Jordan Keitel February 29th, 2008
Senator Clinton claims to support “deploying new technology that can help stop the flow of undocumented immigrants into the country.” This is a bold claim indeed. The statement seems to conjure images of high steel fences manned by laser wielding automatons. While that is obviously not what the good Senator is proposing, one can’t help but wonder just what kind of technology is Senator Clinton talking about. How can technology aid us in immigration reform? Technological advances in facial recognition software and improved identification have already helped America recognize (and keep out) those we know to be dangerous. I fail to see how technology provides the answer. The Senator’s claim appears to be nothing more than standard campaign rhetoric that sounds great in a press release but is utterly useless in the real world.
Continued...
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Candidates agree policies on immigration must change
Feb. 28, 2008
By Elizabeth Herring
One thing all the presidential candidates agree on is 700 miles of chain-link fencing.
Each candidate views illegal immigration as a crisis that is in need of the $3 billion boost in border security the Senate voted for in May 2006. But the candidates are vague on how and when this funding is going to change the problems in the ailing immigration system, even if it eventually passes through the House of Representatives and becomes a law.
"There are a lot of concerns and uncertainty about what the future may bring," said Luis Matias-Cruz, a professor in the Latin American studies department.
Continued...
By Elizabeth Herring
One thing all the presidential candidates agree on is 700 miles of chain-link fencing.
Each candidate views illegal immigration as a crisis that is in need of the $3 billion boost in border security the Senate voted for in May 2006. But the candidates are vague on how and when this funding is going to change the problems in the ailing immigration system, even if it eventually passes through the House of Representatives and becomes a law.
"There are a lot of concerns and uncertainty about what the future may bring," said Luis Matias-Cruz, a professor in the Latin American studies department.
Continued...
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Solving Illegal Immigration Nation-to-Nation
The once white-hot issue of illegal immigration has taken a curious twist in American politics.
On the one hand, state and local politicians are using the polarizing topic as the foundation of their bids for public office.
But on the national level, presidential candidates try to distance themselves from that same issue. They pay just enough lip service to give the impression that they care about it, but not too much - not unless they're campaigning in those pockets of the country directly impacted by the problems created by having undocumented residents.
Continued...
On the one hand, state and local politicians are using the polarizing topic as the foundation of their bids for public office.
But on the national level, presidential candidates try to distance themselves from that same issue. They pay just enough lip service to give the impression that they care about it, but not too much - not unless they're campaigning in those pockets of the country directly impacted by the problems created by having undocumented residents.
Continued...
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Immigration debate snares seasonal businesses
By Andy Sullivan
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - John Graham's crab company has held its own for 65 years as the local catch has dwindled and cheap Chinese crabmeat filled the supermarkets. It might not survive the immigration debate in the U.S. Congress.
Graham relies on temporary workers who come from Mexico to pick crabmeat from the shells because he can't find enough employees in Hampton, Virginia. But a program that allowed him to bring back experienced workers quietly expired last year after Congress failed to overhaul broken immigration laws.
Continued...
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - John Graham's crab company has held its own for 65 years as the local catch has dwindled and cheap Chinese crabmeat filled the supermarkets. It might not survive the immigration debate in the U.S. Congress.
Graham relies on temporary workers who come from Mexico to pick crabmeat from the shells because he can't find enough employees in Hampton, Virginia. But a program that allowed him to bring back experienced workers quietly expired last year after Congress failed to overhaul broken immigration laws.
Continued...
Monday, February 25, 2008
The End of the 'Virtual Fence'
Homeland Security confirms that Boeing's 28-mile prototype of electronic border surveillance will not be expanded
by Keith Epstein
The major Presidential candidates talked up its innovative approach to securing the U.S.-Mexico border. Aerospace and defense giant Boeing (BA), along with dozens of subcontractors, anticipated that it would give them a lucrative foothold in future government work worth billions of dollars. And fervent advocates of stronger obstacles to illegal immigration hoped the U.S. had finally found a more affordable way to fortify its southwest border than building hundreds of miles of physical barriers.
Continued...
by Keith Epstein
The major Presidential candidates talked up its innovative approach to securing the U.S.-Mexico border. Aerospace and defense giant Boeing (BA), along with dozens of subcontractors, anticipated that it would give them a lucrative foothold in future government work worth billions of dollars. And fervent advocates of stronger obstacles to illegal immigration hoped the U.S. had finally found a more affordable way to fortify its southwest border than building hundreds of miles of physical barriers.
Continued...
Friday, February 22, 2008
Former INS chief says reviving immigration reform difficult
By ANABELLE GARAY Associated Press Writer
DALLAS — Reviving talks about reforming immigration law will prove difficult even after a new president and members of Congress take office, the former head of immigration services said Thursday.
Doris Meissner, the Immigration and Naturalization Service Commissioner under President Clinton, said the next president will want to first tackle issues that have broad support and are likely to glide through Congress.
Continued...
DALLAS — Reviving talks about reforming immigration law will prove difficult even after a new president and members of Congress take office, the former head of immigration services said Thursday.
Doris Meissner, the Immigration and Naturalization Service Commissioner under President Clinton, said the next president will want to first tackle issues that have broad support and are likely to glide through Congress.
Continued...
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Senator Hatch: Immigration Reform On Hold, National Debt Not Debilitating
Feb 20, 2008 by Elizabeth Ziegler
(KCPW News) U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch addressed concerns about the federal government's immigration policy and mounting national debt during a visit to the Utah Legislature Tuesday. Hatch says he doubts Congress will consider passing comprehensive immigration reform until after the new President is inaugurated. However, he says there are a few policies Congress could address this year.
"One of the more important things that I think might get through this year, is we need to expand the H1B program so we can keep these PhD's who get their education here and want to stay here and want to help us maintain our world-wide leadership as the high-tech capitol of the world," Hatch says.
In addition to expanding the H-1B visa program, he says Congress might also consider this year improving the technology used in border crossings, including the use of biometric cards. When asked about the national debt, Hatch admits he's concerned, but says the nation's economy is still growing.
cont'd
(KCPW News) U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch addressed concerns about the federal government's immigration policy and mounting national debt during a visit to the Utah Legislature Tuesday. Hatch says he doubts Congress will consider passing comprehensive immigration reform until after the new President is inaugurated. However, he says there are a few policies Congress could address this year.
"One of the more important things that I think might get through this year, is we need to expand the H1B program so we can keep these PhD's who get their education here and want to stay here and want to help us maintain our world-wide leadership as the high-tech capitol of the world," Hatch says.
In addition to expanding the H-1B visa program, he says Congress might also consider this year improving the technology used in border crossings, including the use of biometric cards. When asked about the national debt, Hatch admits he's concerned, but says the nation's economy is still growing.
cont'd
Monday, February 18, 2008
A Mexican view of U.S. immigration debate
Former Mexican Foreign Minister Jorge Castañeda shares his perspectives on U.S. immigration policy -- what works, what doesn't and what people ignore.
Posted on Sun, Feb. 17, 2008
BY CASEY WOODS
cwoods@MiamiHerald.com
Q. Why did you write `Ex-Mex'?
A. I thought it was important that there be a Mexican viewpoint in the U.S. immigration debate. Right now, the Mexican viewpoint is not present. There is a liberal viewpoint, a conservative viewpoint, a Latino or Hispanic viewpoint -- but strictly speaking, there is not a Mexican viewpoint. I don't pretend to be the Mexican viewpoint, but a Mexican viewpoint.
Q.In your book, you talk about the flow of labor exchange between the United States and Mexico going back to the 1890s. What are some of the surprising elements of that history that most Americans don't know?
A. First of all, that it exists and that this has been going on for a long time. In other words, many Americans seem to think that wide-scale Mexican immigration to the United States is something new. It's not.
Continued...
Posted on Sun, Feb. 17, 2008
BY CASEY WOODS
cwoods@MiamiHerald.com
Q. Why did you write `Ex-Mex'?
A. I thought it was important that there be a Mexican viewpoint in the U.S. immigration debate. Right now, the Mexican viewpoint is not present. There is a liberal viewpoint, a conservative viewpoint, a Latino or Hispanic viewpoint -- but strictly speaking, there is not a Mexican viewpoint. I don't pretend to be the Mexican viewpoint, but a Mexican viewpoint.
Q.In your book, you talk about the flow of labor exchange between the United States and Mexico going back to the 1890s. What are some of the surprising elements of that history that most Americans don't know?
A. First of all, that it exists and that this has been going on for a long time. In other words, many Americans seem to think that wide-scale Mexican immigration to the United States is something new. It's not.
Continued...
Friday, February 15, 2008
Immigration Reform Takes a Village
Immigration Matters
New America Media, Commentary, Rich Stolz, Posted: Feb 15, 2008
Iowa farmer Larry Ginter is clear about why he supports a pathway to citizenship. “I’ve been to Mexico. I’ve met migrants. They’re farmers just like me, and just like me, unfair trade policies are pushing them off the land. That’s why I support humane immigration reform.” He told presidential candidate Hillary Clinton this as he stood next to an immigrant youth from New Mexico, and an Irish immigrant leader from Chicago.
Ginter’s statement reflects a genuine gut-held understanding of why his experience is interconnected with those of migrants coming from Latin America. And it’s an invitation to immigrant leaders to join in his struggle to create fair trade policies that can uplift farmers struggling to make ends meet in the United States. It’s the same garment of destiny Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. talked about years ago, how we are all bound together by our destinies; our success isn’t individual, but collective.
http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=fda584328595a27bbcd11021a673d484&from=rss
New America Media, Commentary, Rich Stolz, Posted: Feb 15, 2008
Iowa farmer Larry Ginter is clear about why he supports a pathway to citizenship. “I’ve been to Mexico. I’ve met migrants. They’re farmers just like me, and just like me, unfair trade policies are pushing them off the land. That’s why I support humane immigration reform.” He told presidential candidate Hillary Clinton this as he stood next to an immigrant youth from New Mexico, and an Irish immigrant leader from Chicago.
Ginter’s statement reflects a genuine gut-held understanding of why his experience is interconnected with those of migrants coming from Latin America. And it’s an invitation to immigrant leaders to join in his struggle to create fair trade policies that can uplift farmers struggling to make ends meet in the United States. It’s the same garment of destiny Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. talked about years ago, how we are all bound together by our destinies; our success isn’t individual, but collective.
http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=fda584328595a27bbcd11021a673d484&from=rss
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Mexican President Lobbies in Sacramento For Immigration Reform
Feb 13, 2008
Marianne Russ, California Capitol Network
Mexican President Felipe Calderon addressed both houses of the state legislature today and immigration was a major focus of his message. From Sacramento, Marianne Russ reports.
In his roughly 20-minute speech, Calderon acknowledged tensions between the United States and Mexico over illegal immigration. But he said it was in the best interest of both to make migration legal, safe, and organized.
http://www.kpbs.org/news/local;id=10910
Marianne Russ, California Capitol Network
Mexican President Felipe Calderon addressed both houses of the state legislature today and immigration was a major focus of his message. From Sacramento, Marianne Russ reports.
In his roughly 20-minute speech, Calderon acknowledged tensions between the United States and Mexico over illegal immigration. But he said it was in the best interest of both to make migration legal, safe, and organized.
http://www.kpbs.org/news/local;id=10910
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The Immigrants They Scorn
Feb. 13, 2008 12:00 AM
While some presidential candidates try to score political points by playing into apprehension about immigration, the immigrants they vilify are busy sustaining the American economy.
Immigrants play a crucial role in our nation's academic, medical and high-tech sectors. Almost 25 percent of doctors and 40 percent of registered nurses in this country are foreign-born, as are more than 30 percent of those conducting advanced science and engineering research at U.S. universities. In addition to meeting our skilled-labor needs, immigrants hold more than a third of our nation's agriculture, maintenance, meat- and poultry-processing and construction jobs.
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that our economy will need 2 million new low-skilled laborers annually during the next 20 years, and Americans will only be able to fill 25 percent of that demand. These are often low-paying, physically demanding jobs that are not wanted by our citizens, but are essential to the economic growth that provides better jobs and living standards for all Americans.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/0213pastor13.html
While some presidential candidates try to score political points by playing into apprehension about immigration, the immigrants they vilify are busy sustaining the American economy.
Immigrants play a crucial role in our nation's academic, medical and high-tech sectors. Almost 25 percent of doctors and 40 percent of registered nurses in this country are foreign-born, as are more than 30 percent of those conducting advanced science and engineering research at U.S. universities. In addition to meeting our skilled-labor needs, immigrants hold more than a third of our nation's agriculture, maintenance, meat- and poultry-processing and construction jobs.
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that our economy will need 2 million new low-skilled laborers annually during the next 20 years, and Americans will only be able to fill 25 percent of that demand. These are often low-paying, physically demanding jobs that are not wanted by our citizens, but are essential to the economic growth that provides better jobs and living standards for all Americans.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/0213pastor13.html
Monday, February 11, 2008
Election-year politics: Why immigration reform will have to wait
Despite the public's cry for reforms, election-year politics will keep politicians from plain talk and solutions.
By David R. Francis | columnist
from the February 11, 2008 edition
In an election year, the prospects of straight talk by the presidential candidates on immigration reform are slim. The issue is too complex and highly contentious.
The public would like to see the problem of illegal immigrants tackled by Washington. But most Americans oppose shortcuts to citizenship for the 12 million or more "undocumented" immigrants. Democratic Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton are competing for the Hispanic vote. They aren't talking tough about deporting illegal workers and their families, most of whom are Hispanic. After all, friends and family of illegal Latinos often have the vote.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0211/p16s01-wmgn.html
By David R. Francis | columnist
from the February 11, 2008 edition
In an election year, the prospects of straight talk by the presidential candidates on immigration reform are slim. The issue is too complex and highly contentious.
The public would like to see the problem of illegal immigrants tackled by Washington. But most Americans oppose shortcuts to citizenship for the 12 million or more "undocumented" immigrants. Democratic Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton are competing for the Hispanic vote. They aren't talking tough about deporting illegal workers and their families, most of whom are Hispanic. After all, friends and family of illegal Latinos often have the vote.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0211/p16s01-wmgn.html
Friday, February 8, 2008
Back-door reform
Bush seeks to overhaul guest-worker program
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2008
The Bush administration is seeking to overhaul America's agricultural guest-worker program to legally allow more foreign laborers into the country to harvest crops.
Since the government's recent crackdown on illegal immigration, there has been a shortage of farmworkers nationally to harvest fruits and vegetables.
When immigration-reform legislation failed to pass Congress last summer, the White House said it would address some immigration challenges administratively. Altering the farmworker program is one attempt.
http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20080207/OPINION01/824701623
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2008
The Bush administration is seeking to overhaul America's agricultural guest-worker program to legally allow more foreign laborers into the country to harvest crops.
Since the government's recent crackdown on illegal immigration, there has been a shortage of farmworkers nationally to harvest fruits and vegetables.
When immigration-reform legislation failed to pass Congress last summer, the White House said it would address some immigration challenges administratively. Altering the farmworker program is one attempt.
http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20080207/OPINION01/824701623
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Farm-Worker Plan Aims To Curb Illegal Hires
By John D. McKinnon and Miriam Jordan
The Bush administration rolled out a set of proposed rules aimed at stanching the flow of undocumented workers who have been crossing the border to work on U.S. farms.
The rules would encourage farmers to hire more legal guest workers from other countries under a 20-year-old visa program covering agricultural workers. The changes would modernize what is known as the H-2A visa program by loosening many of its stricter requirements, particularly on wages that must be paid to guest workers and on housing. Currently, critics of U.S. immigration policy say, farmers are encouraged ...
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120234415583049133.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
The Bush administration rolled out a set of proposed rules aimed at stanching the flow of undocumented workers who have been crossing the border to work on U.S. farms.
The rules would encourage farmers to hire more legal guest workers from other countries under a 20-year-old visa program covering agricultural workers. The changes would modernize what is known as the H-2A visa program by loosening many of its stricter requirements, particularly on wages that must be paid to guest workers and on housing. Currently, critics of U.S. immigration policy say, farmers are encouraged ...
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120234415583049133.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Immigration Misfire
By ROSA ROSALES
February 5, 2008
Political pundits used to maintain that the American electorate was galvanized around the issue of illegal immigration. Voters, they claimed, would punish any candidate who failed to take a tough stance on immigrants and did not adamantly oppose the "A" word -- Amnesty -- in all its tortured definitions.
Yet a funny thing happened in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida. The most anti-immigrant candidates performed below expectations, and those accused of supporting amnesty and in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants won.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120217267552142823.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
February 5, 2008
Political pundits used to maintain that the American electorate was galvanized around the issue of illegal immigration. Voters, they claimed, would punish any candidate who failed to take a tough stance on immigrants and did not adamantly oppose the "A" word -- Amnesty -- in all its tortured definitions.
Yet a funny thing happened in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida. The most anti-immigrant candidates performed below expectations, and those accused of supporting amnesty and in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants won.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120217267552142823.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Friday, February 1, 2008
Fighting to share the American Dream
Immigration policy has become a hot-button issue in the US presidential election campaign
January 31, 2008 3:25 AM
Immigration is one of the most contentious and emotional issues in the United States today - an issue that cuts to the core of what it means to be an American, and of what kind of country America wants to become. In the 2008 presidential race, immigration policy will come to the fore as the political field narrows, and especially as the primary season gives way to the general election.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/usa/2008/01/fighting_for_a_piece_of_the_am.html
January 31, 2008 3:25 AM
Immigration is one of the most contentious and emotional issues in the United States today - an issue that cuts to the core of what it means to be an American, and of what kind of country America wants to become. In the 2008 presidential race, immigration policy will come to the fore as the political field narrows, and especially as the primary season gives way to the general election.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/usa/2008/01/fighting_for_a_piece_of_the_am.html
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