Congress Looks to Grant Legal Status to Immigrants; expect Judiciary to approve the bill this week

Eighteen-year-old Yuliana Huicochea moved to the United States at age 4, but now faces deportation because immigration officials stopped her on a school trip to a science fair.

Ms. Huicochea's troubles began last year when she and other members of her high school science team traveled from Phoenix to Buffalo to enter their 15-foot solar-powered boat in the fair and decided to take a side trip to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Immigration officials stopped Ms. Huicochea and three teammates and told them they faced deportation because they were illegal immigrants.

"I'm scared," said Ms. Huicochea (WEE-coe-CHAY-uh), now a sophomore at Phoenix College, who declined to say what country she immigrated from. "I don't know any other place. My whole family is here. This is where my education is, my dreams, my goals. I don't know what I would do anywhere else."

Hispanic groups and immigrant advocates have embraced her cause, insisting that it is wrong to expel teenagers who immigrated as toddlers. And now, with many members of Congress thinking about next year's elections and paying increasing attention to the concerns of Hispanics, the issue is gaining bipartisan interest on Capitol Hill.

Orrin G. Hatch, the Utah Republican who is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is sponsoring a bill that would grant legal status to Ms. Huicochea and tens of thousands of other high school students or graduates who are illegal immigrants. His bill — the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (or Dream) Act, has 36 sponsors, one-third of them Republican. His aides say they expect the Judiciary Committee to approve the bill this week.

The bill is part of a wave of immigration legislation that has gathered bipartisan momentum in recent weeks. One bill would grant accelerated citizenship to immigrants who serve in the armed forces. Another would grant legal status to 500,000 farm workers if they commit themselves to doing agricultural work for several more years. That bill's main sponsors in the Senate are Larry Craig, Republican of Idaho, and Edward M. Kennedy, Democrat of Massachusetts. They say it has the support of the Senate leadership, conservatives, liberals, agricultural employers, the nation's largest farm workers' union, the Chamber of Commerce and the A.F.L.-C.I.O.

"On the farm workers' bill," said Cecilia Munoz, a vice president of the National Council of La Raza, a Latino advocacy group, "you're talking about an alliance of strange bedfellows who have agreed on a major policy that's in the interests of the industry and the workers."

Sharon Hughes, executive vice president of the National Council of Agricultural Employers, said, "For the first time, we have a large constituency for the reforms."

Several lawmakers say their strategy is to use the farm workers' bill as a wedge to advance other legislation that would grant legal status to other groups of illegal immigrants, like the hundreds of thousands working in restaurants and hotels.

"We think we have an excellent chance of getting the agricultural workers' bill passed," Senator Kennedy said. "I'm drawing up follow-up legislation for other industries. There's been a dramatic shift in the atmosphere on all this."

Republican backers in the House and Senate say the White House has signaled that President Bush will sign the farm workers' bill if it reaches his desk.

Claire Buchan, a White House spokeswoman, said, "We are reviewing this legislation and look forward to working with Congress."

Two years ago a push to grant legal status to millions of illegal immigrants was gaining momentum as President Vicente Fox of Mexico pressed President Bush to give a fairer deal to immigrant laborers. But the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, derailed those efforts, because the Bush administration began concentrating on securing borders rather than helping immigrants.

"We are farther away from the horrors of Sept. 11, and we've had a chance to digest it," said John F. Gay, co-chairman of the Essential Worker Immigration Coalition, a business group that supports granting legal status to millions of illegal immigrants. "People inside and outside of Congress are beginning to understand that immigration reform makes you more secure."

Under the Craig-Kennedy bill, immigrants who want legal status must show that they did farm work for 100 days over the past 18 months. They will then receive temporary resident status, but if they fail to do 360 days of farm work over the next six years, they will revert to illegal status. The bill would also reduce many bureaucratic barriers that make it hard for farmers to bring in seasonal guest workers from abroad.

"This is not an amnesty program," said Representative Howard L. Berman, a California Democrat who is co-sponsoring the House bill with Christopher P. Cannon, a Utah Republican. "This is an earned legalization program."

Opponents of helping illegal immigrants have vowed to fight the new bills. "It's never time to reward people for breaking the law," said Representative Tom Tancredo, a Colorado Republican who is one of Congress's most outspoken foes of easing immigration rules. "That's the worst kind of public policy."

Mr. Hatch's legislation would grant legal status to teenagers like Ms. Huicochea who have been in the United States at least five years, have graduated from high school and have no criminal record. The bill would also lift a restriction that discourages state universities from charging the lower in-state tuition rate to illegal immigrants.

"We've gone to high school at taxpayers' expense, and now we can't give back to the community because we face deportation," said Ms. Huicochea, who hopes to become a lawyer. "The Dream Act is not only for our benefit, but for everybody. We would be able to start giving back to the community."

"But the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, derailed those efforts, because the Bush administration began concentrating on securing borders rather than helping immigrants"

Things are getting back on track...

The Illegal Alien Amnesty of Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) - S.1387 - full text

Posted by Sabertooth
On 10/12/2003 5:18 PM PDT with 24 comments

October 12th, 2003 | Sabertooth
In July of this year, Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced his Border Security and Immigration Reform Act of 2003 (full text below), for the purpose of establishing new regulations on foreign-born "guest workers" in the Untied States. Several sections of Cornyn's legislation warrant a bit of scrutiny... SEC. 218A. GUEST WORKER PROGRAMS. (i) ABSOLUTION FOR PAST ILLEGAL BEHAVIOR- An alien who participates in a guest worker program shall be absolved of all liability for illegal behavior, as such behavior pertains to the immigration status of the alien, that occurred before the alien's participation in the guest worker program. SEC. 218B....

R-Cornyn bill would help immigrants, allows millions to work legally in U.S.

Posted by VU4G10
On 10/10/2003 9:18 AM PDT with 74 comments

www.valleystar.com ^ | NOEL ESPINOZA
A new guest-worker program sponsored by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, would allow millions of undocumented immigrants to work legally in the United States. Introduced in the U.S. Senate as the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act of 2003, it would allow seasonal workers to stay in the country for up to nine consecutive months and non-seasonal workers to stay up to a full year – not to exceed 36 months during the life of the program. The proposed law would encourage undocumented immigrants to apply for guest-worker status with their employers.In an interview this week, Cornyn said the program...

SENATE POISED TO GRANT ILLEGAL ALIEN STUDENT AMNESTY

Posted by wilyrascal
On 10/06/2003 6:23 PM PDT with 68 comments

F.A.I.R. ^ | 10/6/03
SENATE POISED TO GRANT ILLEGAL ALIEN STUDENT AMNESTY We Can Stop It With Your Help We need you to call members of the Senate Judiciary Committee to stop passage of S. 1545, the DREAM Act. The bill will be voted on in committee the week of the 13th. Call as many people on the list below as possible. If you are a constituent of any of them, send them a free faxed message through our web site. New Developments: Yesterday, October 2, the full Senate Judiciary Committee came close to approving S. 1545, which would repeal the current federal law...

Hatch Backs Schwarzenegger, Says Foreign-Born Americans Should Run For White House

Posted by Sabertooth
On 10/06/2003 10:37 AM PDT with 57 comments

GOPUSA ^ | October 6th, 2003 | Jimmy Moore
WASHINGTON (Talon News) -- Battered California recall candidate Arnold Schwarzenegger has received some unexpected support from Utah Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch, who said the Republican gubernatorial candidate should be forgiven for his past indiscretions and even suggested that he should have the opportunity to run for president someday. Hatch said the sexual misconduct allegations that have been thrown at Schwarzenegger by his political enemies since late last week happened so long ago that they are simply not relevant to the kind of governor he will be for the people of California in 2003. "We have to look at people who...

Army says illegal-immigrant soldier can stay

Posted by bicycle thug
On 10/03/2003 11:13 PM PDT with 28 comments

seattletimes.nwsource.com ^ | Friday, October 03, 2003 - Page updated at 12:00 A.M. | By Florangela Davila
In a widely watched immigration case, the Army yesterday said it will assist Pvt. Juan Escalante, of Seattle, an illegal immigrant and veteran of the Iraq conflict, in securing legal status to remain in the United States. Richard Olson, spokesman at Fort Stewart, Ga., called Escalante "a good soldier and a value to the Army." "The intent of the command is to resolve this to the benefit of all parties concerned," Olson said. An executive order signed by President Bush last year allows noncitizen soldiers who have served honorably during Operation Enduring Freedom to apply for U.S. citizenship. That order...

Bush aides anger GOP lawmakers on consular IDs

Posted by Brian S
On 10/02/2003 7:02 AM PDT with 74 comments

Washington Times ^ | 10-02-03
Bush administration officials yesterday angered lawmakers by refusing to take a position on illegal aliens obtaining U.S. driver's licenses and avoiding questions about its decision to recognize Mexican identification cards. Officials testifying before the House Select Committee on Homeland Security said they are reviewing what documentation is secure and reliable, but evaded direct questions on the matricula consular cards now accepted by California and New Mexico to obtain driver's licenses. Critics say the cards issued by the Mexican Embassy are easily falsified and used by illegal aliens to establish residency. Stewart Verdery, Homeland Security assistant secretary, was asked directly whether...

Solving the Immigration Impasse (Arnold redefines Amnesty)

Posted by Sabertooth
On 09/24/2003 11:43 AM PDT with 117 comments

JoinArnold.com - Schwarzenegger Campaign Website ^ | August, 2003 | Arnold Schwarzenegger
Solving the Immigration Impasse Summary:Immigration has been the engine of California's economic prosperity and the richness of our culture. Almost 9 million Californians were born in a foreign country and nearly 40% of all households in our state speak a second language in addition to English. We have a proud tradition of being one of the most ethnically diverse places in the world. But it is important to ensure that new immigrants enter California the right way, so that they can get on a path toward fully participating, and contributing, to the California economy. And we should make sure...

Vasquez slams efforts to aid illegal immigrants

Posted by jokar
On 09/26/2003 11:26 AM PDT with 63 comments

The Idaho Statesman ^ | September 25,2003 | Sandra Forester
CALDWELL — Canyon County Commissioner Robert Vasquez on Wednesday issued a searing condemnation of efforts by Idaho´s congressional delegation to support legislation to help illegal immigrants. “I am accusing Larry Craig, Mike Crapo, Butch Otter and Mike Simpson of collaborating with the unarmed enemy invading America,” Vasquez wrote in a news release issued on his official commissioner stationery. “All for a vote to stay in office.” Craig and Crapo, Idaho´s U.S. senators, declined comment. Vasquez opposes proposed legislation that would give undocumented workers the opportunity to earn permanent legal status. Craig and Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., are co-sponsoring such a...

Stealth amnesty for illegal aliens?

Posted by JustPiper
On 09/19/2003 1:30 AM PDT with 34 comments

WND ^ | 9-19-03 | Jon Dougherty
Arizona lawmakers criticized for bill meant to reduce border crossings Members of Arizona's congressional delegation are under fire from an immigration-reform group for sponsoring legislation critics say is little more than stealth amnesty for illegal aliens. Republican Reps. Jim Kolbe and Jeff Flake, as well as Sen. John McCain, have co-sponsored H.R. 2899, the Border Security and Immigration Improvement Act, which they claim is really a "guest worker program." Rep. Jim Kolbe, R-Ariz. According to Kolbe, who introduced the bill July 25, it is designed to "halt illegal immigration, make it easier for foreign workers to apply for visas and...

Treasury keeps rules allowing acceptance of Mexican ID; victory for immigration and Latino groups

Posted by Brian S
On 09/18/2003 9:21 AM PDT with 64 comments

Associated Press ^ | 09-18-03
SUZANNE GAMBOA, Associated Press Writer Thursday, September 18, 2003 ---------------------------------------- (09-18) 09:14 PDT WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Treasury Department said Monday it will leave in place rules that allow financial institutions to accept the Mexican identification card, called matricula consular, which often are used by undocumented immigrants to open bank accounts. The decision is considered a victory for immigration and Latino groups who have protested efforts to prohibit use of the identification card as anti-immigrant and anti-Hispanic. Financial institutions, too, had opposed any change in the rule. The card is issued by Mexico's consulates in the United States and shows...

Mass Deportation of Muslim Illegal Aliens ruled out

Posted by jonatron
On 04/04/2003 6:35 AM PST with 167 comments

WORLD TRIBUNE ^ | 2/18/03
Tuesday, February 18, 2003 The Bush administration has rejected the prospect of mass deportations of Muslim illegal aliens. The administration plans to relay this message to American Muslim leaders amid the current nationwide alert for an Al Qaida attack. Hundreds of Muslims have been detained as illegal aliens as part of a crackdown by federal law enforcement authorities, Middle East Newsline reported. On Tuesday, FBI Director Robert Mueller will meet American Muslim leaders to discuss federal measures against Al Qaida threats. Muslim groups have filed a class action suit against the government, charging that the Immigration and Naturalization Service has...

FBI Director Stresses Need For Secure Mexico Border

Posted by chance33_98
On 09/09/2003 10:04 AM PDT with 22 comments

ksat ^
FBI Director Stresses Need For Secure Mexico Border Mueller Attends Border Terrorism Conference In S.A. POSTED: 10:17 AM CDT September 9, 2003 SAN ANTONIO -- FBI director Robert Mueller said Monday in San Antonio that the United States faces a difficult and long-lasting balancing act on its southwest border with Mexico: letting beneficial trade and immigrants pass through while filtering out potential terror threats. Mueller (pictured, left) used this week's second anniversary of the 9-11 attacks to trumpet successes in thwarting America's enemies and to reiterate the continuing risks posed by al-Qaida and others. "Al-Qaida keeps adapting," he told...

A Constitutional Anachronism: Immigrants should be eligible for the Presidency

Posted by Destro
On 09/06/2003 2:53 PM PDT with 78 comments

nytimes.com ^ | September 6, 2003 | nytimes.com
A Constitutional Anachronism America is a nation of immigrants. Immigrants have shaped our politics and diplomacy, run our government and defended us in wartime — more than 700 recipients of the Medal of Honor have been immigrants. Yet no matter how great their contributions or sacrifices, immigrants remain ineligible for the nation's highest office because of a provision in the Constitution that bars naturalized American citizens from becoming president. The provision has long since outlived its usefulness, if it had any in the first place. Orrin Hatch, a Senate Republican, and Vic Snyder, a House Democrat, are pushing amendments to...

Cornyn proposes plan for immigrant 'guest workers' (Amnesty)

Posted by Sabertooth
On 07/11/2003 8:38 AM PDT with 14 comments

Dallas Ft. Worth Star-Telegram ^ | July 11th, 2003 | Dave Montgomery
Cornyn proposes plan for immigrant 'guest workers' By Dave Montgomery Star-Telegram Washington Bureau John Cornyn WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. John Cornyn launched his first major legislative initiative Thursday, calling for a guest worker program that would enable millions of undocumented immigrants to legally live and work in the United States for up to three years.The bill puts the first-term Texas Republican in the center of politically volatile efforts to overhaul the nation's immigration laws. The issue has strained relations between the Bush administration and Mexican President Vicente Fox, who is pressing the U.S. government to grant legal status to the...

Orrin Hatch addresses immigrants(Illegal aliens)

Posted by 4.1O dana super trac pak
On 09/05/2003 5:51 PM PDT with 88 comments

Salt Lake Tribune ^ | 9/52003 | Christopher Smith
WASHINGTON--Speaking at a rally of young undocumented immigrants who are urging Congress to allow them to attend public colleges at in-state tuition prices, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said the country will "benefit enormously" by opening college classes to the children of people who entered the U.S. illegaly."We can choose either to keep these talented young people underground or we can choose to give them a chance to contribute to the United States," Hatch said at a Capitol Hill news conference Thursday to urge support of his "DREAM Act," the Development, Relief, and Education For Alien Minors Act.The Bill sponsored by...

Powell meets Mexican envoy, hopeful on immigration reform; "We may get results slowly but surely"

Posted by Brian S
On 09/05/2003 7:09 PM PDT with 127 comments

AP ^ | 09-05-03
GEORGE GEDDA, Associated Press Writer Friday, September 5, 2003 ---------------------------------------- (09-05) 18:42 PDT WASHINGTON (AP) -- Secretary of State Colin Powell said Friday after a meeting with Mexico's foreign minister that he believes progress may be possible in resolving long-standing differences with Mexico on immigration issues. Powell said that at November meetings with Mexican officials, the United States plans to offer ideas that "will demonstrate to the Mexican people and to Americans that we are serious about resolving immigration issues." Powell's meeting with Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Ernesto Derbez also covered the administration proposal for a new U.N. Security Council...

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