New Report: More Than 2 Million Hispanic Households With Children Face Hunger
2.3 million Hispanic Households with children are food insecure
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 5
CHICAGO -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service (USDA) reported yesterday that almost one in four children living in the United States are food insecure. According to the 2009 report on Household Food Insecurity in the United States, there is a striking disparity in the prevalence of food insecurity among Hispanic children. More than two million Hispanic households with children were food insecure at least some time during the year, an increase of 37 percent over 2007, compared with non-Hispanic whites' households with children. The study also revealed that 177,000 non-white Hispanic households with children - an almost 50 percent increase over 2007 -- experienced very low food security, meaning that the food intake of one or more of the household children was reduced and their eating patterns were disrupted at times during the year because the household lacked money. This marks the largest increase in food insecurity rates among non-white Hispanic households with children since the USDA has been collecting data. Very low food insecurity for non-Hispanic whites rose 35 percent during the same period.
"Importantly, these numbers reflect the state of the nation one year ago, in 2008. Since then, the economy has significantly weakened, and there are likely many more children of varying ethnicity struggling with hunger than this report states," said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief organization. "It is an outrage that one in four children in this nation lives on the brink of hunger and doesn't have access to adequate amounts of nutritious food."
The new data reinforces recent findings from a research study conducted by Feeding America reflecting a dramatic increase in requests for emergency food assistance from food banks across the country. Conducted in September, the Feeding America study shows that more than half of its network food banks reported seeing more children as clients.
"This study reinforces the fact that there are likely millions of Hispanic families in need of food assistance who are not turning to our system for help. We believe this is due to a lack of awareness of emergency feeding programs and perhaps the stigma associated with asking for help," said Escarra. "We will continue to reach out to Hispanic communities to ensure families in need know they can turn to us in times of crisis.
"Feeding America's 200 food banks continue to work on the front lines feeding more than 25 million people each year, through our country's food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency feeding centers - more than 63,000 agencies in total," continued Escarra. "These establishments, many of which are grass root and faith based centers operated solely by volunteers, serve as an oasis for the more than 4 million people who seek relief weekly to help feed themselves and their families. Emergency food assistance is a critical link in the nation's response chain to help people through times of crisis."
Escarra observes, "Our network food banks are calling us every day, telling us that demand for emergency food is higher than it has ever been in our history. Feeding America will continue to work closely with our partners at USDA to ensure that the public and charitable sectors are keeping pace - as best we can - with the dramatically increasing needs for food assistance."
About Feeding America
Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 25 million Americans each year, including 9 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 63,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. Feeding America is based in Chicago. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit http://www.feedingamerica.org. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Feedingamerica.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Latino students protest vandalism, harassment
Protesters voice anger at intolerance
Associated Press, November 20, 2009
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - Dozens of protesters, including students and faculty at the University of Northern Iowa, gathered to protest a recent string of vandalism and harassment on campus.
Organizers passed out signs Thursday as protesters stood in silence on the outer ring of UNI's Maucker Union fountain to voice their opposition to intolerance. "Basta ya" -- Spanish for "enough already" -- was one phrase on signs.
Protesters expressed concern about the most attention-getting incident, the spray-painting on Nov. 8 of a swastika on a bench outside the university's Dancer Hall.
Hispanic literature student Carmen Castillo says Hispanic students have been targeted by harassment in recent weeks. She says the protest was designed to show that those being harassed will not be silent.
UNI president Benjamin Allen says the event was an opportunity to peacefully show their dedication and commitment to diversity."
Associated Press, November 20, 2009
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - Dozens of protesters, including students and faculty at the University of Northern Iowa, gathered to protest a recent string of vandalism and harassment on campus.
Organizers passed out signs Thursday as protesters stood in silence on the outer ring of UNI's Maucker Union fountain to voice their opposition to intolerance. "Basta ya" -- Spanish for "enough already" -- was one phrase on signs.
Protesters expressed concern about the most attention-getting incident, the spray-painting on Nov. 8 of a swastika on a bench outside the university's Dancer Hall.
Hispanic literature student Carmen Castillo says Hispanic students have been targeted by harassment in recent weeks. She says the protest was designed to show that those being harassed will not be silent.
UNI president Benjamin Allen says the event was an opportunity to peacefully show their dedication and commitment to diversity."
Hispanics blame Rahm for immigration ban
Hispanics blame Rahm for immigrant ban
By JONATHAN ALLEN | Politico.com, 11/19/09
Hispanic lawmakers say an old adversary, White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, has his fingerprints all over a push to prohibit illegal immigrants from buying health insurance plans in a new market for people who don’t get insurance through their employers.
“A forensic study would show it all leads back to Rahm Emanuel and the White House,” said Illinois Democratic Rep. Luis Gutierrez, a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus who worked with Emanuel when the president’s top aide was in the House.
“This analysis is inaccurate,” said a White House aide who had been shown the comments made by Hispanic lawmakers.
The health care bill passed by the House earlier this month would prevent illegal immigrants from getting subsidies to buy insurance, but they would be permitted to buy plans from the exchange with their own money. The Senate bill would cut off that option.
Whether or not the CHC members are pointing their frustration in the right direction, the perception that Emanuel is pushing policies that they see as harmful to their communities for the political advantage of the president or moderate Democrats in Congress could cause the White House problems with the CHC in future negotiations.
Members of the CHC trace what they say is a harder White House line on immigrants to the night of South Carolina Republican Rep. Joe Wilson’s outburst during President Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress in September.
“There are also those who claim that our reform effort will insure illegal immigrants,” Obama said. “This, too, is false — the reforms I’m proposing would not apply to those who are here illegally.”
That prompted Wilson’s now-famous interjection. CHC members say that’s when the White House toughened its stance against illegal immigrants having any access to the system.
“They made it up at the White House,” Gutierrez said.
Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) had hoped to get the House, White House and Senate on the same page on the issue before the House moved forward with its legislation, to spare moderate House Democrats from having to vote on two versions of the provision. At the time, House leaders were debating whether to include a provision like the Senate’s in the House bill to help moderates avoid a tough vote on it or to side with Hispanic members by keeping the looser restriction. Van Hollen met with the CHC before the House vote — to clarify his position — and encouraged members to see if they could get the White House to agree to back their position.
CHC Chairwoman Nydia Velazquez of New York and California Democratic Reps. Xavier Becerra and Lucille Roybal-Allard were rebuffed when they met with Obama at the White House, according to Velazquez. Emanuel was not present.
But Hispanic lawmakers say there is little doubt in their mind where the president’s increasingly tough stance on undocumented workers and their families originates.
“He still thinks immigration will defeat Democrats,” said a CHC member who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Emanuel has long had a strained relationship with the CHC because, as chairman of the House Democrats’ political committee and later of their caucus, he sided with vulnerable Democrats who voted for Republican measures cracking down on immigrants — some of which were seen by Hispanic members as driven by bigotry.
He also came under fire from House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.) on Thursday for an approach to the health care bill that Conyers said amounts to “give us anything, and we will declare victory.”
Gutierrez said CHC opposition to the approach favored by the Senate and the president is “even deeper-rooted and deeper-cemented” than it was on the night the House passed its bill.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Thursday she will “stand by” the provision in the House bill during House-Senate negotiations. Van Hollen has also expressed his support for the House version to the White House.
Democratic leaders were surprised that Republican House members did not offer a procedural motion to amend the House bill with language similar to the Senate’s. Several lawmakers and aides familiar with vote counts say such a motion would most likely have been adopted by the House and put the final passage of the bill in jeopardy.
Members of the CHC continue to hint that they may vote against a final health care bill if the Senate’s provision comes back to them in a health care bill.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we do,” said Rep. Charles Gonzalez (D-Texas).
Gonzalez said he didn’t know whether Emanuel is involved, but he said the policy is misdirected because it would result in taxpayers funding more expensive emergency health care for illegal immigrants who are unable to purchase health insurance.
“The only reason you ever pursue bad policy is when you think there’s some sort of political advantage,” Gonzalez said.
By JONATHAN ALLEN | Politico.com, 11/19/09
Hispanic lawmakers say an old adversary, White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, has his fingerprints all over a push to prohibit illegal immigrants from buying health insurance plans in a new market for people who don’t get insurance through their employers.
“A forensic study would show it all leads back to Rahm Emanuel and the White House,” said Illinois Democratic Rep. Luis Gutierrez, a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus who worked with Emanuel when the president’s top aide was in the House.
“This analysis is inaccurate,” said a White House aide who had been shown the comments made by Hispanic lawmakers.
The health care bill passed by the House earlier this month would prevent illegal immigrants from getting subsidies to buy insurance, but they would be permitted to buy plans from the exchange with their own money. The Senate bill would cut off that option.
Whether or not the CHC members are pointing their frustration in the right direction, the perception that Emanuel is pushing policies that they see as harmful to their communities for the political advantage of the president or moderate Democrats in Congress could cause the White House problems with the CHC in future negotiations.
Members of the CHC trace what they say is a harder White House line on immigrants to the night of South Carolina Republican Rep. Joe Wilson’s outburst during President Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress in September.
“There are also those who claim that our reform effort will insure illegal immigrants,” Obama said. “This, too, is false — the reforms I’m proposing would not apply to those who are here illegally.”
That prompted Wilson’s now-famous interjection. CHC members say that’s when the White House toughened its stance against illegal immigrants having any access to the system.
“They made it up at the White House,” Gutierrez said.
Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) had hoped to get the House, White House and Senate on the same page on the issue before the House moved forward with its legislation, to spare moderate House Democrats from having to vote on two versions of the provision. At the time, House leaders were debating whether to include a provision like the Senate’s in the House bill to help moderates avoid a tough vote on it or to side with Hispanic members by keeping the looser restriction. Van Hollen met with the CHC before the House vote — to clarify his position — and encouraged members to see if they could get the White House to agree to back their position.
CHC Chairwoman Nydia Velazquez of New York and California Democratic Reps. Xavier Becerra and Lucille Roybal-Allard were rebuffed when they met with Obama at the White House, according to Velazquez. Emanuel was not present.
But Hispanic lawmakers say there is little doubt in their mind where the president’s increasingly tough stance on undocumented workers and their families originates.
“He still thinks immigration will defeat Democrats,” said a CHC member who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Emanuel has long had a strained relationship with the CHC because, as chairman of the House Democrats’ political committee and later of their caucus, he sided with vulnerable Democrats who voted for Republican measures cracking down on immigrants — some of which were seen by Hispanic members as driven by bigotry.
He also came under fire from House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.) on Thursday for an approach to the health care bill that Conyers said amounts to “give us anything, and we will declare victory.”
Gutierrez said CHC opposition to the approach favored by the Senate and the president is “even deeper-rooted and deeper-cemented” than it was on the night the House passed its bill.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Thursday she will “stand by” the provision in the House bill during House-Senate negotiations. Van Hollen has also expressed his support for the House version to the White House.
Democratic leaders were surprised that Republican House members did not offer a procedural motion to amend the House bill with language similar to the Senate’s. Several lawmakers and aides familiar with vote counts say such a motion would most likely have been adopted by the House and put the final passage of the bill in jeopardy.
Members of the CHC continue to hint that they may vote against a final health care bill if the Senate’s provision comes back to them in a health care bill.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we do,” said Rep. Charles Gonzalez (D-Texas).
Gonzalez said he didn’t know whether Emanuel is involved, but he said the policy is misdirected because it would result in taxpayers funding more expensive emergency health care for illegal immigrants who are unable to purchase health insurance.
“The only reason you ever pursue bad policy is when you think there’s some sort of political advantage,” Gonzalez said.
Latino population pressure likely to impact GOP politics
Report: Latino population pressure likely to impact GOP politics
By Katie Redding, Colorado Independent, 11/19/09
A report released this month by America’s Voice, an immigration reform advocacy group, argues that swiftly growing Latino constituent populations across the country may soon pressure Republicans to drop inflammatory anti-immigration rhetoric.
The report predicts which states will gain seats as a result of the 2010 Census due mostly to the tremendous growth of their Latino populations: Texas (+4), Arizona (+2), Florida (+1), Georgia (+1), Nevada (+1), Oregon (+1), South Carolina (+1), and Utah (+1). (Those tallies assume that a proposed Census boycott by Latinos doesn’t take place.)
The report points out that many of these states, ironically, are red ones:
The states likely to gain political power following the 2010 Census are currently largely Republican-dominated at both the Congressional and state levels, and in many cases will owe this expanded power to Latinos who moved to their states over the last several years. Ironically, many members of the delegations who will benefit from the increase in Latino population have embraced policies that are hostile to Latinos and immigrants. It will be interesting to see how the 2010 Census impacts politicians’ attitudes toward immigrants and Latinos who helped them expand their power in Congress.
But what percentage of those Latino populations represents legal citizens eligible to vote? Well, the report points out that Latino voter registration and turnout also grew tremendously between 2000 and 2008—54 percent and 64 percent, respectively. And as that voter base grows, politicians may find themselves in a different electoral climate:
As this demographic continues to grow, politicians who ignore or demonize the Latino population in their states will find the road to re-election much more difficult.
"Luis Gutierrez, D-Illinois, has promised to introduce comprehensive immigration reform shortly.
Luis Gutierrez, D-Illinois, has promised to introduce comprehensive immigration reform shortly.
In Colorado, where the percentage of Hispanic voters went from 8 percent in 2004 to 13 percent in 2008, Latinos in favor of comprehensive immigration reform are already organizing to demand that politicians pay attention to the issue.
Just last night, for example, Coloradans held parties in 22 houses across the state to listen to Congressman Luis Gutierrez, D-Illinois, Congressman Raul Grijalva, D-Arizona and Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez, D-New York speak about the comprehensive immigration reform legislation Gutierrez expects to introduce shortly.
By Katie Redding, Colorado Independent, 11/19/09
A report released this month by America’s Voice, an immigration reform advocacy group, argues that swiftly growing Latino constituent populations across the country may soon pressure Republicans to drop inflammatory anti-immigration rhetoric.
The report predicts which states will gain seats as a result of the 2010 Census due mostly to the tremendous growth of their Latino populations: Texas (+4), Arizona (+2), Florida (+1), Georgia (+1), Nevada (+1), Oregon (+1), South Carolina (+1), and Utah (+1). (Those tallies assume that a proposed Census boycott by Latinos doesn’t take place.)
The report points out that many of these states, ironically, are red ones:
The states likely to gain political power following the 2010 Census are currently largely Republican-dominated at both the Congressional and state levels, and in many cases will owe this expanded power to Latinos who moved to their states over the last several years. Ironically, many members of the delegations who will benefit from the increase in Latino population have embraced policies that are hostile to Latinos and immigrants. It will be interesting to see how the 2010 Census impacts politicians’ attitudes toward immigrants and Latinos who helped them expand their power in Congress.
But what percentage of those Latino populations represents legal citizens eligible to vote? Well, the report points out that Latino voter registration and turnout also grew tremendously between 2000 and 2008—54 percent and 64 percent, respectively. And as that voter base grows, politicians may find themselves in a different electoral climate:
As this demographic continues to grow, politicians who ignore or demonize the Latino population in their states will find the road to re-election much more difficult.
"Luis Gutierrez, D-Illinois, has promised to introduce comprehensive immigration reform shortly.
Luis Gutierrez, D-Illinois, has promised to introduce comprehensive immigration reform shortly.
In Colorado, where the percentage of Hispanic voters went from 8 percent in 2004 to 13 percent in 2008, Latinos in favor of comprehensive immigration reform are already organizing to demand that politicians pay attention to the issue.
Just last night, for example, Coloradans held parties in 22 houses across the state to listen to Congressman Luis Gutierrez, D-Illinois, Congressman Raul Grijalva, D-Arizona and Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez, D-New York speak about the comprehensive immigration reform legislation Gutierrez expects to introduce shortly.
Texas education a slap at growing Hispanic population
Lawmaker tells Texas' State Board of Education that Hispanics are lacking in textbooks
By TERRENCE STUTZ / The Dallas Morning News, November 19, 2009
AUSTIN – Hispanics are getting the shaft in proposed history and social studies standards for Texas public schools, Hispanic legislative leaders complained Wednesday to the State Board of Education.
Rep. Norma Chavez, representing the House and Senate Hispanic caucuses, told board members that proposed standards for U.S. history, government and other social studies courses are a slap at the state's growing Hispanic population.
"It is as though Hispanics don't exist in many of these standards," Chavez, an El Paso Democrat, told the panel, noting that only 16 of 162 historical figures that must be covered in social studies are Hispanic.
"Mexican-Americans did not just all of a sudden pop up at the border," she said. "This document does a very poor job reflecting the contributions of Hispanics to our state and the nation."
Republican board members questioned whether Hispanic lawmakers were seeking a quota for the key historical figures to be covered in textbooks and classroom instruction.
"You seem to be saying that because 40 percent of our population is Hispanic, then 40 percent of all of the historical characters need to be Hispanic," said board member Pat Hardy, R-Weatherford. "You are asking to include different people just because they are Latino."
Chavez insisted that that was not the legislators' intention.
"What we are saying is that you are not looking at the entire history of this state and accurately reflecting what should be included," she said.
She noted that Moses is a required figure in the American government standards – because of the influence of Mosaic law – but not a single Hispanic is among the individuals required to be studied in government classes.
"We're in the 21st century, and we're writing textbooks like it's the '50s," Chavez said, asking for a meeting between board members and Hispanic lawmakers before the board takes its first vote on the social studies standards in January.
Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio and chairwoman of the Senate Hispanic Caucus, sent a statement to the board echoing the concerns of the state's 44 Hispanic House members.
"At a time when the majority of Texas first-graders are Hispanic, I strongly urge the State Board of Education to ensure that our history books reflect the diversity of our classrooms," she wrote.
Chavez added that some board members were using the curriculum "as a platform for their political agendas."
The social studies requirements will remain in place for the next decade, dictating what is taught in government, history and other social studies classes in all elementary and secondary schools.
The standards also will be used to write textbooks and develop state tests for students.
Nearly two dozen people signed up for the public hearing on the standards Wednesday, including representatives for several conservative groups who voiced concern about what they said was an effort by the writing teams for the standards to be politically correct.
"Liberal activists who seek to replace history with political correctness should not succeed in Texas," said Kelly Shackelford of the Free Market Foundation. "Texas is a common-sense, conservative state. Replacing true history with politically correct quotas is wrong."
By TERRENCE STUTZ / The Dallas Morning News, November 19, 2009
AUSTIN – Hispanics are getting the shaft in proposed history and social studies standards for Texas public schools, Hispanic legislative leaders complained Wednesday to the State Board of Education.
Rep. Norma Chavez, representing the House and Senate Hispanic caucuses, told board members that proposed standards for U.S. history, government and other social studies courses are a slap at the state's growing Hispanic population.
"It is as though Hispanics don't exist in many of these standards," Chavez, an El Paso Democrat, told the panel, noting that only 16 of 162 historical figures that must be covered in social studies are Hispanic.
"Mexican-Americans did not just all of a sudden pop up at the border," she said. "This document does a very poor job reflecting the contributions of Hispanics to our state and the nation."
Republican board members questioned whether Hispanic lawmakers were seeking a quota for the key historical figures to be covered in textbooks and classroom instruction.
"You seem to be saying that because 40 percent of our population is Hispanic, then 40 percent of all of the historical characters need to be Hispanic," said board member Pat Hardy, R-Weatherford. "You are asking to include different people just because they are Latino."
Chavez insisted that that was not the legislators' intention.
"What we are saying is that you are not looking at the entire history of this state and accurately reflecting what should be included," she said.
She noted that Moses is a required figure in the American government standards – because of the influence of Mosaic law – but not a single Hispanic is among the individuals required to be studied in government classes.
"We're in the 21st century, and we're writing textbooks like it's the '50s," Chavez said, asking for a meeting between board members and Hispanic lawmakers before the board takes its first vote on the social studies standards in January.
Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio and chairwoman of the Senate Hispanic Caucus, sent a statement to the board echoing the concerns of the state's 44 Hispanic House members.
"At a time when the majority of Texas first-graders are Hispanic, I strongly urge the State Board of Education to ensure that our history books reflect the diversity of our classrooms," she wrote.
Chavez added that some board members were using the curriculum "as a platform for their political agendas."
The social studies requirements will remain in place for the next decade, dictating what is taught in government, history and other social studies classes in all elementary and secondary schools.
The standards also will be used to write textbooks and develop state tests for students.
Nearly two dozen people signed up for the public hearing on the standards Wednesday, including representatives for several conservative groups who voiced concern about what they said was an effort by the writing teams for the standards to be politically correct.
"Liberal activists who seek to replace history with political correctness should not succeed in Texas," said Kelly Shackelford of the Free Market Foundation. "Texas is a common-sense, conservative state. Replacing true history with politically correct quotas is wrong."
Report: Immigration enforcement only policies don't work
The Secure Communities Program
Is It Living Up To Its Name?
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 5
Washington D.C. - As the Department of Homeland Security marks the one-year anniversary of its Secure Communities Program - the latest partnership between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local jails to identify and deport "criminal aliens"- the Immigration Policy Center is releasing a Special Report, The Secure Communities Program: Unanswered Questions and Continuing Concerns. The report asks key questions, raises serious concerns about the program, and provides recommendations for its improvement.
The Secure Communities program - currently active in Arizona, California, Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Virginia - seeks to remove dangerous criminals from the U.S. However, early evidence from Secure Communities, and experience with other ICE programs, suggests that there is reason to be concerned about whether Secure Communities is meeting that goal, and what impact the program has on local communities. There are questions concerning who is being targeted by the program and how ICE defines and prioritizes criminal immigrants. There are additional concerns regarding the role of local law-enforcement officers, and the potential for racial profiling and pretextual arrests. Finally, the new report raises questions about the management, data collection, and evaluation of the program.
The questions and concerns around Secure Communities provide yet more evidence that enforcement-only policies do not work, and that we need a comprehensive solution to our immigration problems. Attempts to enforce our way out of this problem alone have failed. In a well-functioning legal immigration system, our federal and local law-enforcement agencies could focus their scarce resources on dangerous criminals - immigrant and citizen alike - rather than chasing millions of unauthorized workers who pose no public safety threat.
To read the report in its entirety see: www.immcouncil.org “The Secure Communities Program: Unanswered Questions and Continuing Concerns (IPC Special Report, November 23, 2009)”
Is It Living Up To Its Name?
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 5
Washington D.C. - As the Department of Homeland Security marks the one-year anniversary of its Secure Communities Program - the latest partnership between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local jails to identify and deport "criminal aliens"- the Immigration Policy Center is releasing a Special Report, The Secure Communities Program: Unanswered Questions and Continuing Concerns. The report asks key questions, raises serious concerns about the program, and provides recommendations for its improvement.
The Secure Communities program - currently active in Arizona, California, Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Virginia - seeks to remove dangerous criminals from the U.S. However, early evidence from Secure Communities, and experience with other ICE programs, suggests that there is reason to be concerned about whether Secure Communities is meeting that goal, and what impact the program has on local communities. There are questions concerning who is being targeted by the program and how ICE defines and prioritizes criminal immigrants. There are additional concerns regarding the role of local law-enforcement officers, and the potential for racial profiling and pretextual arrests. Finally, the new report raises questions about the management, data collection, and evaluation of the program.
The questions and concerns around Secure Communities provide yet more evidence that enforcement-only policies do not work, and that we need a comprehensive solution to our immigration problems. Attempts to enforce our way out of this problem alone have failed. In a well-functioning legal immigration system, our federal and local law-enforcement agencies could focus their scarce resources on dangerous criminals - immigrant and citizen alike - rather than chasing millions of unauthorized workers who pose no public safety threat.
To read the report in its entirety see: www.immcouncil.org “The Secure Communities Program: Unanswered Questions and Continuing Concerns (IPC Special Report, November 23, 2009)”
Latinos, others organize for immigration reform
More Than 60,000 Americans in 45 States Organize for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 5
Washington, DC – Last week, more than 60,000 activists, families, friends, and neighbors gathered for a nationwide tele-town hall event that created even greater momentum for comprehensive immigration reform legislation in 2010. The national teleconference was put together by an enormous coalition of faith, law enforcement, labor, civil rights, and immigrant advocacy groups working together to pass comprehensive immigration reform this year. The breadth and size of the coalition was reflected in the massive numbers of people who joined the call. The Reform Immigration FOR America Campaign organized 1,009 house parties in 45 states and Puerto Rico. More than 60,000 called in, joined house parties, or listened to live radio broadcasts.
Two weeks ago, anti-immigrant “tea party” activists held rallies to protest the mere presence of immigrants in the United States. However, their numbers paled in comparison to those who assembled tonight. NumbersUSA, a vehemently anti-immigrant organization, hailed a meager 50 events in only 26 states that they acknowledged were “not drawing huge crowds.” In contrast, 400 activists showed up to a single pro-reform house party in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The teleconference, hosted by the Reform Immigration FOR America Campaign and featuring Congressman Luis Gutierrez, Congressman Raul Grijalva, and Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez comes just days after White House Senior Advisor David Axelrod and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano indicated the White House is ready to push for comprehensive immigration reform in 2010. Tonight in schools, churches, and community centers all over the country Americans are organizing to push Congress to solve this problem once and for all.
Congressman Gutierrez outlined a progressive vision for immigration reform and told participants to continue organizing to hold their elected leaders accountable. “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,” said Gutierrez.
“In 2006 we marched, in 2008 we voted, and in 2009 and 2010 we’re getting organized.” said Congressman Grijalva.
Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez said that the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and its allies were committed to making immigration reform happen. “The CHC and its allies are working to ensure that comprehensive immigration reform finally become a reality. We have a President who, I think, understands that. We have Democratic majorities in the Congress, and we have a few Republicans who want to work with us to get this done,” said Velazquez
The demonstration of organizational might shows that Americans from every part of the country are committed to achieving immigration reform and ready to get to work.
Audio is available on the Campaign website: http://reformimmigrationforamerica.org/
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 5
Washington, DC – Last week, more than 60,000 activists, families, friends, and neighbors gathered for a nationwide tele-town hall event that created even greater momentum for comprehensive immigration reform legislation in 2010. The national teleconference was put together by an enormous coalition of faith, law enforcement, labor, civil rights, and immigrant advocacy groups working together to pass comprehensive immigration reform this year. The breadth and size of the coalition was reflected in the massive numbers of people who joined the call. The Reform Immigration FOR America Campaign organized 1,009 house parties in 45 states and Puerto Rico. More than 60,000 called in, joined house parties, or listened to live radio broadcasts.
Two weeks ago, anti-immigrant “tea party” activists held rallies to protest the mere presence of immigrants in the United States. However, their numbers paled in comparison to those who assembled tonight. NumbersUSA, a vehemently anti-immigrant organization, hailed a meager 50 events in only 26 states that they acknowledged were “not drawing huge crowds.” In contrast, 400 activists showed up to a single pro-reform house party in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The teleconference, hosted by the Reform Immigration FOR America Campaign and featuring Congressman Luis Gutierrez, Congressman Raul Grijalva, and Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez comes just days after White House Senior Advisor David Axelrod and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano indicated the White House is ready to push for comprehensive immigration reform in 2010. Tonight in schools, churches, and community centers all over the country Americans are organizing to push Congress to solve this problem once and for all.
Congressman Gutierrez outlined a progressive vision for immigration reform and told participants to continue organizing to hold their elected leaders accountable. “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,” said Gutierrez.
“In 2006 we marched, in 2008 we voted, and in 2009 and 2010 we’re getting organized.” said Congressman Grijalva.
Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez said that the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and its allies were committed to making immigration reform happen. “The CHC and its allies are working to ensure that comprehensive immigration reform finally become a reality. We have a President who, I think, understands that. We have Democratic majorities in the Congress, and we have a few Republicans who want to work with us to get this done,” said Velazquez
The demonstration of organizational might shows that Americans from every part of the country are committed to achieving immigration reform and ready to get to work.
Audio is available on the Campaign website: http://reformimmigrationforamerica.org/
Latino appointee confirmed
Senate Confirm Valenzuela - Finally!
USHLI.org
After an inexplicable and inexcusable delay, the U.S. Senate last week finally confirmed Dr. Arturo Valenzuela to be Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs. In making the announcement, the State Department said "He is a specialist on the origins and consolidation of democracy, the institutional dimensions of democratic governance, Latin American politics, and U.S.-Latin American relations."
During the Clinton administration, Dr. Valenzuela served at the White House as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Inter-American Affairs at the National Security Council and as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Inter-American Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, where his primary responsibility was United States foreign policy towards Mexico.
He holds a Doctorate and a Master's degree in Political Science from Columbia University, and a B.A. summa cum laude in Political Science and Religion from Drew University.
USHLI.org
After an inexplicable and inexcusable delay, the U.S. Senate last week finally confirmed Dr. Arturo Valenzuela to be Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs. In making the announcement, the State Department said "He is a specialist on the origins and consolidation of democracy, the institutional dimensions of democratic governance, Latin American politics, and U.S.-Latin American relations."
During the Clinton administration, Dr. Valenzuela served at the White House as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Inter-American Affairs at the National Security Council and as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Inter-American Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, where his primary responsibility was United States foreign policy towards Mexico.
He holds a Doctorate and a Master's degree in Political Science from Columbia University, and a B.A. summa cum laude in Political Science and Religion from Drew University.
Nebraska Hispanic group seeks new leader
Neb. Hispanic group to begin search for new leader
Associated Press - November 22, 2009
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska Mexican-American Commission is in need of a new leader after its longtime director retired, its interim director resigned and as the state agency approaches what's shaping up to be a busy 2010.
Longtime director Cecilia Huerta resigned in June. Now, Angel Freytez, who began filling in as acting director in May 2008 while Huerta was on medical leave, resigned this week.
The turnover comes less than two months from the legislative session and as activity tied to the 2010 census is under way. All this as the agency continues to evolve to meet the needs of the state's growing Hispanic population.
Commission chairwoman Yolanda Nuncio says the agency will lean on its board of commissioners in the interim.
For more information about the Nebraska Mexican-American Commission: http://www.mex-amer.state.ne.us/
Associated Press - November 22, 2009
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska Mexican-American Commission is in need of a new leader after its longtime director retired, its interim director resigned and as the state agency approaches what's shaping up to be a busy 2010.
Longtime director Cecilia Huerta resigned in June. Now, Angel Freytez, who began filling in as acting director in May 2008 while Huerta was on medical leave, resigned this week.
The turnover comes less than two months from the legislative session and as activity tied to the 2010 census is under way. All this as the agency continues to evolve to meet the needs of the state's growing Hispanic population.
Commission chairwoman Yolanda Nuncio says the agency will lean on its board of commissioners in the interim.
For more information about the Nebraska Mexican-American Commission: http://www.mex-amer.state.ne.us/
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Hispanic students win legal status
Undocumented students mobilize to win legal status
Miami Herald
WASHINGTON -- Immigration, an issue placed on the congressional backburner by attempts to revamp the nation's health care system, is percolating again as Republican lawmakers are pushing a measure that would require U.S. Census forms to include a question about the citizenship status of respondents.
An amendment by Sens. David Vitter, R-La, and Bob Bennett, R-Utah, to freeze Census Bureau funds if it doesn't add the citizenship question to more than 425 million forms before the once-a-decade count begins in April has divided Latino groups, as well as some opponents of comprehensive immigration legislation.
Vitter calls his amendment, which he hopes to attach to a Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill, necessary to try to exclude illegal immigrants from the census count so their numbers won't impact on congressional apportionment or legislative redistricting, which is based on population.
With only her face and neck poking above the dais, a 13-year-old girl Wednesday talked about how the deportation of her bread-winning father to Guatemala tore asunder her family.
“I know our lives wouldn't have been like this had our dad not been deported,'' said Ashley Guerra, of Sweetwater, citing the loss of her parents' home. “They deported him because he didn't have his papers, but I don't think that's a good reason.''
Ashley's first-hand testimony about the effects of immigration policy on her family was delivered Wednesday at Miami-Dade County Hall as local leaders and immigrant advocates gathered to study a proposal that aims to articulate a single county position on federal immigration reform.
Is The Miami Herald guilt-ridden with white man's burden, soft on crime or just muddle headed? These are among the questions raised by some readers about what they see as The Herald's squeamishness in writing about, well, that's the issue. Are they illegal aliens? Undocumented workers? Or as some say in South Texas, just plain wetbacks.
The choice is critical. In the escalating battle over immigration, all sides agree on at least this: words are power. The labels that stick become the prism through which the nation views the issue. This helps determine which side wins. So it is no mistake that a bill offering a path to citizenship for thousands of illegal-immigrant students is titled the "Dream Act" by pro-immigrant forces. Who would deny hopes and the American Dream to youths?
The opponents know verbal tricks of their own. They have managed to turn "amnesty" into a dirty word, given the failure to halt illegal immigration after the last two amnesties. "Illegal alien shamnesty, " says conservative columnist
How can even the most hardened editor not go warm and fuzzy over the Gomez brothers?
The two boys were detained to be deported to their native Colombia when student friends intervened to save them, launching an online campaign, raising money and going to Congress. They won the family's release, at least for the moment. The Gomez boys, 18 and 19, were popular students, and the younger Juan was a star. He had near-perfect grades and has just entered the honor's program at Miami Dade College.
Miami Herald
WASHINGTON -- Immigration, an issue placed on the congressional backburner by attempts to revamp the nation's health care system, is percolating again as Republican lawmakers are pushing a measure that would require U.S. Census forms to include a question about the citizenship status of respondents.
An amendment by Sens. David Vitter, R-La, and Bob Bennett, R-Utah, to freeze Census Bureau funds if it doesn't add the citizenship question to more than 425 million forms before the once-a-decade count begins in April has divided Latino groups, as well as some opponents of comprehensive immigration legislation.
Vitter calls his amendment, which he hopes to attach to a Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill, necessary to try to exclude illegal immigrants from the census count so their numbers won't impact on congressional apportionment or legislative redistricting, which is based on population.
With only her face and neck poking above the dais, a 13-year-old girl Wednesday talked about how the deportation of her bread-winning father to Guatemala tore asunder her family.
“I know our lives wouldn't have been like this had our dad not been deported,'' said Ashley Guerra, of Sweetwater, citing the loss of her parents' home. “They deported him because he didn't have his papers, but I don't think that's a good reason.''
Ashley's first-hand testimony about the effects of immigration policy on her family was delivered Wednesday at Miami-Dade County Hall as local leaders and immigrant advocates gathered to study a proposal that aims to articulate a single county position on federal immigration reform.
Is The Miami Herald guilt-ridden with white man's burden, soft on crime or just muddle headed? These are among the questions raised by some readers about what they see as The Herald's squeamishness in writing about, well, that's the issue. Are they illegal aliens? Undocumented workers? Or as some say in South Texas, just plain wetbacks.
The choice is critical. In the escalating battle over immigration, all sides agree on at least this: words are power. The labels that stick become the prism through which the nation views the issue. This helps determine which side wins. So it is no mistake that a bill offering a path to citizenship for thousands of illegal-immigrant students is titled the "Dream Act" by pro-immigrant forces. Who would deny hopes and the American Dream to youths?
The opponents know verbal tricks of their own. They have managed to turn "amnesty" into a dirty word, given the failure to halt illegal immigration after the last two amnesties. "Illegal alien shamnesty, " says conservative columnist
How can even the most hardened editor not go warm and fuzzy over the Gomez brothers?
The two boys were detained to be deported to their native Colombia when student friends intervened to save them, launching an online campaign, raising money and going to Congress. They won the family's release, at least for the moment. The Gomez boys, 18 and 19, were popular students, and the younger Juan was a star. He had near-perfect grades and has just entered the honor's program at Miami Dade College.
The GOP tries mending fences with Latinos
Republican Party courting Latinos
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 4
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- The Republican Party has to repair fences with Latino voters in America after losing their support in the 2008 presidential election, party officials say.
Much of the Latino vote was driven toward the Democratic party by conservative Republican calls for border fence proposals and cutting healthcare options for illegal immigrants, ABC News reported Saturday.
Conservative attempts to exploit fears of illegal immigration also eroded Latino support for the GOP, Nevada Republican national committeeman Robert List said.
"I think the party needs to rethink their approach to illegal immigration," he said. "However many illegal immigrations there are is almost irrelevant -- they're here."
List said the Republicans have to consider demographic shifts in his state and in the border states of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, which have traditionally elected GOP candidates: "They need to recognize that Latinos are going to be majorities in some cases."
Nevada's Latinos are being given close attention by both parties after the 2008 results. The Republicans have chosen Brian Sandoval, 46, as their front-runner for governor in an effort to attract the young Latino vote, ABC News said.
"I firmly believe that the Latino community has deep commitment to family values and are natural constituents of the GOP," List said. "We need to reclaim that voting bloc. I think we can re energize that effort among Latinos."
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 4
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- The Republican Party has to repair fences with Latino voters in America after losing their support in the 2008 presidential election, party officials say.
Much of the Latino vote was driven toward the Democratic party by conservative Republican calls for border fence proposals and cutting healthcare options for illegal immigrants, ABC News reported Saturday.
Conservative attempts to exploit fears of illegal immigration also eroded Latino support for the GOP, Nevada Republican national committeeman Robert List said.
"I think the party needs to rethink their approach to illegal immigration," he said. "However many illegal immigrations there are is almost irrelevant -- they're here."
List said the Republicans have to consider demographic shifts in his state and in the border states of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, which have traditionally elected GOP candidates: "They need to recognize that Latinos are going to be majorities in some cases."
Nevada's Latinos are being given close attention by both parties after the 2008 results. The Republicans have chosen Brian Sandoval, 46, as their front-runner for governor in an effort to attract the young Latino vote, ABC News said.
"I firmly believe that the Latino community has deep commitment to family values and are natural constituents of the GOP," List said. "We need to reclaim that voting bloc. I think we can re energize that effort among Latinos."
Oregon Latinos seek power in numbers
Oregon Latinos seek power in numbers
By Gosia Wozniacka, The Oregonian, November 05, 2009
Like California 30 years ago, Oregon's growing Latino population is reaching a tipping point: A critical mass of Latino professionals is starting to organize and influence state and local politics.
Inspired by telltale demographics and political under-representation, Latino leaders throughout the state have formed a group to plan a summit and develop a legislative platform relevant to Latinos.
The initiative -- dubbed Latino Agenda for Action -- unites statewide community organizations and leaders to build recognition, set priorities and eventually start a research institute or similar entity to inform the public and legislators about the state's largest ethnic group.
"The demographics are clear. Latinos are part of the fabric of this community, and they're here to stay," said Consuelo Saragoza, senior adviser of public health for Multnomah County and a convener of the group. "But there seemed to be a void. A lot of people felt that we needed a statewide voice."
Latinos made up 11 percent of Oregon's population in 2008, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. More than half are U.S. citizens, and many families have lived in the state for several generations. Their numbers have increased most dramatically over the past three decades and keep growing, mostly because of high fertility rates, data show.
Yet only one Oregon state legislator, Rep. Sal Esquivel, R-Medford, is Latino.
Latino issues are still "off the radar in many places," said Daniel HoSang, a political science professor at the University of Oregon. Latinos need dedicated groups to champion their causes, he said, "to make sure the issues don't get lost in the shuffle," as in the case of immigration reform taking a back seat to health care reform.
"This community hasn't been a part of Oregon's consciousness," HoSang said. "It may not have to do with hostility or a political position, it's just new water."
Latino Agenda for Action, a nonpartisan effort, is out to change that. Latinos have high buying power and own businesses, Saragoza said. But they also suffer from elevated rates of teen pregnancy, high numbers of student dropouts, and limited access to health care, among others.
Latino diversity
Pockets of individuals and groups already advocate for Latinos, but tend to be small and disconnected from one another, she said. There is no larger recognizable entity that encompasses all Oregon Latinos, or that reflects their diversity. Latinos are not just Mexicans -- they also hail from Puerto Rico and countries such as Guatemala and El Salvador.
"It's important to signal to the state, to elected officials and government agencies that Latino leadership is coalescing to respond to issues and to make ourselves visible," said Andrea Cano, one of Latino Agenda's facilitators.
The response from Latino leaders has been extraordinary, Cano said, with groups from every region calling to join. Agenda organizers brought them together for a second "salon" in October. Supported by the Oregon Consensus Program at Portland State University, several committees are planning various aspects of the summit, to be held next fall.
The group is continuing to identify participants in key regions, with the hope of putting together a database of Latino leaders and organizations. Organizers are also partnering with existing groups, such as the Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs.
What makes Latino Agenda for Action different, they say, is that it's a grass-roots approach driven by the community. Its aim is to represent and benefit rural and urban Latinos, newcomers and native-born, and to cut across generational and cultural differences, Cano said. It will include Latino artists, indigenous communities, youth and university students, as well as non-Latino allies.
The statewide summit will be a forum to gather existing research and expertise, identify priorities for the community, and develop public policy and legislation benefiting Latinos.
Research hub envisioned
A future public policy institute or research group, to be based at a local university, would be the authority on Latino issues in the state, said Carlos Crespo, professor and director of the School of Community Health at Portland State University.
"We want to be able to provide a neutral, secure place where people with different points of view can share ideas based on what the data says, and not on philosophical or political points of view," Crespo said.
Having a central place for data and policy provides continuity, which is badly missing in Oregon's debate, he said. A research institute could also help build leadership among Latinos, especially among young people.
The lag between Latino population growth and representation is partly due to Oregon Latinos' disproportionate youth population, said HoSang, the political science professor. One in every six students in Oregon schools is Latino. As they come of age, they will help shape the state's political scene, HoSang said.
Crespo and Saragoza hope the summit will set the stage and help "identify the Latino community as viable," Saragoza said.
"It's sad that such a large group is invisible, and that's why we need action and policy to solve our problems," Crespo said. "We Latinos are here, and we want the same thing everybody wants. We want Oregon to be a better place."
By Gosia Wozniacka, The Oregonian, November 05, 2009
Like California 30 years ago, Oregon's growing Latino population is reaching a tipping point: A critical mass of Latino professionals is starting to organize and influence state and local politics.
Inspired by telltale demographics and political under-representation, Latino leaders throughout the state have formed a group to plan a summit and develop a legislative platform relevant to Latinos.
The initiative -- dubbed Latino Agenda for Action -- unites statewide community organizations and leaders to build recognition, set priorities and eventually start a research institute or similar entity to inform the public and legislators about the state's largest ethnic group.
"The demographics are clear. Latinos are part of the fabric of this community, and they're here to stay," said Consuelo Saragoza, senior adviser of public health for Multnomah County and a convener of the group. "But there seemed to be a void. A lot of people felt that we needed a statewide voice."
Latinos made up 11 percent of Oregon's population in 2008, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. More than half are U.S. citizens, and many families have lived in the state for several generations. Their numbers have increased most dramatically over the past three decades and keep growing, mostly because of high fertility rates, data show.
Yet only one Oregon state legislator, Rep. Sal Esquivel, R-Medford, is Latino.
Latino issues are still "off the radar in many places," said Daniel HoSang, a political science professor at the University of Oregon. Latinos need dedicated groups to champion their causes, he said, "to make sure the issues don't get lost in the shuffle," as in the case of immigration reform taking a back seat to health care reform.
"This community hasn't been a part of Oregon's consciousness," HoSang said. "It may not have to do with hostility or a political position, it's just new water."
Latino Agenda for Action, a nonpartisan effort, is out to change that. Latinos have high buying power and own businesses, Saragoza said. But they also suffer from elevated rates of teen pregnancy, high numbers of student dropouts, and limited access to health care, among others.
Latino diversity
Pockets of individuals and groups already advocate for Latinos, but tend to be small and disconnected from one another, she said. There is no larger recognizable entity that encompasses all Oregon Latinos, or that reflects their diversity. Latinos are not just Mexicans -- they also hail from Puerto Rico and countries such as Guatemala and El Salvador.
"It's important to signal to the state, to elected officials and government agencies that Latino leadership is coalescing to respond to issues and to make ourselves visible," said Andrea Cano, one of Latino Agenda's facilitators.
The response from Latino leaders has been extraordinary, Cano said, with groups from every region calling to join. Agenda organizers brought them together for a second "salon" in October. Supported by the Oregon Consensus Program at Portland State University, several committees are planning various aspects of the summit, to be held next fall.
The group is continuing to identify participants in key regions, with the hope of putting together a database of Latino leaders and organizations. Organizers are also partnering with existing groups, such as the Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs.
What makes Latino Agenda for Action different, they say, is that it's a grass-roots approach driven by the community. Its aim is to represent and benefit rural and urban Latinos, newcomers and native-born, and to cut across generational and cultural differences, Cano said. It will include Latino artists, indigenous communities, youth and university students, as well as non-Latino allies.
The statewide summit will be a forum to gather existing research and expertise, identify priorities for the community, and develop public policy and legislation benefiting Latinos.
Research hub envisioned
A future public policy institute or research group, to be based at a local university, would be the authority on Latino issues in the state, said Carlos Crespo, professor and director of the School of Community Health at Portland State University.
"We want to be able to provide a neutral, secure place where people with different points of view can share ideas based on what the data says, and not on philosophical or political points of view," Crespo said.
Having a central place for data and policy provides continuity, which is badly missing in Oregon's debate, he said. A research institute could also help build leadership among Latinos, especially among young people.
The lag between Latino population growth and representation is partly due to Oregon Latinos' disproportionate youth population, said HoSang, the political science professor. One in every six students in Oregon schools is Latino. As they come of age, they will help shape the state's political scene, HoSang said.
Crespo and Saragoza hope the summit will set the stage and help "identify the Latino community as viable," Saragoza said.
"It's sad that such a large group is invisible, and that's why we need action and policy to solve our problems," Crespo said. "We Latinos are here, and we want the same thing everybody wants. We want Oregon to be a better place."
Hispanic families could benefit from the Military Families Act
AILA WELCOMES SEN. MENENDEZ (D-NJ) INTRODUCTION OF THE MILITARY FAMILIES ACT
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 4
WASHINGTON, DC – The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) welcomed the introduction yesterday by U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Daniel Inouye (D-HI), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Kristin Gillibrand (D-NY), and Russ Feingold (D-WI) of S.2757 The Military Families Act. The Military Families bill would grant lawful permanent residence status to immediate family members of active immigrant members of the military and veterans even when the sponsoring solider has lost his or her life in service.
"This bill will help hundreds of military families whose immigration status has been in limbo and who have been facing untold heartache and lengthy separations as they seek to be reunited,” said LTC Margaret Stock, a member of AILA. “In a time of war, it is fitting that Congress acts to ease the stress on military families. These families are key to our military members' morale and effectiveness on the battlefield and military members' recovery when they return home from the battlefield."
Under the Military Families Act (S. 2757), the Department of Homeland Security would have the authority to adjust the status of an individual to that of lawful permanent resident if the individual is a parent, spouse, child, son or daughter of an Armed Forces member who is serving or has served honorably in an active-duty status in the military, air or naval forces of the United States or the immediate relative of an Armed Forces member who died as a result of injury or disease incurred because of his or her service. The bill would also assist the sons and daughters of Filipino World War II veterans who bravely served our country and whose immigration status has been long deferred due to numerical limitations on immigrant visas.
"The Military Families Act will help ensure that families of those that have served our country with pride and valor don’t face unfair and unexpected deportation and are able to remain in this land they call home by including a path towards U.S. citizenship,” said Bernard Wolsdorf, President of AILA. “The bill is appropriate as our nation celebrates Veterans Day, and more and more immigrants continue to serve in our military – risking their lives for our country. It will protect family members and allow our nation to show our appreciation for their service and sacrifice to our country.
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 4
WASHINGTON, DC – The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) welcomed the introduction yesterday by U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Daniel Inouye (D-HI), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Kristin Gillibrand (D-NY), and Russ Feingold (D-WI) of S.2757 The Military Families Act. The Military Families bill would grant lawful permanent residence status to immediate family members of active immigrant members of the military and veterans even when the sponsoring solider has lost his or her life in service.
"This bill will help hundreds of military families whose immigration status has been in limbo and who have been facing untold heartache and lengthy separations as they seek to be reunited,” said LTC Margaret Stock, a member of AILA. “In a time of war, it is fitting that Congress acts to ease the stress on military families. These families are key to our military members' morale and effectiveness on the battlefield and military members' recovery when they return home from the battlefield."
Under the Military Families Act (S. 2757), the Department of Homeland Security would have the authority to adjust the status of an individual to that of lawful permanent resident if the individual is a parent, spouse, child, son or daughter of an Armed Forces member who is serving or has served honorably in an active-duty status in the military, air or naval forces of the United States or the immediate relative of an Armed Forces member who died as a result of injury or disease incurred because of his or her service. The bill would also assist the sons and daughters of Filipino World War II veterans who bravely served our country and whose immigration status has been long deferred due to numerical limitations on immigrant visas.
"The Military Families Act will help ensure that families of those that have served our country with pride and valor don’t face unfair and unexpected deportation and are able to remain in this land they call home by including a path towards U.S. citizenship,” said Bernard Wolsdorf, President of AILA. “The bill is appropriate as our nation celebrates Veterans Day, and more and more immigrants continue to serve in our military – risking their lives for our country. It will protect family members and allow our nation to show our appreciation for their service and sacrifice to our country.
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