October 19, 2009
Committee on the Judiciary’s Weekly Immigration Update
The Editors
Did you know?
Two recent surveys – one of Mexicans and one of Americans – address policies that encourage illegal immigration.
- In the first, 56 percent of those surveyed in the U.S. say the policies of the federal government encourage people to enter the United States illegally, according to a recent Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of U.S. voters. In addition, 64 percent believe law enforcement officers should conduct surprise visits at locations where illegal immigrants seek employment.
- In the second, 56 percent of those surveyed in Mexico believe that granting legal status to illegal immigrants would encourage even more illegal immigration, according to a Zogby poll. Of Mexicans with a member of their immediate household in the United States, two-thirds said a legalization program would make people they know more likely to go to America illegally.
These are more reasons to oppose amnesty for those in the country illegally.
Crime: Police have arrested two additional suspects in the fatal beating of D.C. Pizzeria owner, Shahabuddin Rana, over an immigration scam. The Washington Post reports that the two suspects are also being charged with first-degree murder, along with the original suspect Shanika Robinson. The three reportedly beat Rama to death and then burnt his body. Police say that Rama refused to continue paying Robinson to stay in her sham marriage to Rama’s brother, who was hoping to receive a green card based on the “marriage.”
News: New York Times – “U.S. Can’t Trace Foreign Visitors on Expired Visas” – According to immigration officials, 2.9 million foreign visitors on temporary visas came to the United States in 2008, and there are no records indicating that they ever left. You may recognize the name Hosam Maher Husein Smadi. He is a 19-year-old Jordanian who is accused of plotting to blow up a Dallas skyscraper. Smadi is one of the 2.9 million immigrants who overstayed their visas illegally. Rep. Lamar Smith comments in the article that the Smadi case “points to a real need for an entry and exit system if we are serious about reducing illegal immigration.”
News: McClatchy-Tribune News Service- “Biometric system could curb visa abuse” – The editorial illustrates the need for better information about visa holders. A biometric screening procedure would ensure that we know exactly who enters and exits our country, and who remains here illegally on an overstayed visa. This type of universal checkpoint system is a necessary reality in this post 9/11 world.
News: The Arizona Republic – “Arpaio vows to press on with immigrant sweeps” – Despite the politically-motivated decision of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials to review contracts with local law-enforcement agencies, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio has pledged to continue immigration screenings and crime-suppression efforts. Reps. Trent Franks and Lamar Smith commented in the article, "Instead of launching a politicized attack against a local law official who has yielded great success with the 287(g) program, the Obama Administration should replicate the success we have experienced in Maricopa County in other areas that are desperately in need of similar solutions."
- Related: Reps. Trent Franks and Lamar Smith issued a joint statement on the success of the 287 (g) programs – not only in Maricopa County, but throughout the U.S.
- Related: Washington Examiner – “America’s Sheriff Arpaio to be stripped of 287g immigration rule."
- Related: Washington Examiner – “DHS Napolitano orders Sheriff Arpaio to stop looking for illegal aliens.”
News: New America Media- “Republican Senators Want Census to Identify Illegal Aliens” – Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) has introduced an amendment to require the U.S. Census to about respondents’ citizenship and immigration status. Senator Vitter states that his amendment is “designed to help us identify illegal aliens, primarily to prevent states from counting them for the purposes of determining population levels, and other data associated with the Census.” Allowing the illegal immigrant population to determine Congressional seats in a State is not “what our founding fathers had in mind when they laid out our current system of representation,” says Vitter.
News: Washington Post – “Man Gets 50 Years for Teen's Slaying” – The tragic killing of a 14-year-old honor student in Montgomery County man has resulted in new county police policies in regarding illegal immigration. Last week, the man responsible for the murder was sentenced to 50 years in prison. He is an illegal immigrant who had been in police custody prior to the shooting of the student.
News: ABC 15 News – “County Attorney attributes crime dip to immigration control” – The Maricopa County Attorney states that “The population of illegal immigrants in Maricopa County is shrinking because of law enforcement crackdowns. This is causing a reduction in the number of illegal immigrants convicted of crimes as that pool continues to shrink." In the article, the County Attorney cites a Center for Immigration Studies report, showing that illegal immigrant population across the state of Arizona has dropped by more than 30 percent since 2007.
Commentary: Politico- “Keep stealth amnesty out of health reform” – In this article, Rep. Lamar Smith warns against the attempts of open-border advocates to grant amnesty to illegal immigrants who have disregarded American laws: “The shame of all of this is that these efforts by the illegal-immigrant lobby are in open opposition to the will of the American people. Amnesty opponents must remain vigilant if we are to identify stealthy efforts to achieve piecemeal amnesty. Our task is to ensure that any amnesty does not become law.”
Commentary: Rep. Steve King (R-IA) responded to a proposal put forth by Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) that would give amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants. According to King, “We currently have our highest national unemployment rate in 30 years and millions of Americans are out of work or worried about losing their jobs. In our current economic crisis, Americans cannot afford to lose more jobs to illegal workers. This is the time for the Obama administration to accelerate enforcement of immigration laws to make room for unemployed Americans, not grant amnesty to millions of lawbreakers. If President Obama is serious about helping displaced workers find jobs, he will enforce our immigration laws, stop the hiring of illegal workers and allow the 21 million out of work Americans to get back to work. We must not reward lawbreakers at the expense of hard-working and smart-working Americans.”
The Committee on the Judiciary’s website is here.
Reader Comments: Submit Your Comment (3)
Our Government, past & present, Republican & Democrat, have allowed the invasion of 20 to 30 million criminals and uneducated peons which is the largest invasion of any Nation, at any time, by any means & in direct violation of Article IV, Section IV of our Constitution.
This refusal to abide by our Constitution or enforce our Immigration Laws should be classified as Treason of the most foul kind, & as grounds for impeachment & trials for Treason!
Not only have they allowed the invasion, they force American tax payers to pay Billions on Billions of dollars to provide Welfare, Prison cells, Educate the invaders numerous children, and free medical care, at the same time the invading horde break numerous laws and massive document fraud, & are destroying our schools, hospitals, communities, culture and standard of living while Robbing, Raping, Killing & Assaulting American Citizens WAKE UP PEOPLE!
posted by : steve
Monday, October 19, 2009 at 08:05 AM
American values have been betrayed for years by Presidents, Senators and Representatives. We are repeatedly given the choice to vote for flawed candidates trotted out by the leaders of both parties. I'm surprised there are not more registered independents. Illegal immigration is wreaking havoc on our culture, in our schools and in the workplace. We desparately need leaders that will secure our borders and enforce our laws. Perhaps Sheriff Arpaio should run for President.
posted by : Estoban
Monday, October 19, 2009 at 11:19 AM
There is no such thing as a law abiding illegal alien. There are traitors in our government that don't give a care about this country or its citizens. Americans will NEVER accept another amnesty. WAKE UP AMERICA!
posted by : Stephen
Monday, October 19, 2009 at 02:01 PM
