Posts Tagged ‘Federal Authorities’
Prince William Gets an Immigration Policy Makeover by Feds
October 18th, 2012
Posted in Immigration News
Prince William officials were not too thrilled with federal immigration authorities on Tuesday after the feds decided to change the way illegal immigration issues are handled and how undocumented aliens are detained in the county.
After this year, county law enforcement authorities will no longer be able to investigate the immigration status of individuals they arrest. They will only be able to check their names against a federal database that contains the names of those who come into contact with federal authorities.
County officials say this thwarts their plans to find and detain illegal immigrants who have committed crimes and are a danger to residents.
“We have a duty to protect our citizens and to make our community safe,” said Corey A. Stewart, the chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors. “If someone commits a crime and they are here illegally, they should be deported.”
This is just one of several incidents in which the federal government has tried to regain control over matters regarding immigration. For years, states – and cities – have been trying to handle immigration matters within their borders themselves, but the feds argue that immigration reform is a matter that should be dealt with at the national level.
As authorities continue to go back and forth with this issue, many innocent immigrants are paying the price, becoming the targets of racism and discrimination. If you or someone you know need help with any immigration-related matter, turn to an immigration lawyer immediately for assistance.
Immigration attorneys specialize in U.S. Immigration Law and will see to it that your rights are fully protected, regardless of what your case entails. Call to schedule a consultation today.
Undocumented Immigrants Use Civil Disobedience to Protest Papers Please Laws
September 24th, 2012
Posted in Immigration News
Phoenix, AZ- Usually undocumented immigrants hide in the shadows fearful of being detained and eventually deported, but now they are taking risks and using civil disobedience to speak out about Arizona’s papers please law.
Wearing t-shirts that say “Undocumented and unafraid,’ immigrants in Arizona have blocked streets, stopping the flow of traffic, and occupied buildings all over the state, deliberately getting arrested so they can be turned over to federal authorities.
The acts of civil disobedience are in defiance of the state’s immigration law, which allows local law enforcement to ask to the papers of anyone they stop or arrest.
Dozens of protestors have been arrested, but federal officials have refused to deport the individuals in question, despite the administration’s record number of removals. ICE has been instructed to focus their deportation efforts on undocumented immigrants who are guilty of committing crimes.
By allowing themselves to be arrested, the protestors are sending a message that they will not live in fear and want a pathway to citizenship. They also believe that they can avoid deportation because the administration would be seen in a negative light.
Some of protestors convened outside Sherriff Joe Arpaio’s jail. Arpaio has been accused of racially profiling Latinos in his county, though he denies the allegations.
For these protestors, tough immigration laws represent a violation of their civil rights.
Immigration reform is beginning to take center stage in this year’s presidential campaign. But comprehensive reform may be impossible in our deeply divided congress, despite who gets elected in November.
The legal path to citizenship and residency may seem like a daunting task to the millions of immigrants in the country. However, a legal presence is easier to attain with the assistance of a skilled immigration attorney who will work hard to get their clients the visa, green card or naturalization they desire.
Arizona Gov. Brewer’s Dream Comes True, Judge Allows Immigration Status Checks
September 19th, 2012
Posted in Immigration News
Phoenix, AZ- Governor Jan Brewer must be feeling a sense of vindication now that a judge said Arizona police can conduct immigration checks immediately, ending months and months of debate over the contentious “papers please” provision of Arizona’s tough immigration law. Legal status checks can begin immediately.
While Governor Brewer and supporters of the law are pleased that the provision has been upheld, they are not confident that federal authorities will be cooperative.
The Feds have said that they will assist law enforcement in determining a detainee’s legal status but reinforced that they would only pick up high-priority immigrants; those who threaten public safety, national security and guilty of repeat immigration offenses.
Civil rights groups are still braced to challenge the law on the grounds that it is unconstitutional and discriminates against Latinos.
“The next step is for us is to document the abuses and provide the evidence the court has said we need to provide,” said Alessandro Soler of the American Civil Liberties Union, “We will do everything we can. We have a community hotline and community forums planned and we are training people, trying to the get the message out that people need to report abuses.”
Arizona’s immigration bill was passed in the state in 2010, but went through a number court challenges, eventually making its way to the Supreme Court which upheld only the “papers please” provision. Other states have passed similar laws all inspired by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, but they, too, face court challenges.
The reality is that many people who enter the country illegally would like to be legally recognized residents, but caps on the number of awarded visas and naturalization quotas, along with the long and arduous application process is discouraging. For those immigrants who truly want to become citizens, an immigration attorney can make it an easier and more successful path.
Federal Judge Rules Arizona’s “Show Me Your Papers” Provision to be Constitutional
September 6th, 2012
Posted in Immigration News
ARIZONA – Arizona seems to be invincible in the fight between state governments and federal authorities over who gets the final say in immigration laws.
According to a federal judge, SB 1070’s controversial “show me your papers” provision is in fact constitutional, meaning that as of Wednesday, Arizona police officers are now required to check the immigration status of individuals they stop during routine traffic violations whom they suspect are in the country illegally
In a statement Wednesday, Arizona’s Governor Jan Brewer commented on the ruling, claiming that the provision “makes a clear statement that [Arizona] will not tolerate sanctuary city policies, and will now have thousands of additional officers to collaborate with the federal government as state and local law enforcement do what they always have – enforce the law.”
Those against the provision argue that it promotes racial profiling. After all, how else can you possibly suspect anyone of looking like they are undocumented than by profiling them to meet a specific racial stereotype?
Luckily though, even if this provision stands, immigrants and their loved ones can still seek protection with the help of an immigration lawyer.
Immigration attorneys do whatever it takes to ensure their clients walk away from their case with the best possible outcome. They can assist with many matters, including applying for legal status, family reunification and even criminal charges. They even help immigrants find jobs and English tutors. No matter what you need help with, immigration lawyers are on your side to make sure your civil rights are protected.
Even if you are an illegal immigrant, you still have a right to be free of discrimination. Contact an immigration attorney near you today to discuss your options and file a claim.
Advocates Fight Against Supreme Court Ruling of Arizona Immigration Law
July 18th, 2012
Posted in Immigration News
PHOENIX – Opponents of Arizona’s SB 1070 anti-illegal immigration law launched a new effort to shut down the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling that will allow local police to enforce the “show me your papers” provision.
The advocate group filed a request seeking a court order that would prevent authorities from enforcing the law’s provision that allows police to check the immigration status of those they stop during routine traffic violations if they suspect the individual is an illegal immigrant.
The groups argue that the provision violates the Fourth Amendment, leading to distrust between community members and police, as well as will lead to racial profiling for immigrants in Arizona. They have requested the provision be stopped before it takes effect.
Although advocates keep fighting back, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer isn’t backing down.
“The Supreme Court has already spoken unanimously on the constitutionality of this provision. Gov. Brewer is hopeful Arizona law enforcement will soon at long last be empowered to enforce SB 1070, showing that it can be done fairly, lawfully and in harmony with civil rights and the Constitution,” said Matthew Benson, a spokesman for Gov. Brewer.
Even if opponents of the law are unsuccessful in their attempts, many question whether federal authorities will even cooperate with local law officials despite the provision.
Immigrants are facing issues now more than ever with the battle between state officials and federal government over immigration reform. Luckily, immigration lawyers are here to help.
If you need assistance applying for legal status, with family reunification, or even with finding a job, turn to an immigration lawyer for help right now for help. Your immigration attorney will fight for your rights and ensure your case is resolved as quickly as possible and with a favorable outcome.