Letter From Immigration Jail

Bernard Pastor

Originally posted on the AILA Leadership Blog

This is a difficult moment for the DREAMers.  The Senate has failed them, and the nation.  Make no mistake, the DREAM Act will become law one day.  And, so too, will there be a humane and sensible immigration policy.  What we need are national leaders who care more about America than their political careers.

I have had the honor of representing Bernard Pastor, an 18 year old DREAMer from Reading, Ohio who was locked up by ICE for a month and released on Friday, December 17, hours before the Senate rejected the Dream Act.  Describing the disarray left in the wake of the Senate vote yesterday, the New York Times’ Julia Preston juxtaposed Bernard’s last minute release against ICE’s ongoing policy of mass deportations.

The administration’s efforts to manage its policy dilemma played out this week. Speaking on Friday before the vote, John Morton, the head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said the agency would continue the brisk pace of deportations, focusing on immigrants convicted of crimes. On the same day, the agency released from detention an 18-year-old Guatemalan student from Ohio, Bernard Pastor, granting him a one-year reprieve from deportation to continue his education. 

Can you imagine where Bernard would be right now if he hadn’t been freed on Friday?

Yet, in the midst of our disappointment with the lack of a coherent, sensible immigration policy, coupled with the pain suffered by the thousands of DREAMers whose hopes were dashed yesterday, we can take solace in the words of Bernard Pastor, who, in a letter reminiscent of Dr. Martin Luther King’s heroic Letter From Birmingham Jail, wrote the following while incarcerated by ICE and awaiting his imminent removal to Guatemala, a country he does not know:

I am not defined by where I was born; I am defined by where and with whom I was raised.  I am defined by how I live my life. 

People might be surprised that the son of a pastor is in the situation in which I now find myself, but I think that it takes just such a person to make a necessary difference, to make things change. Perhaps it seems to you that I am caught in a bad situation, but the Bible tells me this: 

“In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider."  Ecclesiastes 7:14 

In my own words: a day of sorrow is better than a day of joy because through pain the heart is mended; it is through my difficulties that I learn. I have always known that each of us is here to be a history maker. This is true regardless of one’s station in life. All I can hope is that I serve as an example for others to understand the great injustices carved into the fabric of our broken immigration system. I pray that my example helps pass the DREAM Act because it is the DREAM Act that will help others who find themselves in my shoes.

I feel that this is the purpose that God has for me, and I will never fight his will.  And I want to be able to be the one who steps up, the one who can be the voice for those other thousands of DREAMers who cannot speak out for themselves.

Sometimes, one needs difficult times to reestablish one’s faith, even the faith that one might believe they already had.  In the words of Jon Foreman – a committed evangelical Christian and the lead singer of Switchfoot – “Two things You have told me: You are strong and You love me… So why should I worry?  You know what I need.” I know that this is all God’s plan and all the glory is his alone.  I thank God for letting me be His conduit, the vessel through which he may be exalted. 

I thank all of you who are working to help both me, and others like me; you know the Truth behind my situation.  I leave you now with a quote from the Christian musician, Brandon Heath: 

“There is hope for me yet because God won’t forget all the plans he’s made for me.  He’s not finished with me yet.” 

God bless you all, 

Bernard

FREE BERNARD!

Please watch this compelling, short film on the struggle that faces the Reading, OH community: FREE BERNARD PASTOR!

Bernard Pastor

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The National Immigration Law Center's DREAM WEEKLY UPDATE ________________ December 15, 2010

Daily DREAMer Lost in the barrage of media coverage about the DREAM Act are the hopes, dreams, and stories of individual DREAMers. This week we’re bringing you the real life stories of young Americans-at-heart who will have their fates decided for them by the Senate before Christmas. Bernard Pastor, a DREAMer in Ohio who was brought to the States when he was three, currently is in immigration detention and facing deportation.  Bernard graduated near the top of his high school class and was a standout athlete, the soccer team’s star.  He dreams of attending college and someday being a pastor.  His former classmates and others he’s touched in his community are in shock at his having been detained and are rallying to support him. Part of Bernard’s story is told in this very moving 5-minute video posted on Vimeo.  And, in a 3-minute YouTube video, you can hear Bernard’s sister reading a letter he wrote from immigration detention. After watching the videos, please call Ohio Senator George Voinovich at 866-957-2612 and urge him to realize the DREAM for Bernard and other Buckeye DREAMers such as him. After you’ve called Senator Voinovich, dial 866-957-2612 to tell the senators from your own state that you expect them to support the DREAM Act as well. Together, we can make these DREAMs a reality!

To subscribe to our DREAM Act, Health Care, Immigration Enforcement, Public Benefits, or Workers' Rights lists, complete and submit this form. National Immigration Law Center 3435 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 2850, Los Angeles, CA 90010 | www.nilc.org

The DREAM Will Not Die.

This weekend I was among several organizers from Ohio and Michigan to present our progress and look to the future for the DREAM Act in Ohio. As a workshop presenter at the Great Lakes Colleges Association's annual Students of Color Leadership Conference, several things struck me as I spoke with the group of 50 students at Kenyon College.

The DREAM Act will pass because we will make it happen.

It's no surprise that the DREAM Activists have been criticized for their often irreverent organizing tactics. As a youth-led movement, they are overlooked or not taken seriously by the more established, albeit well-intentioned organizations and members of the immigrants' rights movement. However, the DREAM Activist approach is also one which carries a certain clarity, passion, and determination not present in other approaches to immigrants' rights.

The story of the DREAM Act movement is so compelling in part because it has not been static.

Unlike other recent movements, the DREAM Act movement has grown and thrived because of its commitment to diversity. To be clear, this is not a movement based solely on racial and ethnic diversity. The DREAM Act movement has sought out and leveraged many social justice intersections. It has always welcomed allies, and most importantly DREAM Activists understand the need to reach back and train, grow, and develop younger members of the movement. There is certainly recognition that in order for the movement to sustain itself, leadership must always adapt.

Ohio will play a key role in the story because of the Speaker-elect of the US House, John Boehner.

Speaking with Ohio DREAM Activists who have come from other states, their first discontent is that Ohio has been largely uncharted territory for organized DREAMers. Many come from places like Chicago or California, where a DREAM network has been in place for years. Just as Ohio is a key bellwether in Presidential elections, Ohio will be a focal point for the DREAM Act as well. Many in the immigrants' rights community have wondered how Mr. Boehner will handle the topic of immigration in the House. Although he voted against the Sensenbrenner Bill, he has been far from moderate on the issue. His district is also home to Sheriff Richard Jones.

We will continue organizing, always challenging the systems of oppression. We'll need your help to do it.

Finding A Way To "Yes"

Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) calls for Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General investigation of US Citizenship and Immigration Services adjudication reform efforts. AILA President David Leopold responds. Read his response in full on the AILA Leadership Blog.

Is Big Brother "Friending" You?

AILA Leadership Blog

Someone once told me that you should never post anything online you don’t want to read on the front page of the newspaper. 

Amnesty for Lou Dobbs?

How dysfunctional is the US immigration system?  It is so dysfunctional that even Lou Dobbs, a man who has built his brand spewing hate speech at immigrants, can’t even follow it. Read the AILA Leadership Blog

U.S. Congressman Gutierrez to Rally Latin@s in Cleveland

Just got word that U.S. Congressman Luis Gutierrez will join Congresswoman Marcia Fudge in Cleveland this coming Monday - October 11, 2010 starting at 4:00 at Mt. Sanai Church - 7510 Woodland Avenue. As you know Gutierrez has been one of our national champions in Congress leading the fight for Immigration Reform and the Dream Act.

The event is sponsored by HOLA, the Hispanic Alliance, Cleveland NAACP, Nueva Luz Urban Resource Center, Cleveland Jobs with Justice, Urban League of Greater Cleveland, Northshore AFL-CIO, Young Latino Network, CoalItion of HIspanic Issues in Progress and Progress Ohio.

There are many reasons why this event is important. First of all, just having a national Latino leader come to Cleveland is big and we all know he has been leading the immigration reform movement nationally. Also, there is a great Black/Latin@ coalition working together for a common purpose here. And last but just as important -- it is critical that we rally and get people excited and COMMITTED to VOTE on NOVEMBER 2!!!

Honoring Senator Voinovich

For the past nine months, Reform Immigration for America and other national immigration reform campaigns targeted Ohio Senator Voinovich as critical to have on board for immigration reform legislation.

Much time was spent on “power plans”, consultants were hired, rallies were held, all of the Senators offices in Ohio were visited, a record-breaking number of calls went to his office, meetings were took place with high, middle and low-level staff, and office drop-ins were carried out by coalitions of labor, faith and grassroots organizations. We even went to his house in Cleveland and left personal notes on his doorstep.

The entire month of August, our office sent daily faxes to all five of his Ohio offices. These faxes demanded a meeting with the good Senator (even though it was made clear to us that this meeting would never happen). His staff was always gracious and polite but perhaps annoyed with our persistent tactics.

Then the idea came…why don’t we create a space to honor the Senator?

After all, Senator Voinovich has been a friend of immigration reform in the past and he has been on the forefront of several Latino initiatives as a public servant in Ohio. I believe there is good reason to thank the Senator for all he has done for the Latino community in Ohio.

I didn’t think the Senator would attend but on Monday September 27, 2010 a small group of statewide Latinos and immigration reform organizers gathered to recognize Senator Voinovich and have a conversation with him.

Here are some thoughts he shared in regards to the DREAM Act and immigration reform:

- It was clear that he “gets it” in regards to the need for immigration reform.

- As a member of the Homeland Security and Appropriations Committees, he felt the border is more secure now than it has ever been. Yet we are allowing the demagoguery framing of the issue by a few “crazies” out there. While he did not say who these crazies were it became clear (to me) he was referring to the Tea Party. He continued, “these crazies were saying the same kind of things when my parents came to America”

- He said it is more cost effective to do something with those “illegal immigrants” that are here then to focus only on border security. He would gladly provide us statistical information on why this makes sense.

- He prefers DREAM to be brought up in a comprehensive bill.

- It did not make sense to him why Harry Reid would put the DREAM Act on the DOD bill. He asked Reid not to do this and felt Reid was making this a political issue thus giving fuel to the “crazies” to further mobilize against DREAM and immigration reform.

- He felt that President Obama has not pushed on this issue as he had with the health care bill, “if the President wanted to get this done, he would take the political risk to do it”. He felt that President Bush did take the political risk when he brought up immigration reform during the Bush administration.

- He never felt that Senator Schumer was serious with his CIR bill earlier this year. He kept giving deadline after deadline and never followed through.

So where does this leave us with the Senator Voinovich? When I spoke at the event I told the Senator that we still need him for the following possibilities that will happen in lame duck:

1) DREAM coming up again in the DOD bill
2) Senator Durbin’s DREAM stand-alone bill
3) AgJOBS bill
4) Senator Menendez's CIR bill (to be introduced this week)

It was a victory for Ohio immigration reform organizers to finally have a face-to-face meeting with the Senator and we did manage to engage the Senator in conversation on DREAM and immigration reform.

Perhaps the bigger question came from Nick Torres and the national DREAMer networks:

“What will it take for you, Senator Voinovich, to be a yes vote?"

Here we go. In your own words, Senator, ”We’re not winding down, we’re winding up.”

Courtney Combs at it again.

Courtney Combs has been relatively quite recently but we know he is out there. Apparently, he was in Sydney, Ohio on Sunday. Is Sydney in the 54th District which he represents? Read on.....


9/27/2010
Officials outline immigration issues

By Rachel Lloyd
rsupinger@sdnccg.com

About 150 area residents gathered at the Sidney Veterans of Foreign Wars building Sunday evening for the Sidney Shelby County Liberty Group's town hall meeting on the subject of immigration, with panel members Lisa Curley and Cheryl L. Gallegos, of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, state Rep. Courtney Combs, R-54th District, and Sidney Police Chief Kevin Gessler.

Curley, community relations officer for District 13, which includes Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, explained that the division for which she works was not the enforcement arm but rather the benefit arm of immigration services. It is one of seven agencies under the Office of Homeland Security, which also includes the enforcement arm, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She clarified that the seven agencies now operate separately, though they were previously part of the same agency known as Immigration and Naturalization Service.

"The responsibility of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services includes administering immigration benefits and citizenship," Curley said. "We administer or adjudicate approximately 6 (million) to 8 million applications per year."

She explained that the process to enter to the country begins with applying for a visa through the state department. Those who stay longer then seek benefits such as permanent residence, naturalization, travel documents and work authorization.

Curley outlined some of the process of gaining citizenship to the United States through naturalization, including residency requirements, proof of "good moral character," an oath of allegiance, renunciation of all foreign citizenship, the ability to speak, read and write English and civics knowledge.

Combs, introduced as "one of the leading advocates of immigration reform in Ohio," said he is a proponent of immigration, but only when it is done legally.

"But I do have a problem when we have thousands of people coming across the southern border of the United States (illegally)," Combs said.

Combs recounted his visits to Arizona to see the problems of illegal immigration firsthand. He said 1,000 people a day are crossing the border illegally into Cochise County, Ariz., alone each day, and of those, approximately 300 are caught, processed and returned to Mexico.

"They come right back," he said.

He admitted that many do come across the border to escape poverty and work and support their families, even saying if he were in their position, he would do the same.

"Does that make it right?" he asked. "No."

His bigger concern with illegal immigration is the "25 percent" who cross the border for more nefarious purposes, such as smuggling in drugs and contraband, and human trafficking.

"The United States does not control the Mexican border," Combs said. "The Mexican government does not control the Mexican border. The drug dealers control the Mexican border

Ohio Would Benefit From the DREAM Act

Ohio would benefit from DREAM Act

Tuesday, September 21, 2010 02:52 AM

This week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., indicated his intent to bring the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, or DREAM, to a vote on the Senate floor. Ohio Sens. George V. Voinovich and Sherrod Brown must seize the opportunity to vote for this bipartisan legislation. The DREAM Act is a bill that would enable Ohio to become more prosperous by increasing access to education.

By providing young people who currently attend college or serve in the armed forces with a path toward citizenship, we won’t just help immigrant communities but also will help affirm an American credo that, from California to the New York island, this land is still the land of opportunity and liberty.

Those affected by this legislation are as American as you or me. Many of the young men and women who would be affected by the DREAM Act are people we call our neighbors. They have grown up as Americans and do not know any other home.

The bill is designed to amend the status of only those who have worked hard, stayed out of trouble and contribute to our communities and economy. Right now, brilliant scholars and America’s next engineers, inventors, teachers and farmers are unable to obtain a Social Security number, and that is keeping them from completely contributing to our great state.

People who hear these stories about immigrants may wonder why these so-called dreamers don’t just get in line and wait in line, as many of our ancestors did at Ellis Island. The truth is that without passage of this important legislation, there is no viable way for these bright young people to fix their situation.

Putting partisan politics aside and allowing our youths to pursue higher education and enter our work force is the right thing to do. It is time to support the DREAM Act.

JEREMY A. VanMETER

Governing board member

Fairfield County Educational Service Center

Sugar Grove

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/editorials/stories/2010/09/21/ohio-would-benefit-from-dream-act.html?sid=101

Cincinnati Immigration Rights Organizers with a message to Commissioner Selig

On September 15, 2010 we witnessed bold action from our sisters and brothers of the Cincinnati Workers Project. They lowered banners with SB 1070 - NOT IN OHIO banners at the Cincinnati Reds/Arizona Diamondbacks game. Their message was clear and concise:
- "Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere"
- "Arizona politicians are scapegoating immigrants"
- "We need comprehensive immigration reform now!"
- "Commissioner Selig, move the All-Star game....MOVE THE GAME!"

Two people were arrested and released on disorderly conduct. The 2011 All-star game is scheduled in 2011 in Chase Field in Phoenix.

http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/sports/baseball/reds/protest-sign-delays-diamondbacks-reds-game

Leader Reid Pledges to Bring Up DREAM Act

Legislation Would Keep Next Generation American Leaders Contributing to U.S.

Washington, DC - The news that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) will bring up the bi-partisan DREAM Act is a welcome and significant step forward for the immigration debate.  According to the Associated Press, Senator Reid pledged to attach the DREAM Act as an amendment to an upcoming defense policy bill.

According to Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America's Voice, "The DREAM Act would be a significant first step toward achieving the ultimate goal of fixing the broken immigration system.  We are excited to work with Senator Reid and other leaders of both parties to enact this vital legislation and to end one of the more counterproductive parts of our immigration system.  The young people who would be affected by DREAM's passage are Americans in all but paperwork, embody the core values of our nation, and deserve the chance to pursue their own versions of the American dream.  Yet our broken immigration laws are getting in the way of them realizing their full potential - and we all suffer as a result.  For both moral and economic reasons, it makes sense to keep a new generation of future American leaders in our nation and contributing to our communities."

About the DREAM Act: The DREAM Act is a bipartisan measure that would enable high-achieving young people - immigrants who have been raised here, have worked hard in school, and then pursue higher education or serve in the military - to achieve the American Dream.  Seventy percent of Americans agree that it makes no moral or economic sense to spend taxpayer dollars arresting, jailing, and deporting youth who grew up in this country.  The DREAM Act allows these young people to earn their citizenship and give back to the country they call home.  A national poll of 1,008 adults, conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for First Focus in June 2010, shows a stunning level of support, which cuts across regional and party lines. They found 70 percent overall support, 60% support from Republicans, and 80% support from Democrats.

Read more about the DREAM Act at AV's "DREAM 101": http://americasvoiceonline.org/blog/entry/dream_act_101_as_fight_heats_up_time_to_read_up

A

www.americasvoiceonline.org

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Counting the Silverware

Originally published on the AILA Leadership Blog

Nobody likes to pay for legal advice.

But it’s a double whammy when you end up paying for really bad legal advice.  Just ask the good citizens of Hazelton, Pennsylvania whose pockets have been emptied to the tune of $2,400,000 in legal bills run up by Kris Kobach, a fringe anti-immigrant restrictionist and candidate for Kansas Secretary of State.

Kobach proudly touts his role in drafting the poorly-written 2006 Hazelton statute, which thrusts on landlords and businesses the responsibility for figuring out who is and isn't lawfully present in the U.S. before renting or providing services to an individual.  The law was quickly thrown out by a federal judge because it violated the Constitution.  Just last week, the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals agreed stating,

It is ... not our job to sit in judgment of whether state and local frustration about federal immigration policy is warranted. We are, however, required to intervene when states and localities directly undermine the federal objectives embodied in statutes enacted by Congress.

Now the taxpayers of Hazelton are left with Kobach’s astronomical legal bill; and he is pining away for still more litigation claiming, "It's going to be difficult for [the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals decision] to stand. The court really had to stretch to find a way to agree with the ACLU."   Can you hear the “ch’ching” of Kobach’s legal fee cash register?  How many more small American communities will be duped by Kobach into supporting his hate filled anti-immigrant crusade?

And Hazelton is not alone.  Sharing the dubious honor of owing Kobach a lot of money are Farmers Branch, Texas ($4,000,000), Valley Park, Missouri ($270,000) and Maricopa County, Arizona ($12,600 plus expenses).   According to Political Correction this adds up to a whopping $6,600,000!  Not a bad day’s pay for shoddy lawyering.

Along with the legal bills Kobach is developing an impressive record of courtroom defeats.  His 3rdCircuit smack-down comes on the heels of Judge Susan Bolton’s ruling that S.B. 1070, Arizona’s infamous “show me your  papers” law, also offended the Constitution.  In case you hadn’t heard, Kobach was instrumental in drafting that law too.

Kobach claims to be an expert in the Constitution. But he might want to take a moment and read it. The good news is that even if he won’t the courts will.

In the meantime, if you live in small town America hold on to your wallets.  And if Kobach visits your town you might want to count the silverware when he leaves.

The Buckeyes and "illegal immigrants" according to The Other Paper in Columbus, Ohio

It was brought to my attention by a few Columbus area immigration reform supporters that on cover of the August 26, 2010 edition of THE OTHER PAPER was the following headline:

The promised land 

The Buckeyes like so many illegal immigrants, are hoping to eventually land in Arizona.

So I picked the issue up and read the article by Eric Lyttle. The story was a well written article on the Ohio State Buckeye football team's chances of winning the national championship to be played in Arizona. In the article, the word "Arizona" is only used twice and there is no mention of "illegal immigrants"  at all. So I want to put a few questions out there because I love good questions:

1) Why would the writer use illegal immigrant on the front page teaser? I want the writer to know that for many, it is offensive to use the word "illegal" to describe immigrants (or any person for that matter). One may argue the legality and definition of using this word but again, this word is offensive to many, particularly many of The Other Paper's Latin@ readers.

2) Why use this term at all? There was no tie in to "illegal immigrants" in Mr. Lyttle's story. I suppose the writer was thinking that "illegal immigrants" was a hook for the reader. This does not make sense to me.

3) How do you know that "so many illegal immigrants, are hoping to eventually land in Arizona"? I was recently in Arizona and have been working on immigration reform for some time and I don't see this as the case.

Be that as it may, The Other Paper needs to know that those offended are your readers and while we may not meet your reader demographic at this time, we will eventually. So some of your readers who"have landed" in Columbus are offended by these words.

Oh wait a minute, the 2011 BCS Championship Game will be in Glendale, Arizona and there is an Arizona boycott going on??? Hmmm...I'm on the phone talking to my Arizona immigration reform organizers right now!!!

GO BUCKS!!

Ruben Castilla Herrera

Crying Wolf

Originally published on the AILA Leadership Blog

On August 20 John Morton, head of ICE, issued a memorandum to the agency about how to handle deportation cases involving foreign nationals who are also legally eligible to apply for green cards.  The policy has got the anti-immigrant restrictionists and their friends on Capitol Hill in a tizzy and howling about (what else?) back door amnesty.  It has also provided fresh anti-immigrant fodder for Fox News.

But the ICE memo represents a welcome (and all too rare) outbreak of common sense at the agency, not a back door amnesty program.  I would suggest that the restrictionists, politicians, and televised talking heads read the memo before incorrectly (and irresponsibly) claiming it authorizes the mass cancellation of deportations or directs the dismissal of deportation cases against dangerous criminals.

The truth is that the memo is quite limited in scope.  It affects only foreign nationals in deportation proceedings who are the beneficiaries of immigrant visa petitions, which, when processed,  will give them an immediate right to file for a green card.  Stated differently, the memo affects only people who can immigrate legally under existing laws--meaning they have otherwise played by the rules and waited their turn for a visa.

To suggest that the memo will lead to the dismissal of deportation cases against dangerous criminals, as some have charged, is ludicrous.  In fact, the memo directs that ICE attorneys "shall promptly consult with the Field Office Director (FOD) and Special Agent in Charge (SAC) to determine if there are any investigations or serious adverse factors weighing against dismissal of proceedings."  Adverse factors include criminal convictions, evidence of fraud or other criminal misconduct, and national security and public safety considerations.

I have never been shy about criticizing ICE when it is warranted.  But this memo, if implemented across the US, could go a long way toward reducing the tremendous backlogs that plague the immigration courts, and relieving overcrowding in the vast ICE detention system.  The memo represents an attempt to efficiently use  scarce law enforcement resources so the government can target for removal those who would do Americans harm--terrorists, violent criminals, drug traffickers, and alien smugglers.

It is stunning that the "just say no to sensible immigration policy" crowd, with Senator Grassley as their loudest cheerleader in Congress, once again cries wolf in the face of smart immigration enforcement.

OH Senate Candidate Lee Fisher Endorses Dream Act

Columbus, Ohio – This morning I was at a breakfast meet and greet with Ohio Senate candidate Lee Fisher and twelve Columbus area Latin@ leaders. Fisher spoke briefly, then is was time for the guests to ask questions. I was the first to ask him a question and of course it was about the Dream Act and immigration reform. Do you support the Dream Act and immigration reform? To this, he gave a solid YES. He is on record indicating he supports a pathway to citizenship but to my knowledge has never been asked specifically about the Dream Act. This was good....! 

The questions continued; Would you support the Dream Act as a stand along bill? He responding by saying that he prefers Dream to be a part of comprehensive immigration reform but if elected "I will support it either way." I then asked; Can you go on record at a public event stating this support? He quickly commented, "I feel like I'm on Meet the Press", then gave another "yes" to this request. I told him that I will be following up very soon on this!

Oh...one more question Lt. Governor...When you are elected our new Ohio Senator, will you take Comprehensive Immigration Reform as priority in the first few months of 2011? There was some hesitation but again he gave a YES!

Stay tuned for an event for Lee Fisher to hold to his word. 

- Ruben Castilla Herrera

A Tidbit of Cinci's Immigrant History

In reading a story about Nast Trinity United Methodist Church in Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati, there was a gem of history that I'm sure Senator SEITZ and MECKLENBURG (both names of german origin) choose to forget: that Cincinnati has a history of marginalizing immigrants.  Too bad they have not learned from the struggles faced by their own ancestors.

Here is the excerpt from the article:

The Rev. Dave Weaver, Nast's pastor, has been a part of many of the discussions. He's heard all the talk.
To him, Nast's mission for the future is clear, just as it has been since the church started caring for German-speaking immigrants who clogged the neighborhood early in the 19th century.
Those immigrants, about a third of the city's 46,000 residents in 1840, were isolated. Like newcomers everywhere, they were chastised by other immigrant groups and needed help assimilating to their surroundings. Early in the 20th century, the population shifted to urban Appalachian and later to African-American.
The full article is entitled "Nast church's mission unwavering after 175 years", August 24, 2010.

Immigrant-owned businesses Prevent Widespread Vacancies

Ethnic businesses ending vacancies
Friday, August 20, 2010

The Short North has the market cornered on funky. Worthington is considered posh and German Village quaint. What’s the quick image of Northland, besides sprawling?

How about global?

The Morse Road commercial corridor past the former Northland Mall is likely the only place in Columbus where you can get a temporary henna tattoo and then cross the street for a pinata. It’s immigrant-owned businesses along Morse Road that are credited with preventing the widespread vacancies that were feared when the mall closed in 2002. According to neighborhood groups, ethnic stores sprinkled amid national discount chains have created a diverse destination that is attracting traffic and thus more businesses.

David Walker, a cultural geographer at Ohio Wesleyan University, has a word for it: “Immigrantification,” or gentrification by immigrants.

Click Here to read more.

Why immigration matters: 50 reasons

Jeff Gauger,The Executive Editor of the Canton Repository listed 50 reasons why immigration is important to him.  In an area that has a strong Latino impact in economic growth (with Robert Torres as City of Canton, Director of Developement and Kim Perez as Stark County Auditor) there are many more reasons why immigration should be important to him as well as all residents of Stark County. Below are some favorites from Gauge's list.

August 23, 2010, Canton Repository
Immigration has gotten a bad rap. Which is too bad. Here are 50 reasons immigration is important to me:

Madeleine Albright, first woman to serve as U.S. secretary of state, for President Bill Clinton. Born in Czechoslovakia.
Irving Berlin, composer and lyricist. Born in Russia.
Sergey Brin, computer scientist, co-founder of Google. Born in what was then the Soviet Union.
St. Frances X. Cabrini, co-founder of the Order of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, missionary among immigrants in New York City, founder of orphanages in the United States. Born in Italy.
Fernando Caldeiro, U.S. astronaut. Born in Argentina.
Andrew Carnegie, businessman and philanthropist. Born in Scotland.
Albert Einstein, theoretical physicist who transformed science with his theory of special relativity, Nobel laureate. Born in Germany.
Gloria Estefan, singer, songwriter. Born in Cuba.
Enrico Fermi, physicist who helped develop the first nuclear reactor while at the University of Chicago; Nobel laureate. Born in Italy.
Felix Frankfurter, U.S. Supreme Court justice. Born in Austria.
Greta Garbo, movie actor. Born in Sweden.
Marcario Garcia, staff sergeant during World War II, recipient of the Medal of Honor for action in Germany. Born in Mexico.
Andrew Grove, founder of Intel. Born in Hungary.
Henry Kissinger, political scientist, national security adviser to President Richard Nixon and later secretary of state for Nixon and President Gerald Ford; Nobel laureate. Born in Germany.
Octaviano Ambrosio Larrazolo, fourth governor of New Mexico, first U.S. senator with roots in Mexico. Born in Mexico.
Yo Yo Ma, virtuoso cellist. Born in France.
Dinaw Mengestu, writer and novelist. Born in Ethiopia.
John Muir, naturalist and early preservationist. Born in Scotland.
Rupert Murdoch, businessman in media, founder, chairman and CEO of News Corp. Born in Australia.
Mohammed Odeh al-Rehaief, Iraqi lawyer who helped rescue prisoner of war Jessica Lynch in 2003 in Iraq. Born in Iraq.
Hakeem Olajuwon, professional basketball player. Born in Nigeria.
I.M. Pei, architect. Born in China.
Wolfgang Puck, chef and restaurant owner. Born in Austria.
Joseph Pulitzer, crusading newspaper publisher. Born in Hungary.
Oscar de la Renta, fashion designer. Born in the Dominican Republic.
Hyman G. Rickover, U.S. four-star admiral who directed development of nuclear propulsion for U.S. Navy submarines. Born in Poland.
Dr. Albert Sabin, developer of an oral polio vaccine. Born in Russia.
Rubén Salazar, newspaper reporter and television news director, martyr for Chicano rights. Born in Mexico.
Jem Spectar, president of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Born in Cameroon.
Igor Stravinsky, composer and conductor. Born in Russia.
Nikola Tesla, inventor and engineer who made early contributions to the development of electricity. Born in what is now Croatia.
Maria Agatha Franziska Gobertina von Trapp, the real Maria of “The Sound of Music” fame. Born in Austria.
Jerry Yang, co-founder of Yahoo. Born in Taiwan.
Ahmed Zewail, chemist and physicist, professor at the California Institute of Technology; Nobel laureate. Born in Egypt.

For Gauger's Complete list, click here.

Finding It Easier to To Be Cruel Than Taking the Risk of Being Kind

Here is another immigration horror story from our own backyard that demonstrates the inhumanity of the current system:

Father’s final days filled with deportation fears
Sunday, August 22, 2010, By Dean Narciso, The Columbus Dispatch

The Jaars family, shown praying at a 2005 vigil held on their behalf, still is battling deportation. They are, from left, daughter Roslee, son Grant and parents Abraham and Delecia.

A North Side family, fighting for years to remain in the United States, now faces a larger battle.

Abraham Jaars, who left South Africa 24 years ago with his young family amid a fractious apartheid regime, has cancer and precious time left.

Yet efforts to deport him, his wife, and their son and daughter persist, despite a judge’s recommendation five years ago that the matter be settled.

“The Jaars(es) are productive members of our society who have come to know this country as their home,” wrote U.S. District Judge R. Guy Cole.

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a previous denial of asylum, and Cole agreed with the technical legal reasons for that decision. But he said “this result appears pointless and unjust.”

Abraham, 68, his wife, Delecia, and grown children Roslee and Grant have had nothing more than a traffic ticket since they left South Africa in 1986 on six-month visitor visas. They own a house and cars, paid their taxes and are active in their church, said Ryan Mowry, a friend of the family’s.

Cole had encouraged federal immigration officials to, “at a minimum, consider indefinitely deferring enforcement,” according to court records.

But that hasn’t happened, said the family’s attorney, Dennis Muchnicki.

“They have been fighting it tooth and nail,” he said of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, “and never attempted to resolve the matter.”

The family members have said they inadvertently overstayed their visas by two years but sought asylum based on persecution under apartheid. Mr. and Mrs. Jaars are multiracial.

Five years ago, Rob Baker, former field-office director for detention and removal operations in the Detroit office of ICE, delayed deportation by one year but promised nothing more.

“I can't have personal feelings about these cases, about whether they’re being wronged or not,” Baker said then . “I really have to use the law and follow it to the best of my ability.”

Click here for the entire story.
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Immigration is a complex human, economic issue

August 17, 2010, Middletown Journal Guest Column by Tony Klimek, a resident of West Chester Twp., and a member of the Central Committee of the Butler County Democratic Party.

America is a land of immigrants. Immigrants are part of our country and have contributed to our culture and economy. However, our immigration policy has not kept pace with a rapidly changing world.

Reform is needed to meet the needs of a globalized economy. We must implement reform that respects the dignity of human life, addresses the complexity of the issue, and strengthens our country.

We must move beyond the simplistic refrain of “illegals have no rights and should be sent back.” Human beings cannot be “illegal.” The label dehumanizes and attempts to justify treating immigrants as subhuman objects without rights.

Throughout history, authoritarian societies and politicians have dehumanized minorities to remove their rights, justify their exploitation, and create fear. History is repeating itself in Arizona, Butler County and across the country. We must seek solutions through dialogue and respect; we should not use fear and bigotry to exploit the vulnerable in our society for political gain.

To characterize and label a human being as illegal is contrary to our country’s founding principles, and inconsistent with the religious teaching that man was created in the image of God. Everyone has a right to work to provide for themselves and their family. To deny that right is a betrayal of humanity.
Click here for full column.
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Wadsworth Update: Whatever you do may seem insignificant ...

...but it is most important that you do it. (Gandhi)

And today's victory has demonstrated this principle.  At tonight's meeting a majority of the City Council voted to withdraw the Resolution No. 10-10, which would have supported Arizona's SB 1070. The votes were as follows:
In favor of withdrawal of the Resolution:
Beth Workman (R)
Tim Eberling (R)
Susan Hanlon (R)
John Sharkey (D)
Against withdrawal of the Resolution:
Bruce Darlington (R) (sponsor of Resolution)
Dennis Shultz (R)
Jim Riley (R) (sponsor of Resolution)

There were many residents of Wadsworth that spoke against the resolution as well as others from faith-based organizations that came from nearby areas such as Akron, Wooster and Apple Creek -- thanks to the organizing efforts of Church World Service! And thanks to everyone who made calls and sent emails!!!

To read news coverage of the Council meeting click here.

Lead by Example: Letter to Wadsworth City Council

Thank you to our ally and friend Farhad Sethna who wrote the letter below.  Please consider doing the same!  Scroll down to the August 10 Action Alert for the contact information of the Wadsworth City Council.

Respected Wadsworth City Council Members:

            I am writing this letter to voice my opposition to the proposed Resolution No. 10-10 for the reasons set forth below.

            As background, I am an adjunct professor at the University of Akron School of  Law and in addition I teach a class on Immigration Law, Crimes and Justice in the Justice Studies program at Kent State University.  I also have owned and operated my own immigration law practice for over the last 15 years being privileged to represent hundreds, if not thousands, of immigrants to achieve the American dream.

             I was surprised and shocked to hear that the City of Wadsworth- given its strong immigrant roots had introduced Resolution No. 10-10.  In fact, the home page of the City of Wadsworth website proclaims the humble immigrant beginnings of the City of Wadsworth and the hard work and dedication of its pioneering immigrant founders.  Therefore, it comes as a distinct surprise that a city with such strong immigrant roots now takes an anti-immigrant stance of this nature.

             It is unquestionable that we all as Americans want to have an orderly system of laws and government.  Indeed, our constitution is founded on a premise of a “government of laws, not of men”.  Unfortunately, the Arizona legislation tilts that mandate in the favor of men and away from laws.  By making it necessary for a police officer to inquire about the immigration status of any person who the officer deems “illegal”, the law allows an impermissible blurring between a police officer’s role to protect and serve versus criminalizing the victim or the complainant.  Further, the law is invidious in that it clearly allows for racial profiling by allowing officers to inquire about immigration statuses of people who they suspect are undocumented.  In my class at Kent, I teach from a book in which one of the chapters in tellingly titled “What does an undocumented alien look like?”.     

             Let us turn to cost.  The costs of apprehending and deporting every undocumented alien in the State of Arizona- even if it were possible- are enormous.  These costs range in the tens to the hundreds of millions of dollars in enforcement alone, not counting losses to the State in the form of taxes, lack of opportunities, and losses to businesses.  Rather than concentrate law enforcement on apprehending violent gangs, criminals and human traffickers, Arizona would rather spend its resources on attempting to identify and deport undocumented day laborers and migrant workers struggling to feed their families. In most cases- these workers- make no mistake- are doing jobs that no American worker would want to do.

             While the Resolution quotes from the “Federation for American Immigration Reform” (FAIR), it should also take note of the various other studies that have been released by non-partisan groups including the newspapers and University of Arizona studies which identify the true cost of deportation and the estimated economic losses arising from such measures.  Those estimates would, in my professional opinion, give a more “fair” assessment of the economic impact.  For comprehensive list, please visit: 

  http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/special-reports/qa-guide-arizonas-new-immigration-law

             Law enforcement officers in Arizona have themselves decried SB 1070.  It would take away from their ability to actually apprehend violent criminals who will go unchecked because “illegals” would be afraid to report them.  Therefore, SB 1070 really makes Arizona (and the rest of the nation) less safe by providing cover for violent criminals, including drug traffickers, human traffickers, child abusers, pimps, and all other manner of violent and depraved offenders.

             The Resolution is incorrect in proposing that the law requires only aliens to carry documents.  If a police officers stops an individual and inquires about their immigration status, if that person does not have proof of their citizenship, how is that person supposed to prove their citizenship, lawful permanent resident, or any other legal status in the United States?  The agencies of the US Government provide a plethora of documents which indicate legal status.  Are we now expecting the average law enforcement officer on the street to become an expert in recognizing and understanding immigration documents?  Imagine the burden on law enforcement, a burden it can ill afford given these tough economic times.  Who is going to pay for and house these hundreds if not thousands of undocumented aliens?

             To conclude, lets us now turn to the City of Wadsworth.  I am guaranteeing you that there are undocumented aliens working within the City of Wadsworth.  Indeed, I have represented employers in Wadsworth who have struggled to find US workers and have been unsuccessful.  The problem lies not with the undocumented worker.  The problem lies with the fact that we do not have workers to do jobs that our economy requires. 

             I personally obtain services from at least two businesses in Wadsworth.  If this Resolution passes, I will be certain to indicate my disapproval to both these entities and any others with which I do business in Wadsworth.  The time has come for us all-in the words of President George Bush- to determine whether we are either “for or against” actions which harm America.  Decent, hardworking immigrants- while undocumented- help the American economy at a difficult time.  These aliens are for America and the American way of life.  They are the new blood that can rejuvenate our flagging economy.  Immigrants are a driving force for economic growth- see http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/just-facts/new-americans-buckeye-state for details about the value of immigration to Ohio. President Bush had a strong vision for immigration, but unfortunately one which could not pass the bitter rancor and divide even among the Republican party.  Indeed, until facing a recent tough primary battle, Senator John McCain was one of the chief proponents of immigration reform.  Unfortunately, it appears that “Tea Party” like politics has curbed any reasonable and logical debate on most matters, including immigration.  This resolution is a prime example of such a knee-jerk reaction to “tea bag” rhetoric.

             Rather than commending the unconstitutional and factually bankrupt assertions of extremist views, it would be better to use our energy to further immigration to the State of Ohio in order to create jobs, develop business, and grow our economy.  We are losing population at a rapid rate.  Clearly this is because Ohio does not afford the opportunities that people are seeking.  If we were to make Ohio a destination for the new economy, for clean power, for alternative energy sources, for education, and healthcare, we would once again bring back the vitality which drove Ohio to the forefront of our nation’s economy less than a century ago.  Rather than praise Arizona’s SB 1070, Wadsworth City Counsel should condemn it and simultaneously propose some methods to attract and keep business in the City of Wadsworth and in Northeast Ohio in general.

             I will be very happy to discuss this matter with you via telephone or in person anytime.  Please feel free to contact me with your questions and comments.  Thank you for your time and consideration.