Hold Their Feet to the Fire Immigration Reform Event Called "Electrifying"
Last week, FAIR combined forces with 38 radio talk show hosts and several hundred activists in Washington, D.C. for Hold Their Feet to the Fire, a national drive for immigration reform. The event, which lasted from April 22, 2007 until April 25, 2007, employed the broad reach of talk radio to give voice to millions of Americans who oppose guest worker amnesty legislation. For three days, these top-rated talk show hosts from around the country aired their shows live from Capitol Hill while hundreds of activists walked the halls of Congress urging Members to increase border security, provide employer sanctions, and oppose any legislation that would grant amnesty to illegal aliens. Listeners who were unable to make the trek to the nation's capital also took part by calling in to the radio shows from home and offering their views on the dire need for true immigration reform.
The unprecedented gathering of talk radio in Washington, D.C. garnered national attention and received coverage from the print media, bloggers, and cable news networks, including a live report aired on CNN, in which Correspondent Lisa Sylvester described the energy as "electrifying." Summing up the event, FAIR president Dan Stein declared that Hold Their Feet to the Fire "represents a new age in the battle to control our borders. We are universal in our opposition to amnesty. Every immigrant must comply with immigration laws."
FAIR would like to thank all of the participating talk show hosts and our supporters and activists for making Hold Their Feet to the Fire a tremendous success!

Senators Introduce Legislation to Increase High-Tech Worker Visas
This month, two Senators moved towards expanding our already over-burdened immigration system by introducing legislation that would dramatically increase legal immigration. On April 11, 2007, Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) introduced the "High-Tech Worker Relief Act of 2007" (S. 1092). This legislation aims to significantly increase the number of H-1B visas and employment-based green cards issued each year. H1-B visas allow foreign workers with the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree or higher to be employed on a temporary basis by American companies. The 'High-Tech Worker Relief Act' increases the current H1-B visa cap from 65,000 in 2006 to 115,000 in fiscal year 2007, and increases the level to 195,000 for fiscal year 2008, before returning the cap to 65,000 for fiscal year 2009 and beyond.
In addition to expanding the number of H-1B visas, S.1092 dramatically expands the number of green cards available to foreign workers. The bill eliminates the cap on employment-based green cards for aliens who have a graduate degree in math or science (from a foreign or U.S. university) so long has they have been working in a related field in the United States under a nonimmigrant visa for 3 years preceding their application. S.1092 also exempts immediate family members of employment-based immigrants from the cap.
The same week, Senator Cornyn, (R-TX) introduced S.1083, entitled the "Securing Knowledge, Innovation, and Leadership Act of 2007." The bill, commonly referred to as the SKIL bill, is similar to legislation Senator Cornyn introduced in the 109th Congress. S.1083 would dramatically increase the number H-1B visas, the number of employment-based green cards and would make it easier for foreign students studying math or sciences to permanently stay in the United States and compete with American workers.

ICE Conducts Immigration Raid In the Chicago Area
Last week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers conducted a sweep of the Little Village neighborhood in Chicago, targeting a major document fraud ring that catered to illegal aliens. The raid took place Tuesday, April 23, 2007 when ICE officials received search warrants for four locations and apprehended 22 individuals for producing counterfeit documents—ten of whom were already fugitives. In doing so, ICE put an end to a multi-million dollar business.
According to the complaint filed, the fraudulent document organization originated in Mexico and sources have indicated that the ring may be based in other U.S. cities. "These ICE arrests represent a significant setback to one of the largest and most sophisticated illegal document fraud rings in the United States," said Elissa Brown, special agent in charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Chicago to The Courier News. Of particular concern to ICE, she added, was that these fraudulent documents assist terrorists and criminals blend into society.
Despite the agency's success, ICE's tactics have come under fire from officials who believe that the federal law enforcement agency is using excessive force while conducting immigration sweeps. "I support our government's efforts to crack down on violence and document fraud," said Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) in a release. "But the 'round-up' fashion in which this raid was conducted is of great concern." Congressman Luis Gutierrez - sponsor of the Flake-Gutierrez guest worker amnesty legislation - added, "Constituents we talked to described a war zone…." Both Gutierrez and Conyers are seeking meetings with ICE officials to discuss the matter further.

House Members Introduce Legislation to Limit Mexican Trucks in the U.S.
Bush Administration officials are moving full steam ahead with a pilot program to allow Mexican trucks to deliver goods all across the United States - possibly within the next few weeks - spurring numerous efforts to stop the program before it begins. Currently, trucks domiciled in Mexico are restricted from traveling beyond 20-25 mile "commercial zones", where they are unloaded and placed on American trucks for final delivery. The Bush Administration's plan to open U.S. borders to up to 100 Mexican trucking companies has been met with stiff opposition from consumer, environmental, labor and immigration groups.
The pilot program has also received criticism on Capitol Hill, where several Members are working hard to narrow its reach. To that end, House Member and Presidential hopeful Duncan Hunter (R-CA) introduced H.R. 1756, entitled "The North American Free Trade Agreement Safety Act". This bill would prohibit the trucking pilot program from commencing until specific safety and security conditions are met. "The NAFTA Trucking Safety Act rightfully applies to Mexican truckers the same rules and regulations applied to American truckers, preventing unqualified and inexperienced motor carriers from traveling the highways and roads within our communities," Hunter said. "If Mexican truckers cannot meet these requirements, then they should not be granted access into the United States."
In particular, the legislation:
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to publish a list of all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations in the Federal Register, and provide information on how Mexican carriers, trucks and drivers will be required to comply.
Grants law enforcement personnel the ability to access driver, criminal and security databases to verify a cross-border drivers' risk to homeland security.
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to submit plans to Congress on ways to enforce English language proficiency - as already required by law.
Congresswoman Nancy Boyda (D-KS) has also introduced legislation to improve the accountability of the Department of Transportation in implementing the trucking pilot program. The "Safe American Roads Act of 2007" (H.R. 1773) seeks to improve transparency in the program by requiring the Department of Transportation follow existing rules on pilot programs that mandate proposing guidelines and allowing public comment before the program begins. Additionally, the bill seeks to prevent Mexican trucks from traveling beyond the 25-mile commercial zone until such point as a reciprocal program allows American trucks to deliver loads beyond commercial zones in Mexico. H.R. 1773 expressly terminates the pilot program after one year.
Despite this legislative activity in the House, it is unclear whether the Bush Administration's trucking pilot program will be halted in time. Speaking to the San Diego Union Tribune, House Transportation Committee Spokesman Jim Berard said, "At least on the House side, there doesn't appear to be any momentum toward any kind of fast-moving legislation to stop the program." Meanwhile, several organizations, including Public Citizen, the Sierra Club, the Environmental Law Foundation, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Brotherhood of Teamsters' Auto and Truck Drivers Local 70 and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in federal court. The groups are seeking an injunction requiring the these agencies either to provide public notice of the pilot program and an opportunity for public comment - or to set aside the pilot project as unlawful.

Recent Floor Statements
Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-IN) commented on Introduction Of The Legal Employee Verification Act (April 19, 2007)
Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) commented on Immigration (April 18, 2007)
Rep. Jon Tester (D-MT) commented on Real Id Act (April 17, 2007)
Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) commented on Open Border Chaos (April 17, 2007)
Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) commented on The Farm Labor Recruitment System (April 17, 2007)
Sen. Craig Thomas (R-WY) commented on Working Together (April 17, 2007)

WorldNetDaily.comFeds threaten Texas over superhighway funds planThe Federal Highway Administration has threatened Texas with the loss of federal highway funds if the state continues with its legislative plan for a two-year funding moratorium on construction of the Trans-Texas Corridor. -- In the 4-page letter, FHWA Chief Counsel James D. Ray advises Michael Behrens, executive director of...

Miami HeraldMiami activist opposes push for invader amnestyT. Willard Fair, an ally of former Gov. Jeb Bush, is the new face of opposition to proposals like one championed by President Bush to allow [illegal aliens... criminals] to gain citizenship. -- Fair, president of the Urban League of Greater Miami, is appearing in ads in The Washington Post and RollCall, a Capitol Hill newspaper, saying...

Brownsville HeraldBank celebrates agreement with corrupt MexicansFirst National Bank in collaboration with the local Consulate of Mexico office in Brownsville will partner to offer Mexican nationals more convenience in finding a financial institution. -- Information on First National Bank's products and services will be available at the Consulate and on selected days, First National Bank representatives...

KTVK -- PhoenixPreliminary hearing set for agent in border deathA May 17th preliminary court hearing was set today for a southern Arizona Border Patrol agent facing criminal prosecution in the fatal January shooting of an illegal [alien... criminal] from Mexico. -- The justice court hearing in Douglas will determine whether there's probable cause to try agent Nicholas Corbett.

Glenn Spencer -- American Border PatrolMisreading and Misleading According to a report by the Associated Press, "Congress has approved 700 miles of fence for the border and has allowed officials to decide whether to build metal fences or virtual walls." It goes on to say, "Aguilar expects most of the distance will be covered by the virtual barrier, with metal walls kept to a minimum." The report implies that Aguilar believes the Secure Fence Act of 2006 gives the Secretary of Homeland Defense the option of building a physical fence or a "virtual fence." If so, he is wrong

Lou Dobbs Tonight -- CNN -- April 20Sheinkoff: Absurd for the nation's chief law enforcement officer to be acting and speaking in the language of someone who is appearing before a panel investigating him, kind of ridiculous. He was like a little boy on a scavenger hunt, trying to pick up pieces of the clues as he went along with no clear way to find himself out of the problem.Dobbs: Senator Jeff Sessions, a Republican stalwart, if there is one, he looked like he couldn't stand the smell in the room.Goodwin: I think the Republicans are really suffering from Alberto Gonzales and they know it.Rollins: Absolutely. This issue here is here's a man who obviously may be a decent man, maybe a friend of the president. But he's incompetent. Watch Segments -1- / -2- / -3-Transcript* Apologies to Ronald ReaganPapers call for Gonzo's resignation

Lou Dobbs Tonight -- CNN -- April 19 Malveaux: And again, the White House reiterating that the president himself has full confidence in Gonzales. Now, Lou, you mentioned a very good point, which is, privately, the story is very different from sources inside this building, outside the building, people involved in discussions regarding Gonzales. Very discouraged, very disappointed by his testimony. Some even saying that -- two senior White House aides describing this as Gonzales going down in flames, that he wasn't doing himself any favors, predictable. One prominent Republican described the testimony as this way: "watching clubbing a baby seal." Watch Gonzo / Border Violence / Oklahoma / LoyaltyTranscript

Event Participants

If you signed up but did not receive your lobby team assignment, or didn't pre-register but would like to lobby Monday-Wednesday, please stop by the registration table before or after lobby training on Sunday, which starts at noon at the Phoenix Park Hotel. If you pre-paid for the reception on Tuesday, you will get your tickets when pick up your name badge from the registration table.

Agenda and Event Information

The four day schedule of activities includes a Capitol Hill Lobbying Campaign organizing hundreds of participants who will visit their legislators urging them to oppose illegal alien amnesty and push for stronger border enforcement. Additional press conferences, live interviews with Congressmen and Senators, blogger's row, receptions and special events are planned to put radio hosts, listeners, and hundreds of activists together at the front lines of the illegal alien amnesty debate.
Read the full event agenda.

Sunday Events

The Rally to Demand Secure Borders and Enforcement of Our Immigration Law sponsored by the Dustin Inman Society will start at 3:30 at Lafayette Park, which is between H St. and Pennsylvania Ave., just north of the White House.
Important Rally Rules from the Dustin Inman Society, which is sponsoring the rally.

"To simplify the rules . . . think about it this way: Nothing except your shoes should touch the ground with the single exception of a sign that is within three feet of your person. Please do not bring anything in a box NO TRIPODS, NO BOXES, NO CHAIRS, OR BALLOONS. Please, DO NOT GET MORE THAN THREE FEET AWAY FROM YOUR SIGN IF YOU PUT IT DOWN"
Read the full rules at the Dustin Inman Society site.
Will there be counter-demonstrators?
It is likely that there will be some counter-demonstrators on Sunday. The Park Police and other law enforcement will be on-site regardless of whether illegal immigration supporters show up.

Driving directions - use http://www.fairus.org/site/R?i=AKIT4hWjA5tCbdiwPzbYWg..and type in Lafayette Park, DCMetro (Subway) - http://www.fairus.org/site/R?i=XnyFBIC7C6Bp5laHUjUZ4Q..- the McPherson Square stop is close to the White House

Pre-Registration Closed!

If you are planning on joining us in Washington DC for this event, our website registration is closed. At this time, if you are planning on lobbying Congress Mon-Wed, please visit the registration table at the Phoenix Park Hotel to sign up starting Sunday, at 10:00 AM. Also, if you plan on attending the benefit reception for Border Agents Ramos and Compean we have closed on-line registration. There are still spots available at the reception, and you can pay in advance by visiting our registration/information table at the Phoenix Park Hotel.

Transportation

We reccomend using the subway here as the best method for getting in and out of the District - public garages in downtown D.C. will typically charge $20 or more per day. Visit the PMI Parking Site for DC to locate a garage. Not all garages are open on a Sunday. One PMI facility that is open is the one at 1325 G. St. 202-785-9191. FAIR is not officially recommending one parking facility for rally participants, however the G. St. location is relatively close to the White House.

How to Help from Home

Read FAIR's suggestions for how to have an impact if you aren't able to attend the events in DC, including calls and visits to your local district office, as well as discussing the event on your personal blog in coordination with Blogger's Row at Feet to the Fire.

Hold Their Feet to the Fire Begins Sunday and We Need Your Help From Home!Please Call Your Members and Urge Them to Participate!

Sunday April 22nd through Wednesday April 25, FAIR will be holding its national drive for immigration reform called "Hold Their Feet to the Fire" here in Washington D.C. The event is intended to convene talk radio, lawmakers, and activists to discuss the importance of true immigration reform and to oppose guest worker amnesty legislation.

This year's event promises to be SPECTACULAR with at least 35 radio show hosts broadcasting LIVE from Capitol Hill this Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. This event may be the largest gathering of talk radio ever in Washington D.C. and will include hosts from many of the top-rated shows in the country! Many Members have signed up to be guests on these radio shows next week, but we need more. It seems some Members are not willing to talk about immigration reform unless it is in back-room strategy sessions. In contrast, we would like you to CALL YOUR MEMBERS (Representatives and Senators) and URGE them to sign up as radio guests to talk publicly about their position on guest worker amnesty legislation.

Time is running out! Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has said he is reserving the last two weeks of May to debate guest worker amnesty legislation on the Senate floor. House leaders have said they plan to have guest worker amnesty legislation on the House floor sometime in July. Please CALL YOUR MEMBERS and tell them you would like them to go on the radio and tell the American people where they stand. If they tell you they have already signed up, please thank them and let them know you will be listening.

To find the phone numbers of your Members, click here. If the staff person you talk to asks you for details, please refer them to our website, http://www.fairus.org/site/R?i=yMHoqlsk4B9dSM5GeqcuIw... All of the event information is accessible via the homepage.

In addition, FAIR would like to sincerely thank our members and activists who have signed up to join us here in Washington D.C. for the grassroots lobbying effort that will take place as the radio shows are broadcasting. For those of you who cannot come to D.C., you can still join us and make a tremendous difference by tuning in next week to the dozens of radio shows that will be participating in Hold Their Feet to the Fire. To see a list of the shows and stations, click here.

Daniel Sheehy -- VDare.comChertoff, Gutierrez, Rice: Plotting Bush's North American Union ...Since that March 23, 2005 meeting in Waco, when Bush agreed to end American sovereignty after 230 years of independence, Chertoff, Carlos Gutierrez, and Rice have met a number of times with their counterparts from Mexico and Canada to discuss the tri-national merger. The last meeting was on February 23, 2007 in Ottawa. Chertoff, Carlos Gutierrez, Rice, and their counterparts in Mexico and Canada signed the SPP's 2005 and 2006 "Report to Leaders," which I take to my speaking engagements. These one-inch-thick reports detail progress made on the merger with regard to transportation, energy, the environment, food and agriculture, health, law enforcement, "facilitating" the movement of people and goods, and other areas of our daily lives....

Bush Travels to Border to Renew Call for Guest Worker Amnesty Legislation
Last week, President Bush traveled to the border city of Yuma, Arizona to tout his border security credentials while renewing his call for guest worker amnesty legislation. Speaking to a gathering of Border Patrol Agents, the President once again beat the drum for "comprehensive immigration reform", saying:

You cannot fully secure the border until we take pressure off the border. And that requires a temporary worker program. It seems to make sense to me that if you've got people coming here to do jobs Americans aren't doing, we need to figure out a way that they can do so in a legal basis for a temporary period of time.

The President also argued that the government must resolve the status of the estimated 11-12 million illegal aliens currently in the U.S., but said that those illegal aliens should not be given amnesty. "Amnesty," the President said, "is the forgiveness of an offense without penalty." To read the President's speech in full, click here.

Interestingly, President Bush's speech made no mention of the recently leaked White House proposal that would create three new guest worker programs—one intended to grant illegal aliens amnesty, and the other two intended to bring in hundreds of thousands of foreign workers, both high and low-skilled. President Bush, however, did say he was working closely with Republicans and Democrats to find a compromise position and that he intended to sign comprehensive immigration reform legislation into law before the end of the year.

At this point, it is unclear whether President Bush's attempt to sell Congress on guest worker amnesty legislation will be successful. Nearly 100 members of the House of Representatives recently sent a joint letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urging her not to bring guest worker amnesty legislation to the floor. And it seems that Speaker Pelosi is beginning to feel pressure, as the Washington Post reports that Pelosi informed the White House that the President must produce at least 70 Republican votes for comprehensive immigration legislation before she will bring it to the House floor. Getting those votes may prove difficult as the public is putting increasing pressure on Members to oppose amnesty.

---

Illegal Aliens Face IRS but Evade Homeland Security
A growing number of illegal aliens are rushing to beat the April 17 deadline for filing their taxes as they ready themselves for guest worker amnesty to be passed in Congress. Illegal aliens, using individual taxpayer identification numbers (ITINs) in lieu of Social Security numbers, are looking to make things right in hopes that "filing a tax return will eventually boost their chances of securing a green card," according to the Wall Street Journal.

ITINs, which are given out regardless of immigration status, were created by the IRS in 1996 to accommodate taxpayers ineligible for a Social Security number, such as foreign nationals with tax reporting requirements in the U.S. Since 1996, the agency has issued nearly 11 million ITINs, including roughly 1.5 million issued in 2006 alone. According to the Wall Street Journal, the government does not know how many of those taxpayers were illegal aliens, but most people who use the numbers are believed to be in the U.S. illegally.

The Wall Street Journal argues that the increasing use of ITINs by illegal aliens filing tax returns shows how some of the workers who are here in defiance of one arm of the U.S. government - the Department of Homeland Security - are filing federal tax returns with the aggressive encouragement of another - the Internal Revenue Service. "If someone is working without authorization in this country, he or she is not absolved of tax liability," IRS Commissioner Mark Everson stated in testimony before Congress. And during a National Press Club event, the IRS Commissioner expressed it this way: "We want your money whether you are here legally or not and whether you earned it legally or not."

The IRS estimates that between 1996 and 2003, the government has collected approximately $50 billion from individuals who filed with a taxpayer number; however, using ITINs to file tax returns also allows low-wage illegal immigrants to receive substantial refunds paid for by the taxes of American workers. "It makes illegals seem more embedded in U.S. society," said Steve Camarota, Director of Research at the Center of Immigration Studies. "It just creates a greater contempt for immigration law."

To compound the problems, federal law prevents the IRS from disclosing taxpayer information to the Department of Homeland Security, essentially requiring the IRS to look the other way when it receives tax information that suggests fraudulent activity (either by employers or illegal aliens). These roadblocks have created frustration by concerned citizens and organizations alike. Mark Krikorian, Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies told the Wall Street Journal, "A major organ of the U.S. government is saying it's OK to be illegal as long as you send in your return."

---

Study Shows Illegal Aliens Given a Free Pass for Crossing the Mexican Border
A recently released Syracuse University study added further support to the notion that most illegal aliens cross into the United States without punishment. According to the analysis of federal data, 98 percent of illegal aliens who crossed the border between October 1, 2000, and September 30, 2005 (nearly 5.3 million illegal aliens) were not prosecuted after being apprehended. Although nearly a million illegal alien arrests are made every year, virtually all of the arrested aliens are escorted to the border and freed without consequence. Commenting on the study to the Associated Press, Kathleen Walker, President-Elect of the American Immigration Lawyers Association said that the likelihood of an illegal immigrant being prosecuted is "to me, practically zero."

The struggle to punish illegal border crossers has been noted by numerous other sources. Last year, for example, a publication for the federal courts described the courts along the southwest border as in "crisis mode," contending with criminal caseloads that have skyrocketed since the late 1990s. It states: "A person who enters the United States illegally to look for work and has no other criminal charge pending typically may be "voluntarily returned" to Mexico more than a dozen times before facing the charge of illegal entry. Some did not get into federal court until they amassed 60 voluntary returns." (emphasis added). To read the full newsletter article, click here.

Justice Department officials defend this practice by asserting that if every illegal immigrant were prosecuted, it would drain department resources as well as overshadow more important investigations. "When you consider the other high-priority laws that the department is charged with enforcing, such as drug trafficking, firearms offenses, violent crime, national security, child pornography, and corporate fraud, the department is achieving a balance of immigration enforcement with other important areas," said Justice Department spokesman Dean Boyd to the Associated Press. Under current law, a first offense is considered a misdemeanor - punishable by a fine and up to six months in prison, and a subsequent offense is supposed to carry up to two years of imprisonment.

---

Poll Shows Americans Want More Enforcement of Immigration Laws
Last week, Zogby released the results of a poll conducted March 22-26 to gauge Americans' attitudes toward issues related to illegal immigration, such as enforcement and government-run day labor sites for illegal aliens. Overall, the poll shows that most Americans favor increased enforcement of U.S. immigration laws.

Specifically, the results of the nationwide poll show that a 66 percent majority of voters believe that more emphasis should be placed on law enforcement with regard to illegal immigration, while 24 percent feel that current enforcement levels should remain the same. In addition, 72 percent of respondents said they believe local law enforcement officers should help enforce federal immigration laws - including 40 percent of Hispanics. Finally, 79 percent of respondents said they feel public officials should not utilize taxpayer funds to operate day labor sites that aid illegal aliens, including 71.9 percent of Hispanics.

"The American people speak with one voice on the topic of illegal immigration. Virtually every voter demographic - even those supposedly most sympathetic to illegal aliens - want our illegal immigration laws to be strictly enforced," said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. "Overwhelmingly, the American people want local officials to help address illegal immigration through law enforcement, not taxpayer subsidies and 'sanctuary' policies."

Hold Their Feet to the Fire 2007 Set to Bring 34 Radio Talk Shows and Hundreds of Listeners to Washington (April 11, 2007)
Bush Immigration Speech Calls for Same Old Illegal Alien Amnesty (April 9, 2007)

C-SPAN 3/14/07 Tancredo: We are balkanizing America. We are destroying the concept of citizenship itself. America, indeed, Western Civilization, is in a crisis. We are the last best hope of that civilization. And that hope is being sold to the highest bidder in Washington. People everywhere ask me - what can they do? Every time I get done with a speech, somebody comes up to me and says what can I do? You've got me all riled up about this issue, what can I do? And I always say everything.... Well, when I asked myself that question, that same question, what can I do? - the answer to me is, I will run for president of the United States. Watch

One Man Nation-Wrecking Crew Peter Schey has taken treason to a new level for "fun and profit." He represents the worst of those who would deconstruct our nation. He won the case that made us educate anyone who got into the country. Then he killed the law that would have reversed this decision. Now he is working to get amnesty for all illegal aliens. Peter Schey is truly a One Man National-Wrecking crew and he is working to advance George Bush's agenda. Now he is heading up a $4-million national lobbying campaign to gain amnesty for illegal aliens. Click here to read the plan.

Lou Dobbs Tonight -- CNN -- April 13Lisa Sylvester: Georgia has seen a spike in its illegal alien population in the past five years. State Senator Chip Rogers says its been a drain on the state's schools, hospitals and highways. He says illegal immigration has also undercut U.S. wages and shut out Americans from good-paying jobs.Rogers: Simply stated, right now, if you violate our immigration laws as it pertains to employment you are rewarded in the economic marketplace. If you comply with the law sometimes you're punished in the economic marketplace. And we really can't have that. Watch * Economics, the Dismal Science

Candidate to Meet His Supporters Tom Tancredo, the Colorado Congressman who has led the fight against illegal immigration in the House of Representatives will be feted at a border cookout on a Hereford Arizona border ranch this May 4 at 5 p.m. Others attending include former Chief Border Patrol Agent Bill King and Col. Chuck Floyd (ret.), former presidential appointee for international embassy security. "I urge Tom's friends from across the Southwest to show him support by coming to the border on May 4," said Glenn Spencer, host of the event. Supporters are urged to distribute this flyer far and wide. ( PDF version)

Immigration Anarchy

By Bill O'Reilly for BillOReilly.com
Thursday, April 12, 2007

My friend Geraldo Rivera and I had quite the verbal shootout the other day over the needless deaths of Allison Kunhardt, 17, and Tessa Tranchant, 16, in Virginia. 22-year-old Alfredo Ramos, an illegal alien from Mexico, killed the girls when he slammed into their car while drunk.

Ramos had three previous alcohol-related convictions and an identity theft beef as well. Despite all the criminal activity, the feds had no idea Ramos was even in the country because Virginia Beach is a "Sanctuary City" and its police chief, Alfred Jacocks, had ordered his officers not to ask about immigration status when dealing with most criminals.

Judge Colon Whitehurst didn't care that Ramos was illegal, either. He released him with only a $250 fine after Ramos pleaded guilty to a DUI, his fourth conviction. In some cities you pay that much if your car is towed. Oh yeah, Judge Whitehurst also suspended Ramos' drivers license even though he didn't have one.

The result of this incredibly irresponsible behavior on the part of Judge Whitehurst and the Virginia Beach authorities is that Allison and Tessa are dead.

My argument is that coddling criminal illegal aliens is unconscionable. Geraldo disagreed, saying the story was about drunk driving, not illegal immigration. I parried with a simple question: Is it okay with you that an illegal alien remains in the United States with four criminal convictions?

Geraldo did not answer that question.

There is no question in my mind that we now have anarchy regarding illegal immigration in this country. Our four most populous cities, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston, all have "Sanctuary" policies in place, as do scores of other places. Thus, criminal aliens can avoid detection by Homeland Security in many parts of the nation.

This, of course, is insane. Think about it--the open border and blanket amnesty crowd are actually promoting a society where not only do we have to deal with American criminals, we have to accept the criminal behavior of foreign nationals as well.

A sane immigration policy would deport any illegal immigrant who committed any crime while in the USA. I understand that most undocumented workers are good people, and I believe in a fair guest worker program. I would even allow millions of illegal aliens to stay in this country while authorities investigated their situations. Pathway to citizenship? Sure, if undocumented workers are productive and law abiding, and prove that over a number of years. But there should be zero tolerance for criminal illegal
aliens. They have to go.

However, some Americans oppose that. Writing in the Denver Post, TV critic Joanne Ostrow accused me of using the deaths of Allison and Tessa to "spew racist bile."

This is the tactic that has many politicians cowering. If you oppose immigration chaos, you are a racist.

I wonder what the families of the two Denver police officers shot last year by a scofflaw illegal alien think about Ostrow's analysis? One of those policemen, Donald Young, died from his wounds.

Finally, I respect that Geraldo Rivera wants to protect people who are basically defenseless. But anarchy leads to death. The nearly 500 illegal aliens who died trying to cross American deserts last year were not done any favors by the "compassionate" crowd that looks the other way on immigration chaos.

America needs strong leadership to protect Allison, Tessa, the Denver cops, and those poor people dying in the desert. And we are not getting it.

Lou Dobbs Tonight -- CNN -- April 11 Fitton: These poll results also show a disconnect between the views of the American people and the views of the Washington elite, both Democrat and Republicans, many of whom really don't want to enforce the laws and are thinking of ways to deal with the illegal immigration crisis through amnesty.[...] Steve Levy, Suffolk County Executive: It's our local taxpayers who have to foot the bill for tens of millions of dollars for the illegal alien population within our schools, within our emergency rooms, within overcrowded housing, and in our correctional facilities. So our folks are saying, hey, whatever you can do within your limited jurisdiction on a local level, do it. Transcript

Lou Dobbs Tonight -- CNN -- April 10 Dobbs: New developments in the congressional investigation into the firings of eight U.S. attorneys. The House Judiciary Committee has subpoenaed documents from Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Committee chairman Congressman John Conyers says he has run out of patience with the Justice Department. After weeks of negotiation, his committee says it still has not received the documents and e-mails requested. The Justice Department doesn't say whether it will comply with that subpoena, but in a statement, the Justice Department did say, "It's unfortunate Congress would choose this option."Transcript

Accused Rapist Captured

A man wanted for raping an 11-year-old girl in Syracuse has been caught. Detectives say 22-year-old Benito Martinez was captured by police in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Police say Martinez raped an 11-year-old girl while staying at a home with 5 different families living in it. They say a family member walked in on Martinez having sex with the victim.

Police quickly issued a warrant for his arrest, which led to his capture Tuesday evening in Colorado.

List of American sanctuary cities
April 5, 2007

As of August 2006, cities and counties that have sanctuary policies include:

Anchorage, AK
Fairbanks, AK
Chandler, AZ
Phoenix, AZ2
Fresno, CA
Los Angeles, CA
National City, CA4
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Sonoma County, CA
Evanston, IL
Chicago, IL3
Cicero, IL
Cambridge, MA
Orleans, MA
Portland, ME
Baltimore, MD
Takoma Park, MD
Ann Arbor, MI
Detroit, MI
Minneapolis, MN
Newark, NJ1
Trenton, NJ1
Durham, NC
Albuquerque, NM
Aztec, NM
Rio Arriba, County, NM
Sante Fe, NM
New York, NY
Ashland, OR
Gaston, OR
Marion County, OR
Austin, TX
Houston, TX
Katy, TX
Virginia Beach, VA
Seattle, WA
Madison, WI

Lou Dobbs Tonight -- CNN -- April 9Bush: People who meet a reasonable number of conditions and pay a penalty of time and money should be able to apply for citizenship. Schneider: The Democrats running for president tend to agree with Mr. Bush. Obama: That everybody who lives within those borders has the right to a life that is full of opportunity. Schneider: Republican candidates are split down the middle. Five oppose a path to citizenship. Tancredo: We're going to make them explain why they have decided that maybe amnesty is a good idea. Watch Bush / Mexico / Sheriff / CandidatesTranscript

Bill O'Reilly Tells it like it is!

Heritage Study Suggests Amnesty Will Have a Staggering Price Tag

Last week, the Heritage Foundation released a report on the fiscal impacts of low skilled workers that is sure to have major influence on the immigration debate. In the study, researchers found that low skilled workers, defined as those without a high school diploma, will cost the United States $3.9 trillion over the ten years. This estimate is based on the fact that low-skilled workers (whether citizens or immigrants) have historically received the greatest bulk of government services - including Medicaid, food stamps, public housing and other forms of welfare. In fact, the Heritage report estimates that each low skilled household annually receives $22,449 more in benefits than it pays in taxes. When taking into account that 9 percent of native born Americans and 25 percent of legal aliens lack a high school diploma, the Heritage Foundation arrived at its trillion dollar estimate.

The Heritage Foundation study did not take into account illegal aliens in the U.S., who are generally ineligible for federal government benefits. However, the study suggests that if Congress grants amnesty to the 11-20 million illegal aliens, such a move would come with a staggering price tag. Granting amnesty would make newly legalized aliens eligible for all of the benefits the U.S. welfare system has to offer. That, coupled with the fact that 50 percent of the illegal alien population is low skilled (with an annual net cost of $22,449 per household), means that the cost would well exceed $3.9 trillion.

The Washington Times described several Members' reactions to the release of the Heritage Foundation study. "It should serve as a warning to President Bush and lawmakers proposing to give illegal aliens a so-called path to citizenship or what critics call amnesty," said Lamar Smith (R-TX), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee. "We need to make sure any legislation does not further strain government services and taxpayers' wallets." House Immigration Reform Caucus Chairman Brian Bilbray (R-CA) mirrored Smith's sentiments: "The Heritage Foundation report proves what we already know, that illegal immigration is a drain to the American people….At more than $22,000 [net cost per household] a year, it's like having the American taxpayers buy everyone who doesn't have a high school diploma a brand new Ford Mustang convertible."

Hundreds of Illegal Aliens Arrested in ICE Crackdown

In a two-week long operation ending last week, Federal Agents arrested 359 illegal aliens in the southern California's North and Imperial Counties. The immigration enforcement effort, which began March 20, was part of Operation Return to Sender, a Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) initiative meant to arrest and deport fugitives and illegal aliens.

According to the North County Times, the arrests netted violators from 15 countries, including 50 illegal aliens with criminal records for violations including child sex offenses, robbery and drug violations. Moreover, 61 of the arrested illegal aliens were fugitives who ignored deportation orders issued by immigration judges. An additional 39 of the arrested were previously deported from the United States. "All these individuals had their day in court," Rob Baker, head of the ICE operation stated to the San Diego Union-Tribune. "They had a final order of removal and they chose to ignore the judge's order."

The Union Tribune reports that while the operation was successful in removing criminal aliens, it nevertheless received criticism from Latino advocacy groups in the area. "Folks really felt they were being victimized by these agents," said Christian Ramirez with the American Friends Service Committee. "At least four families were left without the breadwinner." In response to the criticism, Mr. Baker said, "We're not stopping people on the street. We're not busting doors down." Baker did say, however, that ICE agents were not going to look the other way. "If they're in this country in violation of the law, we're going to deport them," he said.

Dozens of Members Sign Letter to House Speaker Pelosi to Urging Her to Block Amnesty Legislation

In a pre-emptive strike to stop guest worker amnesty legislation, a coalition of 97 Representatives sent a letter last week to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) urging her to oppose efforts to put the estimated 12 million illegal aliens in the U.S. on a path to citizenship. The letter read: "Amnesty hurts vulnerable American workers, burdens American taxpayers, and rewards lawbreakers…And it tells all those who have patiently waited abroad for their turn to come to the United States that they are foolish."

Commenting on the letter to the Speaker, Immigration Reform Caucus Chairman Brian Bilbray (R-CA) said, "Repeating the failed policies of the past will only induce the problem of illegal immigration in America….Rewarding illegal behavior sends the wrong message to the millions of people around the world waiting their turn to legally come to the United States - what part of illegal don't people understand?" Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, stated, "Proposals that grant amnesty to illegal immigrants only encourage others to enter illegally. Such legislation would create an endless stream of guest workers who drive down wages and take the jobs of American workers, including legal immigrants."

Both Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) have pledged to pass some form of immigration reform before the August recess of Congress. While it is unclear at this point which proposal will ultimately be considered on the House floor, many Members are concerned that back-door negotiations will place guest worker amnesty legislation - much like the unsuccessful 1986 amnesty - on the fast track for passage in Congress. Indeed, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has already declared he will set aside time during the second half of May to debate a guest worker amnesty bill on the Senate floor.

Fourteen Travel Agents Caught Smuggling Illegal Aliens
Fourteen Arizona travel agents were indicted on various felony charges following a yearlong investigation by the Arizona Financial Crimes Task Force on the agents' roles in facilitating the entry of illegal aliens into the United States. The charges - including human smuggling, racketeering, conspiracy, and money laundering - were filed after undercover state law enforcement agents posed as smugglers and went to the travel agencies to arrange flights for customers they identified as illegal aliens. "It was not simply the act of selling the ticket, but actually doing so while they were aware its use is to smuggle a human being," said Andrei Chery, the Arizona Assistant Attorney General in charge of the case.
The travel agents not only produced plane tickets for the supposed illegal aliens, but also coached the 'smugglers' on ways the aliens could best fool airport security - and even suggested places where they could obtain fake identity documents. "They were so blatant about it because they hadn't been touched," Phoenix Police Lt. Vince Piano said to the Associated Press. "They would say, 'OK, you need to dress them like this. You need to walk them in through this. Does he have an ID?"
While the charges were based on the sale of tickets to undercover officers, the Associated Press reports that that the evidence indicated that the travel agents received more than $2 million since mid-2005, covering an estimated 6,800 illegal aliens. State law enforcement officials suggest that the increased use of air travel for illegal aliens is due to the fact that it is less risky than the long, perilous land trips.

Associated PressChurch-housed invader goes on hunger strikeAn [illegal alien... criminal] taking refuge in a West Side church to avoid deportation announced plans Thursday for a 25- day hunger strike that is timed to coincide with Easter weekend. -- Elvira Arellano and her pastor, The Rev. Walter Coleman, will both go without food until May 1. They planned a final meal with community members...

Lou Dobbs Tonight - CNN - April 5 Dobbs: New information tonight about the tremendous financial cost of our illegal alien crisis. A new report finds illegal aliens are costing the country $100 billion a year...[...] Rector:.. It's not just illegal immigration. It's the legal immigration system as well, is focused on bringing in people without a high school degree. And I would estimate that legal and illegal immigration is costing taxpayer through these low-skill immigrants about $100 billion a year. About a quarter of that total. Increasingly, the low-scale part of our population is a part that we're deliberately importing. We've imported over 11 million high school dropouts in the last 20 years. They cost the taxpayers a bundle. Watch States / Amnesty Transcr