The U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform
Created by the Immigration Act of 1990; Dissolved in December 31, 1997

The bipartisan U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform was authorized by Section 141 of the Immigration Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-649), and expired December 31, 1997. The Commission’s mandate was to review and evaluate the implementation and impact of U.S. immigration policy and to submit its findings and recommendations to Congress.

In particular, the Commission examined the implementation and impact of provisions of the Immigration Act of 1990 related to family reunification, employment-based immigration, and the program to ensure diversity for the sources of U.S. immigration. Specifically, the Commission examined:

the effectiveness of efforts to curb illegal immigration;
the impact of immigration on labor needs, employment, and other economic and domestic conditions in the United States;
the social, demographic, and natural resources impact of immigration;
the impact of immigration on the foreign policy and national security interests of the United States; and
various numerical limitations in the selection and adjustment of status of immigrants, asylees, and non-immigrants.

The rest HERE from NumbersUSA.com

“To make sense about the national interest in immigration, it is necessary to make distinctions between those who obey the law, and those who violate it. Therefore, we disagree, also, with those who label our efforts to control illegal immigration as somehow inherently anti-immigrant. Unlawful immigration is unacceptable. “”

Barbara Jordan 1995 (HERE)

More on Jordan HERE

A Dustin Inman Society supporter writes a Letter to the Editor, Cherokee Ledger News
December 10, 2008

Immigrant ordinance is needed

Dear Editor,

In 1995, the Bill Clinton-appointed chairwoman of the Commission on Immigration Reform was the late Barbara Jordan, D-Texas, the first African-American woman elected to Congress from the South. She testified to Congress on immigration reform nine years after the “one-time amnesty” that was to solve our illegal immigration crisis forever.

A presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, Jordan was clear on what it would take to gain credibility on immigration policy: “Those who should get in, get in; those who should be kept out, are kept out; and those who should not be here will be required to leave ….”

On the criminal employers who lure illegals into our republic, Jordan recommended mandatory verification of legal employment eligibility. “Employer sanctions can work,” she said.

The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the American Civil Liberties Union, and similar organizations submit that the only solutions to illegal immigration are amnesty and work toward open borders. Amnesty rewards illegal behavior and encourages increased illegal immigration. In 1986, “one-time amnesty” was provided to nearly three million illegal aliens. As of 2008, there are more than 20 million illegal aliens in our nation.

Open borders and allowing the free flow of illegal labor subverts US laws and devalues the sacrifice of over one million immigrants that become legal citizens each year.

As an African-American, I am encouraged by our nation’s diversity and the opportunities available, but, like most Americans, I demand that American jobs and American benefits go only to lawful residents.

In passing, and then enforcing, the badly needed proposed ordinance, the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners will protect the Americans they have sworn to serve and enforce the laws they took an oath to uphold.

Inger Eberhart
Acworth

HERE as long as the link lasts

The Arizona Republic
December 10, 2008

Returning migrants find Mexico, themselves unready to adapt

“The schools there (in the United States), they take the children in a bus and give them food, books, everything,” he said. “Here, you walk to school and you get nothing.”

We have to face the possibility of a very large number of Mexicans (coming home),” Foreign Minister Patricia Espinosa said last month.

The trend eventually could ease some of the strain that illegal immigrants place on services such as schools and hospitals in U.S. border areas, said William Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Institution, a liberal Washington, D.C., think tank.

The impact in Mexico could be enormous because the country has long depended on emigration as a kind of safety valve for the economy, which doesn’t produce enough jobs for those entering the labor force. Espinosa said the government is trying to prepare schools and social agencies for an influx of poor migrants.

MORE HERE

video

Lou Dobbs Tonight — CNN — December 8

Grim jobs outlook for working Americans

New evidence that the economy is plunging deeper into recession. Employers cut more jobs last month than anytime since the mid-1970s. Corporate America is cutting more jobs every day. How many more jobs will be lost before this economy recovers? HERE

KIVI-TV — Boise, Idaho

Groups hold vigil in protest of raid that netted 16 Mexican illegals

The Idaho Community Action Network and Catholic Charities of Idaho are among groups protesting an immigration raid at a wood manufacturing company in Nampa last week. — The groups held a candlelight vigil in Boise on Sunday, four days after federal agents with U.S. ICE arrested 16 Mexican [illegal aliens]

MORE HERE

Job opening at the ACLU – they are not too keen on 287 g

Immigration Detention Fellow

ACLU of Georgia Foundation

DESCRIPTION:

The American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia seeks an Immigration Detention Fellow to complete a two-year project.

The ACLU is a nationwide, non-profit, non-partisan organization with more than 500,000 members, dedicated to the principles of liberty and equality embodied within the U.S. Constitution.

The ACLU of Georgia launched the National Security/Immigrants’ Rights Project in March 2007. The project aims to bring the treatment of all immigrant and refugee communities in Georgia, including immigrant detainees, into compliance with international human rights standards. To that end, a variety of strategies are employed, including legislative advocacy, human rights documentation and publishing of reports, attorney recruitment and training, development of impact litigation, public education and organizing, and coalition and movement-building.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The primary responsibilities of the Immigration Detention Fellow will be to investigate and document conditions of confinement for immigrant detainees at various immigration facilities throughout Georgia, including county jails. In addition, the Immigration Detention Fellow will be responsible for producing a report on the treatment of detainees in these facilities. Upon completion, the fellow also will be responsible for devising advocacy tools to raise awareness about the report’s findings.

The follow will be supervised and will report directly to the ACLU of Georgia National Security/Immigrants’ Rights Project Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Investigate and gather information on conditions at various immigration detention facilities in Georgia, including county jails, through research and on-site visits with a focus on due process violations, prolonged detention, and inhumane treatment;
Prepare a comprehensive report based on this research, including specific recommendations, if appropriate, for bringing Georgia into compliance with constitutional and international human rights standards;
Devise and implement advocacy strategies to implement recommendations;
Assist the National Security/Immigrants’ Rights Project Director and volunteer attorneys with any ACLU of Georgia Foundation litigation involving challenges to inhumane conditions at immigration detention facilities;
Identify potential need for the filing of habeas petitions to challenge unlawful detention of individual detainees and work with volunteer attorneys to obtain relief;
Articulate, both orally and in writing, ACLU views to the public and the media on issues related to immigration detention;
Develop and maintain relationships with community and coalition partners;
Develop and maintain relationships with staff at the national ACLU, its projects, and other affiliates, regarding immigration detention and human rights issues;
Prepare reports of program activities and grant reporting as necessary;
Obtain and supervise the assistance of law clerks, interns, and other volunteers;
Attend local, regional or national meetings, as required, for case-related reasons, and travel for research or client visits to Georgia detention facilities;
Engage in other related duties as assigned by the National Security/Immigrants’ Rights Project Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Juris Doctor Degree;

· Admission to the Georgia State Bar preferred;

· Proficiency in Spanish preferred;

· Demonstrated commitment to working on behalf of immigrant and refugee communities;

· An understanding of the international human rights framework preferred; and

· An understanding of immigration law and procedures preferred.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

The salary will be commensurate with an ACLU entry-level legal position. The ACLU of Georgia Foundation offers an excellent benefits package including paid vacation, medical and dental insurance, life and long-term disability insurance, and generous paid holidays.

TO APPLY:

Please send resume, cover letter, and list of three references to:

Azadeh N. Shahshahani

Immigrants’ Rights/National Security Project Director

ACLU of Georgia

75 Piedmont Ave., Suite 514

Atlanta, GA 303903

ashahshahani@acluga.org

The position is available immediately.

THE ACLU IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND ENCOURAGES APPLICATIONS FROM WOMEN, PEOPLE OF COLOR, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, AND LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS.

Full text of U.S. State Department’s travel alert for Mexico

‘Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons’

(State Department document dated October 14, 2008)

This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico. It replaces the Travel Alert for Mexico dated April 14, 2008, and expires on April 14, 2009.
While millions of U.S. Citizens safely visit Mexico each year, including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business, increased levels of violence make it imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one is a victim of crime. Common-sense precautions, such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas, avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, and exercising prudence in where one visits during the evening hours and at night, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

Violence Along the U.S. – Mexico Border

Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly violent fight for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S. – Mexico border in an apparent response to the Government of Mexico’s initiatives to crack down on narco-trafficking organizations. In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have taken on the characteristics of small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and, on occasion, grenades. Firefights have taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico but particularly in northern Mexico, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez. The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted.

A number of areas along the border are experiencing rapid growth in the rates of many types of crime. More than 1,600 cars were reportedly stolen in Ciudad Juarez in the month of July 2008, and bank robberies there are up dramatically. Rates for robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in Tijuana and northern Baja California. Cuidad Juarez, Tijuana, and Nogales are among the cities which have recently experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues. Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Tijuana, and along Route 15 between Nogales and Hermosillo.
The situation in Ciudad Juarez is of special concern. Mexican authorities report that more than 1,000 people have been killed there this year. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news reports. A recent series of muggings near the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez has targeted applicants for U.S. visas. Visa and other service seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make provisions to pay for those services with something other than cash.
U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region. Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles. While most of the crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain security situation poses risks for U.S. citizens as well.U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Contact information is provided at the end of this message.

Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico

While the largest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border, U.S. citizens traveling elsewhere in Mexico should also exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in some violent attacks, demonstrating the heightened risk in public places. In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped across Mexico and many cases remain unresolved. U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes should notify Mexican officials and the nearest American consulate or the Embassy as soon as possible. U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll (“cuota”) roads, which are generally more secure. U.S. citizens are encouraged to stay in well-known tourist destinations and tourist areas of the cities with more adequate security, and provide an itinerary to a friend or family member not traveling with them. U.S. citizens should avoid traveling alone, and should carry a GSM-enabled cell phone that functions internationally. Refrain from displaying expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.

Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings

Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly. People have died during violent demonstrations, including an American citizen who was killed in Oaxaca in 2006. During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas.

ince the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of protests.

The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. Therefore, U.S. citizens are advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. In a recent incident, a Mexican Independence Day celebration was the target of a violent attack.
As is always the case in any large gathering, U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings. Further Information For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the Mexico

Country Specific Information at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html.

Information on security and travel to popular tourist destinations is also provided in the publication: “Spring Break in Mexico- Know Before You Go!!” at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html. For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/. For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The Embassy’s internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.

Consulates:
Ciudad Juarez: Paseo de la Victoria #3650, telephone (52) (656) 227-3000.
Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52) (333) 268-2100.
Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52) (662) 289-3500.
Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52) (868) 812-4402.
Mérida: Calle 60 no. 338 k, telephone (52) (999) 942-5700
Monterrey: Avenida Constitución 411 Poniente, telephone (52) (818) 345-2120.
Nogales: Calle San José, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (52) (631) 311-8150.
Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, col. Jardin, telephone (52) (867) 714-0512.
Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52) (664) 622-7400.
Consular Agencies:
ACAPULCO: HOTEL CONTINENTAL EMPORIO, COSTERA MIGUEL ALEMAN 121 – LOCAL 14, TELEPHONE (52) (744) 484-0300 OR (52) (744) 469-0556.
CABO SAN LUCAS: BLVD. MARINA LOCAL C-4, PLAZA NAUTICA, COL. CENTRO, TELEPHONE (52) (624) 143-3566.
CANCÚN: PLAZA CARACOL TWO, SECOND LEVEL, NO. 320-323, BOULEVARD KUKULCAN, KM. 8.5, ZONA HOTELERA, TELEPHONE (52) (998) 883-0272.
CIUDAD ACUÑA: OCAMPO # 305, COL. CENTRO, TELEPHONE (52) (877) 772-8661
COZUMEL: PLAZA VILLA MAR EN EL CENTRO, PLAZA PRINCIPAL, (PARQUE JUÁREZ BETWEEN MELGAR AND 5TH AVE.) 2ND FLOOR, LOCALES #8 AND 9, TELEPHONE (52)(987) 872-4574.
IXTAPA/ZIHUATANEJO: HOTEL FONTAN, BLVD. IXTAPA, TELEPHONE (52) (755) 553-2100.
MAZATLÁN: HOTEL PLAYAMAZATLÁN, PLAYA GAVIOTAS #202, ZONA DORADA, TELEPHONE (52)(669) 916-5889.
OAXACA: MACEDONIO ALCALÁ NO. 407, INTERIOR 20, TELEPHONE (52)(951) 514-3054 (52)(951) 516-2853.
PIEDRAS NEGRAS: ABASOLO #211, ZONA CENTRO, PIEDRAS NEGRAS, COAH., TEL. (878) 782-5586.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN: “THE PALAPA,” CALLE 1 SUR, BETWEEN AVENIDA 15 AND AVENIDA 20, TELEPHONE (52)(984) 873-0303.
PUERTO VALLARTA: PARADISE PLAZA, PASEO DE LOS COCOTEROS #1, LOCAL #4, INTERIOR #17, NUEVO VALLARTA, NAYARIT, TELEPHONE (52)(322) 222-0069.
REYNOSA: CALLE MONTERREY #390, ESQ.SINALOA, COLONIA RODRÍGUEZ, TELEPHONE: (52)(899) 923 – 9331
SAN LUIS POTOSÍ: EDIFICIO “LAS TERRAZAS”, AVENIDA VENUSTIANO CARRANZA 2076-41, COL. POLANCO, TELEPHONE: (52)(444) 811-7802/7803.
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE: DR. HERNANDEZ MACIAS #72, TELEPHONE (52)(415) 152-2357 OR (52)(415) 152-0068.

ICE unveils sweeping new plan to target criminal aliens in jails nationwide

Rapid REPAT (Removal of Eligible Parolees Accepted for Transfer) program whereby non-violent criminal aliens serving state sentences receive early parole in exchange for assisting in their removal from the United States. The program has proven successful in New York and Arizona and ICE seeks to establish Rapid REPAT programs in four additional states by the end of FY 2008.

Initiative aims to identify and remove criminal aliens from all U.S. jails and prisons

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) today unveiled Secure Communities: A Comprehensive Plan to Identify and Remove Criminal Aliens, a multi-year initiative to more effectively identify, detain and return removable criminal aliens incarcerated in federal, state and local prisons and jails. ICE’s plan will use expanded integration technology and build upon the relationships with state and local law enforcement agencies to ensure that incarcerated criminal aliens are removed from the country instead of being released into our communities after their time in custody.

One of the key components of the plan is the distribution of integration technology that will link local law enforcement agencies to both DHS and FBI biometric databases. Currently, as part of the routine booking process, local officers run an arrested person’s fingerprints through FBI databases to access that individual’s criminal history. With interoperability, those fingerprints will also automatically be checked against DHS databases to access immigration history information. The automated process would also notify ICE when fingerprints match those of an immigration violator. ICE officers will conduct follow-up interviews and take appropriate action.

“This initiative presents an historic opportunity to transform immigration enforcement and improve public safety by focusing on those aliens who pose the greatest threats to our communities,” said Julie L. Myers, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for ICE. “Although ICE has made considerable progress over the past several years in identifying criminal aliens and removing them from this country, this comprehensive initiative aims to identify and remove all aliens convicted of a crime.”

“Under this plan, ICE will be utilizing FBI system enhancements that allow improved information sharing at the state and local law enforcement level based on positive identification of incarcerated criminal aliens,” said John S. Pistole, FBI Deputy Director. “Additionally, ICE and the FBI are working together to take advantage of the strong relationships already forged between the FBI and state and local law enforcement necessary to assist ICE in achieving their goals.”

Last year under CAP, ICE charged a record 164,000 aliens in law enforcement custody with immigration violations and removed approximately 95,000 aliens with criminal histories. ICE estimates that approximately 300,000 to 450,000 convicted criminal aliens who are removable are detained each year at federal, state and local prisons and jails. The total estimated cost to remove all convicted criminal aliens in custody annually will be $2 to 3 billion.

“The support of the Congressional appropriations committees, especially their Chairmen, Price and Byrd, and Ranking Members Rogers and Cochran, has been critical to our ability to develop this comprehensive plan. Congress affirmed its commitment to this important initiative by providing ICE an initial $200 million to begin transforming our approach to immigration enforcement in correctional institutions,” said Myers.

Additional components of the plan:

ICE will identify removable criminal aliens and prioritize their removal based on the threat they pose to the community. ICE will continue working with local, state and federal detention centers and the Department of Justice Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR), which oversees the immigration courts, to increase the number of facilities that use video teleconferencing technology. Working with ICE, U.S. Attorney’s Offices will seek to prosecute more criminal aliens who illegally re-enter the country. This initiative is aimed at deterring recidivism.

ICE will continue and expand the use of its Rapid REPAT (Removal of Eligible Parolees Accepted for Transfer) program whereby non-violent criminal aliens serving state sentences receive early parole in exchange for assisting in their removal from the United States. The program has proven successful in New York and Arizona and ICE seeks to establish Rapid REPAT programs in four additional states by the end of FY 2008.

ICE will provide 24/7 nationwide operational coverage for the Criminal Alien Program by assigning additional personnel in field offices, standing up command centers in priority areas, and expanding use of video teleconferencing to remotely interview and process criminals who are subject to removal.

ICE will increase local law enforcement partnerships through 287(g) cross-designation that allows trained officers to interview and initiate removal proceedings of aliens processed through their detention facilities.

For more information, please click here to view a comprehensive fact sheet http://www.ice.gov/pi/news/factsheets/secure_communities.htm

The Secure Communities plan will continue to evolve as ICE’s partners provide input and as the program matures. Partner agencies will be asked to join a project management team that will oversee its implementation.

In addition to numerous state and local enforcement agencies and the FBI, ICE’s partners within DHS include U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) Program. ICE’s federal interagency partners include the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR), U.S. Attorneys, the Department of State (DOS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS).

— ICE —

MORE

Arizona Capitol Times — Phoenix

Napolitano’s immigration strategy was largely defense

…”She’s [Janet Napolitano] been an impediment to securing our borders. She’s been an impediment to enforcing the law,” said Rep. Russell Pearce, a Mesa Republican known nationally for his crusade against illegal immigration….

But the image Napolitano has cultivated nationally with regard to immigration doesn’t jibe with her reputation among many people in Arizona political circles. Many Republicans here would sooner call the governor a hack than a hawk when it comes to immigration matters. HERE