tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40013241896873563952024-03-13T03:27:02.453-07:00Goldman Immigration BlogGoldmanImmigrationBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152820498127098993noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001324189687356395.post-22962579023145293272017-02-02T16:10:00.001-08:002017-02-02T16:12:33.164-08:00UndocuAngels (English & Spanish)<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(Spanish Version Below)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What is an UndocuAngel?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Every
undocumented immigrant in this country needs to immediately identify and
designate a trustworthy and reliable US citizen or family that will serve as
his or her voice/advocate in the case they are arrested or detained. In the
worst case scenario, have that designated person make calls, contact
congressional reps, a lawyer, maybe online petitions or campaigns...get others
to help out too. Our congressional offices, government offices need to be
flooded with calls if or when mass deportation begins. Remember, they work for
us...the people of the United States.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Why do I need
</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">an</span></b><b><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">
UndocuAngel?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">An UndocuAngel can be an advocate for you if you are
arrested or detained by ICE or CBP.
Possibly someone who can post a bond, if necessary or try to get
assistance. If you, or a family member,
calls upon this individual they can try and assist you or get in contact with a
lawyer. Not everyone can get a lawyer
quick enough and you will need someone to help you out.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Should I depend
solely on an UndocuAngel?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">No, you should be seeking reliable legal assistance as
well, preferably in advance of any problems with law enforcement. You can always check with the American
Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) for a lawyer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Why should I
be an UndocuAngel?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Because you care about immigrants in this country and,
possibly, have close friends or acquaintances that are undocumented. They need the assistance of U.S. citizens now
more than ever! The undocumented
community needs help! President Trump’s
stated objective is to make this vulnerable population insecure and deport as
many people as possible. Your role is to
provide an extra layer of protection and be someone that an undocumented
immigrant or family can depend upon during this frightening time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">As an
UndocuAngel, what should I do for an undocumented immigrant?</span></b><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: ES;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">You need the following from the undocumented
immigrant:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><br /></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Copies of any documentation proving that he or she has been living
in the United States (e.g. tax returns, leases, bills, bank account
records, ownership papers, etc.);<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Copies of any ties the immigrant has to the United States
(children’s birth certificates, any legal civil documents, etc.);<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Letters or personal notarized affidavits from individuals who have
personal knowledge that the immigrant has been living in the U.S. (from
clergy, friends, neighbors, landlord, employer, etc.)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Identify a trustworthy and qualified immigration attorney, if at
all possible. This will hopefully
avoid unnecessary delays if you need one.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">If the immigrant is arrested you need to:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><br /></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Find out the location of the immigrant. See if you can contact Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer
and get copies of any documentation to them, if necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">ICE Enforcement & Removal Office Contact Information: </span><a href="https://www.ice.gov/contact/ero"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">https://www.ice.gov/contact/ero</span></a><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">CBP Contact Information: </span><a href="https://www.cbp.gov/contact"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">https://www.cbp.gov/contact</span></a><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"> <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Contact an immigration attorney, if at all possible;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Contact your congressional representative to see if they can assist
at all.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Let your community know so they can also help with any support.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">What else
should I do as an UndocuAngel?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Make sure that the immigrant knows his rights
including:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><br /></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">I will remain silent, and I
refuse to answer your questions;<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">If I am detained, I have the
right to contact an attorney immediately; and<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">I refuse to sign anything
without advice from an attorney.<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
</ul>
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<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">See more here: </span><a href="https://www.nilc.org/get-involved/community-education-resources/know-your-rights/"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">https://www.nilc.org/get-involved/community-education-resources/know-your-rights/</span></a><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Make sure that the immigrant keeps records that he has
been in the U.S. for at least the past 2 years to prevent being placed in
expedited removal (essentially deportation without a judicial hearing)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Is this
lawful?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Yes, you are <u>not</u> harboring an undocumented
immigrant. You are providing assistance
and advocacy if this person or family is arrested or detained. You are <u>not</u> providing legal advice either.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><u><b>ESPANOL</b></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Que es un UndocuAngels?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Todo
inmigrante indocumentado en este país necesita designar de inmediato a un
ciudadano americano, ya sea amigo o familiar, de confianza para que lo
represente como su voz en caso de que sea detenido o arrestado. En el peor de los casos, pídale a su ángel
designado que haga llamadas, contacte a sus representantes de Congreso y
Senado, y a abogados para que hagan campañas o peticiones en línea. Pídanle o
otros que apoyen y ayuden.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Como
ciudadanos necesitamos inundar con llamadas telefónicas a las oficinas del
Congreso, oficinas de gobierno si y cuando empiecen las deportaciones
masivas. Recuerden, ellos trabajan para
nosotros, la gente de los estados unidos.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Porque
necesito un UndocuAngel?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Un UndocuAngel puede ser un defensor de usted si usted es
arrestado o detenido por ICE o CBP. Posiblemente alguien que puede poner una
fianza, si es necesario o tratar de obtener ayuda. Si usted, o un miembro de la
familia, llama a este individuo que puede tratar de ayudarle o ponerse en
contacto con un abogado. No todo el mundo puede obtener un abogado lo
suficientemente rápido y necesitará a alguien para ayudarle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">¿Debo
depender únicamente de un UndocuAngel?</span></b><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No, usted debe buscar la ayuda legal confiable también.
Siempre puede consultar con la Asociación Americana de Abogados de Inmigración
(AILA) para obtener un abogado.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">¿Por
qué debería ser un UndocuAngel?</span></b><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Porque usted se preocupa por los inmigrantes en este país
y, posiblemente, tiene amigos cercanos o conocidos que son indocumentados.
Necesitan la ayuda de los ciudadanos de los EE.UU. ahora más que nunca! ¡La
comunidad indocumentada necesita ayuda! El objetivo declarado del Presidente
Trump es hacer que esta población vulnerable sea insegura y deportar a tanta
gente como sea posible. Su función es proporcionar una capa adicional de
protección y ser alguien en quien un inmigrante indocumentado o una familia
pueda depender durante este tiempo aterrador.</span><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Como
UndocuAngel, ¿qué debo hacer por un inmigrante indocumentado?</span></b><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Necesitas
lo siguiente del inmigrante indocumentado:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">• Copias de cualquier documentación que pruebe que él o
ella ha estado viviendo en los Estados Unidos (por ejemplo, declaraciones de
impuestos, arrendamientos, facturas, registros de cuentas bancarias, documentos
de propiedad, etc.);</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
• Copias de cualquier vínculo que el inmigrante tenga con los Estados Unidos
(certificados de nacimiento de los niños, documentos civiles legales, etc.);<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">• Cartas o declaraciones juradas personales de personas
que tienen conocimiento personal de que el inmigrante ha estado viviendo en los
Estados Unidos (de clérigos, amigos, vecinos, propietarios, empleadores, etc.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">• Si es
posible, identifique a un abogado de inmigración calificado y confiable. Esto
evitara retrasos innecesarios si usted llega a necesitar uno. </span><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Si
el inmigrante es arrestado usted necesita:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">• Averigüe la ubicación del inmigrante. Vea si puede
ponerse en contacto con el Oficial de Inmigración y Aduanas (ICE) o el oficial
de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza (CBP) y obtener copias de cualquier
documentación a ellos, si es necesario.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1. Información de contacto de ICE Enforcement &
Removal Office: </span><a href="https://www.ice.gov/contact/ero"><span lang="ES" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">https://www.ice.gov/contact/ero</span></a><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2. Información de contacto del CBP: </span><span lang="ES" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.cbp.gov/contact">https://www.cbp.gov/contact</a></span><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">• Comuníquese con un abogado de inmigración, si es
posible;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">• Póngase en contacto con su representante del Congreso
para ver si pueden ayudar en absoluto.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">• Deje saber a su comunidad para que también pueda ayudar
con cualquier apoyo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">¿Qué
más debo hacer como UndocuAngel?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Asegúrese de que el inmigrante conozca sus derechos,
incluyendo:<br />
Me callaré y me niego a contestar sus preguntas;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">• Si estoy detenido, tengo el derecho de contactar a un abogado
inmediatamente; y<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">• Me niego a firmar nada sin el asesoramiento de un
abogado.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Vea más aquí: </span><a href="https://www.nilc.org/get-involved/community-education-resources/know-your-rights/"><span lang="ES" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">https://www.nilc.org/get-involved/community-education-resources/know-your-rights/</span></a><span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Asegúrese de que el inmigrante mantiene registros de que
ha estado en los EE.UU. por lo menos durante los últimos 2 años para evitar ser
colocado en la expulsión acelerada (esencialmente deportación sin una audiencia
judicial)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<b>¿Es esto legal?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sí, usted no está albergando a un inmigrante
indocumentado. Usted está proporcionando asistencia y defensa si esta persona o
familia es arrestada o detenida. Tampoco está proporcionando asesoramiento
jurídico.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><br /></span></div>
GoldmanImmigrationBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152820498127098993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001324189687356395.post-11529101173674197402014-10-28T22:39:00.000-07:002014-10-28T22:47:21.492-07:00Dealing with Delayed DACA RenewalsWhen the process for extending <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/consideration-deferred-action-childhood-arrivals-process/renew-your-daca">Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals</a> (DACA) was announced in early June it was met with a significant amount of excitement and anxiety. One of several looming questions was with regards to how the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service would handle the increased caseload of I-821D and I-765 applications. The guidelines provided by USCIS stated that, "if you submit your request more than 150 days (5 months) before your current period expires, USCIS may reject it and return it to you with instructions to resubmit it closer to the expiration date." This requirement left many who initially filed and waited more than six months for adjudication of their DACA with some concerns. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It is recommended by USCIS that your DACA be filed between <u>120-150</u> days prior to the expiration of your current employment authorization. <u>Do not delay in filing it</u>! You should file it closer to the 150-day mark. Recently, I have come across a handful of DACA renewals that remain pending close to a couple of weeks from the expiration of their current authorization. Panic has set in as these individuals, understandably, do not want lose a job, face the risk of being out of work or unable to continue with college. Therefore, I have compiled some tips (do's and dont's) that you should consider using if you only have 30 days or less remaining on your work authorization and your renewal has been pending more than 90-120 days. Remember that this is all a work in progress and these tips could be helpful on a case-by-case basis. They are also subject to change if USCIS makes any tweaks to their procedures.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Do: </b>Be vigilant! This is your livelihood at stake and do not let your ability to maintain a job lapse.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Do: </b>Read over the DACA <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/consideration-deferred-action-childhood-arrivals-process/frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</a>. Yes, there are 81 of them. But, there are some important tips and nuggets of knowledge within. Question/Answer #49 provides some information regarding short-term extensions for delayed applications:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Q49: When should I file my renewal request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)?</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>A49: USCIS strongly encourages you to submit your Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal request between 150 days and 120 days before the expiration date located on your current Form I-797 DACA approval notice and Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Filing during this window will minimize the possibility that your current period of DACA will expire before you receive a decision on your renewal request. <b>If you have filed your renewal request at least 120 days before your deferred action expires and USCIS is delayed in processing your renewal request, USCIS may provide you with DACA and employment authorization for up to an additional 120 days.</b></i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i><b>Please Note: USCIS will not provide any such short-term deferred action and employment authorization when USCIS is delayed in reaching a final decision on your renewal request because, for example: 1) of factors within your control (such as failure to file the renewal request within the suggested timeframe or filing an incomplete renewal request); 2) USCIS has not been able to complete your background check; and/or 3) your renewal submission contained evidence that you may not satisfy the DACA renewal guidelines and USCIS must send you a request for additional information or explanation.</b></i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Do Not:</b> Use <a href="https://infopass.uscis.gov/">InfoPass</a> at the local USCIS office to try and request that your application be expedited. Our experience with the local USCIS information officers is that they do not know much, if anything, regarding the DACA process. Obviously, this could vary from one office to another, but I recommend calling the <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/about-us/contact-us/national-customer-service-center">National Customer Service Center</a> hotline instead (1-800-375-5283). Even if you take time to do an InfoPass it will have the same impact as making a phone call. The local office cannot extend your work authorization or produce a new card for you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Do:</b> Call the <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/about-us/contact-us/national-customer-service-center">National Customer Service Center</a> hotline and make a request for a temporary DACA. I have not seen a 120-day temporary renewal, but it seems that this request has helped in expediting the process in some cases.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Do:</b> Consider the outside assistance of a congressional representative, if your representative's office is known to be DACA friendly. You can find your representative's office location through the <a href="http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/">locator</a> here.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Do: </b>Consider the outside assistance of the <a href="http://www.dhs.gov/case-assistance">USCIS Ombudsman's</a> office. I have not personally utilized the assistance of this office for immigration problems, since the Tucson congressional offices are extremely helpful with immigration-related problems, but that is an option to consider.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Do: </b>If you have an attorney working on your application, make sure to remain in contact and have the attorney assist with trying to get the application expedited, if needed. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Good luck and feel free to contact me if you feel there are other tips or information that you think should be distributed to the DACAmented masses.</div>
GoldmanImmigrationBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152820498127098993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001324189687356395.post-79541051094801249762014-07-17T09:13:00.000-07:002014-07-17T10:36:30.906-07:00WHAT PART OF "ILLEGAL" DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?<div class="MsoNormal">
WHAT PART OF "ILLEGAL" DON’T YOU UNDERSTAND??? There is always one schmuck that needs to
recycle that bumper sticker quote in the comments section of an immigration
article. And it has to be in CAPS!! And it has to have multiple question marks
and perhaps a couple exclamation points.
If it’s not in CAPS and does not have the multiple punctuations, then
the point is not made. So, let me be
that schmuck today and pose that question to Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu,
the Arizona State Militia, Russell Pearce, gubernatorial candidate Frank Riggs
and congressional candidate/newest member of the Village People, Adam
Kwasman: WHAT PART OF "ILLEGAL" DON’T <u>YOU</u>
UNDERSTAND??!?!?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This lesson is for all those law-abiding folks that came to
protest that fictional bus carrying unaccompanied migrant youths (aka UAC’s) to
Oracle, Arizona on Tuesday. The minors
are being held by the U.S. government pursuant to the <a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-110publ457/pdf/PLAW-110publ457.pdf">Trafficking
Victims Protections Reauthorization Act</a> (TVPRA). The TVPRA instructs our government to
transfer the custody of unaccompanied minors to the custody of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Once in the custody of
HHS, the minors are processed for possible removal from the United States which
includes evaluation of whether the minor can remain in the U.S. in some form of
lawful status. It is the <u>LAW</u> that
was originally signed by President George W. Bush in 2008.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If law-abiding U.S. citizens don’t like the TVPRA or its unintended
consequences, lobby to get it amended.
Feel free to peacefully assemble and protest, but don’t block the bus
from going to its intended destination (a la the protesters in Murrieta,
California). According to an <a href="http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2014/07/paul_babeu_supporter_organizing_murrietta-style_protest_in_oracle_says_babeu_tipped_him_off.php">article
by Stephen Lemons</a> in the Phoenix New Times, Oracle resident Robert Skiba was
originally tipped off to this busload of migrant youths and Mr. Skiba told Mr.
Lemons:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i>"We're
going to engage in peaceful assembly and if these buses with <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>these
people from Central America come in, we're going to stop it. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i>we're
going to turn them around and send them back, just like they <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i>did
in Murrieta, California."<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Sheriff Babeu even <a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=682643918471855&id=151161388286780">posted</a>
on his Facebook page that the “children should be returned to their home
country - not to Oracle, Arizona paid for by American taxpayers.” But, that’s not how it works in the good ‘ol
United States, if there is a law we are supposed to follow it. Right Mr. Sheriff? Mr. Law Enforcer?<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, if you are following closely, you will realize that the
minors that turned themselves into the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are
not breaking the law. In fact, they may
not even be “illegal”. But, what about
the protesters? Would their attempts to
stop the bus and send it back be breaking the law? It turns out that if you read the Arizona
Revised Statute, not only would these protesters be breaking the law, there are
several possible statutes that they could have been violating including:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/13/02402.htm&Title=13&DocType=ARS">13-2402.
Obstructing governmental operations</a>, which is a class 1 misdemeanor;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<a href="http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/13/02906.htm&Title=13&DocType=ARS">13-2906.
Obstructing a highway or other public thoroughfare</a>, which is a class 3
misdemeanor; and<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<a href="http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/13/02908.htm&Title=13&DocType=ARS">13-2908.
Criminal nuisance</a>, which is a class 3 misdemeanor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Perhaps there are other laws that they could have violated
in the process, but those are just a few examples. So, the irony of this situation is that the
minors on the bus would not be the law breakers, the bus blockers would have
been! Would Sheriff Babeu, who allegedly
conspired in the planning of this protest and who always <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr_XyGsdomM&list=PLE12CD17A67B0F3B3">preaches</a>
the rule of law, have arrested the bus blockers? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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There is no doubt our immigration laws are currently a mess
and are in dire need for reform. If you
asked Mr. Kwasman, Mr. Pearce and others if they support the comprehensive
immigration reform bill that’s before congress they would undoubtedly respond
“no”. They will tell you that we need to
enforce the laws on our books right now! That if we enforce our laws and seal
our border with a triple border fence, drones and man-eating alligators in a
moat, we might solve our immigration problems.
But, the irony of all this is that the moment they realize they don't like one of our current immigration-related laws (the TVPRA) they scream for
reform and encourage illegal activity against immigrants.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To that I ask them: WHAT PART OF "ILLEGAL" DON’T <u>YOU</u>
UNDERSTAND?<o:p></o:p></div>
GoldmanImmigrationBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152820498127098993noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001324189687356395.post-84046855800183190022014-01-31T23:54:00.002-08:002014-01-31T23:54:36.190-08:00A Courageous and Resilient Pledge<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Matthew Lammers became a naturalized U.S. citizen over thirty years ago in 1983, but it wasn't until January 31, 2014, when he actually participated in a naturalization ceremony that he can actually remember and tell his children about. From my observation, Matt loved every moment of the experience. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Back in 1983 he was a one-year-old baby who was born in Seoul, South Korea and immigrated to the United States after being adopted by a family in Kansas. Today, Matt is married and was at the ceremony supporting his wife who was sworn-in as a naturalized U.S. citizen. From what I have read about Matt, he feels uncomfortable being referred to as a "hero" so I will respect his wishes here. Instead, I will refer to him as courageous and resilient.</span><div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I first noticed Matt at today's ceremony when the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service officer was asking if anyone in the audience would lead in the Pledge of Allegiance. Most candidates for naturalization are typically nervous or shy and today was no exception. None of the candidates volunteered to do so. On the other hand, Matt seemed thrilled with the opportunity. He explained to the officer that he was a retired Staff Sergeant from the U.S. army and had served in two tours in Iraq. After listening to him I</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> couldn't think of a better candidate to lead in the recitation of the Pledge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here is Matt leading the 46 naturalization applicants along with their families and friends in the Pledge of Allegiance:</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WE3JCMvcQUQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Being curious about Matt I looked up his story online and found that there had been numerous articles written about him. I learned that he was injured in Iraq on June 10, 2007 when a Humvee he was in drove over an explosively formed projectile (EFP). Matt became a triple amputee, losing both his legs and his left arm as a result of that blast. I learned that he kept a positive outlook and attitude in spite of these injuries. I also found out that he received two Purple Hearts for his service. Matt is the epitome of courage and resilience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At naturalization ceremonies there is always time set aside after the oath is administered for newly naturalized citizens and their loved ones to speak openly about their road to becoming a U.S. citizen. At this ceremony only two individuals spoke out. One of them was Matt.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUb8St3zskAEVFW9xvk-SKues3MHaIZnMwiJsNQz5FISuHE765aHdd6MCITDztNmjgRCeVGScGe-xoeCRf8PwKuj6l-JuRCN1Oj13Ks6nzlg5fAiDkXgY0ATsFfnYxOSnMEE39Uvlubo/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUb8St3zskAEVFW9xvk-SKues3MHaIZnMwiJsNQz5FISuHE765aHdd6MCITDztNmjgRCeVGScGe-xoeCRf8PwKuj6l-JuRCN1Oj13Ks6nzlg5fAiDkXgY0ATsFfnYxOSnMEE39Uvlubo/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The other individual was sitting immediately behind Matt and was a man who fled Iraq and sought refuge in the United States after being shot multiple times by the military. Watching this man speak and Matt intently listening was a treat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As the ceremony came to a close, the presiding judge made a point to thank Matt for his service on behalf of the United States. Every naturalization ceremony is special in its own right, but today's ceremony was made even more so by Matt's presence. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I feel extremely fortunate that I attended this ceremony and had the opportunity to meet a </span><strike style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">hero</strike><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> courageous and resilient human being that we should all admire.</span></div>
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GoldmanImmigrationBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152820498127098993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001324189687356395.post-30207917953864514132013-08-07T17:38:00.003-07:002013-08-07T17:38:18.437-07:00Serenity Now!<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the past several years I’ve been asked what I enjoy
about being an immigration lawyer. My
response has always included that “I love the camaraderie of immigration
attorneys and how the majority of us have similar passions and respect one
another even when we disagree.” You
don’t see that in other areas of law. Typically lawyers are in court battling
one another. In immigration law, our
adversary is always the government. For
this reason, the past year has been pretty difficult for me to comprehend. With the heated debates on immigration reform
and what should or should not be included in the bill advocates and attorneys
are increasingly butting heads. That is
perfectly reasonable and expected. However,
the attacks have become personal and in some cases encroached into the realm of
dangerous libel. With immigration
attorneys currently under attack in <st1:state w:st="on">California</st1:state>
by the state legislature, we don’t need to be cannibalizing one another.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I’ve seen disgusts me.
It should disgust you as well.
I’m not going to name any names and that is not the point of this. You know who you are. We are witnessing social media-based personal
attacks against lawyers, DREAMers and other immigration activists. It really needs to come to a grinding halt. Nothing is more disappointing than to see
lawyers act like my 5 and 6-year-old girls fighting over the last Skinny Cow
Ice Cream cone in our freezer. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a modicum of respect that should be followed by
anyone in this continual debate on immigration reform. It does not have to become a personal
battle. Furthermore, you can make your
point without attacking another person’s professionalism or passion for their
work. If you don’t like a person because
of their differing views or something they have said you do not need to blast
your thoughts out every time on Facebook or Twitter or on your personal blog. That’s plain dumb. Plus, the mass majority of us, while enjoying
some of the back-and-forth with our popcorn in hand, have grown tired your endless
personal debates. We get it: you don’t
like each other…move on to something new or just keep it your arguments in
private chat-rooms, e-mails or messages.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, please for the sake of all humanity I respectfully ask
you to stop with the nonsense. Thank
you. </div>
GoldmanImmigrationBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152820498127098993noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001324189687356395.post-13414903031623271892013-04-02T23:23:00.003-07:002013-04-02T23:23:39.664-07:00DACA Post-Filing Tips<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember
when you filed for DACA? You were extremely
excited, anxious and ready to take the next step in your life’s journey. Then reality set in: one month passed. One month turned to two. Two months turned to three, and so on. Suddenly, you felt like the process was
taking forever. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Sometimes dealing with the U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) can be extremely frustrating. No matter what you are told by friends or
family, no path to getting immigration benefits is the same. For some the path is smooth and devoid of any
problems. For others the path can be
bumpy and frustrating. Therefore, the
following are some important tips for those of you who have already received
your DACA approval, and also, for those who are still dealing with the
maddening bureaucratic delays or denials from USCIS.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<b>I received the dreaded Request for Additional Information (RFE), what
should I do?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First thing
you should not do is panic. RFE’s are
commonly issued in all sorts of immigration applications/petitions. You should sit back and read the request to
figure out what exactly the government is asking for. If you have previously engaged an attorney,
you should speak with the attorney’s office to make sure that they are aware of
the RFE and that they received a copy.
Note the deadline (due date) on the RFE and put it on your personal
calendar.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Read the
RFE carefully. Address any of the
concerns raised in the RFE by gathering up any additional evidence that the
USCIS is looking for. Think outside the
box when you are trying to address any of the concerns raised in the RFE. Get any credible corroborating evidence that
will supplement what you may have already submitted to USCIS. If you have been working with an attorney,
you should meet with the attorney and review the request. Make sure to respond in a timely manner so
you don’t delay the processing further. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> I was denied, what should I do?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Again, do <u>not</u>
panic. I know this is easier said than
done, but you need to first review the denial carefully. If you have an attorney, spend time reviewing
it with the him or her. You cannot file
a motion to reopen or reconsider a denial, nor can you appeal it. USCIS has
made it clear that it will not review its discretionary determinations. USCIS states
on its website:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i>You
may request a review using the Service Request Management <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i>Tool
(SRMT) process if you met all of the process guidelines and <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>you
believe that your request was denied due to one of the following errors:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i>USCIS denied
the request for consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals based
on abandonment and you claim that you did respond to a Request for Evidence
within the prescribed time; or<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i>USCIS
mailed the Request for Evidence to the wrong address, even though you had
submitted a Form AR-11, Change of Address, or changed your address online at
www.uscis.gov before the issuance of the Request for Evidence.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
You can re-file if you are denied
and feel that it was incorrect or that you have additional evidence to provide
to the government that may not have been available for the first
application. A new filing will need new
forms and fees, along with all the documentation again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Remember that DACA is a temporary
program. It is <u>not</u> the DREAM
Act. Not getting approved for DACA does
not mean that you would be precluded from qualifying for the DREAM Act or any
other future immigration legislation.
Therefore, do not lose hope. Stay
optimistic that we will get comprehensive immigration reform this year and you
will not need to be completely dependent upon DACA. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> I was approved! Now what?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once you
receive your employment authorization document (EAD), make sure to review the
card to make certain that all the information is correct. If there is incorrect information on the card
due to USCIS error you should apply for a replacement without a fee via form
I-765. Make a copy of the card (front
and back side) for your own records.
Make note of the expiration of the card and calendar a reminder that you
will need to file for a renewal, assuming there is no intervening legislation
that will make renewing DACA moot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apply for a
Social Security Number. You can locate
the nearest Social Security office at <a href="http://www.socialsecurity.gov/locator">www.socialsecurity.gov/locator</a>. Here is the form that needs to be completed: <a href="http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.pdf">http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.pdf</a>. Review this pamphlet: <a href="http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/deferred_action.pdf">http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/deferred_action.pdf</a>.
If you have an Individual Taxpayer
Identification Number (ITIN) the Internal Revenue Service provides the
following advice about voiding it:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>Once
you receive a SSN, you must use that number for tax purposes <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>and
discontinue using your ITIN. <b>It is improper to use both the ITIN <o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<b><i>and the SSN assigned to the same
person to file tax returns. It is your
responsibility to notify the IRS so we can combine all of your tax <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<b><i>records under one identification
number. </i></b><i>If you do not notify the IRS <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>when
you are assigned a SSN, you may not receive credit for all wages <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>paid
and taxes withheld which could reduce the amount of any refund <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>due. You can visit a local IRS office or write a
letter explaining that <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>you
have now been assigned a SSN and want your tax records combined. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>Include
your complete name, mailing address, and ITIN along with a copy <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>of
your social security card and a copy of the CP 565, Notice of ITIN Assignment,
if available. The IRS will void the ITIN
and associate all <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>prior
tax information filed under the ITIN with the SSN. Send your letter to: <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> Internal Revenue Service <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> Austin, TX 73301-0057<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apply for a
driver’s license. Depending on your
state’s law you should go to the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and
apply for a driver’s license. For most
states the EAD plus Social Security card should be sufficient documentation for
a driver’s license. If you live in
either Arizona or Nebraska, these states do not currently issue driver’s
licenses to DACA grantees. There is a
class-action lawsuit pending in Arizona against Governor Jan Brewer’s
unconstitutional executive order denying DACA recipients driver’s
licenses. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Should I apply for advance parole (travel
permission for exiting and re-entering the United States)?</b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The USCIS answers this question on
their <i><a href="http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextchannel=3a4dbc4b04499310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextoid=3a4dbc4b04499310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD">Frequently
Asked Questions</a></i> (updated 1/18/2013):</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>Not
automatically. If USCIS has decided to defer action in your case <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>and
you want to travel outside the United States, you must apply for <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>advance
parole by filing a Form I-131,
Application for Travel Document <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>and
paying the applicable fee ($360). USCIS will determine whether your <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>purpose
for international travel is justifiable based on the circumstances <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>you
describe in your request. Generally, USCIS will only grant advance <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>parole
if your travel abroad will be in furtherance of:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i>humanitarian
purposes, including travel to obtain medical treatment, attending funeral
services for a family member, or visiting an ailing relative;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i>educational
purposes, such as semester-abroad programs and academic research, or;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i>employment
purposes such as overseas assignments, interviews, conferences or, training, or
meetings with clients overseas.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i>Travel
for vacation is not a valid basis for advance parole.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>You
may not apply for advance parole unless and until USCIS defers <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>action
in your case pursuant to the consideration of the deferred action for childhood
arrivals process. You cannot apply for advance parole at the same <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>time
as you submit your request for consideration of deferred action for <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>childhood
arrivals. All advance parole requests will be considered on a <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>case-by-case
basis.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>If
USCIS has deferred action in your case under the deferred action for <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>childhood
arrivals process after you have been ordered deported or removed, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>you
may still request advance parole if you meet the guidelines for advance <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>parole
described above. However, once you have received advance parole, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>and
before you actually leave the United States, you should seek to reopen <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>your
case before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>and
obtain administrative closure or termination of your removal proceeding.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you do
plan on applying for advance parole, it is highly recommended to speak to legal
counsel because there are serious inadmissibility bars that you could subject
yourself to if you exit the United States. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> Where do we go from here?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is an
exciting and nerve-wracking time no matter whether you have been approved for
DACA, still awaiting a decision or are dealing with a denial. You need to keep apprised of any changes in
agency policy or the law. You should
speak to your congressional representatives about the need for immigration
reform and how it would benefit yourself and your family members or
friends. DACA is only a temporary fix
and does not help everyone. Therefore,
do not stop advocating for CIR. Stay
optimistic and remain vocal!</div>
GoldmanImmigrationBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152820498127098993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001324189687356395.post-7527627278728554142012-10-06T10:44:00.001-07:002012-10-06T10:47:26.773-07:00Disagree with Gabriela Saucedo Mercer and She Will Censor You<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Disagree with Gabriela Saucedo Mercer and She Will Censor You<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
On October 2, 2012, a tragic event occurred near the
U.S./Mexico border. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Agent
Nicholas Ivie lost his life and another agent was badly wounded. From what I have read and heard, Ivie was an
exceptional CBP agent who once carried a severely wounded pregnant woman 1 1/2 miles
to safety through the treacherous Arizona desert. Agent Ivie was survived by his wife and two
daughters. My thoughts and prayers go
out to his family and colleagues.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Rather than honoring a life lost and just offering condolences,
some politicians attempted to capitalize on Nick's death for political
gain. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer
immediately released a statement, "Arizonans and Americans will grieve,
and they should, but this ought not only be a day of tears. There should be
anger, too. Righteous anger -- at the kind of evil that causes sorrow this
deep, and at the federal failure and political stalemate that has left our
border unsecured and our Border Patrol in harm’s way. Four fallen agents in
less than two years is the result."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Gabriela Saucedo Mercer, who has for two years made
immigration one of the primary focuses of her campaign for U.S. congress in Arizona's Third District, went
beyond Brewer's comments. The day of
this tragedy, Mercer recklessly posted on Facebook: "And yet another one
of our finest Border Patrol Agent is murdered by illegals and one seriously
wounded. And some people don't want me to talk about the wide open borders in
Arizona? My heart and prayers go out to the families of the Border Patrol
Agents involved in this tragedy." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Yes, Saucedo Mercer somehow knew that Agent Ivie was “murdered by
illegals” without any concrete evidence to back up her claim. Even more tragically, on October 5, the FBI confirmed that
Agent Ivie was killed by friendly fire.
The FBI came to this conclusion through investigative, forensic and
analytical tests. It is interesting to note how Saucedo Mercer gets her political agenda stated first and then sends her thoughts and prayers
to the family. That's all class!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Once this information was released by the FBI, numerous
individuals, including myself, went to Saucedo Mercer’s Facebook page and demanded that
she retract her reckless and ill-advised earlier comments and publicly apologize. Saucedo Mercer, who holds herself out to be a
defender of the Constitution and individual liberties, reacted in appropriate
fashion: She erased the comments from any person who criticized her post and
blocked us all. I guess Saucedo Mercer forgot
about the 1<sup>st</sup> Amendment. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Ivie’s legacy will live on through his family and other
hard-working and well meaning Border Patrol agents. It was a life lost way too young. Sadly, however, as of the writing of this
blog, Saucedo Mercer continues to leave this misinformation on her Facebook page. For that reason alone, she should continue to
get questioned about her commitment to running an honest campaign. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
We live in an era where anyone can pretty much say anything
without any truth, and some uninformed person will believe it. If that’s the sort of political game Saucedo Mercer
wants to play, good luck with that.
However, by censoring detractors and fact checkers, her actions
demonstrate that she is undeniably unprepared to be a congresswoman and deal
with individuals who disagree with her or protect our constitutional right to
free speech.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
GoldmanImmigrationBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152820498127098993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001324189687356395.post-15501793195295929782012-10-06T00:36:00.001-07:002012-10-06T01:15:30.574-07:00A DACA Pep Talk<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">A DACA Pep Talk</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The past few months have been both exciting and terrifying for
undocumented youth. Exciting for the opportunity to apply for an
employment authorization document and contribute to this country.
Terrifying to not know what is going to happen after the November 6
election. However, yesterday was another sobering reminder that while we
have made some good strides, we have a long way to go. It was a reminder
that while we can rejoice over the Deferred Action policy we must continue to
push our elected officials beyond just a DREAM Act. We need a DREAM Act
Plus, also known as Comprehensive Immigration Reform.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So, what happened yesterday? One of the most prominent faces
in the current immigrant rights movement,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://joseantoniovargas.com/">Jose Antonio Vargas</a>, was<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2012/10/reporter-who-wrote-about-life-undocumented-immigrant-arrested-minnesota">arrested
and charged</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>with driving
without a valid driver’s license. No, this did not happen in Arizona. It
happened in Minneapolis-St. Paul which continues to operate in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.ice.gov/secure_communities">Secure Communities</a>.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">According to the MinnPost, Jose was released approximately 2 ½ hours
later. But, what if the person wasn’t a Pulitzer prize winning
journalist? What if Jose was not released and an ICE hold was placed on
him? Jose is 31 years old and because of his age he does not qualify for
the current program called</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><a href="http://www.dhs.gov/deferred-action" style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Deferred Action</a><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">(DACA). He is a low priority
according to the</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><a href="http://www.ice.gov/doclib/secure-communities/pdf/prosecutorial-discretion-memo.pdf" style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">ICE
guidelines</a><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">, but you never know what can happen when an ICE officer has all
the discretionary power.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The election is a perfect time to hold all political figures
accountable for their past and future decisions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Since Jim Lehrer neglected to address immigration as a domestic
policy in the first debate, I suppose we’ll hear about it in one of the
upcoming debates. Both presidential candidates should provide their plans
for reform and define their differences and similarities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">We need to know whether Governor Mitt Romney will deport a person
like Jose? If elected president, will he deport Jose’s parents?
Will he deport someone who is not as decorated as Jose? Will he continue
to support state-based immigration laws like SB-1070? Will he continue to
flip back-and-forth on immigration or show some backbone and stick with a
position? These questions should be directly asked of him and he should
give us straight answers. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">We need to know what are President Obama’s exact plans for passing
comprehensive immigration reform. Does he really believe that he can get
reform passed if re-elected? Does he truly believe that congress
will work with him and why? Why is ICE still detaining low priority
individuals and deporting them when there is a policy that they are not
supposed to be doing this? We need a plan, not lip service.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Moral of the story: this is not a time to let your guard
down. If you have applied for DACA and you already have your biometrics
appointment or your work permit this is a time to celebrate, but don’t forget
the others who are currently left out in the cold. If you have not been
involved with local advocacy, get involved. If you are involved, keep it
up! Hold your local elected officials and candidates accountable.
Volunteer for candidates that support immigrant-friendly policies. Share
your stories. Blog. Write Op-eds. Make sure that like-minded U.S.
citizens register to vote. Get your brothers, sisters, parents and
friends involved in the movement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Advocates that have pushed for DACA should be proud of the results
of their hard work. But, we must continue to push for a broader reform
that can benefit the entire undocumented community and make for a more rational
path to this country for future flows of immigrants. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
GoldmanImmigrationBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152820498127098993noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001324189687356395.post-72458725867155052632012-10-04T00:20:00.001-07:002012-10-04T10:06:46.063-07:00The Most Intriguing Story You'll Ever Read About...Handball?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">What does the sport of handball
mean to you? Probably not much. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
It meant something to President
Abraham Lincoln, who played handball as he awaited the results of the
presidential nominating convention in Chicago in May 1860.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Over the past couple years I found
out what handball means to <a href="http://tucsoncitizen.com/morgue/files/2009/05/l116122-2.jpg">Luis Moreno</a>. It is a gateway to fulfilling his dreams in
the United States. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Envision this timeline of events:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Luis last entered the United States in 1997,
when he was only nine years old, but had lived in the U.S. since he was two.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->A graduate of Tucson's Sunnyside High
School, Luis lived much of 22 years in the United States without documentation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Last week Luis became a lawful permanent
resident based on his extraordinary abilities as a handball player. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Next week Luis will represent the United States,
the only country he has ever known, in the <a href="http://worldhandball2012.com/">World Handball Championships</a> in Ireland. He is a favorite to win it all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Luis is yet another example of how
complicated it is to navigate through the draconian U.S. immigration system.
Luis was 20 years old when he was arrested by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection
at the Tucson airport, while attempting to travel to a handball tournament. He was not married, had no children and had
little hope in fighting his removal case.
Fortunately, there was a long forgotten document that Luis did not
realize would ultimately save him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
In 2000, Luis was introduced to the
Yes-2-Kids organization which provides mentoring to children in at-risk neighborhoods
in Tucson. He was introduced to the
sport of handball and quickly became enamored with it. By 2003 he began to compete in major
tournaments and rapidly shot up the national junior rankings. Eventually he reached number one on the World
Pro Handball Tour. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Gloria Goldman met with Luis and
immediately realized that he was an individual who embodied <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=17b983453d4a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=17b983453d4a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD">extraordinary
ability</a> in athletics. He was
undoubtedly at the top of his field.
After discussing his family’s immigration history, she also realized
that if she filed an I-140 petition as an individual with extraordinary ability
and got an approval, Luis would benefit from that aforementioned document: An
I-130 petition filed by his grandmother on behalf of his father on September 7,
1994. Luis would be the beneficiary of <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=6c6c3a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=6c6c3a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD">INA
§245(i)</a> as a minor derivative of a “grandfathered alien” from that
petition. Without 245(i) he would have
no other options to straighten out his immigration status and remain in the U.S.
permanently. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To be
considered “extraordinary” under the immigration law, the applicant must be
“one of that small percentage who has risen to the very top of the field of
endeavor.” Luis was number one in the
world. You would probably guess that
number one is rising to the top of the field.
Not according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, which
denied his petition on September 16, 2011.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not to be
deterred, Gloria and Luis regrouped and re-filed the petition on June 1,
2012. Fortunately, this time around, the
USCIS officer granted the petition. Luis
was one step closer to becoming a resident.
One final step remained: With only a few months until the World
Championships Luis was able to get his removal case terminated and September
27, 2012, adjust his status to lawful permanent residency.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the
matter of a month, Luis Moreno has gone from being undocumented and facing some
grim uncertainty about his future to now representing a country that he loves
in the highest level of competition.
Whatever the results from his competition in Ireland, he knows that he
will be welcomed back to the United States.
He’s another example of what individual perseverance and wise
immigration policy can lead to. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
GoldmanImmigrationBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152820498127098993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001324189687356395.post-10746411405213550492012-09-26T01:05:00.001-07:002012-10-01T20:47:17.358-07:00An Open Letter to Gov. Jan Brewer (uncensored version)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
September 26, 2012</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Honorable Janice K. Brewer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Arizona Governor</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Executive Tower</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1700 West Washington Street</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Phoenix, AZ 85007</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Governor Brewer:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just like
you, I’m also an overachiever. I would
imagine that very few expected that you would ever become the Governor of the
great state of Arizona. Similarly,
against all odds, I graduated from law school and I am now a licensed attorney
in Arizona. But this letter is not about
either of us. In fact, this letter is
about a group of achievers who want to have the opportunity to better
society. Yes, I’m talking about your
favorite group of achievers: DREAMers. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On August
15, 2012, you issued an Executive Order which barred those individuals eligible
for Deferred Action (DACA) from obtaining driver’s licenses or other state
benefits. After a fiscal analysis, I can
only conclude that this decision was based upon your personal vendetta against
President Barack Obama. Besides having
no basis in federal or state law to issue this executive order, your policy
will cost the state and businesses millions of dollars.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Had you, or
your advisers, conducted an unbiased cost-benefit analysis, you would have
likely concluded that this program will have a profoundly positive impact on a
number of industries in our state, along with making our streets safer and
saving Arizona resident’s money. Before
I go any further, I must confess that I am no economist and my calculations may
be considered rudimentary to some, but it will definitely make sense to you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s start
from the basics: There is an estimated 50,000-80,000 individuals in Arizona who
will qualify for DACA. A driver’s
license for applicants age 16-39 is $25.00.
Using the low-end estimate of individuals, which would mean the state is
bound to earn $1.25 million in driver license fees. Let me add that these individuals will only
get work permission from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for two
years and then have to apply for renewals.
That means the state will collect $1.25 million, or more, every two
years!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In order to
qualify for work permission under DACA, all applicants will have to undergo a
strict vetting process by DHS.
Candidates who will qualify must undergo background checks, been
physically present in the United States for at least five years, and provide
clear evidence that they have either completed high school or are currently in
school. Many have already taken college
courses or completed their post-secondary schooling. Therefore, we are talking about a class of individuals
that are educated and will provide a benefit to the lagging Arizona
economy. Rather than taking jobs from
U.S. citizens, they will help expand the growth of businesses and spend their
hard-earned money in the state.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who else is
bound to gain from the issuance of drivers licenses to DACA grantees? Insurances companies, car dealers, gas
stations, automotive service stations, car washes, and pretty much any business
that is not near a bus stop. Arizona is
not exactly known for its excellent public transportation systems. Therefore, getting from point A to point B
can be difficult without an automobile.
According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC), one in eight Arizona
drivers are uninsured. According to IRC,
Arizona has the fifth highest percentage of uninsured motorists at 22% of the
population. Insurance companies are
bound to gain more customers and benefit their businesses when new drivers can
either lease or purchase cars. There
will be a trickle-down benefit to gas stations, tire and brake repair, and many
other related industries. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
economic benefits to this program are considerable and I have attached a report
from the Immigration Policy Center, American Immigration Council, which
provides <a href="http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/just-facts/economic-benefits-granting-deferred-action-unauthorized-immigrants-brought-us-youth">raw
data of these benefits</a>. This
includes tax benefits, expansion of investments, more spending and an increased
incentive to fulfill educational goals.
Nobody loses from this program and the state is missing a golden
opportunity. This program only helps a
narrow group of persons and, contrary to what you believe, will not be a magnet
for others to enter the country without documentation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Assuming
you have made it to this point in my letter and your eyes are not completely
glazed over, I want to make a final legal point. There is no doubt that the state is bound to
lose money in litigation costs, and ultimately will lose in the courts, as the
policy conflicts with state law and the federal REAL ID Act. More wasted money on behalf of taxpayers,
more image problems and less tourism. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Just like you, I am stubborn. However, I recognize that in order to
function in society we must compromise, and sometimes make decisions that are
against our core beliefs. I believe that
your advisors are misleading you on the issue of immigration and particularly
in the benefits of this DACA program.
The benefits of this program to our state far outweigh the costs that we
will incur if your executive order remains in place. Therefore, with the utmost respect, I ask
that you lift this executive order and allow the economic boon that this
program will bring to our state to become a reality. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Thank you and God bless America.</div>
GoldmanImmigrationBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152820498127098993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001324189687356395.post-16363832448162865972012-09-07T00:57:00.001-07:002012-09-07T10:44:29.146-07:00Defining a DREAMer<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<b><u>Defining a DREAMer<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tonight I
started thinking about the hundreds of times I’ve said, typed and dreamt the
term “Dreamer” over the past couple years.
Not to mention the dozens of times I’ve watched the movie “Dinner with
Schmucks” where the term Dreamer is used repeatedly (no one has ever accused me
of being an intellect). There is a scene
in the movie where Barry, played by Steve Carrell, speaks about the “<a href="http://vimeo.com/18408020">Tower of Dreamers</a>.” At the end of the monologue, Barry so movingly states:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Dare to dream. Dream your wildest dreams.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i>You
can climb the highest mountain.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i>You
can drown in a teacup, if you find a big enough teacup.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>And
if somebody tells you that you can't do something, you say, </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>"Yes, I can. 'Cause
I'm doing it right now!"<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
We should all take a lesson from
Barry and follow his direction! After
listening to the participants at the Democratic National Convention say “DREAMer” so many times
that the term may have actually jumped the shark, I figured it might be fun to
look up the definitions of the term. I
went on Dictionary.com and found three definitions:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Dream·er [dree-mer] noun<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i>1.
a person who dreams.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>2.
a person who lives in a world of
fantasy; one who is impractical and unrealistic.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>3.
a person whose ideas or projects are considered audacious or highly
speculative; visionary.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i>A
person who dreams</i>: Well, duh. This
is exactly what I think of when I use the term DREAMer, in the immigration
context.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i>A
person who lives in a world of fantasy; one who is impractical and unrealistic</i>:
The GOP could be called DREAMers too?
Good luck with that self-deportation platform, Mr. Romney and Mr. Kobach.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i>A
person whose ideas or projects are considered audacious or highly speculative; visionary</i>:
This might be a good definition for our President on immigration. It would be nice to see wider use of his
executive powers in order to stop the removal of individuals from the United
States. Lest we forget the record number
of deportations on his watch, but with the recent announcement of <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=f2ef2f19470f7310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=f2ef2f19470f7310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD">Deferred
Action for Childhood Arrivals</a> (DACA) perhaps it’s the first step to making
good on his overdue promise for comprehensive immigration reform from four
years ago.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Thinking back to the 2008 presidential
election, I remember telling others about young people who were DREAM-Act
eligible. Always having to explain what
it all meant. Eventually I started using
the term “DREAMer” on a regular basis, but I still had to explain what I meant by
that expression. Now the terminology has
become part of the everyday vernacular. There
have been some incredible strides made in this movement during the past year. Anyone who has been involved in this movement
has a right to celebrate these achievements.
But, before we all start high-fiving one another or liking each other’s
Facebook statuses, let’s remember that we still have a long, long way to go in
this struggle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
We must continue to hold our
politicians, on both sides of the aisle, accountable for their lack of
leadership in getting Comprehensive Immigration Reform passed. We cannot become complacent. Do not forget about all those other “DREAMers”
who may not meet the definition under DACA.
The 35-year-old DREAMer, the 40-year-old DREAMer, and the 50+ DREAMer’s. Keep up the great work everyone and don’t
forget to tell those people who try to dissuade you from speaking out: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
"Yes, I can. ‘Cause I'm doing
it right now!"</div>
GoldmanImmigrationBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152820498127098993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001324189687356395.post-12520593515138254442012-08-18T00:37:00.000-07:002012-08-18T00:39:34.159-07:00Executive Disorder<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Executive Disorder<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Re-Affirming
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer’s Ignorance and </u></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Botched “Gotcha” Moment Against the
Federal Government<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
WHEREAS, a bully is defined as a person who uses strength or
power to harm or intimidate those who are weaker; and</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
WHEREAS, Jan Brewer is an ignorant bully, an embarrassment
to humanity and, most likely, does not even know the meaning of “whereas”; and </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
WHEREAS, Jan Brewer continues to instill unnecessary fear
into the minds of Arizona residents based on misinformation and lies; and</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
WHEREAS, the latest attempt to oppress undocumented
immigrants will fail in the courts; and</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
WHEREAS, pursuant to <a href="http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/1/00502.htm&Title=1&DocType=ARS">Arizona
Revised Statute 1-502(A)(7)</a> an employment authorization document (EAD) is one
of the many listed documents to demonstrate lawful presence in the United
States to be eligible for state or local benefits; and</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
WHEREAS, Russell Pearce, another ignorant bully and
embarrassment to humanity, wrote ARS 1-502(A)(7). Therefore, according to Mr. Pearce and the state
of Arizona anyone with this form of identification has lawful presence in the
United States and can qualify for a driver’s license; and</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has
clearly stated that a person with deferred status will not accrue unlawful
presence in the United States.
Therefore, they have lawful presence by directive of the DHS Secretary; and</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
WHEREAS, <a href="http://law.onecle.com/arizona/transportation/28-3153.html">Arizona
Revised Statute 28-3153(D)</a> states “Notwithstanding any other law, the
department shall not issue to or renew a driver license or nonoperating
identification license for a person <b>who
does not submit proof satisfactory to the department that the applicant's
presence in the United States is authorized under federal law</b>; and</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
WHEREAS, Jan Brewer’s mean spirited order will not only damage
beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), but many
others including victims of domestic violence who benefit under the Violence
Against Women Act (VAWA); and </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
WHEREAS, Jan Brewer has again embarrassed the state of
Arizona through her arbitrary, capricious and abusive attempt at rulemaking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
NOW THEREFORE, it must be concluded that:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Jan
enjoys bullying undocumented immigrants and students who want to better
themselves and the United States;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Jan
loves getting sued and wasting Arizona taxpayers dollars on defending lawsuits,
rather than making more money for Arizona residents and taxpayers by issuing
drivers licenses, benefitting the auto, insurance, education industries,
amongst others;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Jan
does not know the definition of whereas, arbitrary, capricious or lawful
presence; </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Jan
will again lose this battle and, as a diversion, claim that there are headless
bodies hiding somewhere at the Motor Vehicles Division office because of
DREAMers.</div>
<br />GoldmanImmigrationBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152820498127098993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001324189687356395.post-83940543860863799262012-07-31T14:38:00.005-07:002012-07-31T14:38:45.448-07:00Deferring Action: The Benefits of Legal Counsel<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;">Deferring Action: The Benefits of Legal Counsel </span></b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
Immigration attorneys hear it time and time again: <br />
<br />
Do I need to meet with a qualified lawyer to review my situation? <br />
<br />
Do I need to hire a lawyer to assist me with this application or process?<br />
<br />
Well, in the case of the recently announced <a href="http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/s1-exercising-prosecutorial-discretion-individuals-who-came-to-us-as-children.pdf" title="blocked::http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/s1-exercising-prosecutorial-discretion-individuals-who-came-to-us-as-children.pdf
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/s1-exercising-prosecutorial-discretion-individuals-who-came-to-us-as-children.pdf">Deferred
Action initiative</a> for certain undocumented youth, known by many as
DREAMers, perhaps we should ask Chris Crane these questions. In case you
didn’t already know, Chris Crane is a top <a href="http://iceunion.org/" title="blocked::http://iceunion.org/
http://iceunion.org/">official</a> for
the union representing some Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents,
and over the past couple years he’s disagreed with just about every
policy directed towards his agents from his superiors in Washington, D.C.
<br />
<br />
Mr. Crane is now <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/immigrants-don-t-prove-meet-dream-act-criteria-045005567.html?_esi=1" title="blocked::http://news.yahoo.com/immigrants-don-t-prove-meet-dream-act-criteria-045005567.html?_esi=1
http://news.yahoo.com/immigrants-don-t-prove-meet-dream-act-criteria-045005567.html?_esi=1">claiming</a>
that ICE agents have been told to “blindly” and without credible evidence
release DREAMers who they come in contact with. As a lawyer who has dealt with
ICE and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding the release of
DREAMers since June 15, 2012, my experience has been that they have always
requested verifiable evidence prior to release. With Mr. Crane’s
unsubstantiated pronouncements, it is obvious that there are people within the
rank-and-file of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that are not happy with this initiative. <br />
<br />
Mr. Crane’s statements come on the heels of DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano’s <a href="http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/testimony/20120719-s1-dhs-oversight-hjc.shtm" title="blocked::http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/testimony/20120719-s1-dhs-oversight-hjc.shtm
http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/testimony/20120719-s1-dhs-oversight-hjc.shtm">defense
of the initiative</a> before the House Judiciary Committee where she was
grilled by numerous congressional representatives regarding this
announcement. Secretary Napolitano testified that our immigration laws
are not designed to be “blindly enforced without consideration given to the
individual circumstances of each case.”<br />
<br />
What does all this mean to DREAMers who may qualify? In the coming
weeks and months they will make some critical decisions that could considerably impact
their lives for the near future. Decisions that could lead to the
opportunity to land a work permit, drivers license and possibly gainful
employment. On the other hand, this is a decision that could land a
person in hot water and potentially exile from the <st1:country-region w:st="on">United States</st1:country-region>. For some, it
will be best not to file due to the inherent risks. Many unanswered
questions still exist (can anyone out there tell me what a “significant
misdemeanor” is?). <br />
<br />
We know that this initiative will be closely scrutinized by the few who
disagree with the entire concept of DREAM. There will be officers and
politicians who will want to find any indicia of fraud to try and derail this
program and any similar programs or legislation in the future.<br />
<br />
We also know that, as of today, DHS has stated there will be no appeals of
denied requests. We know that there is the possibility of applicants
having to attend a face-to-face interview with officers at DHS.
Therefore, with the risks, applicants have a lot to lose if they do not
consider, at the very least, a one-on-one consultation with a licensed
immigration attorney. Furthermore, while the actual process is not yet in
place, it is advisable to start getting credible documentation assembled.
Once final guidance has been set, and possibly filing deadlines, there will be
a flood of applications.<br />
<br />
So, if you are thinking about requesting deferred action, ask these
questions:<br />
<br />
<b>Do I need to meet with a qualified lawyer to review my situation?</b> You would
be well served to seek the counsel of a reputable immigration attorney or a
representative of a non-profit organization certified by the Board of
Immigration Appeals to provide assistance in immigration matters. A
qualified provider is your ally in this process and could help you navigate
through a process that could be laden with some unforeseen landmines. <br />
<br />
<b>Important Note:</b> An attorney should provide an honest assessment of your case and advise
you not to apply if it is not recommended under your particular
circumstances. You can always get a second opinion, but this is a good sign that the attorney you consulted with has your best interests in mind.<br />
<br />
<b>Do I need to hire a lawyer to assist me with this application or
process? </b> That is a matter of personal preference. However, if you
do decide on hiring an attorney you should do your own due diligence.
Remember that attorneys are bound by ethical provisions and are required to
provide competent legal representation to their clients. <br />
<br />
Finally, you must understand that while your case may look perfect on paper
there are absolutely no guarantees when you are dealing with the
government. Therefore, be wary of anyone who makes blanket guarantees
about the processing, time-frames or likelihood of success.<br />
<br />
For more information and updates on the Deferred Action Program, check the
American Immigration Lawyers Association <a href="http://www.aila.org/Issues/Issue.aspx?docid=40722&utm_source=AILA+Mailing&utm_campaign=5bbc3f0588-AILA8_7_31_12&utm_medium=email" title="blocked::http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=40291
http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=40291">Resources
page</a>. You can also <a href="http://myaila.aila.org/Search" title="blocked::http://myaila.aila.org/Search
http://myaila.aila.org/Search">find
a lawyer</a> who is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association in
your area at the website. Additionally,
here is a list of <a href="http://www.justice.gov/eoir/statspub/raroster_files/raroster_orgs_reps_state_city.htm">recognized
organizations and accredited representatives</a> from the Executive Office for
Immigration Review, U.S. Department of Justice.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>GoldmanImmigrationBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152820498127098993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001324189687356395.post-72822147457891001912012-03-02T14:29:00.000-08:002012-03-02T14:29:37.374-08:00Walking the Walk...Talking the Talk: Campaign for an American Dream<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Walking the Walk…</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Over the past century, a handful of people have walked across the United States for a variety of different causes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The struggle for comprehensive immigration reform has finally spawned a walk that will take four individuals on a journey across the United States beginning on March 10, 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At high noon, Jonatan Martinez, Lucas Da Silva, Nico Gonzalez and Raymi Gutierrez will embark on a 3,000-mile walk from the Golden Gate Bridge to Washington D.C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The </span><a href="http://www.cadwalk2012.org/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Campaign for an American Dream</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> (CAD) was developed as a means of creating “dialogue around the passage of the DREAM Act and immigration reform with the values of equality, unity, and diversity.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I call on everyone who believes in the need for immigration reform to sign-on to support this cause, to contribute to it and to follow the walkers along their journey. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Comprehensive Immigration Reform has been a long time coming and, as the days and years pass us by, the struggle to live a normal life becomes more difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is especially noticeable with the passage of xenophobic state-based restrictions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In spite of the struggles, many are coming up with creative and courageous ways to bring the need for immigration reform to the forefront.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over two years ago, a group of brave students (Carlos Roa, Felipe Matos, Gaby Pacheco, and Juan Rodriguez) walked from Miami to Washington D.C. in their </span><a href="http://trail2010.org/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Trail of Dreams</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Across the U.S., numerous undocumented persons are </span><a href="http://ncdreamteam.org/2012/02/29/three-undocumented-youth-arrested-confronting-anti-immigrant-committee-in-legislature"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">risking their own freedoms</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> as a means of drawing attention to their plight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are becoming more and more outspoken against state anti-immigrant policies and the need for congress to act now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">…Talking the Talk</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The CAD walk will also spread valuable dialogue amongst many communities across the U.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The walkers intend to dispel myths about immigrants and why we need CIR.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kick-off event will feature a speech by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and advocate </span><a href="http://joseantoniovargas.com/feed"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Jose Antonio Vargas</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other thought-provoking discussions are planned along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not only about the symbolic walk across the country but also to bring the conversation to many communities.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On the CAD 2012 website, you can read about each of the walkers and hear their personal stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lucas Da Silva explains why he is putting himself out there for this cause:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I stand with confidence of a better future today because I have chosen</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">to shed my fear and take up arms for the families and youth that live in </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">fear and hide in the shadows. I cannot sit idly by as we are oppressed by </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">the current immigration laws that are separating our families and destroying </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">the hopes of our youth. Tired of lying, hiding, running, and crying, I choose </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">to fight for the people that suffer.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Along with the </span><a href="http://www.cadwalk2012.org/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">website</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, you can also track the CAD on </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/campaignforamericandream"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Facebook</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>GoldmanImmigrationBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152820498127098993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001324189687356395.post-55048993325614789812012-01-31T22:52:00.000-08:002012-02-01T06:15:25.905-08:00Living a Nightmare<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Living a Nightmare<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Desperate and hopeless Joaquin Luna
Jr. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/11/us/joaquin-luna-jrs-suicide-touches-off-immigration-debate.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all">took
his own life</a>. He dreamed of someday becoming
either an engineer or an architect.
Joaquin will never live that dream.
Yanelli Hernandez was deported to Mexico yesterday. Like Joaquin, she also had dreams, but she suffered from
depression and a serious mental illness that resulted in her attempting to
commit suicide while facing imminent removal from the United States. ICE denied an emergency stay of removal
citing <a href="http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/31/10281956-feds-deport-woman-to-mexico-activists-had-rallied">lack
of evidence</a> of her mental illness. The
response from ICE begs the question of how many undocumented persons suffer
from mental illness or depression but are not receiving much needed treatment or
medication. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The memorandum by Immigration and Customs
Enforcement Director John Morton, <i><a href="http://www.ice.gov/doclib/secure-communities/pdf/prosecutorial-discretion-memo.pdf">Exercising
Prosecutorial Discretion Consistent with the Priorities of the Agency for the
Apprehension, Detention, and Removal of Aliens</a> </i>(aka the Prosecutorial
Discretion memo), listed 19 factors to that an ICE agent may consider when
weighing whether he should exercise prosecutorial discretion and, in some
cases, grant a stay of removal. The list
is not exhaustive and no one factor is determinative. One of the factors listed is if the person
suffers from a <u>severe mental illness</u>.
While I’m not a doctor or psychologist, I would venture to guess that
many people with depression keep their emotions pent up. The National Institute of Mental Health
estimates that <a href="http://wwwapps.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-numbers-count-mental-disorders-in-america.shtml">9.5% of the adult American population</a> suffers from depressive
disorder. That statistic doesn’t
consider people like Joaquin or Yanelli.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
So, imagine if you are in a country
where you have an uncertain future. You
want to achieve and make a better life for yourself and your parents, but you
are not sure if you can even go to college or join the military. You cannot leave the U.S. because there is a
high risk of facing long-term or permanent separation from family and friends. For many undocumented persons, they came to
the U.S. at a young age and know only this country (“DREAMers”). Finally, to
compound your problems, you can’t even trust the two largest political parties
in this country. Note to Republican and
Democratic parties: we know that all you care about is wooing future potential
voters, but perhaps you could be a bit more discreet and attempt to show some
compassion for humans rather than your own political future. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
This dilemma is as much a mental
health problem as it is an immigration problem. Every time a politician, on either side of the
aisle, makes a promise or a proposal to work on the immigration problem they
are toying with the emotions of millions.
Some of the most vulnerable are those DREAMers who have spent most of
their lives in the U.S. and consider this their country. The constant tug of war by politicians, combined with the normal stresses of daily life, is a recipe for more mental troubles. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
My father always told me that you
can make lemonade out of lemons, and this is another situation where that can
be done. One positive that we can take
away from the plight of Joaquin and Yanelli is that it has further galvanized
the DREAMer population and placed a spotlight on the often unaddressed problem
of mental illness. In fact, on <a href="http://azstarnet.com/news/local/education/precollegiate/summit-here-zeroes-in-on-hispanic-concerns/article_78dabd2b-ba1e-5de1-ae4c-ab42ba607fdb.html">Monday</a>,
Cindy Padilla from the U.S. Health and Human Services, stated that she will be
taking this issue back to D.C. and further explore it. There is even a great online resource
available for those individuals who want more information or need help: <a href="http://undocuhealth.org/">http://undocuhealth.org/</a>.</div>
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It is unnerving that many (including stars like Oprah Winfrey) in this country ignore the pink elephant in the
room when it comes to the plight of undocumented immigrants, and especially DREAMers. With more consideration as to the benefits of
legalizing undocumented immigrants and less overall negativity, perhaps we can
help many who suffer from mental illness and depression. </div>GoldmanImmigrationBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152820498127098993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4001324189687356395.post-20391142116113265322012-01-27T13:28:00.001-08:002012-01-27T15:04:54.951-08:00Immigration 101 in Nursery Rhyme<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Immigration 101 in Nursery Rhyme</u></b></div>
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Watching the Florida Republican Primary Debates this week again demonstrated that these final four candidates simply refuse to understand the dynamics of our draconian immigration system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps they just don’t understand the complexity of it and the numerous roadblocks that serve as a barrier to those who want to legally immigrate to the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three of the remaining candidates contend that we must deport anyone who is not legally present in the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other candidate thinks it would be wise to set up some sort of citizen review panel, which sounds more like a bad game show. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since this seems to be so difficult to comprehend, allow me to demonstrate why their ideas are shameful composed through a format that they might relate to and understand: Nursery rhymes (Note: the following rhymes are based on true stories)</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Jack and Jill Meet the Ten Year Bar</u></b></div>
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Jack and Jill came to Chapel Hill,</div>
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To make a new life for themselves.</div>
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Undocumented for more than a year,</div>
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Now they live in fear.</div>
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Jack was pulled over by the police,</div>
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He was forced to his knees.</div>
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Jack was deported back to Chile,</div>
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A ten year bar left Jill lonely.</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">INA §212(a)(9)(B)(i)(I) bars a person for three years if they remain in the <place w:st="on"><country-region w:st="on">U.S.</country-region></place> without proper documentation (unlawfully present) for more than 6 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>INA §212(a)(9)(B)(i)(II) bars a person for ten years if they remain in the <place w:st="on"><country-region w:st="on">U.S.</country-region></place> without proper documentation for more than a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, this law provides a disincentive for a person to self-deport as <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57364444-503544/romney-on-immigration-im-for-self-deportation"><span style="color: purple;">suggested by Governor Romney</span></a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are limited waivers available for these bars, but most people are too fearful to leave the U.S. and face these harsh penalties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Attrition through enforcement only makes sense if people actually leave, eliminating state benefits is not going to force people out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, it is inhumane.</i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Humpty Dumpty Waited and Waited…</u></b></div>
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Humpty Dumpty sponsored his son for a green card,</div>
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Humpty Dumpty didn’t realize that the process would be this hard, </div>
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One year became two years became five years,</div>
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Twenty years passed by and his son was still waiting in tears.</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We welcome anyone to take an hour (or a week) and try to make sense out of what is known as the <a href="http://travel.state.gov/visa/bulletin/bulletin_1360.html"><span style="color: purple;">Visa Bulletin</span></a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is published by the <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">U.S.</place></country-region> Department of State on a monthly basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Processing times can vary from one category to the next, but most family-based sponsored immigration can take a decade or longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conservative economists consistently <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alex-nowrasteh/mad-about-immigration-bla_b_1005347.html"><span style="color: purple;">decry the current system</span></a> that does nothing more than separate families and hurt the <place w:st="on"><country-region w:st="on">U.S.</country-region></place> in competing for the best and brightest foreign workers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Making the argument that undocumented immigrants should leave and get in the back of the line is completely illogical since the “line” has no end in sight. </i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Little Boy Blue and Needs Hope</u></b></div>
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Little Boy Blue, he missed his dreams.</div>
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A waste of talent, he often screams.</div>
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Where is the boy who picks your grapes?</div>
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He’s sweating his ass off and can’t escape.</div>
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Will you help him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Santorum says no.</div>
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He hopes that Little Boy Blue self deports.</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">DREAM Act anyone? Comprehensive Immigration Reform?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Newt Gingrich talks about the plight of grandparents who are in this country without legal status.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What about the rest of the family?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What about the children of immigrants who came to this country when they were minors and have grown up in the United States?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To deny these individuals, many of whom are no longer minors, an opportunity to go to college and join the military and someday become a U.S. citizen is un-American.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The government should give these young people an opportunity to thrive and use the skills they developed in our system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For that matter, it is high time that Congress passes a reasonable comprehensive bill to provide a path to citizenship for all undocumented immigrants in the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>GoldmanImmigrationBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05152820498127098993noreply@blogger.com0