Immigration looks to continue to occupy a spot amongst the top hot button issues throughout 2013. Here are some trends to keep an eye on this week:
1. The Rhetoric Begins to Heat Up: With proposals for immigration reform supposedly to be introduced by the White House and in Congress in the coming weeks, both sides of the aisle are gearing up for
a fierce battle. Last week, the Center for Immigration Studies and the Migration Policy Institute traded blows over a controversial report that the federal government spends more on immigration enforcement than all other federal law enforcement. Meanwhile, other activists warned of the high costs of delaying immigration reform, while Colin Powell bemoaned the GOP’s “dark vein of intolerance.” Expect the rhetoric to increase in the coming week.
2. Details of Immigration Reform Begin to Emerge: With details of President Obama’s soon-to-be-proposed comprehensive immigration reform package, including a possible path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, the GOP responded. Senator Marco Rubio has also proposed a plan that would include a path to citizenship as well as an attempt to “modernize” the U.S. immigration system. Let the debate begin…
3. ICE Targeting DREAMers?: At the end of last week, the mother and brother of an Arizona immigration activist were arrested by ICE. Of course, the agency claims the activist’s efforts had nothing to do with her family being detained, but the arrest was obviously planned out ahead of time, as it occurred at the family’s home. After a rapidly implemented social media campaign, the detainees were released. Look for more information to leak out as the week goes on.
4. State Immigration Laws: Led by Arizona and Alabama, state immigration laws have been one of the most heated points of debate in immigration for the last several years. Will 2013 be any different? With many state legislatures beginning their first sessions of the year, look for answers to that question to come soon. Already, the word is that Arizona will not be exploring immigration laws this year, while Florida may address the issue. Meanwhile, Illinois has wasted little time in offering driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants.
5. Immigration Fraud Rings: Unfortunately, fraud seems to hang around immigrant communities like bees follow nectar. It seems to come from all possible avenues, including so-called “notarios,” some immigration attorneys and sometimes even government officials. Last week, a former imigration worker was indicted in a fraudulent documents scheme and a former Salt Lake City immigration lawyer was arrested at the U.S. – Mexico border for participating in a smuggling scheme. If looking for reputable representation, go to AILA.
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