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| Immigration Priorities for the New Administration | November 24, 2008 |
| Reforming the nation’s broken immigration system was not a major presidential campaign topic, but such reform is imperative for the nation’s economy and well-being. Hispanic Americans, many of them newly naturalized, singled the importance at the ballot box. Disappointed with Washington’s failure to address immigration concerns, Hispanics voted for Barack Obama in unprecedented numbers. Across the country, Americans elected congressional candidates who supported sensible immigration fixes and overwhelmingly rejected enforcement-only candidates. Sensible immigration reforms are not for Hispanics only – they are crucial to boosting the U.S. economy and improving national security. “The Department of Homeland Security would have more resources to target real terrorists and threats if it didn’t spend so much on ineffective border fences and jailing immigrants who pose no danger to U.S. communities,” said Cheryl Little, executive director of the Florida Immigration Advocacy Center. “The ultimate solution is comprehensive reform of our dysfunctional immigration system.’’ Following are the priorities that the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center recommends for the administration of President-Elect Obama: • Prevent damage to the economy by rescinding the Department of Homeland Security’s “no-match’’ rule. The rule would use the Social Security Administration’s error-ridden database to track down unauthorized workers – ensuring that millions of legitimate employees will be fired in the process. There couldn’t be a worse time to fire workers and fine employers who have viable businesses. • By all means, go after unscrupulous employers who exploit workers of all stripes. But stop immigration raids that hurt local economies and legal workers when the economy needs their productivity the most. • Appoint a DHS Secretary who will reform immigration services and enforcement. Asylum seekers and immigrants who pose no threat should not be detained or treated as criminals at U.S. taxpayer expense. Immigrants who apply for citizenship shouldn’t have to wait for years to be naturalized. • Officially suspend deportations to Haiti. Given the catastrophic aftermath of recent storms, Haitians clearly should be granted Temporary Protected Status. Haitians already in the United States would be able to work legally and send remittances to relatives on the island – one of the best forms of foreign aid that the United States could provide. • Press Congress to quickly approve sensible reforms that already have widespread support. Among these are the Dream Act and AgJOBS bill, both of which would legalize immigrants who promise to invest their talents and keep jobs in the United States. The Dream Act would provide a path to legal status for youths who go to college or serve in the U.S. military. AgJOBS would provide the legal labor that U.S. farmers need to viably grow crops here. • Press Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform. A great majority of Americans agree: It’s not feasible or desirable to deport some 12 million unauthorized immigrants now in the country. Sensible reforms should include a program that would quickly bring those immigrants out of the shadows, allow them to work legally, and have them pay taxes. This alone would strengthen the economy and national security. A flexible system for basing immigration-visa levels on the nation’s demands would also improve U.S. economic performance. About Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center (FIAC) is one of the nation’s largest non-profit agencies providing immigration legal services. FIAC is dedicated to protecting and promoting the basic rights of immigrants of all nationalities. Since its founding in 1996, FIAC’s multilingual and multicultural staff has closed more than 60,000 cases. FIAC has influenced national policies; successfully litigated or otherwise challenged patterns of abuse; and taken a leading role in educating the public about the impact that immigration laws and directives have on our communities. FIAC is nationally recognized as a powerful advocate for immigrants’ rights. About FIAC Executive Director Cheryl Little Ms. Little is being presented with the prestigious 2008 Morris Dees Justice Award (www.morrisdeesaward.com) on November 20 in New York City. The national award is given annually to a lawyer who has devoted his or her career to serving the public interest and pursuing justice, and whose work has brought about positive change in the community, state, or nation. Ms. Little is being recognized for her dedication to upholding the rights of immigrants throughout her professional career of more than two decades. Earlier this month she also was recognized with the Lawyers in Leadership Award by the Center for Ethics and Public Service at the University of Miami Law School. Ms. Little is one of the nation’s leading advocates for Haitian refugees and other immigrants. FIAC’s Annual Awards Dinner is taking place on February 17, 2009. It will feature keynote speaker Hon. Rosemary Barkett, U.S. Circuit Court, United States Court of Appeals. | |