KTWX-TV -- WacoStudents warned about immigration protest walkoutsThe Dallas Independent School District is warning students they'll be punished if they repeat last year's immigration protest walkouts. -- About 10,000 students walked out of their classes a year ago to attend rallies protesting federal immigration policies...

Lou Dobbs Tonight -- CNN -- March 26 Tucker: Now, papers obtained by the conservative group Judicial Watch under the Freedom of Information Act from the Department of Homeland Security show that many of our security policies, in fact, perhaps have already been coopted. In fact, it quotes Michael Chertoff in memos internally telling the department to align itself with the priorities and the values of SPP when it comes to security- related matters regarding Canada and Mexico. So, Kitty, clearly, this policy is pushing ahead and has huge momentum all on its own, and it's being ignored out in the states for the most part. Watch Transcript

The Wait is Over - Guest Worker Amnesty Introduced in the House
After long negotiations and in-fighting, Representatives Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) broke away from their Senate counterparts last Thursday to introduce a guest worker amnesty bill in the House of Representatives. H.R. 1645, or the STRIVE Act of 2007 (Security Through Regularized Immigration and a Vibrant Economy), offers amnesty to the estimated 12-20 million illegal aliens and provides big business with a future flow of cheap foreign labor though a guest worker program with a path to citizenship. The bill also makes improvements to border security efforts and provides for an employment eligibility verification system.

The guest worker portion of the bill creates a new type of worker visa, called an H-2C visa, that allows illegal aliens to stay in the U.S. for up to 6 years so long as they can:

establish employment;
pass a background check;
pass a medical examination; and
pay a $500 fee.
The H-2C program also allows these "guest workers" and their dependents to apply for permanent residency status and eventual citizenship. The program has an annual cap of 400,000 guest workers with an automatic escalator that can inflate the number to as many as 600,000.

The amnesty portion of the bill allows illegal aliens to apply for "conditional nonimmigrant status" by establishing that he or she was present and employed in the U.S. since June 1, 2006. The alien must also submit fingerprints, undergo a background check, and pay a $500 fine. Once granted conditional nonimmigrant status, the alien may obtain permanent residence status after six years by:

establishing employment;
paying of taxes (but only taxes owed for legal work);
paying $2,000 in fees and fines;
passing a background check;
meeting the citizenship requirements under current law; and
touching the border (see below).
This last requirement, called a "touchback" provision, only requires that sometime during the six year period of conditional nonimmigrant status the alien go to the border and reenter as a conditional nonimmigrant—the status they already have. There is no requirement that the alien actually return to his or her home country, undergo any new scrutiny, obtain any new documentation, or spend any meaningful time outside of the U.S. Indeed, Congressman Gutierrez was quoted in CongressDaily as saying the touchback provision could be accomplished "in a day." Spouses and dependents are excluded from the touchback requirement.

Section 5 of the bill provides that before the guest worker and amnesty provisions may be implemented, DHS must submit a certification to the President and Congress that: (1) DHS has submitted a report to Congress on the status of the Secure Border Initiative; (2) the systems and infrastructure necessary to carry out the provisions regarding immigration documents are ready for use; and (3) that employment verification for so-called "critical infrastructure employers" is implemented. Implementation of an employment eligibility verification system for the vast majority of employers is not a pre-requisite to the start of the guest worker or amnesty program.
As if the H-2C guest worker and amnesty programs were not sufficiently rewarding illegal behavior and opening the floodgates to cheap foreign labor, the STRIVE Act also more than doubles the number of H-1B visas and employment-based immigrant visas. The legislation also includes the AGJOBS bill, which grants amnesty to agricultural workers, and the DREAM Act, which grants amnesty to certain students.

Upon introduction, the STRIVE Act immediately came under fire by Members of Congress. Appearing on numerous cable news shows, Congressman Brian Bilbray (R-CA), Chairman of the House Immigration Reform Caucus, said the Flake-Gutierrez bill does nothing more than advertise to the world that United States is willing to make special accommodations for those who break the law. Congressman Tom Tancredo (R-CO) also condemned the bill, saying "The President and his new Democratic allies in Congress seem hell-bent on cramming this mass amnesty down the throats of the American people whether they want it or not."

Amnesty supporters, however, stood up for the bill. In an interview with the L.A. Times, Congressman Gutierrez commented, "This isn't about people coming here temporarily, working and then shipping them off," he said, "but about new workers incorporating themselves and, if they wish, integrating themselves fully and their families into the very fiber of American society." Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) applauded Gutierrez and Flake's decision to introduce their own bill. Kennedy issued a statement Tuesday saying, "While we're still negotiating in the Senate, I'm optimistic that we will have legislation soon."

Some are confident that the Flake-Gutierrez bill will suffer the same fate as S.2611, which passed the Senate last year. Mark Krikorian, Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies, told the Washington Post that he feels the Flake-Gutierrez bill will ultimately fail. "I don't think it has any more chance than the Senate bill did last year," he said. "The Democratic majority doesn't change things as much as you might think." Even Congressman Gutierrez told the Los Angeles Times that their chances of success would dim if the House and Senate did not pass their respective bills by July, because the approaching election year would make it harder. He also noted that the bill had to have bipartisan support to pass.

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Congressman Gingrey Takes Aim at Chain Migration
Congressman Phil Gingrey (R-GA) - along with 17 cosponsors - recently introduced H.R. 938, the 'Nuclear Family Priority Act.' The bill seeks to tackle the problem of chain migration caused by the provisions in current law allowing immigrants who become citizens to bring in extended family members, who in turn bring in their own extended family members, causing the number of immigrants to the United States to skyrocket. By eliminating the extended family preference categories in current law and replacing them with a single preference category for spouses and children of permanent resident aliens and citizens, H.R. 938 prioritizes the admission of nuclear family members while controlling the growth rate of immigration to the U.S.

Last Wednesday, Congressman Gingrey took to the House Floor to explain his concerns with chain migration. During Special Orders, Gingrey explained that the insanity of chain migration can result in one legal permanent resident over a short span of 17 years bringing in 273 people to the United States. Those 273 people then count against the quota for that country. Gingrey further pointed out that these extended family members are given priority over other qualified, skilled individuals seeking the opportunity to move to the United States, "[Chain migration] creates a backlog of visa applications….It allows genealogy, not job skills, not education, not English proficiency to determine who immigrates to our country. We just can't afford that."

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Senator Grassley Introduces Legislation to Improve Visa Revocation Process
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) announced last week the introduction of S.913, legislation that closes the loophole allowing aliens to stay in the country after their visas have been revoked on security-related grounds. The bill is co-sponsored by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).

Under current law, visas approved or denied by consular officers are non-reviewable and deemed final. However, if a visa is revoked and the individual is already on U.S. soil, the decision by the consular officer is reviewable in U.S. courts. This spawns endless litigation and makes deportation nearly impossible—despite the fact that if the visa had been denied overseas, the alien would not have access to the courts. Senator Grassley's bill would address this problem by treating visa revocations similar to visa denials.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) first exposed this loophole in June 2003 when it released a report showing that the FBI and intelligence community suspected over 200 visa applicants of having ties to terrorism but didn't share the information with U.S. consular officers in time. The consular officers granted the visas, but then had to revoke them. The GAO determined that even though the visas were revoked, because the visa holders were already on U.S. soil, immigration officials could not expeditiously remove the aliens.

Senator Grassley introduced similar legislation in 2004 and recently offered an amendment to the 9/11 bill that was debated in the Senate, but did not receive enough support to proceed to a final vote. In a released statement, Senator Grassley said, "This was a security amendment that the Democrats rejected during debate of the 9/11 bill. Fixing this problem and keeping the public safe is too important to let it get bogged down in political maneuvering. We live in a very different world and a pre-9/11 mindset isn't going to help keep terrorists out of the country."

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Former Deputy Sheriff Hernandez Sentenced
A federal judge sentenced Former Deputy Sheriff Guillermo 'Gilmer' Hernandez to one year and one day following a guilty verdict on charges that he had violated the civil rights of a smuggled illegal alien. In April 2005, Deputy Sheriff Hernandez was making what he thought to be a routine traffic stop; after asking the driver to step out of the vehicle, the driver sped off, putting Hernandez' life in danger. Citing a brief supplied on Hernandez' behalf by the Washington Legal Foundation, the Washington Times reported, "The driver of the vehicle attempted to run into him as it sped away with potentially dangerous occupants and cargo. In a split-second decision, he [Hernandez] shot at the left rear tire to disable the vehicle…the resulting minor injury to one of the occupants from a bullet fragment was not a serious one and certainly not an injury that was willfully inflicted."

The prosecution of Deputy Sheriff Hernandez has been decried by many as unjust. At trial, Sheriff Donald Lestinger stated that Hernandez "followed the letter of the law" in this case and added, "I have never had anything hurt me so badly as this prosecution. We've got to make this right." On the House floor, Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX) stated, "The Texas Rangers…made an independent investigation and determined that Deputy Hernandez acted lawfully and within the law when he fired his weapon. But then the Mexican government gets involved, and in their arrogance, demand in writing from their consulate general to our Federal Government that Deputy Hernandez be prosecuted."

According to a Los Angeles Times interview of defense attorney Jimmy Parks, Jr., "Although Dawson denied pleas for probation, the judge did deviate from federal sentencing guidelines that made the former deputy eligible for up to nine years in prison." Mr. Parks also indicated that he is planning to appeal the guilty verdict. Paul Kamenar, Senior Executive Counsel at the Washington Legal Foundation told the Los Angeles Times, "We're disappointed that the court did not impose probation…But we're glad that the court rejected the government's draconian recommendation that he serve approximately six years in prison."

Hernandez was prosecuted by the office of U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton - the same prosecutor of the controversial case that landed former Border Patrol Agents Jose Alonso Compean and Ignacio Ramos in prison serving sentences over 10 years.

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Recent Floor Statements

Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) commented on Deporting After Sixth Offense Five Too Many (March 23, 2007)
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) commented on Put Aside Partisanship To Pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform (March 23, 2007)
Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) commented on Immigrant Entrepreneurship Fuels American Economic Growth (March 23, 2007)
Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) commented on Immigration (March 21, 2007)
Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) commented on Mexican Government Needs To Stay Out Of America's Business (March 21, 2007)
Rep. Walter Jones (R-NV) commented on 64th Day Of Incarceration For Border Patrol Agents Ramos And Compean (March 19, 2007)
Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) commented on Our Southern Border (March 19, 2007)
Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) commented on Hearing Requested On Ramos And Compean Prosecution (March 19, 2007)
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Press Release
Important Questions About Amnesty Legislation Like the Gutierrez-Flake Bill (March 23, 2007)

KTLA-TV -- Los AngelesImmigration marches in downtown LA, both sidesTwo marches representing both sides of the immigration issue are taking place in downtown Los Angeles today. -- Members of the March 25 Coalition and the nonprofit Hermandad Mexicana Nacional say they want reforms that will enable illegal [aliens... criminals] to stay in this county, more visas for family members..

Lou Dobbs Tonight -- CNN -- March 23 Dobbs: ...An unmanned aircraft helped customs and border protection agents arrest a suspected child rapist. The drone was flying along, one just like this, flying along the Arizona border with Mexico this week when its surveillance camera and the people operating it spotted six illegal aliens. And after arresting and fingerprinting those six illegals, border agents that realized one of those men, a Mexican citizen, was wanted on child rape charges in the state of Washington. Watch UAV /Amnesty Transcript

Lou Dobbs Tonight -- CNN -- March 22Dobbs: ....Is there anything in the legislation that requires that our borders and ports, I mean, be secure?Gutierrez: Yes, we have triggers. We have triggers in the legislation.Dobbs: All right.Gutierrez: ...before you can even engage in legalization of those that are already here, the Department of Homeland Security has to establish that the new technology is in place. That it's available. That the funding is there. That the Border Patrol agents are -- so there are triggers. That biometric card, you don't have a biometric system that guarantees... Watch Transcript

CNN Lou Dobbs - video:Hazleton Trial is About More than the Facts The trial against Hazelton, Pennsylvania, now in its fifth day, has generated enormous controversy. The mayor defends his laws saying that basically the city cannot handle the infrastructure of influx of illegal aliens and the crime rate was soaring. This trial is operating at two levels. The legal issue itself, the main legal issue, is narrow and technical. It's called preemption: Is the matter of immigration something that is reserved exclusively for the federal government and is it something that Hazelton or any other town simply can't regulate. And that has almost nothing to do with the facts of the case itself. It's really an abstract legal issue. But what the plaintiffs, the ACLU, the Chamber of Commerce are trying to do is show the judge that this is a bad idea and it is vaguely racist. But Mayor Barletta says it's very important to enforce this law because the city can't sustain this influx of illegal

Battle Moves to the House of Representatives:"Comprehensive Immigration Reform" to be Introduced Tomorrow!

Yesterday, Congressmen Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) held a conference call with reporters in which they announced their intention to introduce a "comprehensive immigration reform" bill on Thursday. There were few substantive details released at that time, but sources tell us that at the very least, the bill will contain some sort of amnesty provision for illegal aliens currently in the United States.
This morning, CongressDaily reports that Congressmen Flake and Gutierrez, who had been participating in negotiations with Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Ted Kennedy (D-MA) about the components of a new immigration bill, have now decided to let the Senate move on its own track and forge ahead with their legislation in the House. One aide to Flake is quoted as saying, "The House has not had a chance to consider a comprehensive immigration bill."
Observers note that there has been discord in the Senate as Members have had difficulty pleasing both the demands of labor and big business. Nevertheless, Senator Kennedy issued a statement applauding the introduction of "comprehensive immigration reform" legislation in the House. The statement said, "While we're still negotiating in the Senate, I'm optimistic that we will have legislation soon."
NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT!!!
Please call your Representatives TODAY and urge them to reject guest worker amnesty legislation. Tell them:
You oppose guest worker programs that displace American workers and depress wages;
You oppose rewarding illegal immigration with a path to citizenship;
Rewarding illegal immigration will only lead to more illegal immigration; and
Granting amnesty is inherently unfair to those who play by the rules, apply through legal channels, and patiently wait in line to come to the United States.
To find the phone number for your Representative, click here.
Your voices do make a difference!!! Yesterday, the New York Times reported that candidates campaigning in Iowa are hearing non-stop from voters who are upset at the prospect Congress will pass guest worker amnesty legislation. The paper writes: "The issue has become much more complicated as the presidential campaign has gotten under way, exposing the Republicans in particular to voters who are angry about what they see as porous borders, growing demands from immigrants on the social welfare and education systems and job losses that they link at least in part to a low-wage labor force coming over the border." To read the entire article, click here.
In addition, PLEASE take time out of your busy schedules to attend town hall meetings! Go with your family, friends and neighbors to let your Representatives and Senators know how you feel. While you may not immediately see how persuasive you are, FAIR hears stories from Congressional staffers all the time about how immigration is one of the most important issues at district events. Members want to hear from their voters, and if you do not voice your opinion, the voices of special interests will prevail!
Stay tuned for more updates from FAIR….

CNN Lou Dobbs - video:Plaintiffs Say During Hazelton Trial: There's Nothing "Illegal" About Illegal Immigrants, Since There's No Definition in Law The trial against Hazleton, Pennsylvania, is now in its second week. The plaintiffs' attorneys spent most of the day in court trying to deliberately blur that distinction between illegals, saying you can't quite say that. Attorney Witold Walczak said: "It is simplistic and wrong to say illegal is illegal. And Hazleton has really made a pretty fundamental mistake in relying on that kind of premise here." The plaintiffs also pointed out in court, there is no definition for what constitutes an illegal immigrant or illegal alien in federal law. And they tried to make the point that the law also doesn't define what unlawful presence in the country means. Under this logic, there is no point in having laws, let alone enforcing them.

Christian Science Monitor -- March 18The hidden cost of illegal workers Low-skilled individuals, legal or illegal, cost the government much more in services than they pay in taxes. ....Rector worries about the costs of opening the country to a new flood of immigrants. A proposed Senate measure. "would be financially ruinous for the United States," he charges. Rector calculated that a bill passed by the Senate last year would have increased the number of immigrants gaining legal status over the next 20 years by 55 million to 60 million. Most of those immigrants probably would have less than a high school education. And since low-skilled individuals, legal or illegal, cost the government much more than they pay in taxes, Uncle Sam would be out- of- pocket $70 billion a year.

Bush Visits Mexico; Promises "Comprehensive Immigration Reform"

Last week, President Bush marked the end of his 5-day tour of Latin America by visiting Mexico to meet newly-elected President Felipe Calderón. President Bush wasted no time vowing his continued commitment to comprehensive immigration reform. In a well-attended arrival ceremony, Bush said, "Mr. President [Calderón], my pledge to you and your government - but, more importantly, the people of Mexico - is I will work as hard as I possibly can to pass comprehensive immigration reform."
During the visit, President Calderón, a vocal opponent of America's border security measures (including the construction of fencing), argued that the only way to stem illegal immigration and ensure regional security was to raise the standard of living in Mexico. "I am sure there is nothing better for the security and prosperity of our region than the prosperity of Mexico," he said. According to the Washington Post, aides to the Mexican President indicated that he is convinced that to achieve immigration reform, he must demonstrate to Congress that Mexico is willing to address the causes of illegal immigration, especially the country's weak job market and low standard of living.
Calderón also conveyed to President Bush that the illegal migration of Mexicans to the United States was a pain felt by both countries. "Mexicans lose in each migrant the best of our people: young people, working people, audacious people, strong people," he said. "This is why we want to generate jobs for Mexicans here in Mexico, because that is the only way to truly solve the immigration issue." While it is still uncertain whether Congress will pass an immigration reform bill this year, it is clear that both leaders have a large political stake in the outcome of the debate.

Congresswoman Blackburn Introduces Legislation to Curb Bank of America Practices
During the first week of March, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the 'Photo Identification Security Act' (H.R. 1314) in the House of Representatives. The bill is aimed at closing the current loophole allowing financial institutions - like Bank of America - to grant illegal aliens lines of credit. If passed, the bill would require customers to show either a passport or a photo identification issued by the U.S. government to receive any services from the Federal Government or financial institutions. Acceptable forms of identification would include a passport, a U.S. Center for Immigration Services (USCIS) photo identification card (granted to legal immigrants), or a combination of a social security card accompanied by a government-issued photo ID.
This legislation would help eliminate the ability of banks to grant illegal aliens lines of credit because banks would no longer be able to use a multitude of foreign documents—often unreliable forms of ID—to open accounts for customers. H.R. 1314 currently has 33 co-sponsors. To see if your Representative has co-sponsored this legislation, click here.

Congressman Goodlatte Moves to Eliminate Visa Lottery
On March 9th, Representatives Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and Stephanie Herseth (D-SD), introduced legislation to eliminate the visa lottery (H.R 1430). The visa lottery program, originally adopted in 1986, was intended to increase immigration from underrepresented countries. Experience has shown, however, that the effect of the program is merely discrimination between various "adversely affected" countries. For example, when the lottery was first created, it set aside a portion of the 55,000 immigrant visas for immigrants from Ireland, Canada and the United Kingdom, many of whom were illegally residing in the United States and had no other basis for obtaining a visa. Those countries were determined to be "adversely affected" because they had already reached their cap on permanent resident visas.
To obtain a permanent resident visa through the visa lottery, employment or familial connections are not required, applicants, nor is there a base-line level of skills required—just the equivalent of a high school diploma. In addition, the program may be used to grant permanent resident status to aliens illegally in the U.S., a great injustice to those who wait years in their home countries for a family or employment-based visa.
In 2005, similar legislation authored by Congressman Goodlatte (H.R. 1219) was amended onto H.R. 4437 and passed the House. This year, H.R. 1430 was referred to the Judiciary Committee and awaits a hearing. The bill currently has 32 co-sponsors. To see if your Representative has co-sponsored this legislation, click here.

ICE Conducts Raid at Massachusetts Clothing Manufacturing Plant
During the last two weeks, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have conducted more raids targeting employers of illegal aliens. The most recent raid was a sweep of Michael Bianco, Inc. (MBI), a clothing manufacturer that has held $90 million in Defense Department contracts. According to the Associated Press, 361 workers at MBI's Massachusetts plant were rounded up during the operation and flown to detention centers in Texas to be interviewed by federal officials. "Unlawful employment is a powerful magnet driving illegal immigration," said Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Julie Myers to the Washington Times. "Egregious hiring practices, widespread use of fraudulent documents and blatant disregard for the rule of law made this case a priority for ICE."
According to ICE spokesman Marc Raimondi, aliens determined to be in the country illegally will be administratively charged and placed in removal proceedings. In addition, prosecutors have charged owner Francesco Insolia and several other MBI executives with conspiring to encourage or induce illegal aliens to reside in the U.S. and conspiring to hire illegal aliens.
According to reports, illegal aliens working in the plant suffered deplorable working conditions, including an unsanitary environment and limited restroom breaks for workers. Nevertheless, ICE has come under fire from advocacy groups and some Members of Congress for what they consider the breaking up of families. Speaking to the Massachusetts Standard-Times, Representative William Delahunt (D-MA) called the raid a "debacle". The Washington Post, however, explained how the raids highlight the dilemma illegal aliens face: "They come to the United States to provide a better life for their families, but that illegal act can mean they risk the family being torn apart if they are caught."
Delahunt announced that the House Subcommittee on Immigration will be examining how ICE conducted its sweep of the MBI plant. ICE spokeswoman Paula Grenier welcomed the opportunity to brief Members on the extent to which ICE went to ensure children received proper care.

Recent Floor Statements
Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) commented on Prosecution Of Border Patrol Agents (March 15, 2007)
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) commented on Immigration Reform (March 15, 2007)
Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) commented on Improving America's Security Act (March 14, 2007)
Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-CA) commented on Illegal Immigration (March 14, 2007)
Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) commented on "Who Gets The Worker?" (March 14, 2007)
Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) commented on Improving America's Security Act Of 2007--Continued (March 13, 2007)
ACTING PRESIDENT commented on Improving America's Security Act Of 2007 (March 13, 2007)
Sen. Craig Thomas (R-WY) commented on Homeland Security (March 13, 2007)
Rep. Steve King (R-IA) commented on Illegal Immigration (March 12, 2007)
Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) commented on Former U.S. Border Patrol Agents Ramos And Compean (March 12, 2007)

Press Release
Hazleton's Immigration Ordinance Will Prevail at Trial, Says FAIR (March 12, 2007)

James C. Ho -- Salt Lake TribuneThe right of citizenship by birth - can it be outlawed?Generations of Americans have understood that children born in the United States are entitled to U.S. citizenship, regardless of the nationality of their parents. When Congress revisits immigration reform this spring, however, legislation to repeal this historic rule is expected to play a central role in the debate.

Lou Dobbs Tonight - CNN - March 14 Senator Ensign (R-NV) :...We've had a great prosecutor. According to the FBI, according to local prosecutors, local sheriff's department, everybody in our state thought our U.S. Attorney, Dan Bogden, was doing a great job. This attorney general's office let him go. And they never talked him ahead of time. Never told him he wasn't meeting the priorities they expected. His job evaluations were all superb. This was complete mismanagement, lack of oversight. I can't even tell you how angry I am about this.[...] Dobbs: .... And the attorney general says he doesn't even know what is going on with his chief of staff. I mean, don't you find that -- you say you are furious. I just find it mind- boggling. Watch Transcript

Lou Dobbs Tonight - CNN - March 13Dobbs: Attorney General Alberto Gonzales today rejected Democratic demands for his resignation. The attorney general insists he has learned from his mistakes in the political showdown over the sudden dismissal of eight U.S. attorneys. However, Gonzales' chief of staff did resign for his role in the controversy.Gonzales: I believe in accountability. Like every CEO of a major organization, I am responsible for what happens at the Department of Justice.Arena: Responsibility may lie with Gonzales, but the blame, he says, lies with his chief of staff, Kyle Sampson, who abruptly resigned. Gonzales says he was simply out of the loop on this one. ... But the resignation of a top staffer did nothing to tamp down Democratic anger at Gonzales. Watch Transcript

Mayor Barletta: ...we've had some very serious crimes being committed, some murders. The recent murders that have been illegal aliens have been involved in one way or the other. May 10 was the breaking point in Hazleton when a 29-year-old was shot between the eyes by two illegal aliens. By the way, Lou, the shooter in that incident was arrested eight times before he came to Hazleton and committed that murder. This is a small town where we might have one murder every seven years. And that has changed. We're seeing gangs and some very violent vicious crimes. And I've had enough. You know, we welcome people in Hazleton, but we're not going to allow those to come in and destroy the quality of life that we have. Watch Transcript

We Need Your Support to Make Feet to the Fire a Success!

Dear Friend,

With new leadership and control in Congress, an open-borders mentality at the White House, and multi-million-dollar global interests in full force, a hard push to grant amnesty to 12 million illegal aliens is underway in Washington.
YES! I want to support Feet to the Fire

Amnesty is fundamentally unsound, unfair, and in the end leaves our immigration crisis unresolved. It is the easiest -- and worst -- decision a misguided Congress could make. We must not let Congress take the politically expedient route this spring by introducing Amnesty as a substitute for what we all agree needs to be done - enforcing the law.

With your support, we can block efforts to legalize millions of illegal aliens. Activists will also mount an effort to stop the pending North American Union - a real threat to American soverignity.

It promises to be a difficult battle. One we can surely win. But it's going to take the most vigorous and sustained mobilization we have ever conducted.

FAIR has already begun just such a mobilization.

From April 21st- 25th FAIR will host its annual Hold Their Feet to the Fire Radio Rally in Washington, DC. Dozens of radio talk hosts from across the country will broadcast live from Capitol Hill with a unified voice against illegal alien amnesty.

In addition, the radio hosts will be inviting their listeners to join them for a week of congressional visits. All 535 members of the House and Senate are slated to receive visits from constituents who will demand that their elected officials reject any legislation that includes a guest worker amnesty.

This event has proven highly successful in the past and was instrumental in the passage of REAL ID Act in 2005. This year, the event is larger and more important than ever and as such, our needs to effectively organize and accommodate those attending are higher.

Your support of this landmark grassroots event is absolutely vital.

The demand from broadcasters who want to participate is so high that spaces for Radio Row are already booked solid. Your donation today will enable us to provide more spaces for talk show hosts from around the country to come to Washington D.C. and broadcast at this historic event. Your support will will also allow us to help more activists come to D.C. $1,000 will let you pay for one Radio Host to come to D.C., bringing the immigration reform message to tens or hundreds of thousands of listeners. Every gift counts - there are many reform activities planned that week and your support will make this event a success.

There is an old expression that if you want to get politicians to see the light, make them feel the heat. Radio talk hosts know that, and their collective efforts during the Hold Their Feet to The Fire Rally will most certainly make the Washington crowd sweat.

With your support they will feel The HEAT!

YES! I want to support Feet to the Fire
Sincerely,
Dan Stein President

Julia Malone, Cox Newspapers: (7/29/06) "There are a lot of people who are quite skeptical that it's real this time...." Watch
Border Enforcement Evaluation First Operation B.E.E.F.Watch / PDF File

Despite Push, "Comprehensive Immigration Reform" Fate Uncertain in Congress

While various Democrats and Republicans lawmakers on Capitol Hill have stated immigration reform is a priority, the continued delay in the release of an immigration bill has some wondering how much support there really is for a massive guest worker amnesty program. In a prominent article published in Roll Call this week, interviews and statements by lawmakers signal increasing discord about the political implications of passing Senator Kennedy's "comprehensive immigration reform" legislation. According to Roll Call, "With Republicans looking to regain control of the Senate and Democrats hoping to pad their majority in 2008, neither party appears inclined to make the political sacrifices necessary to pass a broad immigration bill this year and may be content to simply duel to a rhetorical draw this summer." Indeed, the continued outcry from constituents opposed to guest worker amnesty legislation has many Members of Congress considering and re-considering their positions carefully.
The wild-card at this point in the debate appears to be whether the White House will fully back the highly anticipated McCain-Kennedy legislation or whether it will encourage alternative guest worker amnesty measures. Although some Republicans have already committed to Senator Kennedy's plan for "comprehensive immigration reform", more and more appear to be prepared to buck the Bush Administration if it renews its support for Kennedy's bill. This divide may explain why the Bush Administration is reportedly meeting with Republicans and pressuring them to adopt a consensus position on immigration reform. In the Senate, former backers of the McCain-Kennedy legislation, including Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Mel Martinez (R-FL) are entering discussions with Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ), a vocal opponent to McCain-Kennedy, to create an alternative immigration reform package which may or may not contain guest worker amnesty provisions. "If we can get a bill that all of us can agree to and hold 40 votes together, then we can have a real debate on the issue," said Brownback.
In addition, a growing number of Democrats - including freshmen who campaigned on enacting tougher illegal immigration policies - are predicted to create roadblocks. While Congressional leaders have indicated that they would like to take up the issue this spring, CongressDaily reports that aides in both parties predict that the debate could stall in spite of the fact that House Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Reid have set a deadline of August 3rd for passing comprehensive immigration bills.

Cornyn Amendment Targeting Criminal Aliens Defeated on Senate Floor
During floor debate on the 9/11 Commission Recommendations bill (S.4) last week, Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) offered three amendments to the 9/11 Commission to improve the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws where national security is at issue. Together, these amendments would:
make it a crime to recruit people to commit terrorist acts;
authorize the immediate deportation of suspected terrorists whose visas are revoked on terrorism grounds;
prevent the release of dangerous illegal immigrants whose home countries delay their return to their home country;
make it a crime to encourage terrorism by rewarding the families of suicide bombers after the bombings take place; and
increase penalties for those who call families of soldiers serving overseas and falsely claim that their family member has been killed.
In a released statement, Senator Cornyn said, "The goal of the 9/11 bill is to move forward with the Commission's remaining initiatives that will strengthen the security of America and its people. These three amendments are important and overdue steps forward to help the federal government meet that goal."
By Friday, however, Senators had defeated the Cornyn amendment (S.AMDT.312)—which consolidated the three originally offered. The defeat was achieved procedurally when a motion to end debate (so that a vote could take place) failed by a vote of 46-49. The final vote on passage of the 9/11 Commission Recommendations bill may come as early as Tuesday, March 13, 2007. To see how your Senator voted on the Cornyn amendment, click here.

U.S. to Open Borders to Mexican Truckers
The United States has created a pilot program that would allow truck drivers from Mexico to deliver goods across the country in an effort, as Bush Administration officials describe, to further implement sections of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The 'demonstration project' will allow drivers from 100 Mexican trucking companies to drive pass the 25-75 mile 'commercial zones' on the border and deliver goods to their final destinations within the continental United States - a practice that has many American truck drivers and safety advocates outraged.
Concerned about the security implications of this new trucking provision of NAFTA, Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-WA) of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, convened a hearing to question Administration officials on the proposed pilot program - which is set to begin within the next 60 days. While the Chairwoman acknowledged that her home state of Washington proves that expanded trade is beneficial to the U.S., Senator Murray indicated she has deep reservations about the program and declared that "safety must never take a back seat to economic prosperity."
At the hearing, Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters vowed that the pilot program participants will have to adhere to strict safety guidelines, including requirements that trucking companies hold U.S. insurance policies, that drivers pass drug testing and acquire proper visas, and that 100% of containers will be checked when entering the United States. These guidelines were met with heavy criticism however—in part because driver testing will be conducted in Mexico, where results could be easily compromised. "Millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars have been spent, and will continue to be spent…doing what the government cannot, or will not do - ensure the safety of the Mexican trucking industry by adopting meaningful, compatible regulations," said Mr. Charlie Parfrey, a trucking company owner and representative of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. The hearing also brought to light other preferences granted to Mexican truckers, including the fact that American truckers will be barred from participating in a reciprocal program in Mexico for six months of the one year program.
Fueling speculation that the pilot program's accelerated start date was politically motivated, President Bush just kicked off a five-day Latin America tour, which will culminate with a visit to Mexico to speak with newly-elected President Calderon about trade and immigration.

Congressman Poe Introduces Resolution to Support State and Local GovernmentsThis week, Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX) and 27 other co-sponsors introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives (H.Con.Res.83) urging Congress to support state and local governments that take action to discourage illegal immigration. The resolution, drafted in consultation with FAIR, states that the failure of the federal government to curb illegal immigration has placed a great burden on state and local governments and that numerous legislatures and local councils have responded by taking proactive measures and incurring great expense to address the problem. The resolution further urges Congress to support such actions taken at the state and local level by quickly passing border security and immigration enforcement legislation. To see which Representatives have co-sponsored this resolution introduced by Congressman Poe, click here.

Recent Floor Statements
Acting President commented on Improving America's Security Act Of 2007 (March 9, 2007)
Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) commented Border Protectors Under Physical Attack (March 9, 2007)
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) commented on In Support Of Funding The State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (March 9, 2007)
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) commented on Improving America's Security Act Of 2007--Continued (March 8, 2007)
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) commented on Improving America's Security (March 8, 2007)
ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore commented on Improving America's Security Act Of 2007 (March 7, 2007)
Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-CA) commented on Congressional Immigration Caucus (March 7, 2007)
Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL) commented on Tougher Border Control Policies Will Help Reduce Crime In The United States (March 7, 2007)
Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) commented on Directo A Mexico (March 7, 2007)
Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez (D-ILL) commented on The Citizenship Promotion Act Of 2007 (March 7, 2007)
Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) commented on Improving America's Security Act Of 2007--Continued (March 6, 2007)
Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) commented on U.S. Border Patrol Agents Ramos And Compean (March 6, 2007)
Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) commented on Federal Government Protecting Border Violators (March 6, 2007)
Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) commented on Improving America's Security Act Of 2007--Continued (March 5, 2007)
Presiding Officer commented on Improving America's Security Act Of 2007 (March 5, 2007)
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) commented on Consideration of S. 4 (March 5, 2007)
Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) commented on Former U.S. Border Patrol Agents Ramos And Compean (March 5, 2007)

Press Release
People Who Violate Immigration Laws are More Likely to Violate Other Laws (March 08, 2007)
Senate Hearing on Mexican Trucks (March 8, 2007)

Urge Your Representatives to Sign Two Important Letters Supporting TRUE Immigration Reform!

Right now, Congressman Brian Bilbray (R-CA) and the House Immigration Reform Caucus are circulating two important letters on immigration reform they plan to send to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and President Bush. We need your help to get as many Representatives to sign these letters as possible!
Please act now!
The first letter, addressed to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, urges the Speaker not to bring amnesty legislation to the floor of the House. It states, "Amnesty hurts vulnerable American workers, burdens American taxpayers, and rewards lawbreakers," while only encouraging more illegal immigration.
The second letter urges President Bush to continue Homeland Security's efforts to vigorously enforce the laws that ensure that employers do not hire illegal immigrants. Citing a Center for Immigration Studies report which found that current immigration has substantially reduced wages of low-skilled workers, the letter states, "Employers who hire illegal immigrants create unfair competition in the labor market and depress wages for all workers."
Now is the time to voice your opinion!
The debate on immigration reform is accelerating every day. President Bush and White House officials are putting more and more pressure on Members of Congress to support guest worker amnesty legislation. Our Nation's leaders need to know that they cannot pursue immigration policies that serve special interests and ignore the will of the American people. Call your Representatives in Washington and ask them to sign onto these important letters and join the bipartisan coalition of Members committed to true immigration reform!!!!
To find the phone number of your Representative, click here.

Lou Dobbs Tonight -- CNN -- March 9Wian:.... one consequence of increased manpower at the border has been a sharp increase in violence with heavily armed smugglers hijacking drug loads and human cargo from each other. Border Patrol and local law enforcement are often outgunned, while the National Guard is prohibited from responding. Nichols: Right now, unfortunately, the drug smugglers, the human smugglers and all those people coming across the border right now illegally, they know what the National Guard are going to do. They know they are not going to defend their positions, that they are going to basically fall back to a safe position and call the Border Patrol. We could be so much more effective if these guys could actually stand and engage these guys and begin to stop them. Watch Transcript

Arizona Taking New Steps to Secure its Border with Mexico When President Bush made that announcement 10 months ago, he limited the role of National Guard to surveillance, building roads and fences and other support duties. Customs and border protection says it has helped, because apprehensions of illegal aliens are down by 30 percent since October. One consequence of increased manpower at the border has been a sharp increase in violence with heavily armed smugglers hijacking drug loads and human cargo from each other. Border Patrol and local law enforcement are often outgunned, while the National Guard is prohibited from responding. State Rep. Warde Nichols (R) said: Right now, unfortunately, the drug smugglers, the human smugglers and all those people coming across the border right now illegally, they know what the National Guard ise going to do. They know they are not going to defend their positions, that they are going to basically fall back to a safe position and call the Border Patrol. We could be so much more effective if these guys could actually stand and engage these guys and begin to stop them." Nichols' bill now moves to the Arizona State Senate where passage appears likely and it would then it would be up to Democratic Governor Janet Napolitano to deploy the Arizona Guard to the border. She has resisted many previous state border security efforts. But lawmakers point out she has already declared a state of emergency because of illegal immigration in Arizona, so they are hoping she'll cooperate this time.

CNN Lou Dobbs - video:Buckle Up - Mexican Trucks to Use American Highways The Department of Transportation will begin a year-long pilot program that allows hundreds of Mexican truck drivers to travel anywhere in the United States to deliver goods. Right now they're limited to within 25 miles of the border. But some congressional lawmakers say it will lead to a gaping hole in the nation's safety and security system. The Transportation Department says the Mexican drivers will meet U.S. safety requirements and on-site audits will be performed. Despite reassurances, critics say the U.S. government is opening the country to increased drug traffic. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) said: "In our new post- 9/11 world, we have learned a lot more about terrorist threats and how to prevent them. We've also learned a lot more about illegal immigration and the methods used to smuggle citizens into the United States." There are safety concerns as well. U.S. drivers have to pass rigorous testing to be licensed in the United States. The bar is much lower for Mexican drivers.

Allan Wall -- VDare.comMexican billionaire gaining on Bill Gates...Last year I wrote a piece for VDare.com entitled "Meet the World's Third- Richest Man ­ And the Nine Other Mexican Billionaires." -- About Mexico's 10 billionaires. -- The richest Mexican, and third- richest man in the World, after Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, is Carlos Slim...

Lou Dobbs Tonight -- CNN -- March 8Dobbs: Earlier this week Republican Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn introduced legislation aimed at preventing U.S. financial institutions from handing out credit cards to illegal aliens. The Photo I.D. Act comes after Bank of America announced it would issue credit cards to all customers, even those without Social Security numbers.[...]Rep. Blackburn: ...We heard from people all over the country that were absolutely flabbergasted. We have heard from community bankers in small communities. We have heard from main street merchants who have just been absolutely appalled with this and they know they're the ones that are going to end up with the American taxpayer paying the bill on this. Watch BofA / Assaults on Agents

Act Now to Prevent Special Interests from Dictating U.S. Immigration Policy!!!

Hot on the heels of last week's Senate Judiciary hearing on "comprehensive immigration reform," rumors are swirling that guest worker amnesty legislation is due at any moment—legislation that would reward illegal aliens and allow for a continuous flow of guest workers to take American jobs and depress wages. Drafted by special interests groups and big business, this legislation ignores the views of the most important stakeholders…the American people!

Negotiating Behind the Scenes

According to CongressDaily, a key staffer for Senator Kennedy (D-MA) divulged that the chief sponsors of the guest worker amnesty bill authored by the Senator are hoping to introduce the legislation this week. Other staffers have suggested that such a mammoth bill could not be ready that soon. Either way, Senate leaders have indicated that they intend to have committee hearings on the legislation this spring and then have the bill on the floor by summer.

In the House, Congressmen Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) are in the process of drafting companion legislation. A variety of sources say that there may be more resistance to guest worker amnesty legislation in the House and that some Democrats may not jump on the amnesty bandwagon, causing concern among House Leadership. In fact, according to Congressional Quarterly, Speaker Nancy Pelosi's strategy is to "let the Senate take up the bill first so that it can build momentum."

Senators meanwhile are urging President Bush to get involved early in the legislative process to help push through the guest worker amnesty bill. Roll Call reports that there have been intense negotiations between Senators and White House officials to hammer out a legislative proposal that can garner enough votes to pass.

NOW is the time to let your Representatives and Senators know how you feel!

Your representatives and the Bush Administration are at this moment deciding what will be in the bill and strategizing how best to fast-track it through Congress. You must throw up a roadblock! You must let them know that you will not tolerate Congress taking the easy way out of our illegal immigration crisis by passing guest worker amnesty legislation.

Your calls make a difference! Please call your Senators and Congressmen TODAY and urge them to oppose all guest worker amnesty legislation—whatever name they give it. Tell them:

You oppose guest worker programs that displace American workers and depress wages;
You oppose rewarding illegal immigration with a path to citizenship;
Rewarding illegal immigration will only lead to more illegal immigration; and
Granting amnesty is inherently unfair to those who play by the rules, apply through legal channels, and patiently wait in line to come to the United States.

It is imperative that action be taken NOW to stop this bill dead in its tracks!!

To find the numbers of your Representatives and Senators, click here.

Investors Business Daily:Even Texas Has Had Enough The home state of the president who said compassion does not stop at the border now says that allowing those seeking a better life to come does not mean denying it to those already here. Not long ago, George W. Bush was governor of Texas, praising the benefits to his state and this nation of immigrants, legal and illegal. He still does, but his political heirs in a state that has a 1,200-mile border with Mexico have embraced a slightly different view. A recent report from the Pew Hispanic Center estimates that 1.4 million to 1.6 million illegal aliens reside in Texas, about 14% of the U.S. total. Another study, this one from the Lone Star Foundation in Austin, said illegal aliens drain $4.5 billion from the Texas economy, mostly in health care costs. As a result, a growing number of Texas politicians on both sides of the aisle are seeking, in the absence of what they perceive to be meaningful action from Washington, to put the brakes on what was once a relative trickle and is now a flood. State Rep. Leo Berman, R-Tyler, is the author of one of more than two dozen proposals that target illegal immigration in Texas, proposals that amount to more stick and less carrot.

Rogue Band of Scoundrels Plot to Remove Jim Gilchrist and Put Themselves in Power

The plan to oust Jim Gilchrist, Founder and Chairman of the Minuteman Project is underway. Thousands of Minuteman members and supporters across the USA are pledging their support for Jim and will not stand by while these impostors try to destroy Jim and the entire Minuteman Project. Jim Gilchrist is bringing this cabal of three formerly trusted advisors to court and he is taking legal action against them…

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Dear Friends, as you know I am also the WebMaster for Jim Gilchrist and the Minuteman Project [MMP]. See below my latest MMP email. I am asking you to forward this information everywhere and ask others to pass it on as well. Upload it to message boards, and post it on websites. We need your help to let the world know about these shameful, greed-driven and downright diabolical conspirators.

As always, for the Cause - Linda

PS — Within the last few minutes they also hacked into our MMP website and took control of it. For now, stay tuned to our www.forthecause.us site for MMP news and updates.

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Dear Minutemen,

Yes it is true. Several people who Jim Gilchrist fully trusted have put their pursuit of money and power above the Cause. They conspired to remove Jim Gilchrist as head of the Minuteman Project and insert themselves in positions of power in the organization.

Who are these individuals?

Deborah Peterson - AKA Deborah Courtney
Marvin Stewart - a quasi-Minister and government worker
Barbara Coe - California Coalition for Immigration Reform

I am still stunned. Did they really think that all of us would just roll over and let this happen?

See the press release below and please note the following about these three individuals:

1. Using stolen passwords they hacked into our Web Servers and changed the passwords for several of our accounts.

2. They took control of all our Minuteman Project email addresses. As of right now, all email sent to anyone @minutemanproject.com goes to these corporate raiders. We are forced to use our personal email addresses until this is resolved in court. You can contact us at:

Linda Muller [WebMaster] - lindamuller@forthecause.us
Jim Gilchrist [MMP Founder]- century21minuteman@sbcglobal.net
Tim Bueler [Media] - media@timbueler.com

3. It also looks like they might have stolen our email list. If you, as a member of the Minuteman Project email list, receive email claiming it is from the MMP, from anyone other than me, Tim or Jim, please remember it is bogus.

4. They stole over 20,000 pages of our letterhead stationery and envelopes bearing Jim Gilchrist’s personal signature. Needless to say if you receive any letters in the mail that seem out of character, you will know they are from this band of devious conspirators.

5. As of right now they have been unable to hack into our website - we still have full control over it. Tommy Crenshaw, who manages our system, is keeping watch on it round the clock. He says they are using sophisticated hacking tools to try and break into the Web Server. Thus far he has been able to thwart their incessant attempts to break in. Again, if you notice content on the website that seems out of character, you can assume that they were successful in taking over our website. If that happens, stay tuned to my personal website at www.forthecause.us for updates.

For now I just wanted to make sure you know about our email addresses and the stolen stationery so you will not be confused if you are contacted by them. I will be writing up much more on this over the next few days and posting it on the www.minutemanproject.com and the www.forthecause.us websites… and also emailing it to several lists.

Please help Jim Gilchrist and the Minuteman Project by sending this information across the USA. Post it on websites. Upload it to message boards and chat rooms.

I for one will be damned if I will stand quietly by while Deborah Peterson [AKA Deborah Courtney], Marvin Stewart and Barbara Coe try to steal the Minuteman Project from Jim Gilchrist. How about you?

As always, For the Cause - Linda
And still the Minuteman Project Webmaster!

Lou Dobbs Tonight -- CNN -- March 6Cardinal Roger Mahony: This is an issue about people, and the focus upon people who are our neighbors, people who live here in our United States who are contributing to our country. We simply cannot exclude them. We must find ways to bring them into the full light of our society. [...]Rep. Gutierrez: And if the restrictionists still really want to build their fence, then I say let's build it. Let's build it around Lou Dobbs and the Minutemen. Watch Mahony / ACLU Transcript

The 62 senators who voted FOR Senate amnesty bill (S.2611):

Akaka (D-HI)
Baucus (D-MT)
Bayh (D-IN)
Bennett (R-UT)
Biden (D-DE)
Bingaman (D-NM)
Boxer (D-CA)
Brownback (R-KS)
Cantwell (D-WA)
Carper (D-DE)
Chafee (R-RI)
Clinton (D-NY)
Coleman (R-MN)
Collins (R-ME)
Conrad (D-ND)
Craig (R-ID)
Dayton (D-MN)
DeWine (R-OH)
Dodd (D-CT)
Domenici (R-NM)
Durbin (D-IL)
Feingold (D-WI)
Feinstein (D-CA)
Frist (R-TN)
Graham (R-SC)
Gregg (R-NH)
Hagel (R-NE)
Harkin (D-IA)
Inouye (D-HI)
Jeffords (I-VT)
Johnson (D-SD)
Kennedy (D-MA)
Kerry (D-MA)
Kohl (D-WI)
Landrieu (D-LA)
Lautenberg (D-NJ)
Leahy (D-VT)
Levin (D-MI)
Lieberman (D-CT)
Lincoln (D-AR)
Lugar (R-IN)
Martinez (R-FL)
McCain (R-AZ)
McConnell (R-KY)
Menendez (D-NJ)
Mikulski (D-MD)
Murkowski (R-AK)
Murray (D-WA)
Nelson (D-FL)
Obama (D-IL)
Pryor (D-AR)
Reed (D-RI)
Reid (D-NV)
Sarbanes (D-MD)
Schumer (D-NY)
Smith (R-OR)
Snowe (R-ME)
Specter (R-PA)
Stevens (R-AK)
Voinovich (R-OH)
Warner (R-VA)
Wyden (D-OR)

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Here are the 35 senators that voted against English as the national language:

Akaka (D-HI)
Bayh (D-IN)
Biden (D-DE)
Bingaman (D-NM)
Boxer (D-CA)
Cantwell (D-WA)
Clinton (D-NY)
Dayton (D-MN)
Dodd (D-CT)
Domenici (R-NM)
Durbin (D-IL)
Feingold (D-WI)
Feinstein (D-CA)
Harkin (D-IA)
Inouye (D-HI)
Jeffords (I-VT)
Kennedy (D-MA)
Kerry (D-MA)
Kohl (D-WI)
Landrieu (D-LA)
Lautenberg (D-NJ)
Leahy (D-VT)
Levin (D-MI)
Lieberman (D-CT)
Menendez (D-NJ)
Mikulski (D-MD)
Murray (D-WA)
Obama (D-IL)
Reed (D-RI)
Reid (D-NV)
Salazar (D-CO)
Sarbanes (D-MD)
Schumer (D-NY)
Stabenow (D-MI)
Wyden (D-OR)

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The 71 senators who voted AGAINST funding the border fence:

Akaka (D-HI)
Alexander (R-TN)
Allard (R-CO)
Baucus (D-MT)
Bayh (D-IN)
Bennett (R-UT)
Biden (D-DE)
Bingaman (D-NM)
Bond (R-MO)
Boxer (D-CA)
Byrd (D-WV)
Cantwell (D-WA)
Chafee (R-RI)
Clinton (D-NY)
Cochran (R-MS)
Coleman (R-MN)
Collins (R-ME)
Conrad (D-ND)
Cornyn (R-TX)
Dayton (D-MN)
Dodd (D-CT)
Domenici (R-NM)
Dorgan (D-ND)
Durbin (D-IL)
Feingold (D-WI)
Feinstein (D-CA)
Frist (R-TN)
Frist (R-TN)
Graham (R-SC)
Gregg (R-NH)
Hagel (R-NE)
Harkin (D-IA)
Hutchison (R-TX)
Inouye (D-HI)
Jeffords (I-VT)
Johnson (D-SD)
Kennedy (D-MA)
Kerry (D-MA)
Kohl (D-WI)
Kyl (R-AZ)
Landrieu (D-LA)
Lautenberg (D-NJ)
Leahy (D-VT)
Lautenberg (D-NJ)
Leahy (D-VT)
Levin (D-MI)
Lieberman (D-CT)
Lincoln (D-AR)
Lugar (R-IN)
Martinez (R-FL)
McCain (R-AZ)
McConnell (R-KY)
Menendez (D-NJ)
Mikulski (D-MD)
Murkowski (R-AK)
Murray (D-WA)
Nelson (D-FL)
Obama (D-IL)
Pryor (D-AR)
Reed (D-RI)
Reid (D-NV)
Rockefeller (D-WV)
Salazar (D-CO)
Sarbanes (D-MD)
Schumer (D-NY)
Smith (R-OR)
Snowe (R-ME)
Specter (R-PA)
Stabenow (D-MI)
Stevens (R-AK)
Sununu (R-NH)
Voinovich (R-OH)
Warner (R-VA)
Wyden (D-OR)

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Information from: www.senate.gov

Senate Committee Seeks President's Endorsement of Comprehensive Immigration Reform

The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing last week with top Bush Administration officials in attendance to put the President's commitment to 'comprehensive immigration reform' on-record before legislative proposals are released in the coming weeks. Senate Democrats, however, were only partially successful. While Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez stressed that the President is dedicated to enacting an immigration policy overhaul, they were reluctant to sign-off on a guest worker program that gives a path to citizenship for illegal aliens currently in the United States.
"In terms of a path to citizenship, that is something that we need to discuss, that we need to think through," Secretary Gutierrez said. "There is a path today to citizenship. It is not as though we need to create a new path." Chairman Leahy (D-VT) then pressed the officials about last year's bill which provided a path to citizenship, asking, "What's the incentive to come out of the shadows?" Chertoff responded, "I don't think citizenship is what will make them come out of the shadows." According to experts, only about a third of the eligible illegal aliens applied for U.S. citizenship after the 1986 amnesty. Administration officials did note, however, that they felt sending illegal aliens home would also be an unrealistic undertaking. "I think it would be a gargantuan task to locate and detain 12 million people," Chertoff said to Committee Members.
Notably quiet through most of the hearing was Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA), one of the principal architects of last year's amnesty bill. Kennedy did face criticism from several corners, including from the Committee's Ranking Member Arlen Specter (R-PA), for keeping his draft legislation under lock and key during this Congress. "I've been concerned about reading what is going on in the newspapers," said Specter. Mirroring Specter's sentiment was Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), who told CongressDaily, "Republicans have been largely frozen out of the process." Kennedy has also come under fire from within his own caucus. In a statement after the hearing, former strong supporter of the McCain-Kennedy legislation, Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), signaled a retreat of sorts stating, "We may have reached too far in a comprehensive bill." She then suggested it would be better to tackle the illegal immigration problem in stages, rather than having one be-all-end-all legislative package.

Federal Government Caves in to Reluctant States on REAL ID
The Department of Homeland Security this week finally released its proposed regulations for state-issued identification under the REAL ID Act of 2005 - legislation passed as a result of recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission. The regulations now delay the deadline for implementation of the REAL ID Act from May 2008 to December 2009—a move that is widely seen as an attempt to appease state officials reluctant to implement the driver's license security provisions due to privacy and funding concerns. This opposition to REAL ID has been growing in state legislatures as the May 2008 deadline has approached, leading representatives at the state and federal level to introduce measures opposing or delaying the measure.
The Real ID Act requires the states to adopt a common set of standards for driver's licenses to improve security. These include incorporating "machine readable" technology, physical security features designed to prevent tampering and counterfeiting, a digital photograph, and a common set of driver identification information (full legal name, date of birth, gender, address, signature, etc.). In the official statement accompanying the release, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said, "Raising the security standards on driver's licenses establishes another layer of protection to prevent terrorists from obtaining and using fake documents to plan or carry out an attack. These standards correct glaring vulnerabilities exploited by some of the 9/11 hijackers who used fraudulently obtained drivers licenses to board the airplanes in their attack against America."
Despite Secretary Chertoff's statement on the importance of REAL ID, the released DHS guidelines now allow states to postpone their compliance until December 31, 2009. DHS also announced that up to 20 percent of a state's Homeland Security Grant Program funds can be used to help implement REAL ID. This funding provision will apply to the current 2007 grant cycle. The new regulations issued by Homeland Security have apparently appeased one lawmaker who had been opposing REAL ID, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME). Upon learning of the newly released regulations, the Senator backed off her attempts to amend the 9/11 Recommendations bill (S.4) to delay implementation of the REAL ID Act.

Is the Federal Government Encouraging Illegal Immigration? Federal Reserve Facilitates Low-Cost Money Transfers to Mexico
In the wake of the Bank of America scandal, another upsetting revelation regarding government assistance to illegal aliens has come to light - a Federal Reserve program that helps illegal aliens send billions of dollars a year in remittances to from the U.S. to Mexico at minimal costs.
This program, informally called Directo a Mexico, is a Federal Reserve-sponsored service that allows customers without social security numbers to electronically transfer money through the Federal Reserve system to Mexico's central bank at the cost of $0.67 per transaction - markedly less than such individuals would otherwise pay. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Federal Reserve developed the program with counterparts at Mexico's central bank after President Bush announced it with then-Mexican President Vicente Fox in 2003. About 150 banks and credit unions participate, including 20 in California.
Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Representative Brian Bilbray (R-CA), Chairman of the House Immigration Reform Caucus, said that Directo a Mexico and programs like it should be stopped and that participating banks were 'profiteering from illegal immigration'. Congressman Bilbray said legislators were working on proposals that would prevent financial institutions such as the Federal Reserve and Bank of America from catering to illegal aliens, and are calling on the Bush administration to address the issue.
In response to the barrage of criticism, Elizabeth McQuerry, Assistant Vice President for the Federal Reserve Retail Payments Office, stated that the Directo a Mexico program was not breaking any laws, and that the program complied with the Patriot Act, the Bank Secrecy Act and other laws against money laundering. This was the same line of defense that Bank of America CEO Ken Lewis used when defending the bank's credit card program for illegal aliens.

9/11 Relative Barred from Democratic Event after Voicing Visa Waiver Disapproval
During an event held by leading Senate Democrats publicizing their 9/11 Commission Recommendations bill, one speaker was excluded at the last minute due to his opposition to the expansion of the visa waiver program included in the legislation. Bruce DeCell, a retired New York City police officer whose son-in-law died in the World Trade Center attack, was invited to speak at the news conference to represent 9/11 families. However, during a preliminary meeting, Mr. DeCell unnerved guests including Senate Homeland Security Chair Lieberman and Senator Debbie Stabenow by voicing his concerns over the visa waiver program expansion included in the bill. The expansion would potentially allow nationals from many additional countries to travel to the U.S. without a visa.
"I explained that I had some problems with the legislation that I hope could be worked out in committee," he said to Hill newspaper CongressDaily, "I guess I said too much." After making the statement, Mr. DeCell - Vice President of 9/11 Families for a Secure America - was ushered out of the room, told to take a seat in a hallway and await a staff member to escort him to the press conference. But no one ever came. While deeply disappointed by his obvious exclusion from the press conference, Mr. DeCell remains firm in his beliefs, "The day after 9/11 happened, they should have done away with visa exemptions," he said to the Washington Times, noting that several of the 9/11 hijackers were in the U.S. on expired visas.
According to CongressDaily, a Democratic spokesman said DeCell's exclusion from the news conference was the result of a "miscommunication." He said he was not aware DeCell was waiting outside and noted "I feel terrible about it."

FAIR To Hold Anti-Illegal Immigration Rally in April; Members and Activists are Urged to AttendFAIR announces its annual Hold Their Feet to the Fire Talk Radio Rally in Washington DC will be April 23rd to the 25th. Dozens of radio talk hosts from across the country will broadcast with a unified voice against illegal alien amnesty, live from Capitol Hill. In conjunction with hundreds of listeners, activists, and congressional supporters, the event is expected to be the largest media/activist immigration reform event of the year. FAIR is urging its members to join this national grassroots effort in Washington and counter the expected renewed round of illegal alien marches and boycotts. For more information, please see our website at fairus.org.

Recent Floor Statements
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords(D-AZ) commented on Cross Party Lines To Pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform (March 1, 2007)
Presiding Officer commented on Improving America's Security Act Of 2007 (February 28, 2007)
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee(D-TX) commented on Immigration Concerns (February 28, 2007)
Rep. Steven King(R-IA) commented on Immigration Reform (February 28, 2007)
Rep. Steven King(R-IA) commented on Immigration Reform (February 27, 2007)
Rep. Marsha Blackburn(R-TN) commented on Illegals Using Fed To Wire Money (February 27, 2007)
Rep. Ted Poe(R-TX) commented on The Trucks Are Coming, The Trucks Are Coming (February 27, 2007)