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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

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

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

Detroit box company raided, manager arrested in immigration probe

In the News - Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Federal agents arrested a manager at a cardboard box company in southwest Detroit this morning on charges he hired undocumented workers.

Edward Schlacht, 48, a supervisor at Grigg Box Company, was taken into custody this morning by agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

By Tresa Baldas and Tammy Stables Battaglia -- Detroit Free Press

http://www.freep.com/article/20111129/NEWS01/111129026/Detroit-box-company-raided-by-immigration-officials?odyssey=tab

Most illegal immigrants deported last year were criminals

In the News - Tuesday, October 18, 2011

WASHINGTON – The U.S. deported nearly 400,000 illegal immigrants last year, and an increasing number of them were convicted criminals, according to figures set for release Tuesday by the Department of Homeland Security.

Deportations have been on the rise for the past decade, and the 396,906 illegal immigrants deported in fiscal year 2011 is the highest number yet, according to the figures.

By Alan Gomez and Kevin Johnson -- USA Today

WASHINGTON – The U.S.
deported nearly 400,000 illegal immigrants last year, and an increasing number
of them were convicted criminals, according to figures set for release Tuesday
by the Department of Homeland Security.

Deportations have been on the rise for the
past decade, and the 396,906 illegal immigrants deported in fiscal year 2011 is
the highest number yet, according to the figures.

Under the Obama administration, Homeland
Security issued new priorities to focus deportations on convicted criminals, people
who pose threats to national security and repeated border-crossers. Last year,
55% of those deported were convicted criminals, the highest percentage in
nearly a decade.

By Alan Gomez and Kevin Johnson -- USA Today

Show More Show Less http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/story/2011-10-18/deportations-criminals-homeland-security/50807532/1

Feds must be tougher on illegal immigration

In the News - Thursday, September 29, 2011

The illegal immigration debate hit home last week as the owners of the Cancun Mexican restaurants and the Fajita Grill were arrested on charges of conspiring to harbor illegal aliens and employing illegal aliens.

The soft, slow response of the federal authorities to the violations allegedly perpetrated by these Mexican restaurants is a perfect example of why we have an illegal immigrant problem in this country. The investigation into the Fajita Grill began in 2008, before the Cancun restaurant ever opened in Biddeford. Does it really take three years to check a few people’s citizenship status?

Journal Tribune (ME) Editorial

http://www.journaltribune.com/articles/2011/09/29/editorial/doc4e84881d6acff425584590.txt

Illegal immigration is flash point for Republican White House hopefuls

In the News - Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Polls may not suggest it, and the candidates may not be catering to it, but immigration is an issue that voters won’t let the GOP White House hopefuls escape.

Republican primary voters keep bringing immigration up as the candidates campaign in back yards, opera houses and recreation halls across Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. To a sizable chunk of those who will pick the GOP’s presidential nominee, immigration is an urgent issue, even a litmus test.

By Philip Rucker and and Amy Gardner -- Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/illegal-immigration-is-flash-point-for-republican-white-house-hopefuls/2011/09/01/gIQAUb0LvJ_story.html

Polls

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/

Sixty-six percent of Americans Oppose Easy Path to Citizenship

Oppose Amnesty - Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Sixty-six percent of Americans don't want the federal government to make it easier for illegal aliens to earn a citizenship. Only 33% say that the United States should make it easier for illegal aliens to earn citizenship. the majority of both Democrats and Republicans say they oppose making citizenship easier.

Fifty-two percent of Americans, however, say they are at least somewhat sympathetic for illegal aliens and their families. But that number is down from 57% when the same question was asked in May 2006 and from 70% in April 2006.

CNN Poll

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/12/cnn-poll-two-thirds-dont-want-to-ease-path-to-citizenship-for-illegal-immigrants/?fbid=qdoOg2K-PUh

68% of Americans Oppose Sanctuary Cities

Oppose Rewards for Illegal Migration - Monday, November 2, 2009

Sixty-eight percent of Americans oppose sanctuary cities and 50% believe that the policies lead to an increase in crime.

Sixty-five percent of the respondents say they follow news stories that involve sanctuary cities; 28% say they follow them very closely. When asked about the creation of sanctuary cities, only 13% of respondents favor their creation.

Forty-nine percent of Americans support cutting off federal funding to sanctuary cities, while 33% oppose a cutoff.

Rasmussen Reports

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/toplines/pt_survey_toplines/october_2009/toplines_sanctuary_cities_october_28_29_2009

61% of voters in Arizona approve Arpaio's job approach

Support Tougher Enforcement - Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Sixty-one percent of Arizona voters approve of the job that Sheriff Joe Arpaio is doing in Maricopa County. Sixty percent disagreed with the federal governments decision to restrict Arpaio's immigration enforcement efforts.

Arizona State University and Channel 8 (KAET)

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/10/28/20091028bigbrother1028side.html

56% of Mexicans Say Amnesty Would Increase Illegal Immigration

Hispanics on Immigration - Wednesday, October 14, 2009

A clear majority of people in Mexico, 56 percent, thought giving legal status to illegal immigrants in the United States would make it more likely that people they know would go to the United States illegally. Just 17 percent thought it would make Mexicans less likely to go illegally. The rest were unsure or thought it would make no difference.

Zogby International/Center for Immigration Studies

http://cis.org/ZogbyPoll-EffectsOfAmnesty

National Poll Finds Most Americans Believe Immigration Adversely Affects the Quality and Cost of Healthcare

Oppose Rewards for Illegal Migration - Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Pulse Opinion Research, LLC

Seventy-three percent (73%) of likely voters agreed that hospitals should be allowed to inquire and collect data about the immigration status of those seeking Emergency Room care without affecting the legal requirement that they must provide emergency care. Just 18% said no. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of the respondents believed that providing health insurance to illegal immigrants will just encourage more illegal immigration. After receiving emergency medical care, if it is determined that an illegal immigrant will require long term follow-up medical care, 47% believed that the person should be deported to his/her home country. 38% believed care should be provided, but time and cost limits should Be established for eventual deportation. Only 8% believed long term care should be provided in the U.S. Eighty-three percent (83%) of likely voters were very or somewhat concerned that the United States will add 135 million people to its population in the next 40 years, 75% of which is due to immigration. Republicans (90%) were more concerned than Democrats (74%). Seventy-eight percent (78%) of likely voters were opposed to legalizing the status of the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in the U.S. with only 19% supporting it. 88% of African-Americans were opposed to legalization. Fifty-five percent (55%) were opposed to a government insurance option under any national health care plan with 28% in favor and 17% not sure. 73% of Republicans were opposed with 11% in favor. A plurality of Democrats (47%) supported a government option with 34% opposed and 19% unsure.

Pulse Opinion Research, LLC

Show More Show Less http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS174379+15-Sep-2009+PRN20090915

Poll Shows Liberals Opposed to Extending Taxpayer Funded Healthcare to Illegal Immigrants

Oppose Rewards for Illegal Migration - Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Fifty-three percent reported opposition to providing healthcare to undocumented aliens. Forty-six percent felt that current proposals would likely provide coverage to illegal immigrants. Forty-eight percent of liberals and progressives felt that providing healthcare to undocumented immigrants would likely lead to increased healthcare costs. With regard to the President's handling of healthcare reform, the poll revealed that sixty- seven percent of self-identified liberals approve of the President's actions. Seventy-five percent were in support of a public healthcare plan administered by the federal government and forty-nine percent felt the President's plan would result in better overall quality of healthcare services.

Pulse Opinion Research, LLC

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS143493+15-Sep-2009+PRN20090915

83% Say Proof of Citizenship Should Be Required to Get Government Health Aid

Oppose Rewards for Illegal Migration - Monday, September 14, 2009

Eighty-three percent (83%) of voters nationwide say that people should be required to prove they are a citizen of the United States before receiving government health care subsidies. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 12% disagree and five percent (5%) are not sure.

The desire to limit the benefits to U.S. citizens is found across demographic and partisan lines. It is held by 95% of Republicans, 70% of Democrats and 87% of those not affiliated with either major party. It is favored by nine-out-of-10 conservatives and moderates, along with 56% of those who consider themselves politically liberal. But 32% of liberals hold the opposite view.

Rasmussen Reports

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/healthcare/september_2009/83_say_proof_of_citizenship_should_be_required_to_get_government_health_aid

Half of Americans Believe Immigration Should be Reduced

Prefer Lower Numbers - Friday, August 7, 2009

A Gallup poll released on August 5, 2009 shows that 50% of all Americans believe that immigration should be reduced. This number is 11 points higher than the figure from an identical poll conducted last year. Only 14% of Americans say immigration should be increased (down from 18%) and 32% say immigration levels should remain the same (down from 39%).

5 August 2009, Gallup

http://www.gallup.com/poll/122057/Americans-Return-Tougher-Immigration-Stance.aspx

Most Arizona Voters Put Immigration Over Health Care as More Important Reform Goal

Prefer Lower Numbers Oppose Amnesty Support Tougher Enforcement Oppose Rewards for Illegal Migration - Monday, July 27, 2009

Fifty-one percent of Arizona voters say it is more important for Congress to pass immigration reform than health care reform.

By a 65% to 20% margin, Arizona voters believe enforcing the borders is more important than legalizing the status of those already living here. Half of the state’s voters (50%) think it is possible to put an end to illegal immigration, while 34% do not.

Rasmussen Reports, 27 July 2009

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

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

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/