Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Referendum could delay Arizona immigration law to 2012

(posted by Uriel Rivera)

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/04/28/20100428arizona-immigration-law-referendum-could-delay.html

A group calling itself One Arizona filed petitions with the state Wednesday to refer Arizona's new immigration law

to the November ballot.

It's the second referendum drive announced this week.

One Arizona chairman Andrew Chavez, who runs a petition-circulation company, said the groups want voters to overturn Senate Bill 1070.

He declined to identify One Arizona, other than to say it consists of concerned Arizona groups and individuals. The emergence of One Arizona has prompted an earlier referendum effort to narrow its scope.

Gary Peter Klahr, a disbarred attorney who is working with activist Jon Garrido on a separate repeal of the immigrationlaw, said his group will seek a vote on what he called the "objectionable" parts of SB 1070, instead of trying to overturn the entire legislation.

They are still working on the precise ballot language, Klahr said, so the "objectionable" passages are still being debated.

Both efforts require the signatures of 76,682 registered voters within 90 days of the end of the legislative session. With the Legislature working toward an adjournment today, 4/29 that would mean petitions would be due at the end of July.

But the later the petitions come in, the slimmer the chance of qualifying for the November ballot.

That's because the Secretary of State and the county recorders need time to verify the voter signatures, said Matthew Benson, a spokesman for Secretary of State Ken Bennett. Benson said he can't name a hard and fast deadline to qualify for this fall's ballot, but said the earlier the petitions come in, the better the chances.

If organizers fail to make the November ballot, the measure would go before voters in the November 2012 general election

. However, the mere filing of the petitions would put the law on hold until it could get before voters in November 2012.

D.C. council to consider Arizona resolution

Written by: Tim Craig
The D.C. Council plans to take up a resolution as early as next Tuesday calling on the city government to stop doing business with the state of Arizona because of that state’s recently enacted immigration reform law.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/local-breaking-news/dc/dc-council-to-consider-arizona.html


[posted by Ana Perales]

Georgie Anne Geyer: First battle is to regain border control

by: Georgie Anne Geyer
05:04 PM CDT on Monday, April 26, 2010

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/viewpoints/stories/DN-geyer_27edi.State.Edition1.2b66963.html

Can someone answer for me what should be a simple query about the future of the United States?

The question deals with illegal immigration and America's all-but-open border with Mexico. It is informed by the facts that the U.S. has a 10 percent unemployment rate, and that in the last three years more than 22,000 people have died in drug-related violence in Mexico, including Americans, while Mexicans are pouring into the U.S. from drug-ravaged border cities.

The question: Why should there be any disagreement between Democrats and Republicans, or between conservatives and liberals, or between Northerners, Southerners, Texans or Illinoisans, on controlling illegal immigration?

Posted by Michael Felix

TX Politician Proposing Immigration Law Similar to AZ

By Anthony Garcia - Multimedia Journalist
Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 9:00pm

EL PASO, TX - It's controversial, but one high profile El Pasoan isn't shy about showing his support for Arizona's new immigration law. Jaime O. Perez, Republican candidate for County Judge, is pushing for a similar bill in Texas.

The Arizona law requires officers to ID anyone they think may be in the country illegally, in border areas that may mean hispanic-looking people. That's why protestors hit the streets this weekend. Civil Rights groups say it will open the door for racial profiling by police, but Perez says that's a concern that's being blown out proportion.


(Posted by Alejandra Franco)


http://www.ktsm.com/news/tx-politician-proposing-immigration-law-similar-to-az

Arizona's Immigration Law Stirs Debate in the Valley

Opposition is mounting across the country to Arizona's new immigration law. The bill signed into law last Friday gives police the authority to question whether people are in the country legally. Protesters in Arizona used refried beans to vandalize the state capitol. Some of the beans were shaped like swastikas on some house and senate windows. News of immigration reform in Arizona has some Valley residents living in fear ... and others ready to take to the streets to protest.

full article and video here

[Posted by Kimberly Vasquez]

Texas Lt. Gov. Talks Immigration in El Paso

El Paso - Texas' Lieutenant Governor says Arizona enacted an immigration law because no one else did.

David Dewhurst commented on Arizona's new law while visiting El Paso today.

He says he understands both sides of the debate but believes it is high time the federal government act on the issue...

"I think all of us feel frustrated with the federal government. It's not a Republican or Democrat thing. Democrats sat on their hands on securing the border.

(Posted by Alejandra Franco)


http://www.ktsm.com/news/texas-lt-gov-talks-immigration-in-el-paso

Large Immigrant Populations Keep Cities Safe, Just Ask El Paso, TX

El Paso, Texas, is a relatively poor, Hispanic, gun-friendly city and home to many undocumented immigrants. Yet although El Paso is adjacent to a violence-riddled Mexican city, it’s actually counted among the safest big cities in the U.S. Why is El Paso so safe? A recent article in Reason Online dispels some of the myths associated with immigrants and crime.

Many Americans believe that immigrants—especially illegal immigrants—are associated with high levels of crime. However, according to criminologist Jack Levin, El Paso is safe because of its immigrant population.

(Posted by Alejandra Franco)

http://immigrationimpact.com/2009/07/10/large-immigrant-populations-keep-cities-safe-just-ask-el-paso-tx/

Arizona law sparks debate in El Paso

EL PASO -- The Mexican consul's office in El Paso issued a statement criticizing the new Arizona measure that requires local police to enforce immigration laws.

The consul's statement reflects the Mexican federal government's position on the controversial law.

"Although the Mexican government recognizes the sovereign rights of all countries to decide policies that apply in their own territories, nevertheless, we cannot remain indifferent over a law like (Arizona) Senate Bill 1070, which has the potential to affect the human rights of thousands of Mexican people," the statement said.


(Posted by Alejandra Franco)


http://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_14959084?IADID=Search-www.elpasotimes.com-www.elpasotimes.com

Immigrant rights backers to march Saturday: New Arizona law expected to increase size of annual Watsonville protest

WATSONVILLE - An annual protest for immigrant rights takes on special significance this year with the recent passage of a new Arizona law cracking down on undocumented immigrants.

The protest, 4-8 p.m. Saturday at the City Plaza, will include a rally, march, entertainment, children's activities and free consultations withimmigration lawyers.

Organizer Ramiro Medrano said he expects bigger crowds than in the past couple of years due to the new Arizona law.

"People start rallying when they are really angry about something," Medrano said. "In the long run, the Arizona law is going to help the movement. People have been stagnant or just passive. We need that spark."

Full Article

Posted by Jeanette Pantoja

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Arizona se calienta/ Arizona heats up

PHOENIX, Arizona.— El repudio a lo que se considera la propuesta de ley migratoria más estricta del país movilizó a cientos de estudiantes y activistas de diversos estados hasta las puertas del capitolio de Arizona para exigir el veto a lo que califican como la mayor violación a los derechos humanos.

El vacío de muchas vías en Phoenix por el miedo que dejaron las recientes redadas contrastó con el lleno de la calle Séptima, ubicada frente al capitolio, donde desde las 10:30 de la mañana una masa de jóvenes sorprendió las oficinas de la gubernatura con carteles y gritos de "sí se puede".

Ese primer movimiento se fue acrecentando hasta sumar casi mil activistas quienes a las 2 de la tarde ya habían tomado por completo los jardines del edifcio.


(translated)

PHOENIX, Arizona .- The repudiation of what is considered the proposal for stricter immigration law of the country mobilized hundreds of students and activists from various states to the gates of Arizona Capitol to demand a veto on what they describe as the greatest violation human rights.

The emptiness of many roads in Phoenix for fear left by the recent raids contrasted with the full Seventh Street, located opposite the Capitol, where from 10:30 am surprised a mass of young governor's offices with signs and shouts of "yes we can."
That first movement was increasing up to add almost a thousand activists who at 2 pm and had completely taken the building's gardens.


[svissoni]

Gobernadora de Arizona no le teme al boicot/ Governor of Arizona does not fear a Boycott

Phoenix, 26 Abr (Notimex).- La gobernadora de Arizona, la republicana Jan Brewer, desdeñó hoy las amenazas de un boicot económico contra esta entidad tras la promulgación el pasado viernes de la ley que criminaliza la inmigración indocumentada.

“No creo que va a tener el tipo de impacto económico que alguna gente cree que pueda”, dijo Brewer, al responder una pregunta de la audiencia tras un discurso este lunes en un hotel de Tucson, al sur de Arizona.

El representante federal demócrata Raúl Grijalva, y otras organizaciones y funcionarios han llamado a decretar un boicot contra la entidad.

(translated )

Phoenix, 26 Abr (Notimex).- The governor of Arizona, the republican Jan Brewer, disdained today the threats of an economic boycott against this company after the passage this past Friday of the law that criminalizes undocumented immigration.

"I do not believe that is going to have the type of economic impact that some people believe it could have", said Brewer, upon responding a question of the audience after a speech this Monday in a hotel of Tucson, south of Arizona. The democratic federal representative Raúl Grijalva, and other organizations and officials have called to decree a boycott against the company.

http://www.impre.com/laopinion/inmigracion/2010/4/27/gobernadora-de-arizona-no-le-t-185430-1.html


[s. vissoni]

El Salvador teme “persecución” de inmigrantes en Arizona/ El Salvador fears "pursection" of immigrants in Arizona

San Salvador, 23 de Abril (EFE).- El Gobierno de El Salvador teme que se desate una “persecución” contra los inmigrantes por una ley promulgada hoy en el estado de Arizona que convierte en delito la inmigración sin el correspondiente permiso.

“Nos preocupa este tipo de legislación que viene a desatar una persecución contra personas, la mayoría de las cuales están trabajando, contribuyendo a la economía, pagando sus impuestos en los Estados Unidos”, dijo el canciller salvadoreño, Hugo Martínez.


San Salvador, 23 of April (EFE).- The Government of El Salvador fears "prosecution" of immigrants by a law promulgated today in the state of Arizona that makes immigration without the corresponding permission a crime.

"This type of legislation worries us that leads to the persecution of people, the majority of which are working, contributing to the economy, paying his taxes in the United States", the Salvadorian chancellor said, Hugo Martínez.


[vissoni]

New Program Tracks Down Undocumented Criminals

On April 6th Monterey County launched a new plan aimed at tracking down undocumented immigrants who have committed violent crimes, the Secure Communities Immigration Program. Prior to the program's implementation, ICE officers frequented the Monterey County Jail once a month to check inmate records and immigration statuses. Under the new program the fingerprints of every booked inmate are sent directly to the Department of Homeland Security so as to check citizenship status and flag "persons of interest" and ultimately deport them.

ICE spokesperson Virginia Kice touted the efficiency of the program saying that it will allow them to expand their reach without adding personnel. And because every single inmate is screened, advocates say that the program is free of racial profiling and keeps the community safe by identifying persons with prior convictions. Monterey County is the 15th county in the state to implement this program.

News anchor Dan Brown ended the report by commenting upon the program's proximity to the upcoming June primary for county sheriff. The incumbent and both challengers are united in their support of the program.


Posted by Jeanette Pantoja

La Lucha Sigue

HAYWARD.— Inmigrantes del Área de la Bahía continúan con sus esfuerzos por llamar la atención del gobierno y sus líderes políticos para que apoyen una reforma migratoria que beneficie a los más de 12 millones de indocumentados que viven en los Estados Unidos.

El pasado 10 de abril se llevaron a cabo dos manifestaciones, en San José y Hayward, a las que asistieron decenas de personas, a pesar de la lluvia que cayó en varias ciudades de la Bahía.

click here for full article.

[posted by sosa]

Great Videos of Brown Berets de Utha speaking on Immigration Reform

Brown Beret Melodía Gutiérrez and Brown Beret Daniel Argueta Speak out against newly passed immigration bill and demand Amnesty for undocumented Latinos in front of the Salt Lake City county building. Each video is about 5 min, and their speeches are presented both in English and Spanish.

http://www.aztlan.net/brown_berets_on_immigration_reform.htm

Arizona immigration law: McCain says state had to crack down

(Posted by Uriel Rivera)

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/04/27/20100427arizona-immigration-law-mccain.html


WASHINGTON - Sen. John McCain says Arizona had to pass a tough immigration law because the Obama administration has failed to "secure our borders."

The Arizona Republican called the situation in his state "the worst I've ever seen," saying ineffective border enforcement has resulted in drugs pouring into the southwestern United States from Mexico.

McCain told CBS's "The Early Show" that over a million pounds of marijuana were intercepted on the border at Tucson just in the last year. He said he's talked to law enforcement officials and believes the new law can be implemented "without racial profiling."

Under the law set to take effect in late July or August, it would be a crime to be in the United States illegally.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Arizona immigration law: Vandals leave Swastikas, beans at Capitol

(Posted by Uriel Rivera)
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/04/26/20100426arizona-capitol-vandalized.html

The conflict over a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration in Arizona intensified Monday as vandals smeared refried beans in the shape of swastikas on the state Capitol's windows.

More protests were planned Monday after thousands gathered this weekend to demonstrate against a bill that will make it a state crime to be an illegal immigrant in Arizona.

Opponents say the law will lead to rampant racial profiling and turn Arizona into a police state with provisions that require police to question people about their immigrant status if they suspect they are here illegally. Day laborers can be arrested for soliciting work if they are in the U.S. illegally, and police departments can be sued if they don't carry out the law.

But supporters of the law, set to take effect in late July or August, say it is necessary to protect Arizonans from a litany of crimes committed by illegal immigrants. Arizona is home to an estimated 460,000 illegal immigrants.

Gov. Jan Brewer, who signed the bill on Friday, argues Arizona must act because the federal government has failed to stop the steady stream of illegal immigrants and drugs that move through Arizona from Mexico. She is scheduled to speak about the issue Monday at a Tucson hotel.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Immigration-reform rally: Marchers call for president to present plan before April 30

EL PASO -- More than 1,000 people, many of them undocumented immigrants, joined together Saturday to urge President Barack Obama to get behind them so they can become U.S. citizens.

"We are calling the president to present a specific immigration reform proposal in Congress before April 30th that will bring a solution," said Fernando Garcia, a coordinator of the rally.

(Posted by Alejandra Franco)



http://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_14861725?IADID=Search-www.elpasotimes.com-www.elpasotimes.com

Immigration reform march/rally in El Paso echos national concerns

Over 1000 people marched through the streets of El Paso in support of immigration reform yesterday. The event surged into the heart of the city at San Jacinto Plaza downtown from its origination point on the campus of the University of Texas at El Paso.

Community members from El Paso and Southern New Mexico, elected officials and area organizations filled the streets of a city which is not well known for its activism. Hundreds of people urged insistently that not another year pass without repairing a system that is generally acknowledged to be "broken."


(Posted by Alejandra Franco)








http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/5586932-marchrally-for-immigration-reform-in-el-paso-reflects-national-concerns

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Cunde el miedo en Arizona

Bajo un clima de miedo e incertidumbre, miles de inmigrantes en Arizona aguardan la decisión que tomará la gobernadora republicana, Jan Brewer, de promulgar o vetar el proyecto de ley SB 1070 aprobado por la Asamblea que, entre otras recomendaciones, criminaliza la estadía indocumentada en el Estado. También dispone severas sanciones a personas que apoyen, transporten o tiendan una mano a extranjeros sin papeles y otorga poderes especiales a las policías locales para detener bajo simple sospecha que el individuo se trata de un inmigrante ilegal.

Una vez arrestado, deberá ser despachado inmediatamente a la Oficina de Aduanas y Control Fronterizo (ICE) para ser deportado.

Efecto "catastrófico"

El jueves que los jefes de Policía de diferentes ciudades de Estados Unidos aseguraron que si la propuesta SB 1070 se convierte en ley, su efecto sería "catastrófico" tanto para las comunidades como para las fuerzas del orden, a las que obligaría cumplir funciones migratorias.
La estadía indocumentada es tipificada por la ley como una falta de carácter civil no criminal, pero el proyecto, patrocinado por la mayoría republicana de la Asamblea de Arizona, la convierte en un delito criminal grave que se castiga con penas de cárcel y expulsión.

"Esta iniciativa de ley nos demuestra la urgencia que existe de que el Gobierno federal ofrezca una solución justa al problema migratorio", dijo George Gascon, jefe del Departamento de Policía de San Francisco, California, un ex jefe de policía del departamento policíaco de Mesa, en Arizona, durante una conferencia telefónica.
Razones de peso

Gascon afirmó que hay varios puntos en esta iniciativa de ley que le preocupan, entre ellos, el posible incremento de detenciones basadas en el perfil racial.

Al respecto, Kat Rodríguez, directora de la Coalición de Derechos Humanos en Tucson, Arizona, reiteró a Univision.com que la comunidad inmigrante del estado fronterizo con México "tiene miedo y no sabe qué criterios utilizará la policía para cumplir con las exigencias de esta ley, en caso de que la gobernadora Brewer no la vete o no la firme. Si no la firma, de todas formas se convertirá en ley a partir del sábado y entrará en vigor en un plazo de 90 días", dijo.
La activista agregó que las preocupaciones entre los inmigrantes "son enormes" y añadió que la propuesta SB 1070 "también convertirá en criminales a miles de inmigrantes que olviden su billetera y la tarjeta de residencia en su interior, a cónyuges de inmigrantes que aguardan una reforma migratoria para legalizar sus permanencias y a ciudadanos que asistan ante una emergencia a un indocumentado. Se trata de una ley injusta, pero tememos que (Brewer) no la detenga".

http://www.univision.com/content/content.jhtml;jsessionid=Q0IJPP35EP2M0CWIAAOCFEYKZAAE0IWC?cid=2372231

Posted by Ericka

Arizona pidió más tropas

PHOENIX - La gobernadora de Arizona, Jan Brewer (republicana), pidió el jueves nuevamente el envío de más efectivos militares a lo largo de la frontera estatal con México, dos días antes de la fecha límite para que ratifique o revoque el proyecto SB 1070 aprobado por la Asamblea, considerada la legislación más dura del país contra la inmigración indocumentada.

Clima de nervios

Brewer ordenó una reubicación de los efectivos de la Guardia Nacional estatal y de agentes. Pidió además al gobierno federal que despliegue soldados de la Guardia Nacional mientras cientos de manifestantes hispanos protestaban contra la legislación SB 1070 y exigían el veto en el complejo del Capitolio estatal.
"La responsabilidad de asegurar que tengamos una frontera segura, ordenada, no sólo simplemente alguna línea imaginaria o una cerca endeble, es del gobierno federal, y ha fracasado", enfatizó Brewer, agregando que ha pedido en cinco ocasiones al presidente Barack Obama que emplace a más fuerzas.

Tras el fracaso del debate migratorio en junio de 2006, los gobiernos estatales y municipales acusaron al Congreso federal se no hacer nada para detener la inmigración indocumentada y decidieron hacerlo por su cuenta.
Un reporte de la asociación nacional de municipalidades indica que entre 200y y 2009 más de 1,400 proyectos asomaron y de ellos más de 100 fueron aprobados, pero un número importante de normativas que restringen la inmigración indocumentada fueron anuladas por jueces federales quieres dictaminaron que las medidas violaban la Constitución estadounidense y advirtieron que el manejo del problema de la inmigración es una responsabilidad federal.
Uno de los casos más sonados fue la ley antiinmigrante de Hazleton, Pensilvania, que entre otras restricciones prohibía a los propietarios alquilar casas y oficinas a extranjeros sin papeles, y ordenaba a los empleados públicos denunciar al servicio de inmigración a indocumentados que solicitaran asistencias o emergencias.

http://www.univision.com/content/content.jhtml?chid=3&cid=2373069&schid=278&secid=12135

posted by Ericka

Inmigrantes aumentan la presión

Confiados en que su lucha dará frutos este año en Washington DC, miles de trabajadores, religiosos, activistas e inmigrantes ultiman detalles a lo largo y ancho del país para salir a las calles este 1 de mayo y aumentar la presión al Congreso y a la Casa Blanca para que aceleren el paso y aprueben una reforma migratoria justa que incluya una vía de legalización para millones de indocumentados.

Y agregaron que enviarán el mensaje de que no permitirán el efecto dominó de una ley aprobada por la Asamblea de Arizona, que de ser promulgada por la gobernadora Jan Brewer, críminalizará la estadía indocumentada y pondrá a miles de sin papeles al borde de la deportación.

Una sola voz

"Estamos ultimando los preparativos de la convocatoria del 1 de mayo", dijo a Univision.com Julio Marroquín, vocero de la Unión Internacional de Trabajadores de Norteamérica (LIUNA), en Los Angeles, California. "Por primera vez el movimiento laboral organizado irá unido a la marcha con una sola consigna: reforma migratoria en 2010".
El dirigente lamentó que en años anteriores el movimiento actuara fraccionado, "pero esta vez saldremos todos juntos, desde un mismo sitio y con un solo objetivo. Es una gran diferencia respecto a convocatorias anteriores".

El 1 de mayo en todo el mundo se celebra el Día Internacional del Trabajo, menos en Estados Unidos que se celebra el primer lunes de septiembre. "Los trabajadores de Estados Unidos estamos respaldando la reforma migratoria. Esta será nuestra celebración y nuestra exigencia este año", afirmó.
La ley de Arizona

El sindicalista añadió que otra de las preocupaciones del movimiento es la aprobación por parte de la Asamblea de Arizona de una ley que criminaliza la estadía indocumentada y vuelve delito criminal grave el ayudar, transportar o asistir a un indocumentado, una falta que por ahora la ley tipifica de falta de carácter civil.
La situación en Arizona es una alerta para California. Lo vemos relacionado con todo el clima antiinmigrante que se esta dando en el país. Arizona es el mensaje más fuerte que nos están enviando las fuerzas antiinmigrantes y nosotros, a su vez, les estamos respondiendo que es un desastre para el país que vayamos en esa dirección", explicó.

"Y queremos mandar un mensaje a la fuerza antiinmigrante en California, que no vamos a permitir que avancen con este tipo de agenda. Los trabajadores exigimos una reforma migratoria y luchamos por la legalización de millones de indocumentados que viven en Estados Unidos", dijo.

http://www.univision.com/content/content.jhtml?cid=2369404

posted by Ericka

Obama fustigó ley de Arizona

El presidente Barack Obama criticó el viernes el proyecto de ley SB 1070 que aprobó la Asamblea de Arizona, lo calificó de "medida equivocada" y anunció que su gobierno lo está estudiando para determinar si viola los derechos civiles.

La ley, que se encuentra en el escritorio de la gobernadora Jan Brewer para ser promulgada o vetada, convierte en delito la estadía sin papeles (una falta de carácter civil), sanciona con cárcel el traslado de un indocumentado u ofrecerle ayuda y conceder derechos extraordinarios a la policía local para arrestar personas por la simple sospecha que se trate de indocumentados, entre otras obligaciones.

Mayor responsabilidad

Obama dijo además, durante una ceremonia de juramentación de nuevos ciudadanos en la Casa Blanca, que el gobierno federal debe actuar de manera responsable en materia de reformas a la ley de inmigración, caso contrario "abre la puerta a la irresponsabilidad ajena".
Esto incluye, por ejemplo, gestiones recientes en Arizona que amenazan con socavar los conceptos fundamentales de equidad tan caros para los estadounidenses, así como la confianza entre la policía y las comunidades que es crucial para brindarnos seguridad", dijo.

La ley SB 1070 debe ser sancionada por Brewer a más tardar el sábado. De o hacerlo, la polémica medida entrará en vigor en un plazo de 90 días.
De activarse, la ley obligaría a la policía a interrogar a las personas sobre su estatus inmigratorio si existieran sospechas de que se encuentran en el país ilegalmente.

Los defensores de los derechos humanos y civiles tildan la norma de antiinmigrante y aseguran que conduciría a la individuación racial y desalentaría la confianza de la comunidad latina en la policía y minimizaría la denuncia de delitos y crímenes.
Orden inmediata

El Presidente dijo además que dio instrucciones al Departamento de Justicia (DOJ) para que determine si el proyecto de ley SB 1070 viola los derechos civiles.

Obama hizo estas declaraciones durante la ceremonia de naturalización de 24 soldados en servicio activo, a la que también asistieron la Secretaria de Seguridad Nacional, Janet Napolitano, y el director de la Oficina de Ciudadanía y Servicios de Inmigración (USCIS), Alejandro Mayorkas.El mandatario dijo de los nuevos ciudadanos -entre ellos ocho latinoamericanos- que ellos representan el verdadero patriotismo por servir a un país al que entonces no podían llamar suyo.

Precisó que seguirá colaborando con el Congreso para elaborar una reforma global de la ley inmigratoria. "Si seguimos sin tomar medidas en el nivel federal, veremos otras gestiones mal encaminadas en el país", dijo. "Como nación, como pueblo, podemos elegir un futuro diferente", añadió.

Un grupo bipartidista integrado por los Senadores Charles Schumer (demócrata de Nueva York) y Lindsey Graham (republicano de Carolina del Sur) le entregó a Obama un borrador de reforma a mediados de marzo. El presidente dijo que respaldaba plenamente esa iniciativa.

http://www.univision.com/content/content.jhtml?cid=2373620

posted Ericka

Condenan ley SB 1070

La comunidad inmigrante de Estados Unidos reiteró su indignación el sábado por la promulgación de la Ley SB 1070 en Arizona, que tipificó, entre otras regulaciones, como delito criminal la permanencia sin papeles en el Estado y concedió poderes extraordinarios a la policía local para que sus agentes arresten a personas si tienen "duda razonable" que se trata de indocumentados.

"Esta legislación no sólo afecta a los inmigrantes", dijo Frank Sharry, director ejecutivo de America's Voice, en Washington DC. "Esta medida supone que se inicie una temporada de 'cacería' que afecta a todos los latinos de Estados Unidos".

Clamor nacional

La polémica ley fue sancionada el martes por la Asamblea de Arizona -controlada por republicanos - y a partir de entonces desató una fuerte polémica nacional y el pedido generalizado de veto por parte de organizaciones nacionales que defienden los derechos de los inmigrantes, organizaciones de derechos civiles, religiosos de diversas denominaciones, abogados, partidos políticos, el presidente Barack Obama, congresistas y otros representantes de la sociedad civil.

La gobernadora Jan Brewer (también republicana) desoyó los pedidos y procedió, el viernes, a promulgar la Ley SB 1070 bajo el argumento de que se trata de "un arma más para atajar un problema que el Gobierno federal se ha negado resolver", en referencia a la inmigración indocumentada.

Horas antes, en la Casa Blanca, Obama se anticipó a las declaraciones de Brewer y presentó una lista de acciones que el gobierno ha dado desde que asumió el 20 de enero de 2009 para garantizar la seguridad nacional y ejecutar la ley de inmigración, y urgió nuevamente al Congreso a aprobar cuanto antes una reforma migratoria.
El mandatario también recalcó que la medida de Arizona era "equivocada", subrayó que el tema migratorio es un asunto federal que la Constitución ordena que sea manejado por el gobierno federal y dijo que había ordenado al Departamento de Justicia que investigara si la Ley SB 1070 viola los derechos civiles.



http://www.univision.com/content/content.jhtml?chid=3&cid=2374547&schid=278&secid=12135

posted By Ericka

Gobernadora de Arizona firmó ley

No tener papeles de estadía legal en el país, no llevar en la billetera la green card o transportar en su automóvil a un indocumentado, aunque sea un familiar, se convirtió en un delito este viernes en el estado de Arizona. La gobernadora Jan Brewer promulgó la polémica ley SB 1070 que cinco días antes aprobó la Asamblea de mayoría republicana que entrará en vigor en un plazo de 90 días.

Horas antes, el Presidente Barack Obama había dicho en Washington DC que la ley era "una medida equivocada" y pidió al Congreso acelerar el debate de la reforma migratoria que, para ser aprobada, necesita apoyo bipartidista.

La nueva ley de Arizona afecta directamente a unos 400 mil inmigrantes sin papeles.

http://www.univision.com/content/content.jhtml?chid=3&cid=2374002&schid=278&secid=12135


Posted by Ericka

Arizona immigration law revives calls for federal action on reform

(Posted Uriel Rivera)

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2010/04/24/20100424arizona-immigration-bill-federal-action.htm
l
WASHINGTON - Arizona's new law cracking down on illegal immigrants has thrust the dormant issue of immigration reform back into the national spotlight.

Immigrant-rights advocates are showing a renewed urgency to push Congress and President Barack Obama to adopt a federal law combining tough enforcement with a path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the country.

Obama said Friday that he agrees that the federal government must act to avoid "irresponsibility by others." He called Arizona's law "misguided" and instructed the Justice Department to examine whether the bill is a violation of civil rights.

"The recent efforts in Arizona ... threaten to undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans, as well as the trust between police and their communities that is so crucial to keeping us safe," Obama said at a ceremony in which immigrants on active duty for the U.S. military were sworn in as U.S. citizens.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Ariz. governor signs immigration enforcement bill

(Posted by Uriel Rivera)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/23/AR2010042301250.html?wpisrc=nl_natlalert


PHOENIX -- Gov. Jan Brewer ignored criticism from President Barack Obama on Friday and signed into law a bill supporters said would take handcuffs off police in dealing with illegal immigration in Arizona, the nation's gateway for human and drug smugglers.

With hundreds of people surrounding the state Capitol, protesting that the bill would lead to civil rights abuses, Brewer said she wouldn't tolerate racial profiling. She said critics were "overreacting."

"We in Arizona have been more than patient waiting for Washington to act," Brewer said after signing the law. "But decades of inaction and misguided policy have created a dangerous and unacceptable situation."

Obama said earlier Friday that he's instructed the Justice Department to examine the Arizona bill to see if it's legal, and said the federal government must enact immigration reform at the national level - or leave the door open to "irresponsibility by others."

Arizona governor signs immigration law; foes promise fight

(Posted by Uriel Rivera)
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/04/23/20100423arizona-immigration-law-passed.html

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer today signed into law an immigration bill that gives the state toughest law in the nation, making it a state crime to be in the country illegally and requiring local police to enforce federal immigration laws.

Brewer said she signed the bill in response to "the crisis the federal government has refused to fix.''

Hispanic leaders addressing the hundreds of protesters at the Capitol immediately vowed to wage a legal fight, and Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon said he wants the city to sue.

The new immigration law will require anyone whom police suspect of being in the country illegally to produce "an alien registration document," such as a green card

, or other proof of citizenship such as a passport or Arizona driver's license.

It also makes it illegal to impede the flow of traffic by picking up day laborers for work. A day laborer who gets picked up for work, thus impeding traffic, would also be committing a criminal act.

Gordon criticized Brewer's action.

"The governor clearly knows that her actions not only have split the state, but will now cause severe economic hardship to all our businesses at a time when we can't afford any losses. The executive order isn't worth the paper it's written on."

Gordon said the executive order to AZ POST would be unenforceable; called it "an attempt to solve this problem with smoke and mirrors."

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Students protesting against SB 1070 are released.

(posted by Uriel Rivera)

Shortly after one this morning, the nine students arrested for chaining themselves to the doors on the old State Capitol building were released. When they got out, there were nearly 100 people waiting for them. During their time inside the group chanted, beat drums, and called for their release from the 4th Avenue Jail in Downtown Phoenix.

The college students were protesting Senate Bill 1070, an immigration bill that would make being illegal in Arizona a crime, among other things. The students vowed to refuse to leave the old State Capitol building until Governor Jan Brewer vetoed the bill, so police cut the student's chains and arrested them on charges of disorderly conduct.

http://www.azcentral.com/12news/news/articles/2010/04/20/20100420jail-protest-immigration-bill-CR.html

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Sanchez: Arizona immigration bill means profiling

Rep. Loretta Sanchez said on MSNBC Wednesday that law the Arizona legislature has passed that would give police the power to stop people on the street and ask them to prove they are in the United States legally “does have the probability for racial profiling.’’

Immigration advocates and congressional lawmakers –particularly Hispanic members – have been up in arms over this bill that now sits on Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer’s desk. It’s believed to be the toughest immigration enforcement measure ever passed by a state legislature.

Arizona’s Republican governor – who replaced Janet Napolitano, now homeland security secretary -has not publicly stated her position on the bill. She has until Saturday to make up her mind.

“Certainly we as Americans have always been against an ID card’’ said Sanchez, D-Santa Ana. “All of a sudden you have a class of people who have to carry paperwork around.’’

Sanchez, a Latina born in Orange County, said she doesn’t carry her birth certificate around. Given her ethnicity she could well be stopped under a law like this.

“Does that mean they’ll deport me?” she asked.

Hispanic lawmakers have called on Brewer to veto the bill. And one Arizona Democrat – Rep. Ron Grijalva– wants an economic boycott of his state. He suggested Tuesday that groups refrain from holding conventions in Arizona and other such events if this bill becomes law.

Supporters of the measure say the state had to step in because the federal government is not living up to its responsibilities to enforce the nation’s immigration laws.

The bill also makes day laborers illegal in Arizona.

[Posted by Brenda Diaz]

http://totalbuzz.freedomblogging.com/2010/04/21/sanchez-arizona-immigration-bill-means-profiling/34061/

Card game takes on illegal immigration

Never mind the plethora of textbooks, studies and scholarly articles exploring the cost-benefits dynamic of people who live in the country illegally.

Now there's a new game designed to break this complex issue into digestible fare for millions of Americans who feel lukewarm about the issue.

Peter Gadiel, who became an anti-illegal immigration activist after his son died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, says he created Illegal Immigration – a "Game" as a way to expand the debate and create a new legion of anti-illegal immigration activists.

"We want to reach people. I want people to understand what's going on and what's happening in their country," Gadiel said from his Connecticut home. "I want to get them interested and know enough and go out there and oppose amnesty."

The trivia question-and-answer game launched April 5 and sells for $39.95 on the Internet. Gadiel said he's not sure how many have sold so far but figures it's not many because he has yet to get the word out to mainstream groups, he said.

Still, chatter and e-mails about the game are already circulating among local anti-illegal immigration circles, including e-mail blasts sent by the Huntington Beach-based California Coalition for Immigration Reform.

The game has also been criticized by some local immigration scholars and immigrant rights advocates who questioned what are described as facts in the game.

[Posted by Brenda Diaz]

http://www.ocregister.com/news/immigration-245106-game-illegal.html


Melting ICE

By Osvaldo Castillo
El Observador

President Obama was supposed to make life easier for immigrants. But according to several community leaders, that is just not the case. Some even say that immigrants are worst off under the Obama Administration than the Bush Administration.
On Friday, April 9, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) janitors joined hundreds of workers and activists statewide and nationwide outside of the Homeland Security office in San Jose to protest recent outrageous immigration enforcement actions and to call on the agency to get its house in order.
Link
For full article, click here.

[posted by sosa]

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Arizona immigration bill under fire in Washington

(Posted By Uriel Rivera)
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/04/20/20100420arizona-immigration-bill-criticized-politico.html

Hispanic lawmakers want President Barack Obama to intervene if Arizona's governor doesn't veto a sweeping anti-immigrant bill that would allow local police to arrest anyone they suspect might be an illegal immigrant.

"The governor of Arizona should veto the bill and if she doesn't the president of the United States Barack Obama should assert the federal government's preeminent role in regulating and enforcing our nation's immigration law," Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), said Tuesday.

The White House declined to comment.

Under the proposed Arizona law, which passed the state Senate Monday, police can arrest anyone on "reasonable suspicion" that they are an undocumented immigrant. If they're not carrying a valid driver's license or identity papers, police could make an arrest.

"The lunacy of rounding up people because they look a certain way or are suspected of being in violation of immigration statutes can only lead to one thing violations of people's basic, fundamental civil rights. Profiling," Gutierrez said.

But while Gutierrez criticized Republicans, he's also firing a warning shot at the White House, which has been slow to embrace comprehensive immigration reform.

"In the end it all comes back to the president of the United States and whether he will put his back into comprehensive immigration reform," Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez warned of electoral payback if Democrats ignore the issue.

"The Republicans are so mean spirited and so anti-immigrant that they simply push immigrants and Latinos into the waiting arms of Democrats," Gutierrez said. "There is a third option for those voters. They don't necessarily have to fill the ranks of the Democratic Party. They can simply stay home."