THIS WEEK IN IMMIGRATION
Thursday, 07. 23. 2009 – Category: Immigration Reform
Legislative Update
Rep. Honda recently introduced the SUCCESS Act (H.R.3249), which accelerates the integration of limited English proficient (LEP) Americans into mainstream society, by increasing resources for English language acquisition. This is important for the API community, as 1 in 3 Asian Americans are LEP. Momentum has also been building for comprehensive immigration reform. The Senate Immigration Subcommittee held a hearing on Tuesday on employment verification systems. Senator Schumer, Chair of the Subcommittee, announced that he intends to have a bill ready by Labor Day.
Administrative Update
Earlier this week, the Obama administration made it easier for battered women to start a new life in the U.S., by allowing women to apply for asylum if they have been domestically abused and if their home countries allowed for such behavior. Three years ago, some relief was given through the U-visa, but this move by the administration allows women to directly file for a green card through the asylum process.
Last week, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced changes and the expansion of the controversial 287(g) program, which has been broadly criticized by immigrant and civil rights advocates, faith leaders, elected officials and the police themselves. The 287(g) program deputizes state and local law enforcement agencies as federal immigration agents. Numerous reports have shown the program to cost valuable resources, results in racial profiling, does not effectively control illegal immigration, and makes it more difficult for the police to serve and protect their communities.