Thread: FAIR Legislative Update 7-5-06

From: Federation for American Immigration Reform <info@fairus.org> Add to Address Book
Date: 2006/07/05 Wed PM 01:17:07 EDT
Subject: FAIR Legislative Update 7-05-2006


Latest News Releases

New Side by Side Comparison of House and Senate Immigration Bills (PDF)
(July 3, 2006)

FAIR's Testimony Regarding the issue of non-citizen voting in U.S. elections and identification requirements
(June 22, 2006)

House Takes Novel Approach to Immigration Bill: They Plan to Listen to the American People
(June 20, 2006)

Top Ten Worst Provisions of the Senate Amnesty Bill
(June 9, 2006)

Check out our Stein Report for the latest immigration news and information!







July 5, 2006


In this update:
Reminder! There is one more Congressional Field Hearing this week in Laredo, TX
House Members Amend Appropriations Bill to Curb Illegal Immigration
House Homeland Security Committee Holds Hearing on Intelligence and Border Security
Recent Floor Statements
Press Release
Reminder! There is one more Congressional Field Hearing this week in Laredo, TX.
DATE: Friday, July 7, 2006
COMMITTEE: House International Relations Subcommittee on
International Terrorism and Nonproliferation
(Chairman, Ed Royce (R-CA))

TOPIC: Border Vulnerabilities and International
Terrorism Part II


TIME: 10:00am CST

WHERE: La Posada Hotel and Suites
1000 Zaragoza Street
Laredo, TX

We STRONGLY URGE you to take your family members, neighbors and friends and attend these hearings!

If you have questions, please contact our field representatives Sandra Gunn (East Coast) 202-531-7521 (sgunn@fairus.org) or Rick Oltman (West Coast) 415-884-9960 (roltman@fairus.org).

Stay tuned for more updates from FAIR on this summer's field hearings.

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House Members Amend Appropriations Bill to Curb Illegal Immigration
On Thursday, June 29, 2006, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Science-State-Justice and Commerce Appropriations bill (H.R. 5672). During floor debate, both Democrats and Republicans successfully offered amendments to H.R. 5672 that sought to secure the country and limit the effects of illegal immigration. Congressman John Barrow (D-GA) offered an amendment that increased funding for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program by $25 million. The amendment, which passed by voice vote, will help states and localities with the financial burden they incur for incarcerating illegal aliens. Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) offered an amendment that increased money for the southwest Border Initiative by $10 million. This amendment also passed by voice vote. Congressman John Culberson (R-TX) offered an amendment that would limit federal money under the bill to be used by localities deemed as "sanctuary cities." These cities forbid their police force and other agencies from determining an individual's immigration status. Culberson's amendment also passed by voice vote.

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House Homeland Security Committee Holds Hearing on Intelligence and Border Security
Subcommittee Chairman Rob Simmons (R-CT) held a hearing on June 28, 2006, for the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment. The hearing was held to discuss how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) gathers intelligence and uses it to prevent terrorists from entering the country. Mr. Charles Allen, the Chief Intelligence Officer of Intelligence and Analysis at DHS, stated that DHS takes into account the civil liberties of all people in its intelligence efforts, and believes there is enough harmonization between agencies to flag people of interest at the border. Other witnesses testifying before the Subcommittee said much more work in gathering intelligence needs to be done and agreed that the current amount of funding and number of border patrol agents were not adequate enough to appropriately gather information and protect the borders. Michael Cutler of the Center for Immigration Studies testified that a lot of Homeland Security funding for border security was spent unwisely, for instance on cameras, which cannot actually stop and arrest illegal aliens. He offered suggestions such as the need for stricter requirements for identification including digital photographs and foreign language training for DHS officers.

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Recent Floor Statements
Rep. John Tanner (D-TN) commented on Gop Stall Tactics Could Undermine Border Security (June 29, 2006)
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) commented on Immigration Bill Conference (June 29, 2006)
Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) commented on Republican Principles On Immigration (June 28, 2006)
Rep. Jim Cost (D-CA) commented on Keep Immigration Issue Alive (June 28, 2006)
Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) commented on Success With Troops On The Border (June 27, 2006)
Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL) commented on Opposing Bilingual Ballots (June 27, 2006)
Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) commented on Reid-Kennedy Bill Is Not The Answer (June 27, 2006)
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Press Release
New Side By Side Comparison of House and Senate Immigration Bills (PDF) July 3, 2006
Back to top





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From:FAIR <info@fairus.org> Add to Address Book
Date: 2006/07/05 Wed PM 06:23:45 EDT
Subject: House and Senate Amnesty Field Hearings Update for July 5, 2006

House and Senate Committees Hold Field Hearings on Immigration Reform
Philadelphia Hearing
The Senate Judiciary Committee held a field hearing on July 5, 2006, entitled “Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Examining the Need for a Guest Worker Program.” The hearing opened with Chairman Specter’s comments on how the United States is a “nation of immigrants” and that it is important to help assimilate those coming into the country. He was followed by Senator Kennedy, who stated that policies focusing on enforcement-only are ineffective, and that demonizing immigrants and building fences will not work.

The first panel of witnesses included Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City, Sylvester Johnson, Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department, and Luis Maretta, Mayor of Hazelton, Pennsylvania. Mayor Bloomberg explained that New York City was one of the areas most affected by immigrants. He said that immigrants propel America’s greatness and that the city’s economy would collapse if all illegal aliens were deported. Mayor Bloomberg outlined four key principles he believed would solve the immigration problem: (1) reduce incentives to come to the U.S. illegally; (2) increase lawful opportunities to immigrate; (3) reduce illegal access to border; and (4) “accept reality.” In his testimony, Commissioner Johnson said that he agreed with Mayor Bloomberg, and that local law enforcement is not in the position to control illegal immigrants. Mayor Barletta of Hazelton described tragic incidents where illegal immigrants had committed various criminal acts in Hazelton.

The second panel began with Ronald Bird, the Director and Chief Economist of the Office of Economic Policy and Analysis at the U.S. Department of Labor. Mr. Bird stated that the U.S. labor force has increased by 146% since the 1940s, which he attributed mostly to baby boomers and women joining the workforce. Mr. Bird stated that he believes immigration helps fill job openings, which are currently at 4.1 million. Pennsylvania State Representative Arthur Hershey, of Chester County, was the next witness. Representative Hershey argued that Pennsylvania needs various agricultural and dairy workers year round. Carol Ross, the Director of the Harrisburg Hotel industry agreed. Ms. Ross stated that many hotels are 10-12% understaffed, and are assisted by foreign workers. Dan Eichenlaub of the Eichenlaub Landscaping Company provided similar testimony. He said that his contracting company uses H-2B visas to find employees, but argued that the H-2B program is flawed because the cap is too low. Reverend Luis Cortes, President of Esperanza USA, voiced his fears that he and other clergy would be considered felons for feeding and assisting illegal immigrants. The last witness on this panel, Eileen Connelly, Executive Director of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), voiced support for the Senate bill, and said there is a shortage of American workers.

San Diego Hearing
The International Relations Subcommittee on International Terrorism and Nonproliferation, Chaired by Representative Edward Royce (R-CA), held a field hearing on immigration reform on July 5, 2006, in San Diego, California. Representative Finer (D-CA) began the hearing saying the government needs a “smart border” to deal with immigration. Rep. Poe (R-TX) followed up on this comment, explaining that while the U.S. is fighting wars overseas, it is also fighting a border war. Rep. Rohrabacher (R-CA) argued that unless we cut off benefits such as free healthcare, food, and jobs for illegal aliens, no border enforcement legislation will be effective. Rep. Napolitano (D-CA) added that funds are necessary for any program that Congress enacts. Rep. Lofgren (D-CA) voiced her opinion that field hearings are a political decoy.

The first panel was composed of Darryl Griffin, the Chief Patrol Agent for the San Diego Border Patrol. Mr. Griffin explained that securing areas between ports of entry is just as important as the ports of entry themselves because those on the other side of the border are carefully observing U.S. agents. Mr. Griffin said that about 108,000 illegal aliens are apprehended at the San Diego border every year-900 of which are “other than Mexicans.” In response to a question by Representative Sherman (D-CA) about what else is necessary for success at the border, Mr. Griffin replied that the most effective system would be made up of an increase in personnel, technology, supported by intelligence. He also described San Diego’s unique detainment system which provides an additional number of detention beds in order to prevent the “catch and release system.” Mr. Griffin argued that the two most important resources for preventing illegal immigration are remote video surveillance systems and tunnel detachment technology. Rep. Hunter (R-CA) then pointed out that in the past fences have worked, such as when aimed at deterring violent gangs. Mr. Griffin concluded his testimony by stating that while he and the Border Patrol respond to as many illegal immigration tips as possible, but responding to these tips is the primary responsibility of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

William Kolender, Sheriff of San Diego County, started off the second panel of witnesses. Sheriff Kolender stated that comprehensive reform is necessary, and that illegal aliens should be dealt with in a “sensible and compassionate way.” He said that border enforcement is at best a weak deterrent for those entering the U.S. illegally, and since national security is at stake, the federal government should be addressing this issue. Leroy Baca, Sheriff of Los Angeles County, testified that currently 26% of Los Angeles jails are comprised of illegal immigrants and that local law enforcement is understaffed. Sheriff Baca explained that of the illegal aliens in Los Angeles jails, 70% are repeat offenders, and above 50% are multiple repeat offenders. Mr. Baca also said that while it costs about $80 million annually to incarcerate illegal aliens, the federal government only provides about $11 million in reimbursements. The third witness, Rick Flores, Sheriff of Webb County, Texas, testified that terrorists of any nationality can come across the U.S. border by paying smugglers. He said smuggling aliens is easily arranged because drug cartels have databases full of information which they use to do this. The witnesses concluded that in addition to funds, a national ID and additional law enforcement personnel would help in catching illegal aliens.

The third panel began with the testimony of Gregory Kutz, Managing Director of the GAO Forensic Audits. Mr. Kutz explained how his team completed an under-cover experiment, successfully smuggling radioactive materials through both the Northern and Southern borders. This was done, he reported, by using a fake company name and fraudulent identification documents. The next witness, T.J. Bonner, President of the National Border Patrol Council, testified that the Border Patrol catches only one out of every two or three people who cross the border. He recommended that the U.S. government “turn off the magnets” which attract people to illegally enter the U.S. Professor Kris Kobach from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law criticized S. 2611 for stripping state and local law enforcement of their powers to enforce the law. The last witness on this panel, Andy Ramirez, Chairman of Friends of Border Patrol, described Project Athena, a method to secure waterways along the border. This method which was found to be 95%-100% effective, but had not yet been implemented.

Stay tuned for more updates as the House field hearings continue this week. As a reminder to FAIR members, you can find the list of the Top 10 worst things about the Senate Guest Worker Amnesty Bill by clicking here.