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A Much-Needed Spotlight on Families Ripped Apart by Deportations
On December 12, dozens of children delivered thousands of letters to Capitol Hill, calling upon lawmakers to stop the senseless division of families that is caused by the deportation of mothers and fathers who are not a threat to anyone. The event was part of “A Wish for the Holidays,” a campaign with a simple […]
Read MoreFalling Through the Cracks
The Impact of Immigration Enforcement on Children Caught Up in the Child Welfare System
One of the many consequences of an aggressive immigration enforcement system is the separation of children, often U.S. citizens, from their unauthorized immigrant parents. Take the case of Felipe Montes, a father who has spent the past two years fighting to reunite with his three young children, who were placed in foster care in North Carolina following Montes’ deportation to Mexico in late 2010. Such cases only scratch at the surface of a growing problem. Our immigration policies often fail to address the needs of millions of children whom they directly impact.
According to the Pew Hispanic Center, approximately 5.5 million children in the United States, including 4.5 million U.S.-born citizens, live in mixed-legal status families with at least one parent who is an unauthorized immigrant. These children are at risk of being separated from a parent at any time. Parents facing removal must frequently make the decision whether to take their children with them or leave their children in the U.S. in the care of another parent, relative, or friend. In many cases, a parent may determine that it is in their child’s best interest to remain in the U.S. However, in some cases, a parent’s ability to make such decisions is compromised when their child enters the child welfare system, which can prompt a series of events leading to the termination of parental rights. The lack of consistent protocols across the different public systems that encounter separated families further exacerbates the problem.
Immigrant Friends and Foes Debate the Definition of “Comprehensive Immigration Reform”
Nearly everyone agrees that an immigration reform bill of some sort will be introduced in Congress in the near future given the pivotal role that Latinos and immigrants played in getting President Obama reelected. But no one knows yet just how “comprehensive” that bill will be, meaning which groups of immigrants will be included and […]
Read MoreSteve Case: Immigration Reform Can Spur Job Growth
U.S. News and World Report December 7, 2012 … As Congress and the president seize the bipartisan opportunity to address the legal, social, and moral components of a comprehensive immigration bill, they should include in the package high-skill visa reform so that we strengthen America’s economic competitiveness as well. Forty percent of Fortune 500 companies […]
Read MorePress Release: Statement from Partnership for a New American Economy Co-Chair and New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg on Passage of the STEM Jobs Act in the U.S. House of Representatives
Bill Provides Green Cards for Foreign-Born Graduates with Advanced STEM Degrees and Reunites Families by Providing Visas to Spouses and Children of Current Green Card Holders Following today’s passage of the STEM Jobs Act of 2012 (H.R. 6429), the bill introduced by Representative Lamar Smith (R-TX) that provides 55,000 green cards for foreign-born graduates of […]
Read MoreRep. Eric Cantor: An Innovative, Thriving Economy Depends On Diversity
Winona Daily News November 30, 2012 The lessons taken from this month’s election may vary, but the one thing we all agree on is that getting our economy moving again must be our top priority. We have an opportunity to come together to bring high-skilled immigrants into our workforce and boost economic growth, and to […]
Read MoreIt’s Time To Tackle Popular Immigration Reforms Today
The White Mountain Independent November 30, 2012 Following the results of the election, there appears to be a real window in Washington, D.C. to do something meaningful on immigration. The just reelected president has made immigration reform a first tier priority. And many Republicans believe that dealing with this issue is essential to restoring to […]
Read MoreThe 287(g) Program: An Overview
Through the 287(g) program, state and local police officers collaborate with the federal government to enforce federal immigration laws. In the past, the 287(g) program has been costly for localities, has not focused on serious criminals, and has
Read MoreA Start On Immigration
The Roanoke Times November 27, 2012 The STEM Jobs Act, scheduled for a vote in the House of Representatives this week, is not a perfect bill. It is, however, an affirmative sign that Congress may finally be ready to address serious immigration reform. The measure, expected to pass the Republican-controlled chamber, would expand the availability […]
Read MoreSTEM Bill Still Plagued by Politics
In 2010, the lame duck session of Congress was dominated by debate over the DREAM Act, which passed the House of Representatives before succumbing to a conservative-led filibuster in the Senate. Congress will again tackle a significant immigration measure during the current lame duck session, with the House expected to vote on Friday on a […]
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