Immigration Headlines

by Ally Bolour, Esq. 

On March 26, 2009, Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Richard Lugar (R-IN) introduced the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act; while Representatives Howard Berman (D-CA), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), and Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL) introduced a House version of the bill called the "American Dream Act." 

If enacted into law, this bipartisan legislation would allow some undocumented students to become permanent residents if they came here as children, are long-term U.S. residents, have good moral character, and attend college or enlist in the military for at least two years. 

Of course the devil is in the details, but it will be very hard for the anti-immigrant groups to come up with a plausible argument against this bill.  After all, the intention of this legislation is to shield the undocumented children, who are otherwise following the rules, from the consequences of any unlawful actions that their parents or guardians may have committed. 

On the same day, The Los Angeles Times reported of a change in strategy by pro-immigrant groups in order to achieve a comprehensive immigration reform.  The Times reported that such a strategy carries risks.  If successful however, millions of undocumented workers stand to earn their place – legally – in our society. 

This new strategy involves getting the backing of the powerful organized labor, AFL-CIO – which opposed the previous attempts at immigration reform.  However, proponents of this approach will alienate the business community because the strategy favors limiting worker visas.  Conservative Democrats and powerful Republicans, such as Arizona Senator John McCain are not likely to support this push.

This approach for obtaining a comprehensive immigration reform is further complicated by the fact that unemployment in this country is still on the rise and lawmakers fear that enacting such a law could cause a backlash from the American public.   

Ana Avendaño, the AFL-CIO's point person on the issue, said the labor federation believes the Democrats' enhanced power in Washington has changed the reality in DC – where corporations no longer control public policy. 

President Obama has sent mixed signals.  He has come in favor of militarizing the border – which is very unpopular with the Hispanic community and the Mexican government – yet he has told the Congressional Hispanic Caucus that he is in favor of immigration reform.  Further complicating matters is President Obama’s refusal to call off ICE raids at work places and homes of migrant workers. 

Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez (D-Ill.) said to the President: “you took time out for stem cell research, and you're taking time out for healthcare, and our communities expect you to take time out for our issues."

Supporters of reform, plan on an $18-million media and grass-roots campaign for the fall. The funding is coming primarily from liberal foundations, including one founded by billionaire activist George Soros.