VA-Fairfax funds group distributing immigration-raid advice

[FedUpinFarmersBranch]

Fairfax funds group distributing immigration-raid advice
By: Brian Hughes

April 14, 2010




Fairfax County gave $100,000 this year to an immigration group that distributes advice on how to respond to federal raids.

The Alexandria nonprofit, Progreso Hispano, received six figures from the county while offering guidance to illegal immigrants in case of future arrest.

Among the suggestions: Role-play as federal agents in preparation of legal problems, form a pact with co-workers to stay quiet during roundups, ask for bond -- even if not eligible -- and perhaps most importantly, don't run.

"I don't think our advice is wrong," said Executive Director Cristina Schoendorf. "We are not advocating that anybody do anything illegal."



Advice distributed by Progreso Hispano
» Don't provide government officials with information about immigration status.

» Talk with co-workers to see if they are willing to make a collective decision that everyone -- regardless of their immigration status -- will remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney.

» Help individuals who could be detained to practice, through role-playing, the best ways to respond to federal agents.

» Don't carry papers from another country.

» Don't open the door. Ask the officer to slip the warrant underneath the door.

» Don't run.

The group's Web site offers a how-to guide to "undocumented" residents for dealing with federal agents. The pamphlet, created by CASA of Maryland, issues step-by-step instructions between arrest and release by immigration officials.



The funding comes as Fairfax County's enforcement of immigration laws soars. Over the past year, the county has delivered more than 1,200 suspected illegals, for a 30 percent increase, to federal Immigration and Customs Enforcementauthorities largely because of increased records-sharing of their inmates.

For the most part, county supervisors stood by the decision to fund the group and said the raid preparation guide should not prevent Progreso from receiving money next year.

"I don't have any problem with extending outreach to allow people to know how to comply with the law," said Supervisor Penelope Gross, D-Mason.

Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust added, "It doesn't mean the county is buying into everything they do."

However, Foust said county money should not go toward funding materials tied to preparation for raids.

The $100,000 is part of the county's nearly $9 million consolidated community funding pool for human service and housing development organizations, aided partially by grant money.

Progreso is service-oriented, not advocacy-oriented, Schoendorf said, offering English-speaking and citizenship classes rather than "taking people to the marches."

Schoendorf said Progreso doesn't spend county money on materials relating to immigration raids or offer classes on the subject. She added the group merely provides information from other groups, such as CASA and the National Immigration Law Center.

Fairfax officials are expected to finalize next year's community funding in coming days.


bhughes@washingtonexaminer.com


http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local ... 79009.html

[immigration2009]

That is why they increase our taxes to help illegals. Fairfax must stop doing that (give money to those organizations that help illegal aliens). That is why local governments always say: Oh we do not have funds, we have to increase your taxes. BS. Stop helping illegal aliens and deport them. DEPORT THEM NOW.

[Newmexican]

I lived in Fairfax county for over 10 years and he personal property taxes were staggering. I can't believe that the tax paying citizens of this county are very pleased.

[Judy]

Any county that gives any of these 501 C 3 phony not-for-profits a dime helping illegal immigrants should have their heads and wallets examined. That is using taxpayer money to aid and abet illegal aliens in violation of US immigration law.

[NoBueno]

It all makes since now. These are the same wack jobs that will contend that American citizens are being swept up during immigration raids, wrongfully arrested and detained. But in reality, this is exactly what these zealots want to happen-evidenced by the advice they are giving out!

They then use this as evidence to condem all immigration raids! These traitors are corrupted and dishonest to the core.

[Judy]

It all makes since now. These are the same wack jobs that will contend that American citizens are being swept up during immigration raids, wrongfully arrested and detained. But in reality, this is exactly what these zealots want to happen-evidenced by the advice they are giving out!

They then use this as evidence to condem all immigration raids! These traitors are corrupted and dishonest to the core.

Exactly.

[NoBueno]

The group's Web site offers a how-to guide to "undocumented" residents for dealing with federal agents. The pamphlet, created by CASA of Maryland, issues step-by-step instructions between arrest and release by immigration officials.

Hopefully, that release will be in their country of orgin!