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immigration

Dr. Michael Neeki: Muslim Immigrants ‘Need to Pick a Side’

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Iranian immigrant Dr. Michael Neeki, one of the first responders on the scene at the San Bernardino terrorist attack, offered some advice in a Fox News interview with Jenna Lee asking Muslim immigrants to ‘pick a side.’

JENNA LEE: I want to ask you a quick final question. I know you were born into a Muslim family and you came to this country to pursue your own version of the American dream. I would just briefly like to ask you about what you said yesterday. You said in the press conference, ‘it’s time to show ISIS what we are made of.’ We are all look for solutions about how to combat terror. What do you think is number one on the list?

DR. MICHAEL NEEKI: Number one on the list is bringing America together, bringing the community together. I was born in it but I mention it here because I really had suffered from fundamentalist religious ideas. I was tortured in a prison by these people. You can not sit and talk to these people. They are actually fanatics and made up their mind. For those Americans who actually, for those of us that emigrated here, here you have to choose a side.

When you swear and you become a naturalized citizen of this country and uses these resources to get where you are, show the loyalty to the community. Bring everybody together. It’s not an issue of religion anymore; it’s an issue of protecting the constitution and individual freedom in this country. And we are threatened by ISIS and these radical ideas coming in.

Watch the interview below:

 

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CHRIS CHRISTIE: Track Illegal Immigrants Like We Track FedEx Packages

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On Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace, Chris Christie was asked about his comments on tracking illegal immigrants as if they were FedEx packages.

Christie said, “Well, they’re not, but what my point was that this is once again a situation where the private sector laps us in the government with the use of technology. Let’s use the same technology to make sure that 40% of the 11 million who are here illegally don’t overstay their visas.”

 

 

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Donald Trump: 3 Core Principles of Real Immigration Reform

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Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump released a paper Sunday detailing what he would do for ‘real immigration reform.’

He says real reform would put “the needs of working people first.” Trump also makes the point to say what most Americans would say, and that is the current system is backwards. He says the system rewards those who are breaking the law. According to Trump, there are ‘three core principles [to] real immigration reform’:

1. A nation without borders is not a nation. There must be a wall across the southern border.

2. A nation without laws is not a nation. Laws passed in accordance with our Constitutional system of government must be enforced.

3. A nation that does not serve its own citizens is not a nation. Any immigration plan must improve jobs, wages and security for all Americans.

Have Mexico pay to build the wall?

For a while now, Trump has said he would have Mexico pay to build the wall. Yet, he really hasn’t given a clear answer as to how he would try to accomplish this.

We all can agree how crazy it sounds. Make them pay for a wall to keep out the people they’re shipping up here and giving them cheat-sheets on how to stay? Come on. Seriously?

The facts are pretty clear. Once they get here they immediately take advantage of the system. They get ‘free health care’, food stamps, live in section 8 housing, get paid in cash so they don’t pay taxes, and more. The one who bears their burden is the American.

So… what’s Trump’s plan to make them pay for it?

“Mexico must pay for the wall and, until they do, the United States will, among other things: impound all remittance payments derived from illegal wages; increase fees on all temporary visas issued to Mexican CEOs and diplomats (and if necessary cancel them); increase fees on all border crossing cards – of which we issue about 1 million to Mexican nationals each year (a major source of visa overstays); increase fees on all NAFTA worker visas from Mexico (another major source of overstays); and increase fees at ports of entry to the United States from Mexico [Tariffs and foreign aid cuts are also options].”

Laws?

We are a nation of laws, and Trump lists 8 steps that “will return to the American people the safety of their laws, which politicians have stolen from them”:

  1. Triple the number of ICE officers.
  2. Nationwide e-verify.
  3. Mandatory return of all criminal aliens.
  4. Detention – not cath-and-release.
  5. Defund sanctuary cities.
  6. Enhanced penalties for overstaying a visa.
  7. Cooperate with local gang task forces.
  8. End birthright citizenship.

Start catering to American workers?

Trump says what many households in America are thinking: ‘What about us?’

Our economy flat out stinks right now, and a lot of that falls on companies who continue to focus on bringing in foreign workers. Jobs across all different industries are being held by guest workers, immigrants – newly legal and illegal, and refugees. By allowing so many to flood the job market, we punish the very Americans who politicians ‘help’.

The foreign workers hold “down salaries, keep unemployment high, and make it difficult for poor and working class Americans – including immigrants themselves and their children – to earn a middle class wage.”

Illegal immigration is a real problem. It has been for many, many years. Is it likely that it will be fixed immediately? No. Are there things that can be done now? Sure. Will people like Trump’s plan? Yes. Are there people who will hate it? Yes.

But, like many Americans feel is happening, Trump says: “We will not be taken advantage of anymore.”

 

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Full Text: House GOP ‘Standards for Immigration Reform’

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House GOP leadership has finally released their “Standards for Immigration Reform” that breaks down each of the pillars of what they are pushing.

Below is the full text of the ‘principles.’

Standards for Immigration Reform

PREAMBLE

Our nation’s immigration system is broken and our laws are not being enforced. Washington’s failure to fix them is hurting our economy and jeopardizing our national security. The overriding purpose of our immigration system is to promote and further America’s national interests and that is not the case today. The serious problems in our immigration system must be solved, and we are committed to working in a bipartisan manner to solve them. But they cannot be solved with a single, massive piece of legislation that few have read and even fewer understand, and therefore, we will not go to a conference with the Senate’s immigration bill. The problems in our immigration system must be solved through a step-by-step, common-sense approach that starts with securing our country’s borders, enforcing our laws, and implementing robust enforcement measures. These are the principals guiding us in that effort.

Border Security and Interior Enforcement Must Come First

It is the fundamental duty of any government to secure its borders, and the United States is failing in this mission. We must secure our borders now and verify that they are secure. In addition, we must ensure now that when immigration reform is enacted, there will be a zero tolerance policy for those who cross the border illegally or overstay their visas in the future. Faced with a consistent pattern of administrations of both parties only selectively enforcing our nation’s immigration laws, we must enact reform that ensures that a President cannot unilaterally stop immigration enforcement.

Implement Entry-Exit Visa Tracking System

A fully functioning Entry-Exit system has been mandated by eight separate statutes over the last 17 years. At least three of these laws call for this system to be biometric, using technology to verify identity and prevent fraud. We must implement this system so we can identify and track down visitors who abuse our laws.

Employment Verification and Workplace Enforcement

In the 21st century it is unacceptable that the majority of employees have their work eligibility verified through a paper based system wrought with fraud. It is past time for this country to fully implement a workable electronic employment verification system.

Reforms to the Legal Immigration System

For far too long, the United States has emphasized extended family members and pure luck over employment-based immigration.  This is inconsistent with nearly every other developed country. Every year thousands of foreign nationals pursue degrees at America’s colleges and universities, particularly in high skilled fields. Many of them want to use their expertise in U.S. industries that will spur economic growth and create jobs for Americans. When visas aren’t available, we end up exporting this labor and ingenuity to other countries. Visa and green card allocations need to reflect the needs of employers and the desire for these exceptional individuals to help grow our economy.

The goal of any temporary worker program should be to address the economic needs of the country and to strengthen our national security by allowing for realistic, enforceable, usable, legal paths for entry into the United States. Of particular concern are the needs of the agricultural industry, among others. It is imperative that these temporary workers are able to meet the economic needs of the country and do not displace or disadvantage American workers.

Youth

One of the great founding principles of our country was that children would not be punished for the mistakes of their parents. It is time to provide an opportunity for legal residence and citizenship for those who were brought to this country as children through no fault of their own, those who know no other place as home. For those who meet certain eligibility standards, and serve honorably in our military or attain a college degree, we will do just that.

Individuals Living Outside the Rule of Law

Our national and economic security depend on requiring people who are living and working here illegally to come forward and get right with the law. There will be no special path to citizenship for individuals who broke our nation’s immigration laws – that would be unfair to those immigrants who have played by the rules and harmful to promoting the rule of law. Rather, these persons could live legally and without fear in the U.S., but only if they were willing to admit their culpability, pass rigorous background checks, pay significant fines and back taxes, develop proficiency in English and American civics, and be able to support themselves and their families (without access to public benefits). Criminal aliens, gang members, and sex offenders and those who do not meet the above requirements will not be eligible for this program. Finally, none of this can happen before specific enforcement triggers have been implemented to fulfill our promise to the American people that from here on, our immigration laws will indeed be enforced.

(via Breitbart.com)

Schumer Optimistic About Republican Support for Immigration Reform

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Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
photo credit: AP

Democrat Sen. Chuck Schumer said that he is optimistic that Republicans will support immigration reform in 2014.

On ABC’s “This Week” he said, “There are large parts of the Republican Party, even conservative parts of the Republican Party, that want this — business, Evangelical churches, the Catholic Church, high tech, growers. So it’s not like some of the budget issues where all of the Republicans are on one side.”

Rightly so considering that’s where lobbyists want to spend their money. Mark Zuckerberg’s group FWD.us has said that they will spend at least $50 million to help get it passed.

Even if there is enough Republican support, they would be shooting themselves in the foot. Thanks to the democrats painting them into a corner, Republicans are left having to choose to play the game for the Latino vote.

The other side of the fence is that they stand to loose a large portion of support from the Tea Party voters who don’t agree with the plan. In large part, they just want to enforce the current laws and close the loopholes that allow them to collect from the government.

Illegal Immigrant Granted Law License

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sergio garcia the illegal immigrant lawyer
photo credit: FoxNews/AP

Sergio Garcia, who has been living here illegally, was granted a law license by the California Supreme Court.

Yes, he did attend law school. And yes, he passed the state bar exam.

But it sure seems like you can get away with anything in California.

In California, there is even a way for illegals to get a drivers license. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. At least they are on the books.

But, if you can’t do it the legal way, why was he awarded with a unanimous victory?

He may wind up being a great lawyer. But that’s beside the point. If he wants to be a lawyer, then play by the damn rules!

This is just the start of bigger things to come for the current administration. Just wait!

Loophole Allows Immigrants Who Use ‘Key Words’ Get Asylum

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Border Security Big Top New 2.jpg

A loophole is allowing hundreds of immigrants across the Mexico border in to the United States.

Immigrants are being taught to use “key words and phrases” to be allowed to enter and stay in the country.

Just this past Monday, Border Patrol agents say about 200 people came through the Otay Crossing claiming a quote: “credible fear” of the drug cartels.

So many were doing this that they had to close down the processing center and move the overflow by vans to another station.

“They are being told if they come across the border, when they come up to the border and they say certain words, they  will be allowed into the country,” said a person who did not want to be identified on camera.  “We are being overwhelmed.”

Pete Nunez, former U.S. Attorney and immigration expert says, “This will swamp the system.”

“To make our system even more ridiculous than it has been in the  past,” he adds.  “There are no detention facilities for families, so the family would have to be split up. We don’t want to split families up, so we end up releasing people out into the community on bond, on bail.”

Nunez says, “It’s a huge loophole.”

“There has to be a policy change, something implemented, an emergency implementation that will stop this, or otherwise we will have thousands coming in.”

Immigrants are telling the Port Enforcement Team — or P.E.T. — that the cartels are ripping apart their state.

There’s no word on whether this same loophole is being used in Arizona.

via MyFoxPhoenix

The 5 Immigration Questions to Ask Your Congressman

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During the August congressional recess, a pro-amnesty coalition of business and union interests is putting the squeeze on members of the House of Representatives to pass a “comprehensive immigration reform” bill similar to the Senate-passed monstrosity. But hard-working Americans also have a voice and can speak up in town halls with House members while they’re in the districts. Here are five questions to remind them of the wisdom and importance of taking a step-by-step approach to immigration reform.

1. How can we afford an amnesty for illegal immigrants?

2. If illegal immigrants win amnesty, how is that fair to the 4.5 million who are waiting to enter the United States legally?

3. Can we ensure that a House-passed immigration bill doesn’t become a vehicle, in a deal with the Senate, for blanket amnesty?

4. Does Congress need to pass new legislation to secure the border and strengthen interior enforcement?

5. Is there any guarantee that we won’t face this problem again with millions of new illegal immigrants in the future?

via The Foundry @ Heritage

Dems pin immigration hopes on GOP’s Paul Ryan | Boston.com

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Democrats doggedly pursuing a far-reaching immigration bill are counting on help from Republican Rep. Paul Ryan, Mitt Romney’s running mate last year and an unlikely candidate for delivering the centerpiece of President Barack Obama’s second-term agenda.

Ryan, the House Budget Committee chairman who is frequently mentioned in the GOP lineup of possible 2016 presidential candidates, stands apart from many fellow House Republicans in favoring a way out of the shadows for the 11 million immigrants living in the U.S. in violation of the law.

He casts sweeping overhaul as a necessity to ensure both economic and national security — a fitting argument for an acolyte of Jack Kemp, the late Republican congressman and 1996 vice presidential candidate who backed an ill-fated effort in 2006 to overhaul the immigration system.

‘‘Paul Ryan says we cannot have a permanent underclass of Americans, that there needs to be a pathway to citizenship,’’ says Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., who has been working relentlessly on immigration legislation. ‘‘He is my guiding light. I know I get him in trouble every time I say it.’’

Senior White House aides often mention the Wisconsin Republican as crucial to the prospects for legislation this year, hoping the Republican with impeccable conservative credentials will sway recalcitrant House members. Ryan also is a reminder of two other powerful forces backing an overhaul of immigration laws — the Catholic Church and business.

Ryan is a practicing Catholic who made a point of attending Mass every Sunday during the jam-packed 2012 campaign; the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops strongly favors the first major changes to immigration in 27 years.

Ryan also represents a southeast Wisconsin district in a state that relies on the manufacturers of Waukesha engines, Kohler generators and numerous supply chains. The companies are counting on immigrants to fill future factory jobs.

‘‘The American economy needs immigration reform, certainly the Wisconsin economy does,’’ said Kurt Bauer, the president and CEO of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the state’s chamber of commerce.

Ryan made his appeal at last week’s closed-door GOP meeting, urging Republicans to seize the moment and opportunity.

via Boston.com.