by Jacqueline Baylon
As Washington’s political partisans and pundits attempt to decipher or frame the messages built into President Barack Obama’s Feb. 24 stimulus presentation to the joint session of Congress, immigration reform continues to attract major attention across the rest of the county.
Both advocates and opponents of the comprehensive immigration reform package that has been promised by the Obama administration are already noting that the word “immigration” never once passed his lips during his 52-minute speech.
Commented National Immigration Forum spokesperson Katherine Vargas to Weekly Report: “Although President Obama did not mention immigration we remain confident about his commitment to immigration reform. Fixing the economy and fixing our immigration system should not be seen as priorities that are mutually exclusive.
She explained,”Immigration reform can be part of the solution to our economic woes.
By legalizing an essential part of our work force, we can level the playing field for all workers, reduce worker exploitation,lift wages for all low-wage workers and generate revenuefrom increased tax contributions from workers who have been operating off the books.”
Nationally, the issue sounds a constant beat on nightly newscasts and front pages. Here’s a sample of what they’re reporting:
Napolitano Questions ICE
Compiled from several outlets, Feb. 23-25
BELLINGHAM, Wash.— Federal officials have been asked by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to provide her with a detailed report on the agency’s Feb 24 raid of an engine remanufacturing plant that resulted in the arrest of 28 undocumented persons, including three women.
It was the first worksite raid conducted since Obama took off ce. Napolitano told the House Homeland Security Committee that she had not been advised in advance that it was taking place.
Dozens of armed ICE agents entered the Yamato Engine Specialists plant and apprehended the 28 individuals, most of them from Mexico and Central America.
White House spokesperson Nick Shapiro said Napolitano was not happy and this incident sent the wrong message about the administration’s approach to reforming U.S. immigration policy.
Immigrants Block Jobless
Newsmax, Feb. 18
WASHINGTON, D.C.— A report released by the Center for Immigration Studies showed 6 to 7 million undocumented immigrants are holding jobs that could provide paid work 1for unemployed U.S.-born residents.
The study listed the unemployment rate of native-born high school dropouts as 17.0 percent and that of undocumented workers with no high school diploma at 10.6 percent.
CIS noted it is “diff cultto find any evidence of a shortage of less-educated workers.” More immigration law enforcement would improve job prospects for U.S. citizens.
Protesters Support Haitians
France Presse, Feb. 18
MIAMI, Fla.— Immigration activists are calling for a protest Feb. 28 at the Broward Transitional Center in Broward County.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has processed deportation orders for more than 30,000 Haitians in the community. Hundreds have been put in detention centers or on electronic monitoring at home in preparation for deportation.
Haiti claims it is not prepared for the return of so many refugees.
Stimulus’ Helps Undocumented’
The Chartotte Observer, Feb. 19
CHARLOTTE, N.C.— State residents fear the stimulus package that has promised to create jobs and millions in wages will end up helping many undocumented workers.
North Carolina is expected to receive at least $1.3 billion for school and highway construction. This could translate to jobs for more than 5,000 undocumented immigrants. Studies show at least 14% who are employed in the construction industry are illegally employed.
The bill originally required recipients of stimulus money to use the E-Verify system, a federal program that checks Social Security numbers. That requirement was dropped. While acknowledging the program has flaws, supporters say it helps catch frauds. Opponents call it a waste of money. Hispanic Link.
