen or lawful resident,” explains John Harrison, a law professor at the University of Virginia. “Deportation is not a criminal proceeding, it’s a civil process that removes from the country someone who is not entitled to be here.”

By Suzy Khimm -- Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/no-obama-cant-grant-amnesty-by-pardoning-illegal-immigrants/2011/12/06/gIQA5S53ZO_blog.html

Gingrich’s Immigration Plan Could Benefit Millions, Study Finds

In the News - Thursday, December 1, 2011

How many illegal immigrants could gain legal status under an idea proposed by Newt Gingrich? Perhaps as many as 3.5 million, according to figures published Thursday by the Pew Hispanic Center in Washington.

Mr. Gingrich set himself apart from his leading rivals for the Republican presidential nomination last week by saying that he would open a path to legal status for illegal immigrants who had been in the country for many years, had strong family ties here — children and maybe grandchildren — and no criminal record. The Pew Center took up the challenge of calculating how many illegal immigrants might meet Mr. Gingrich’s standards.

By Julia Preston - New York Times

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/gingrichs-immigration-plan-could-benefit-millions-study-finds/

Workers taken in Asheville immigration raid on Shogun Buffet

In the News - Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Twelve restaurant workers were detained in an immigration raid off Brevard Road Tuesday, according to a local immigrants rights group. . .

Volker said agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained eight people from Latin American countries and four Asian immigrants ranging in age from 23 to around 40. Volkmer said some of the immigrants were from Mexico and El Salvador.

By Joel Burgess -- Asheville Citizen Times

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20111130/NEWS01/311300072/Workers-taken-in-Asheville-immigration-raid-on-Shogun-Buffet?odyssey=tab

Polls

64% Say Border Control Top Immigration Priority

Support Tougher Enforcement - Tuesday, June 21, 2011

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 64% of Likely U.S. Voters feel that when it comes to immigration reform, gaining control of the border is more important that legalizing the status of undocumented workers already living in this country.

Rasmussen Reports

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/immigration/64_say_border_control_top_immigration_priority

82% of Likely Voters Say Businesses Should be Required to Use E-Verify

Protect Jobs and Wages - Tuesday, May 31, 2011

82% of likely voters think businesses should be required to use E-Verify. The poll also found that 61% of likely voters would favor a state law that shuts down businesses that repeatedly hire illegal workers.

Rasmussen Reports

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/immigration/61_favor_a_state_law_that_would_shut_down_repeat_offenders_who_hire_illegal_immigrants

63% Say Border Control Is Top Immigration Priority

Support Tougher Enforcement - Wednesday, March 16, 2011

63% of Americans feel that securing the border is more important than providing amnesty for the nation's illegal aliens.

Rasmussen Reports

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/immigration/63_say_border_control_is_top_immigration_priority

66% of Arizonans Support Requiring Businesses to Check Existing Employees with E-Verify

Protect Jobs and Wages - Sunday, July 25, 2010

A poll conducted by the Arizona Republic found that 66% of Arizonans would support legislation that required businesses to check all employees through E-Verify. (A law in Arizona requiring businesses to check only new hires already exists.) The poll also found that 87% of Republicans would support such a law.

Arizona Republic/WestGroup Research

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/07/25/20100725immigration-poll-employers.html

Illegal Immigration Ranks 5th Among Concerns for Americans

Support Tougher Enforcement - Wednesday, May 12, 2010

The top problems survey participants named as the most important facing the country were the economy; unemployment/jobs; healthcare-related issues; federal government/politics; immigration/illegal aliens; federal budget deficit/debt; lack of money; terrorism, moral/ethics issues, national security, environment and the war in Iraq.

Gallup Poll

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/05/12/Poll-Economy-unemployment-top-problems/UPI-59331273677863/

Broad Support for Arizona's SB1070

Support Tougher Enforcement - Wednesday, May 12, 2010

A new Pew Research poll reveals that the majority of Americans support most of the provisions offered in Arizona's new immigration enforcement law. Seventy-three percent of Americans believe that individuals should carry proof of legal status, 67% support police being able to detain an individual that can't prove legal status, 62% support police questioning an individual they suspect to be in the country illegally, and 59% support the Arizona law.

Pew Research Center

http://people-press.org/report/613/arizona-immigration-law

55% of Colorado Voters Favor Immigration Law Like Arizona's

Support Tougher Enforcement - Saturday, May 8, 2010

Fifty-five percent (55%) of Colorado voters favor a law like the one just adopted in Arizona that authorizes local police to stop individuals they suspect of being illegal immigrants, according to a new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the state. Thirty-five percent (35%) oppose such a law.

Rasmussen Reports

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_state_surveys/colorado/55_of_colorado_voters_favor_immigration_law_like_arizona_s

62% in Florida Favor Arizona-style Law On Illegal Immigration

Support Tougher Enforcement - Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Sixty-two percent (62%) of Florida voters favor a law like Arizona’s that authorizes local police to stop and verify the immigration status of anyone they suspect of being an illegal immigrant.

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of voters in the state finds that 31% oppose such a law.

Rasmussen Reports

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/florida/62_in_florida_favor_arizona_style_law_on_illegal_immigration

Arizona Voters Favor Welcoming Immigration Policy, 64% Support New Immigration Law

Support Tougher Enforcement - Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Like voters across the nation, most Arizona voters (57%) favor an immigration policy that welcomes all immigrants except “national security threats, criminals and those who would come here to live off our welfare system.” A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Arizona voters finds that just 27% oppose such a welcoming policy.

At the same time, 76% say it is more important to gain control of the border than it is to legalize the status of undocumented workers. Only 19% believe it is more important to legalize the status of undocumented workers already in the country. These views, too, are consistent with national preferences. However, Arizona voters are a bit more focused on border control.

Rasmussen Reports

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_state_surveys/arizona/arizona_voters_favor_welcoming_immigration_policy_64_support_new_immigration_law

60% Favor Letting Local Police Stop and Verify Immigration Status

Support Tougher Enforcement - Monday, April 26, 2010

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds that 60% of voters nationwide favor an Arizona-style law, while 31% are opposed.

Seventy-seven percent (77%) of Republicans support the law along with 62% of voters not affiliated with either major party. Democratic voters are evenly divided on the measure.

Rasmussen Reports

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/immigration/nationally_60_favor_letting_local_police_stop_and_verify_immigration_status

Quotes

Sen. LeMeiux (R-Fla.) - Secure the Borders

Quotes - Wednesday, September 9, 2009

LeMieux appears likely to steer clear of Martinez's controversial attempts to overhaul immigration law, which would include a path to citizenship for the undocumented. "We need to secure our borders," LeMieux said. "After we do that, we can figure what happens to people already here."

By William E. Gibson -- Sun (Ft. Lauderdale) Sentinel

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/florida/orl-lemieux-senate-090909,0,4035843.story

Sen. Bennet (D-Colo.) -- Favors Amnesty

Quotes - Sunday, April 26, 2009

Sen. Michael Bennet, potentially wading into a heated political debate a year before he runs for his first election, said Saturday he supports a path to citizenship for those in the country illegally.

Speaking at a news conference of four Colorado congressional Democrats touting efforts during Barack Obama's first 100 days in office and the new Congress, Bennet said a path to citizenship along with increased border enforcement should be part of comprehensive immigration reform.

'The current status quo is clearly unacceptable on so many levels,' Bennet said.

He said the path to citizenship should come with requirements, including completing education, learning English and holding a job….

…'Not withstanding all the demagoguery on the issue, this country needs to have comprehensive immigration reform,' Bennet said. 'The question is the timing, and that I can't answer today.' …

By P. Solomon Banda -- The Associated Press

http://www.gazette.com/articles/path_52456___article.html/bennet_supports.html

Sen. McCaskill (D-Mo.) -- Supports Dream

Quotes - Tuesday, April 7, 2009

…McCaskill, in turn, reaffirmed her longstanding argument that the best way to battle illegal immigration is to enforce stiff penalties on employers who knowingly hired illegals and, for example, "put 14 in a hotel room ...and pay them $200 in cash on Fridays" to work as roofing or lawn crews.

Such jobs are the real enticement for illegal immigrants and their disappearance is the best was to discourage it, the senator said.

However, McCaskill emphasized that she also had sympathy for some teenagers who had been brought to the United States as infants or toddlers by their illegal-immigrant parents. The teens (some who were unaware of their illegal status) now face deportation, because their status became known when they applied for college or the military.

By Jo Mannies -- St. Louis Beacon

Such jobs are the real enticement for illegal immigrants and their disappearance is the best was to discourage it, the senator said.

However, McCaskill emphasized that she also had sympathy for some teenagers who had been brought to the United States as infants or toddlers by their illegal-immigrant parents. The teens (some who were unaware of their illegal status) now face deportation, because their status became known when they applied for college or the military.

"We have a heart-breaking example of young woman in mid-Missouri. Who's valedictorian of her class,'' McCaskill said. "Huge community leader in her church. Now having trouble staying the country because her parents didn't follow the rules.'' …

…"The DREAM Act is hard,'' McCaskill said. But she then added, "I will probably vote for the DREAM act. I didn't vote for it last time."

The difference with the new version is that it's tightly tailored to address only a limited number cases of illegal-immigrant teens who have been longtime U.S. residents and could be productive adult citizens, McCaskill said…

By Jo Mannies -- St. Louis Beacon

Show More Show Less http://www.stlbeacon.org/beacon_backroom/mccaskill_buffeted_by_immigration_woes_supports_trimmed-down_dream_bill

Sen. Kyl (R-Ariz.) -- Secure the Borders, Limit Chain Migration

Quotes - Saturday, December 20, 2008

Kyl isn't saying no to immigration reform out of hand, but he supports a position first articulated by McCain during the campaign: that Congress must convince the American people that the borders are secure before pursuing other reforms that critics view as benefiting illegal immigrants…

He also credited Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Kennedy for their willingness to make concessions, particularly on restricting family "chain migration," upon which Kyl says few other countries base their immigration systems. With chain migration, immigrants can facilitate visas for relatives.

Kennedy's conciliatory attitude prompted Kyl to make concessions, too. He agreed to a proposed pathway to citizenship for many who are now in the country illegally. Kyl prefers a system based on the U.S. marketplace's need for temporary workers and had opposed such a pathway in 2006.

By Dan Nowicki -- Arizona Republic

He also credited Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Kennedy for their willingness to make concessions, particularly on restricting family "chain migration," upon which Kyl says few other countries base their immigration systems. With chain migration, immigrants can facilitate visas for relatives.

Kennedy's conciliatory attitude prompted Kyl to make concessions, too. He agreed to a proposed pathway to citizenship for many who are now in the country illegally. Kyl prefers a system based on the U.S. marketplace's need for temporary workers and had opposed such a pathway in 2006.

"I doubt that the public thinks we're there yet, and I'm not sure that the same basic trade-offs will be agreed to again," Kyl said. "I don't know whether the Obama administration would be willing to consider the same changes, but they were critical to my support for the ultimate bill. And if they alter the agreement significantly, and I suspect they will do so, then the equation for trade-offs becomes totally different."

By Dan Nowicki -- Arizona Republic

Show More Show Less http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2008/12/20/20081220kyl-immig1220.html

Sen. Wicker (R-Miss.) -- Increase Border Control, Expand E-Verify

Quotes - Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Wicker said he has supported legislation to increase military presence on the country's border with Mexico and a more stringent employment verification system.

"We need to make sure the E-Verify system is as accurate and instantaneous as it can be," he said. "I know there are people who think it's inaccurate, (but) it seemed to be a system on the right track to me."

In a wide-ranging interview, Wicker said he disagrees that babies born in the United States to parents who are in the country illegally should automatically become American citizens.

"I personally don't think that, and that alone, should confer citizenship on someone," Wicker said. "It would take a statute to be passed to say that interpretation of the 14th Amendment is incorrect. I would vote for such a statute to say something more has to take place than for the child to be physically born of illegal immigrant parents for that child to be a citizen."…

By Terry L. Jones -- Hattiesburg American

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080827/NEWS01/808270381

Rep. Menendez (D-N.J.) -- Stop the Raids

Quotes - Friday, June 13, 2008

'I told Myers and Chertoff about the problems, and they said they have everything (under control), that everything was OK,' Menendez said. 'They're obviously in total denial.' …

'We have the equivalent of a shoot-first-and-ask-questions-later policy,' he said. 'That can't possibly be the law.'

By Elizabeth Llorente -- The Herald News (Passaic County, NJ)

http://www.northjersey.com/news/nationalpolitics/19880064.html

Sen. Chambliss (R-Ga.) -- Increase Border Control

Quotes - Thursday, March 13, 2008

“Taking immediate action towards securing our borders and stopping illegal immigration is the best way to restore credibility with the American people,” said Chambliss. “We said last year that we are going to keep pounding this issue and this amendment will set aside room in the budget to fully fund existing border security and immigration enforcement programs. It is an opportunity for the Senate to show we are prepared to move forward and do what is necessary to follow through on our promise of securing our borders first.”

The Weekly

http://www.theweekly.com/news/2008/March/13/Immigration_Enforcement.html

Sen. Isakson (R-Ga.) -- Increased Border Control

Quotes - Thursday, March 13, 2008

“There’s no greater domestic issue in this country than the problems on our southern border with Mexico, and it is time that Congress makes a commitment to make border security a reality,” Isakson said. “The Senate’s passage of this critical amendment is a step in the right direction. Border security must be a priority in the Congressional budget. America is too important, and this issue is too critical to the American people.”

The Weekly

http://www.theweekly.com/news/2008/March/13/Immigration_Enforcement.html

Sen. Hutchison (R-Texas) -- Favors Guest-Worker Program

Quotes - Monday, September 17, 2007

Hutchison made clear the GOP plan, shaping up as the rival to Feinstein's AgJobs bill, would not offer citizenship to the temporary workers.

"The problem we had in the last bill was the controversy over amnesty," Hutchison said when asked how her legislation could avoid the fate of the proposed comprehensive immigration fix.

Sessions, who called AgJobs a "massive amnesty," is pressing for a program that would allow foreign workers to stay in the U.S. for as long as 10 months and then return home before applying to re-enter for another temporary work cycle...

…Hutchison is making no promises. "I don't know if we are going to be successful," she said. But, she added, "Let's try taking it in smaller pieces and do what, really, Congresses in the past should have done."

Houston Chronicle

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5139911.html

Sen. Dorgan (D-N.D.) -- Secure Boders

Quotes - Friday, June 29, 2007

this issue will come back. I think the first thing’s first: to provide demonstrated border security and border enforcement. At that point the American people will feel that we’re doing the first thing we need to do.

The Hill

http://blog.thehill.com/2007/06/29/the-immigration-debate-is-not-over-sen-byron-dorgan/