Run for the Border

George Bush Flip Flopper

2006-07-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

NYT has says Bush maybe signaling a change in his position on immigration.

Republicans both inside and outside the White House say Mr. Bush, who has long
insisted on comprehensive reform, is now open to a so-called enforcement-first approach that would put new border security programs in place before creating a guest worker program or path to citizenship for people living in the United States illegally.
"He thinks that this notion that you can have triggers is something we should take a
close look at, and we are," said Candi Wolff, the White House director of legislative affairs, referring to the idea that guest worker and citizenship programs would be triggered when specific border security goals had been met, a process that could take two years.
The shift is significant because Mr. Bush has repeatedly said he favors legislation like the Senate's immigration bill, which establishes border security, guest worker and citizenship programs all at once. The enforcement-first approach puts Mr. Bush one step closer to the House, where Republicans are demanding an enforcement-only measure.

Schwarzenegger Shoots Down Bush Immigration Request

2006-06-23T20:55:00.000-07:00

Terminated: Immigration troop requests.

George Bush requested troops from Arnold Schwarzenegger to help with the border-patrol mission in New Mexico and Arizona, but the Terminator said "Hasta La Vista, Baby".

No support from the immigrant Schwarzenegger for Bush's National Guard troop plan to reinforce the border, at least not in excess of the 1,000 troops already pledged.

Schwarzenegger denies Bush troop request - Yahoo! News

Immigration Bill - C'ya, Wouldn't Want to Be Ya

2006-06-21T13:27:00.000-07:00

For all intents and purposes, the immigration reform bill is dead and done. Read it here:MTV Think News - House Stalls Immigration Reform; Compromise Bill Not Likely Before November Elections

What does this mean? Can constituents really make a difference? Or do protests still have a place in American politics?

Commerce Secretary Guttierrez Out In Front For Immigration Reform Press Campaign

2006-06-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

So apparently Commerce Secretary Guttierrez is asking businessman in New Mexico to support immigration reform. This is interesting for two reasons

Businessmen are the only Americans really breaking any law when it comes to illegal immigrants in the first place. The hiring of illegal immigrants by businessman willing to do so is the real root of the problem. Its the "bait", the "switch" is to turn around and blame everything on illegal immigrants.
Guittierrez is another one of George Bush's cabinet members with a latin last name who has now been placed out in front of the cameras. Good strategy, I only wish GW had something like this going in Iraq... like say maybe, Iraqi's police their own country? Right, pie in the sky.

Trojan Horse Ladders?

2006-06-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

Ranchers are adding ladders to border fences to help immigrants in and reduce costly repairs to the fences that are often damaged by the immigrants crawling over the fences. I'm not making this up, read it here: Ranchers add ladders to border fences - Yahoo! News

Three words: Trojan Horse Ladders.

What better place to look for illegals crossing the border than to setup shop at the ladder stations.

National Guard Troops Run for the Border

2006-06-15T17:45:00.000-07:00

So the first 800 or so National Guard troops have run for the border and are setting up shop.

The poor guys in Iraq that thought they would sign up for some easy weekend warrior stuff have got to be asking "How the hell do I get that job?"

It looks like about 50% of the troops with actually watch the border for illegals while the rest sit back and do paperwork. 400 troops to cover a 2000 mile stretch.

Good to see the same winning low level troop strategy the Pentagon uses in Iraq will also be applied here at home.

Bush Call for Compromise Will Help Implode Republican Party

2006-06-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

Ninth State » Immigration Information thinks the press and the government are out of touch with the American people and is all over the stats that are not registering with most Americans, namely the 40 million immigrant explosion that will come with the current immigration legislation.

On the compromise suggested by Bush, Say Anything asks "What Compromise"?

One side is for border enforcement first. The other side is for amnesty and then (maybe) border enforcement.
The disAssociated Press is saying that giving the amnesty side everything they want is a compromise. I always thought that a compromise was finding some middle ground that everyone can agree with; not one side giving up their principles, which is how I see rewarding lawbreakers by giving them amnesty plus citizenship just because so many of them broke the law.
I would think that a compromise would be more like doing something in-between. For example I could see border security, comprehensive internal enforcement, and increased legal immigration being something both sides could walk away with and feel good about.
President Bush is dead wrong on this issue. If he prevails the Republican Party majority is finished in November.
On the other hand they can win by making themselves the legal immigration party.

The Republican Party is imploding and its soooo much fun to watch.

Technorati Tags: george bush, immigration reform, republican party

Immigration Explosion

2006-05-31T18:18:00.000-07:00

New info about the potential immigration explosion if the President signs the current version of the immigration reform bill.

Estimates are that the immigration bill could lead to 40 million more immigrants in the next several years. Don't freak and say liberal media when you hear that 40 million number, that's the number the white house estimates. You've also got think 40 million from the white house has to be a conservative estimate.

80% of Americans don't approve of the new legislation, and almost 65% of Americans don't approve of George Bush.

Today's question:

Which do you like more?

Immigration Bill
George Bush
Barry Bonds

Technorati Tags: george bush, immigration reform

Give Us Your Tired, Your Poor, We Won't Make Them Pay Taxes

2006-05-26T05:45:00.000-07:00

So the Senate has passed the immigration reform bill. They actually did something. At this point, it's perfectly something may get done in George Bush's second term.

Steve Salier is calling the passage of the bill legislative negligence.

DigitalBLOG has the best title of the day so far with "No Illegal Alien Left Behind".
Can you imagine if the IRS came to you after not paying taxes for five years and said, "Why don't you just choose three of the last five years to pay on. Oh! And, by the way, we'll believe whatever number you give us for your earnings over those three years."

Well, that's just one of the truly RIDICULOUS provisions of the Senate's version of the immigration legislation, according to Fox News and the AP. Since no senator's seat is in jeopardy in this year's elections, I guess they aren't worried about how much money they spend or how repugnant their legislation.

DigitalBLOG has figured out the way things in Washington work ... no Senators up for re-election, go for it!

Still not convinced, head over to Mainstream Iowan for more on illegal immigrants not paying back taxes.

Jimmy Carter Onboard With GW?

2006-05-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Carter is now onboard with George Bush on immigration reform.

First Bill Clinton and now Jimmy Carter, the last two democratic presidents agreeing with George Bush? Spank me, quick.

The democrats should use these sound bites as commercials to further wedge the republican apart. This has got to be driving them crazy!

Technorati Tags: george bush, republican, conservatives

Senate Clears Way For Passage of Immigration Bill

2006-05-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

The Senate moved closer to passing the immigration bill by voting to limit debate on election-year immigration legislation. A few of the bill's opponents even think they've been given engough time to try to make it more ironclad conservative.

Senate advances sweeping immigration bill - Yahoo! News

Technorati Tags: immigration, immigration reform, immigration bill

Immigration Reform Saved Again

2006-05-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

So they've saved the immigration bill once more. Great, I guess this blog can keep on truckin'!

The latest is that the Senate has killed a plan to leave those already in the US alone and allow them eventual citizenship.

Conservativeoutpost.com says

With all the jockeying going on over immigration reform legislation, and the complaints coming up from the conservative grassroots, one wonders where it will all end up.

A result that would be just fine to a lot of people. Maybe then they could get to work on just a border security bill, and forget about the "comprehensive" reform garbage.

Laborstrategies is telling us to Build Alliances for Real Immigration Reform.

It sounds like Rodney King, to me.

Senate Vote Saves Immigration Bill Chances - Yahoo! News

Technorati Tags: immigration reform, immigration bill

H1B Visa: U.S. Immigration

2006-05-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

What is a Visa?

A "Visa" is simply a stamp in a passport that gives the passport holder authorization to enter the United States. The INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) handles most matters involving visas. You may find an immigration lawyer to help you with your H1 visa or any other visa on this site.

What is the H1-B Visa?

The H1-B visa is also commonly called a "work visa" or "work permit." This is the most common form of temporary work visa. It enables the foreign worker to enter the United States to work temporarily in a professional capacity. H1B Employment opportunities in the state of Minnesota, which reflect the national trend, are abundant, so abundant that employers are seeking out the assistance of foreign workers to fill the gaps in the workplace. To locate an H1B job in the U.S. use the links at the right to draft and post your resume.

The government requires at least five agencies to certify a foreign employee for H1B work in the United States, often a long process in itself. But the government recently made this process even more arduous by reducing its funding to one key player in the certification process, the State Economic Security Department. This cut in funding has had a grave impact on this state’s, as well as this country’s, ability to recruit and retain foreign professionals for employment, especially those H1B professionals with technical experience and in the field of health care.

How Do I Qualify?

To qualify for an H1-B foreign workers must fit into a category of "priority workers" which include: H1B workers with advanced degrees or exceptional ability; H1B professionals (Bachelor's Degree or the equivalent); H1B skilled workers and others. Generally, foreign workers must also demonstrate that the occupation sought is of a special nature that cannot be easily filled with the workforce available in the United States. Oftentimes demonstrating the special nature of a position requires a statement by the sponsoring employer. The applicant should also be able to demonstrate advanced education skills either through a degree from a foreign university or equivalent employment history. Within each of these three main categories, there are H1B sub-groups, all with their own requirements. It should be noted that there is typically a backlog for H1B workers from China and India in the second and third H1B preference category. To qualify as a H1B "professional" under U.S. immigration laws, you must have at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Work experience may satisfy this prerequisite if the work was in a field that generally requires a bachelor's degree. Additionally, the foreign worker must be employed in a "professional capacity." This means that the employment must be a legitimate professional job requiring a professional education and paying a commensurate salary. The foreign worker cannot simply be engaged in the employment as a hobby or for religious purposes. Click Here To View an Employer/Employee Checklist for the H1-B.

The H1-B visa is not only for those attempting to gain entry into the United States, but also for those already in this country, for example, an individual in the United States on a student visa may seek an H1-B visa to remain in this country after their student visa expires. Requirements for foreign nationals already in the U.S. is similar to the requirements for non-resident aliens. They must also demonstrate their specialty and credentials just as if applying from abroad.

The H1-B visa is also linked to the particular employer sponsoring the foreign worker. Not only must you have a sponsoring employer to apply, but the H1-B cannot be transferred for employment with any other employer. In other words, if you seek to change jobs, you must re-qualify and reapply with the new employer.

In today's employment market, professionals in the areas of software development, informational systems, nurses and other health care professionals are in short supply and high demand. As a result, numerous H1-B visas are issued in these fields each year. However, the number of H1-B visas issues each year is strictly limited and is reached earlier and earlier each year. The application process for H1-B visas begins in October. In 2000, the H1-B quota was reached by mid-March.

Even after the limit of H1-B visas is reached each year, demand for professional workers remains high. It is for that reason that the U.S. legislature has debated increasing the number of H1-B visas for these particular professions. Despite these efforts, to date, no additional visa categories have been authorized.

REQUIREMENTS: U.S. Bachelors Degree or foreign equivalent (if degree is foreign) analysis by independent credentials evaluations service attesting that foreign degree is equivalent to U.S. Bachelors Degree; or Professional job offer which closely parallels the training and background of the particular employee; and Filing of a Labor Condition Attestation with the U.S. Department of Labor; Prevailing wage survey conducting by the local state employment agency to protect the employer I-129H petition approved by INS. Must I Leave my Family?

No.

A professional worker's spouse and any unmarried children under the age of twenty-one (21) are also allowed to reside in the United States for the same period of time as the H1-B remains in effect. The spouse and minor children must complete a H4 visa application before residency is allowed.

How Long May I Remain in The United States on the H1-B Visa?

Generally, the H1-B visa is valid for three years. However, it may also be extended for an additional three years resulting in a six-year maximum. If you seek a second H1-B because you changed employers, this will not extend your stay under the H1-B for another six years. The absolute maximum duration for a visa under the "H" category is six years.

What Happens when my H1-B expires?

After your H1-B visa expires, you must leave the country for no less than one year. After the one year period has elapsed, you may once again reapply for the H1-B. However, one of the greatest advantages to the H1-B visa is that it allows the professional worker to seek permanent residency, or a "Green Card" for the worker and his/her entire nuclear family while working in the United States.

Given the complexities of the system, professional representation for those seeking employment in the United States is well advised. Often, mitigating circumstances may be overlooked by those unfamiliar with the system. Language barriers often lead to even more difficulties and frustration.

About The Author

Maury D. Beaulier is a U.S. immigration lawyer with a national practice focussing on family based and workk based immigration. Mr. Beaulier can be reached at (952) 746-2153 or on his web site at http://www.workvisalawyers.com

Mexico To Bar Non-Natives From Jobs

2006-05-22T17:05:00.000-07:00

The first rule of war: Strike First.

Mexico strikes first in this article, Mexico Works to Bar Non-Natives From Jobs - Yahoo! News.

Even as Mexico presses the United States to grant unrestricted citizenship to millions of undocumented Mexican migrants, its officials at times calling U.S. policies "xenophobic," Mexico places daunting limitations on anyone born outside its territory.
In the United States, only two posts — the presidency and vice presidency — are reserved for the native born.

Ending Citizenship by Birthright? Dickhead of the Day Award

2006-05-22T13:43:00.000-07:00

Run for the Border is going to start giving a "Dickhead of the Day... or Week, or Month, or Whenever We Give It Out Award."

The first installment of the award goes to Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA) who tried unsuccessfully to revoke the citizenship-by-birth right in the immigration bill passed by the House in December and is stoking the flames of those who are trying to revive the idea.

Read more about it here: Citizenship by Birthright Up for Debate - Yahoo! News

Bill Clinton Agrees With George Bush Immigration Plan

2006-05-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

For more on the immigration reform bill doubling the amount of immigrants in one of the biggest backfires since NAFTA, check here.

Not sure if it is a surprise or not, but apparently, Bill Clinton agrees with George Bush on immigration reform.

Before you go crazy on the new immigration reform tag-team combo of Bush and Clinton, Bill prefaces his comments by saying there isn't a lot the two agree on.

The former president addressed some six-thousand delegates to a convention on shopping centers earlier Saturday at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Clinton says employers who hire undocumented workers are partly to blame for the illegal immigration problem.

But he doesn't fault those illegal immigrants, saying most came to work hard and earn money for their family.

He says any reforms that include a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants should not punish those who wait in line and follow the rules.

He also says he supports moves to shore up the US border with Mexico.

Bush blowing smoke with threats of harsh penalties for immigrant hiring employers

2006-05-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

Let Freedom Ring » Blog Archive » Immigration Update has the truest take you might find on the border hawks

The border hawks won won a key victory in their fight. They can now
credibly face their constituents and say that they got serious about
border security.

Don't buy Bush's threats about harsh penalties for employers who hire illegals. Although this would be one of the easiest ways to stop the flow of immigrants from inside the US border, Bush is just giving lip service to the threat. He's pissed off so many republicans at this point, the last thing he has is in his pocket is big business.

Technorati Tags: bush, border, immigration

So Does George Bush Want English As The National Language Or Not?

2006-05-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

This article is calling immigrants "newcomers". Please people.

It's hard to argue with declaring English the national language. Why not? It's not uncommon for countries to have a "national language", the U.S. has been around for more than 225 years at this point, so why can't there be a "national language"?

Of course, that's what it would seem to be until Alberto Gonzalez gets involved.

"The president has never supported making English the national language," Gonzales said after meeting with state and local officials in Texas to discuss cooperation on enforcement of immigration laws.
He said Bush has instead long supported a concept called "English-Plus," believing that it was good to be proficient in more than one language. here

Ok, so everybody might not be on the same page, right?

Later on Friday, the White House weighed in to clarify Gonzales' remarks, saying the president does not believe in English as an "official" language.
"The attorney general got caught in a linguistic snare. He took 'national' language to mean what we describe as 'official' language.
"We have no problem in identifying English, our common linguistic currency as a national language; we also view it more expansively as the "common and unifying language," said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino.

What in the hell is going on? Does George Bush think English should be the national language or not?

Technorati Tags: immigration, immigration reform, george bush

Immigration Reform Death of GOP?

2006-05-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

Is immigration reform the death of the GOP? So says this post: Immigration reform spells death for GOP

Few things have split the republican party more than immigration reform but is the split enough to ruin the whole party? Maybe not, but remember the republicans would have lost in both 2000 and 2004 had they not carried key southwestern states where immigration is the hottest thing to come along since the gold rush.

The real problem for the GOP is the fact that they have always been a party of extremes, extremely "i'm right". There has rarely been any middle ground. Bush's current tactic to try to please both sides of his own party is beyond tightrope walking.

Technorati Tags: immigration reform, republican

GW's Solution: Cool Ass Dune Buggies

2006-05-18T17:34:00.000-07:00

George Bush took a ride today on a cool ass dune buggy to be used to patrol the Mexican border. This thing rocks. You have to see it in motion to believe it, the El Presidente doing donuts and kicking up a huge dust cloud.

Maybe he wants to finally fulfill his obligation to the National Guard.

Failing to Prosecute Immigrant Smugglers

2006-05-18T16:25:00.000-07:00

The vast majority of immigrant smugglers are never prosecuted according to this article.

"It is very difficult to keep agents' morale up when the laws they were told to uphold are being watered-down or not prosecuted," the report says.

6 percent of smugglers were prosecuted in 2004.

The report raises doubts about the value of tightening security along the Mexican border.
President Bush wants to hire 6,000 more Border Patrol agents and dispatch up to 6,000 National Guardsmen. He did not mention overburdened courts in his Oval Office address Monday on immigration.