Birthers need to learn citizenship rules

The latest from the birther front: Chuck Norris says he’s not one but writes an editorial restating the birther position. In essence, until Pres. Barrack Obama himself releases an original of his Hawaiian birth certificate, he’s not a natural born United States citizen, say the birthers. The problem: The world does not work that way. […]

NY Times critical of immigration detention abuses

Here is the editorial. I have serious questions about the use of so called “contract” facilities for housing immigration detainees as well as federal criminal detainees. There is a serious problem in Oklahoma with denial of access to attorneys as well as access to medical care. This past week a client’s court date was put […]

What are the Obama administration’s priorities with immigration?

The Los Angeles Times analyzed the progress toward immigration reform by the Obama administration. I think that Obama has assigned this important task to Secretary Janet Napolitano of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. I think he wants some distance from the issue despite his wanting legitimate changes. I do not know if this approach […]

Study finds ICE agents violated rights in home raids in NY and NJ

A study by the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law says that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents acted unlawfully in raids of homes in New York and New Jersey. “The study by the school’s Immigration Justice Law Clinic, backed by several law enforcement experts including Nassau County’s police commissioner, found a widespread pattern of misconduct […]

A study by the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law says that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents acted unlawfully in raids of homes in New York and New Jersey. “The study by the school’s Immigration Justice Law Clinic, backed by several law enforcement experts including Nassau County’s police commissioner, found a widespread pattern of misconduct […]

ICE to require 287(g) agencies to sign new agreement

Here is the story. In essence, ICE wants local and state law enforcement agencies paticiparting in the 287(g) program to refocus on more serious crimes rather than relatively minor ones. “Some police departments check immigration status in a wide variety of crimes. Friday’s directive lays out federal priorities: violent crimes such as rape or robbery, […]

Are immigration judges more burned out that prison wardens?

Here is the story. This is actually a profound finding to my mind. Before I read this story, I never once put the burn out seen in prison wardens in league with that witnessed in immigration judges. But, now that someone puts it out there, I see it.

Reasonable immigration adjustments needed rather than massive reform

The deeper we get into 2009 the more I think that the President’s team as past administrations wants to be overly ambitious in changing our immigration system. Here are some simple repairs to our existing system that can probably be passed today with little opposition: 1. Pass the Dream Act. Let’s get the unlawful kids […]