Friday's Headlines & Surprises: Who the Hell Does Benito Acosta Think He Is?
By R. Scott Moxley, Friday, Sep. 28 2007 @ 4:54AMComments (1)
Categories: Moxley
Heil, err, Mansoor! Let’s see . . . Costa Mesa Mayor Allan Mansoor let people with the Minutemen Project stand during a 2006 city council meeting to show their support for his police-immigration plan. Later, at the same public meeting, other people lead by Benito Acosta attempted to stand in the audience to show their opposition. Though he didn’t rule the first demonstration out of order, Mansoor declared, “I will not allow it,” regarding the second. That seems pretty fair. And so what that Mansoor turned off the public microphone when Acosta spoke. It pisses me off that Acosta thinks he’s entitled to address the council for the same three minutes allotted to everyone else.
http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/news-roundups/fridays-headlines-surprises-wh/
News Roundups
(picture posted alongside the commentary)
wh/http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z266/ocweeklycrew/HeinrichHimmlerSalutesSS.jpg
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Are DUI Checkpoints Targeting Illegal Immigrants?
Are DUI Checkpoints Targeting Illegal Immigrants?
By Dennis Romero, Tuesday, Feb. 16 2010 @ 12:03PMComments (53)
Categories: community, crime, economy, politics
A recent report by California Watch questions whether California's ubiquitous, weekend DUI checkpoints are really nets cast to seize the vehicles of illegal immigrants. The state-aided checkpoints, which net $40 million annually in fines and seizures, are often in or near Latino neighborhoods, and vehicles seized (usually for lack of drivers licenses) mostly come from minorities -- "often illegal immigrants," according to the report.
California Watch states that, despite a 2005 court ruling allows very limited vehicle seizures when a driver is unlicensed, departments across the state have "ratcheted up" vehicle seizures at DUI checkpoints. Last year 24,000 cars and trucks were seized while only 3,200 suspected drunk drivers were arrested at the checkpoints. The report states that illegal immigrants are less likely to challenge a seizure.
http://blogs.laweekly.com/ladaily/city-news/dui-checkpoints-latinos/
By Dennis Romero, Tuesday, Feb. 16 2010 @ 12:03PMComments (53)
Categories: community, crime, economy, politics
A recent report by California Watch questions whether California's ubiquitous, weekend DUI checkpoints are really nets cast to seize the vehicles of illegal immigrants. The state-aided checkpoints, which net $40 million annually in fines and seizures, are often in or near Latino neighborhoods, and vehicles seized (usually for lack of drivers licenses) mostly come from minorities -- "often illegal immigrants," according to the report.
California Watch states that, despite a 2005 court ruling allows very limited vehicle seizures when a driver is unlicensed, departments across the state have "ratcheted up" vehicle seizures at DUI checkpoints. Last year 24,000 cars and trucks were seized while only 3,200 suspected drunk drivers were arrested at the checkpoints. The report states that illegal immigrants are less likely to challenge a seizure.
http://blogs.laweekly.com/ladaily/city-news/dui-checkpoints-latinos/
Day laborers holding 'Hire Here' signs in Costa Mesa
Day laborers holding 'Hire Here' signs in Costa Mesa
By ELLYN PAK
2010-02-17 11:36:01
COSTA MESA – Barred from soliciting work by distracting drivers, day laborers are holding "Hire Here" signs and standing still on sidewalks throughout the city, according to the Daily Pilot.
A city ordinance adopted in 2005 prohibits "active solicitation" by, of or from people in moving cars. It also bans solicitation in commercial parking areas that have signs prohibiting such actions.
However, the ordinance allows people to stand on sidewalks with signs, distribute literature to pedestrians and talk to others in lawfully parked vehicles.
http://www.ocregister.com/news/laborers-234809-day-city.html
By ELLYN PAK
2010-02-17 11:36:01
COSTA MESA – Barred from soliciting work by distracting drivers, day laborers are holding "Hire Here" signs and standing still on sidewalks throughout the city, according to the Daily Pilot.
A city ordinance adopted in 2005 prohibits "active solicitation" by, of or from people in moving cars. It also bans solicitation in commercial parking areas that have signs prohibiting such actions.
However, the ordinance allows people to stand on sidewalks with signs, distribute literature to pedestrians and talk to others in lawfully parked vehicles.
http://www.ocregister.com/news/laborers-234809-day-city.html
Anti-Immigration Merchandize and Memorabilia
California Coalition for Immigration Reform organization has created a small market of products that cater to its main constituents it informs. Some of the the items sold include: DVDs showcasing immigrants crossing over "illegally"; Audiotapes recordings of "anti-immigration" hate speech; T-shirts that have the iconic immigration symbol of a family captured in a running stance. For only a few dollars (plus shipping and handling of course), an "anti-immigrant" supporter can purchase and own a piece of "anti-immigration" memorabilia!
for http://www.ccir.net/products.html
[fixed by Prof. Montejano]
for http://www.ccir.net/products.html
[fixed by Prof. Montejano]
Most O.C. cities not using worker-legality tool
Most O.C. cities not using worker-legality tool
BY CINDY CARCAMO
2010-02-23 08:24:01
COSTA MESA – At the height of the immigration debate about four years ago, Mayor Allan Mansoor propelled himself and his city into the front lines with his tough stance against illegal immigration.
He garnered national headlines when he aligned himself with the Minuteman Project, targeted day laborers and pushed for a program that trained officers to perform some duties of federal immigration agents.
That's why some question why the city of Costa Mesa – noted for leading the way in the county's fight against illegal immigration – isn't using a 6-year-old federal program called E-Verify, which is intended to weed out employees who are working in the country illegally.
http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-235777-verify-immigration.html?pic=3
BY CINDY CARCAMO
2010-02-23 08:24:01
COSTA MESA – At the height of the immigration debate about four years ago, Mayor Allan Mansoor propelled himself and his city into the front lines with his tough stance against illegal immigration.
He garnered national headlines when he aligned himself with the Minuteman Project, targeted day laborers and pushed for a program that trained officers to perform some duties of federal immigration agents.
That's why some question why the city of Costa Mesa – noted for leading the way in the county's fight against illegal immigration – isn't using a 6-year-old federal program called E-Verify, which is intended to weed out employees who are working in the country illegally.
http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-235777-verify-immigration.html?pic=3
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Immigration Reform: The Time is Now! Meets Legislative Reality
by: Jeffrey Kaye
February 20,2010
Hundreds of people who jammed into a Los Angeles union hall for a town hall meeting about immigration reform on Saturday morning got a bargain. Expecting to hear from just one influential member of the House of Representatives, audience members ended up getting two messages for the price of one. An idealistic Democratic Congressman, Xavier Becerra of Los Angeles, shared a podium with the more pragmatic version of himself. One person embodying two realities: a longtime proponent of immigration reform and a realist experienced in vote counting.
The rally was called "2010: The Year of Immigration Reform Town Hall." Sponsored by community and labor advocates of immigration reform, the meeting was held at the offices of the Long Term Care Workers Union, a branch of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which represents more immigrant workers than any other union in the United States.
As the gathering got underway, the multi-ethnic crowd was pumped. Organizers distributed special headsets so that audience members could hear interpreters providing simultaneous translations into Spanish, English, Armenian, and Chinese. Close to where I was sitting, students, mostly girls, from the Social Justice Academy at Hollywood High School wearing "Legalize L.A." t-shirts, applauded as speakers were introduced.
[Posted by: Juliana Steers]
Bill aims to end in-state tuition fees for illegal immigrants
Stephen Wall; posted 2-15-10
San Bernardino Sun
The days of taxpayer-subsidized college tuition could be coming to an end for tens of thousands of illegal immigrants.
Republicans in the House of Representatives have introduced a bill to close a loophole that California and nine other states have used to provide lower-cost college tuition to illegal immigrants.
Supporters of the legislation say it's wrong for illegal immigrants to pay the same tuition as legal immigrants and U.S. citizens to attend public colleges and universities.
"In-state tuition is a benefit paid for by each state's taxpayers in order to improve educational opportunities for their citizens," said Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon, R-Santa Clarita, whose district includes Victorville and Barstow.
"Extending this benefit to students in this country illegally undermines efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and keep college affordable for American citizens and the immigrants who come here legally to pursue the best higher education system in the world," McKeon said.
The bill changes the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act to clarify that illegal immigrants who attend a postsecondary educational institution are ineligible for in-state tuition unless the institution offers those rates to all American citizens.
"You're telling me somebody who is an American citizen, was born here and parents pay taxes has to pay more than somebody here illegally. That's not right," said Rep.
[Posted by: Juliana Steers]
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Mexico Calls U.S. Border Fence Severe Threat to Environment
By Manuel Roig-Franzia
Washington Post Foreign ServiceFriday, November 16, 2007
The environmental report compares the proposed border fence to the Berlin Wall and the Great Wall of China and alleges that it violates a 1983 conservation agreement signed by Presidents Ronald Reagan and Miguel de la Madrid. It also accuses the U.S. Congress of "legalizing the abuses against the environment" by exempting the Department of Homeland Security from environmental regulations.
"The irony of the situation is that DHS could have cooperated with environmental regulations and built a structure cheaper and quicker," according to the report, which was unveiled by Environment Minister Rafael Elvira Quesada.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/15/AR2007111502272.html
[Posted by Yoori Chung]
Undocumented Dreams (youtube video)
This film follows the life of an undocumented student at UC Berkeley and examines the struggle he and many other undocumented individuals face in going to college and pursuing work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6zuuItnjbY
[Posted by Sonia Vissoni]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6zuuItnjbY
[Posted by Sonia Vissoni]
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
$630M to teach English to immigrant adults
by: Stephen Wall
2/6/10
California taxpayers have shelled out about $630million over the past 13 years to provide English classes to immigrant adults.
The money was required as part of Proposition 227, an anti-bilingual education initiative passed by voters in 1998.
The measure, approved by 61percent of the voters, said public school kids should learn English as quickly and effectively as possible. It was intended to move students with limited English skills into mainstream classes within one year.
To help accomplish that goal, the state spent $50million annually over 10 years to provide free English classes to immigrant parents and others who pledged to tutor kids with limited English proficiency.
The state Legislature reauthorized the program in 2006. About $130million was allocated in the following three fiscal years. The program is slated to receive about $40million in the 2010-2011 budget.
Some question whether the program has worked. Even supporters of bilingual education say the money might be better spent elsewhere.
"Perhaps an equally beneficial way to spend that money is to teach teachers Spanish so a 21stcentury teacher has the skills to reach all audiences," said Louie Rodriguez, assistant professor of educational leadership and curriculum at Cal State San Bernardino.
http://www.dailybulletin.com/search/ci_14348084
[Posted by: Juliana Steers]
2/6/10
California taxpayers have shelled out about $630million over the past 13 years to provide English classes to immigrant adults.
The money was required as part of Proposition 227, an anti-bilingual education initiative passed by voters in 1998.
The measure, approved by 61percent of the voters, said public school kids should learn English as quickly and effectively as possible. It was intended to move students with limited English skills into mainstream classes within one year.
To help accomplish that goal, the state spent $50million annually over 10 years to provide free English classes to immigrant parents and others who pledged to tutor kids with limited English proficiency.
The state Legislature reauthorized the program in 2006. About $130million was allocated in the following three fiscal years. The program is slated to receive about $40million in the 2010-2011 budget.
Some question whether the program has worked. Even supporters of bilingual education say the money might be better spent elsewhere.
"Perhaps an equally beneficial way to spend that money is to teach teachers Spanish so a 21stcentury teacher has the skills to reach all audiences," said Louie Rodriguez, assistant professor of educational leadership and curriculum at Cal State San Bernardino.
http://www.dailybulletin.com/search/ci_14348084
[Posted by: Juliana Steers]
Dudas sobre las reformas en ICE
Abogados, profesores de derecho y activistas reaccionaron con apoyo pero también con escepticismo ante las promesas de reforma al sistema de detención de inmigración ampliadas esta semana por el secretario asistente de Inmigración y Aduanas, John Morton.
Morton se reunió el miércoles con activistas en Washington, a los que explicó en más detalle del que había dado hasta ahora su visión sobre "un sistema más pequeño de centros de detención diseñados especialmente para detener a inmigrantes, no más restrictivos de lo necesario, con muchos teléfonos y espacios abiertos y un cuidado médico parejo y profesional".
Morton respondía a numerosos reportes sobre muertes y maltratos en los más de 300 centros que ahora tiene ICE, una buena parte de ellos contratados a empresas privadas o cárceles locales.
Morton reconoció además que "prácticamente en ninguno de nuestros centros grandes hay agentes federales, sólo hay contratistas, en este sentido, diría que llegamos demasiado lejos con el proceso de los contratos".
Observadores que estuvieron presentes en la reunión, como Laura Vasquez del Concilio Nacional de la Raza, indicaron que "parecen serios sus esfuerzos, hay cosas que pueden solucionar con relativa rapidez, por ejemplo, que la familia sepa donde están sus seres queridos y que estos tengan acceso a teléfonos".
http://www.impre.com/laopinion/inmigracion/2010/1/29/dudas-sobre-las-reformas-en-ic-170792-1.html
[Posted by: Gloria J]
Morton se reunió el miércoles con activistas en Washington, a los que explicó en más detalle del que había dado hasta ahora su visión sobre "un sistema más pequeño de centros de detención diseñados especialmente para detener a inmigrantes, no más restrictivos de lo necesario, con muchos teléfonos y espacios abiertos y un cuidado médico parejo y profesional".
Morton respondía a numerosos reportes sobre muertes y maltratos en los más de 300 centros que ahora tiene ICE, una buena parte de ellos contratados a empresas privadas o cárceles locales.
Morton reconoció además que "prácticamente en ninguno de nuestros centros grandes hay agentes federales, sólo hay contratistas, en este sentido, diría que llegamos demasiado lejos con el proceso de los contratos".
Observadores que estuvieron presentes en la reunión, como Laura Vasquez del Concilio Nacional de la Raza, indicaron que "parecen serios sus esfuerzos, hay cosas que pueden solucionar con relativa rapidez, por ejemplo, que la familia sepa donde están sus seres queridos y que estos tengan acceso a teléfonos".
http://www.impre.com/laopinion/inmigracion/2010/1/29/dudas-sobre-las-reformas-en-ic-170792-1.html
[Posted by: Gloria J]
DREAM Act for California Immigrant Students Get Push
February 5, 2010
“In dreams, immigration officials rushed in and arrested me,” said Ju H. “I woke up sweating. My heart was pounding.”
Eyes tearing, the 20-year-old immigrant without citizenship documents from South Korea and current community college student in the San Francisco Bay Area continued telling his story to advocates, lawmakers and students at a crowded Capitol summit in Sacramento on Wednesday.
He described barriers to federal and state help for himself and others like him seeking education at four-year institutions. The walls to such schooling would fall with passage of the federal Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, first introduced in Congress in 2001.
The bipartisan legislation was re-introduced in March 2009 in the 111th Congress as S. 729 and H.R. 1751. This proposed bill would allow tens of thousands of students whose undocumented parents brought them to the United States, where they grew up, attended schools and worked, to access many forms of financial aid to achieve the “American Dream” of gaining a higher education degree and securing stable employment afterwards.
http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=f55d7b4a0ad08eb5bc966f5712cb5a63
[Posted by: Juliana Steers]
“In dreams, immigration officials rushed in and arrested me,” said Ju H. “I woke up sweating. My heart was pounding.”
Eyes tearing, the 20-year-old immigrant without citizenship documents from South Korea and current community college student in the San Francisco Bay Area continued telling his story to advocates, lawmakers and students at a crowded Capitol summit in Sacramento on Wednesday.
He described barriers to federal and state help for himself and others like him seeking education at four-year institutions. The walls to such schooling would fall with passage of the federal Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, first introduced in Congress in 2001.
The bipartisan legislation was re-introduced in March 2009 in the 111th Congress as S. 729 and H.R. 1751. This proposed bill would allow tens of thousands of students whose undocumented parents brought them to the United States, where they grew up, attended schools and worked, to access many forms of financial aid to achieve the “American Dream” of gaining a higher education degree and securing stable employment afterwards.
http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=f55d7b4a0ad08eb5bc966f5712cb5a63
[Posted by: Juliana Steers]
LA police chief to continue immigration policy
The Associated Press
Posted: 12/18/2009 11:04:17 AM PST
Updated: 12/18/2009 11:04:19 AM PST
LOS ANGELES—Los Angeles' new police chief says he will continue a decades-old department policy that prevents officers from stopping people only to investigate their immigration status.
Chief Charlie Beck said Friday he does not think his department should be the primary enforcer of immigration laws. He says this would harm community relations and discourage illegal immigrants from reporting crimes to police.
So-called Special Order 40 has been in place since 1979. A 2007 legal challenge by officers who support checking immigrant status was thrown out last year.
Officers still alert immigration officials if a suspect is a gang member who has been previously deported, or if a suspect is arrested for a felony or multiple misdemeanors.
http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_14026250
[Posted by: Gloria J.]
Posted: 12/18/2009 11:04:17 AM PST
Updated: 12/18/2009 11:04:19 AM PST
LOS ANGELES—Los Angeles' new police chief says he will continue a decades-old department policy that prevents officers from stopping people only to investigate their immigration status.
Chief Charlie Beck said Friday he does not think his department should be the primary enforcer of immigration laws. He says this would harm community relations and discourage illegal immigrants from reporting crimes to police.
So-called Special Order 40 has been in place since 1979. A 2007 legal challenge by officers who support checking immigrant status was thrown out last year.
Officers still alert immigration officials if a suspect is a gang member who has been previously deported, or if a suspect is arrested for a felony or multiple misdemeanors.
http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_14026250
[Posted by: Gloria J.]
New Americans: A Springboard for California’s Economy
New Americans: A Springboard for California’s Economy
by Andrea Christina Nill posted on Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Earlier this year, the Washington Post reported that analysts across the country have been worried that the economic crisis has fueled an increase in hate groups and racist, anti-immigrant rhetoric. With its large immigrant population and current economic woes, California is in the belly of the beast. Yet, while many restrictionists and anti-immigrant groups are exploiting the recession and using immigrants as scapegoats, an undeniable truth lies beneath their feeble facts: California’s immigrants and their children climb up the socioeconomic ladder over time and most Californians have economically benefited as a result.
California exemplifies not only the enormous political and economic clout of immigrants, but also accounts for innumerable stories of immigrants who experience remarkable upward mobility over time, master English, and own their own homes, according to a new Immigration Policy Center report. Immigrant workers and entrepreneurs make up a large part of taxpayers and are vital when it comes to the success of California’s new budget.
Posted By: Ayanna Spikes
by Andrea Christina Nill posted on Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Earlier this year, the Washington Post reported that analysts across the country have been worried that the economic crisis has fueled an increase in hate groups and racist, anti-immigrant rhetoric. With its large immigrant population and current economic woes, California is in the belly of the beast. Yet, while many restrictionists and anti-immigrant groups are exploiting the recession and using immigrants as scapegoats, an undeniable truth lies beneath their feeble facts: California’s immigrants and their children climb up the socioeconomic ladder over time and most Californians have economically benefited as a result.
California exemplifies not only the enormous political and economic clout of immigrants, but also accounts for innumerable stories of immigrants who experience remarkable upward mobility over time, master English, and own their own homes, according to a new Immigration Policy Center report. Immigrant workers and entrepreneurs make up a large part of taxpayers and are vital when it comes to the success of California’s new budget.
Posted By: Ayanna Spikes
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
President Obama Responds to Question on Immigration Reform in Costa Mesa
Submitted by jmcabrera on March 23, 2009 - 12:12pm.
This is a transcript of President Barack Obama's response to a question on immigration reform during his visit to Southern California. He was addressing a crowd during his first townhall meeting in conservative Costa Mesa.
THE PRESIDENT: I just met with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus today, which Congresswoman Sanchez is a member of -- (applause) -- to talk about this issue directly. As many of you know, during the campaign I was asked repeatedly about this, and I reiterated my belief that we have to have comprehensive immigration reform.
Now, I know this is an emotional issue, I know it's a controversial issue, I know that the people get real riled up politically about this, but -- but ultimately, here's what I believe: We are a nation of immigrants, number one.
Number two, we do have to have control of our borders. Number three, that people who have been here for a long time and put down roots here have to have some mechanism over time to get out of the shadows, because if they stay in the shadows, in the underground economy, then they are oftentimes pitted against American workers.
[full text here]
submitted by: Denise Chan
This is a transcript of President Barack Obama's response to a question on immigration reform during his visit to Southern California. He was addressing a crowd during his first townhall meeting in conservative Costa Mesa.
THE PRESIDENT: I just met with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus today, which Congresswoman Sanchez is a member of -- (applause) -- to talk about this issue directly. As many of you know, during the campaign I was asked repeatedly about this, and I reiterated my belief that we have to have comprehensive immigration reform.
Now, I know this is an emotional issue, I know it's a controversial issue, I know that the people get real riled up politically about this, but -- but ultimately, here's what I believe: We are a nation of immigrants, number one.
Number two, we do have to have control of our borders. Number three, that people who have been here for a long time and put down roots here have to have some mechanism over time to get out of the shadows, because if they stay in the shadows, in the underground economy, then they are oftentimes pitted against American workers.
[full text here]
submitted by: Denise Chan
Monday, February 8, 2010
San Francisco Alters When Police Must Report Immigrants
By JESSE McKINLEY
Published: October 20, 2009
A 14-year-old, left, meeting a lawyer earlier this year. He was arrested for taking a BB gun to school and reported to immigration.
The policy, ordered by Mayor Gavin Newsom last summer, requires the police to contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement whenever they arrest a juvenile on felony charges who they suspect is in the United States illegally. Since the policy took effect last summer, more than 100 undocumented minors have been turned over to federal immigration authorities.
Mr. Newsom has said the ordinance is necessary to prevent young criminals from using the city’s so-called sanctuary policy, which prevents the use of city money for immigration enforcement.
“Sanctuary city was never designed to protect people who commit crimes,” said Nathan Ballard, a spokesman for Mr. Newsom.
[full text here]
Submitted by: Denise Chan
Published: October 20, 2009
A 14-year-old, left, meeting a lawyer earlier this year. He was arrested for taking a BB gun to school and reported to immigration.
The policy, ordered by Mayor Gavin Newsom last summer, requires the police to contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement whenever they arrest a juvenile on felony charges who they suspect is in the United States illegally. Since the policy took effect last summer, more than 100 undocumented minors have been turned over to federal immigration authorities.
Mr. Newsom has said the ordinance is necessary to prevent young criminals from using the city’s so-called sanctuary policy, which prevents the use of city money for immigration enforcement.
“Sanctuary city was never designed to protect people who commit crimes,” said Nathan Ballard, a spokesman for Mr. Newsom.
[full text here]
Submitted by: Denise Chan
Friday, February 5, 2010
U.S. funding for jailing illegal immigrants falls far short of costs
The $90 million California is expected to receive from the federal government this year for jailing illegal immigrants convicted of crimes is far short of the state's roughly $1 billion annual cost, officials said.
"The federal government has sole control over the nation's borders. The states do not," said H.D. Palmer, a spokesman for the state's finance department. "The incarceration costs associated are borne disproportionally by states like California."
Los Angeles County officials have not projected how much in reimbursement funds they could receive this year.
But in 2009, the county received $15.4 million in federal money, officials said. That is a fraction of the $100 million it spends on average to jail illegal immigrants.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-immig-jails5-2010feb05,0,4933628.story
Posted by (Julio Navarro)
"The federal government has sole control over the nation's borders. The states do not," said H.D. Palmer, a spokesman for the state's finance department. "The incarceration costs associated are borne disproportionally by states like California."
Los Angeles County officials have not projected how much in reimbursement funds they could receive this year.
But in 2009, the county received $15.4 million in federal money, officials said. That is a fraction of the $100 million it spends on average to jail illegal immigrants.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-immig-jails5-2010feb05,0,4933628.story
Posted by (Julio Navarro)
Immigrant parents step out of the shadows
The Huntington Beach father of three thought he was doing all the right things: He worked two jobs, saved his money, kept a roof over his family's head and always made sure that, no matter what, family came first.
But like other immigrants Florentino had only one thing on his mind when he settled down in Orange County: survival.
"We didn't have a clearly defined path. We worked, we spent our money and made sure that the kids were safe, that the family was safe," he tells me in Spanish as we sit in his tidy two-bedroom apartment.
He didn't see the big picture beyond his doorstep, beyond his neighborhood, a cul-de-sac of tightly squeezed apartments.
Like Florentino, the cul-de-sac is in constant motion. Children play on the sidewalk. A street vendor hawks fruit from a produce truck. The throaty voice of Mexican singer Alejandro Fernandez floats in from a nearby apartment.
Florentino's children most likely would have continued down the same path as their father, working minimum wage jobs and simply surviving.
But a program at Huntington Beach High School changed all that. Called the Parent Leadership Institute, the program — created by the Orange County Human Relations Commission — helps low-income immigrant parents navigate and understand the educational system
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/florentino-232505-family-jose.html
Posted by (Julio Navarro)
But like other immigrants Florentino had only one thing on his mind when he settled down in Orange County: survival.
"We didn't have a clearly defined path. We worked, we spent our money and made sure that the kids were safe, that the family was safe," he tells me in Spanish as we sit in his tidy two-bedroom apartment.
He didn't see the big picture beyond his doorstep, beyond his neighborhood, a cul-de-sac of tightly squeezed apartments.
Like Florentino, the cul-de-sac is in constant motion. Children play on the sidewalk. A street vendor hawks fruit from a produce truck. The throaty voice of Mexican singer Alejandro Fernandez floats in from a nearby apartment.
Florentino's children most likely would have continued down the same path as their father, working minimum wage jobs and simply surviving.
But a program at Huntington Beach High School changed all that. Called the Parent Leadership Institute, the program — created by the Orange County Human Relations Commission — helps low-income immigrant parents navigate and understand the educational system
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/florentino-232505-family-jose.html
Posted by (Julio Navarro)
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Day laborers sue California city, claiming ban on seeking work on street violates civil rights
SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — Day laborers sued a Southern California city on Tuesday, claiming a ban on seeking work on the street violates their civil rights.
The lawsuit filed against Costa Mesa in U.S. District Court comes after police dressed in plainclothes posed as employers in September and arrested a dozen workers, sparking the ire of immigrant rights groups.
It's the latest in a series of lawsuits filed by day labor advocates against California cities that limit workers' right to solicit employment on street corners. Advocates said laborers have a constitutional right to free speech and cities can't bar them from seeking employment and simultaneously let activists wave signs against the Iraq war.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The Voices of Costa Mesa people: From both sides of the political spectrum
This video is in a foreign language. However, the people who are interviewed are filmed in their original setting. Thus, the video captures the feeling, concerns and thoughts of a range of people including from anti-immigrant supporters, pro-immigrants supporters, and immigrant themselves
Immigration Crackdown in Costa Mesa
This is audio of a news reporting of Costa Mesa's immigration detention and enforcement. This is a Pro-immigrant news report
Costa Mesa City Council Meeting
This one and half minute video captures the protocol that will be administered to detained "illegal" immigrants.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPleNlHd3b0&NR=1
Benito Acosta - The Pretend Indian
This is an anti-immigration video that covers the speech of Benito Acosta--a political activist and pro-immigration advocate--who defends, among other things, his right to speech.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9Pg4wilSCc
Lou Dobbs interviews Allan Mansoor
Lou Dobbs interviews Allan Mansoor who argues that his protocol to enforce "illegal" immigration is due to protect his community
Costa Mesa Mayor Defends the Minutemen
COSTA MESA, Calif. -- Mayor Allan Mansoor was criticized recently when the city council approved his measure allowing local police to enforce immigration law. In an interview with Los Angeles' Spanish-language La Opinion, Mansoor defended himself, saying that only those arrested for major crimes merit review for immigration charges. He added that the law makes up for the failure of prisons to deport those convicted of grave crimes. He says the police do not plan to turn people over for minor infractions and will not discriminate based on race. But the law comes as one in a series of actions angering Latinos, who comprise 30 percent of Costa Mesa's 110,000 residents. The city closed a 17-year-old day labor center last year. Undocumented immigrants lower salaries, according to Mansoor. He recognizes the need for immigrant laborers, but demands they migrate legally, or face deportation.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
