Virtual Office Attorney

WASHINGTON – Former Secretary of State Colin Powell says illegal immigrants do essential work in the U.S. and that he has firsthand knowledge of that — because they fix his house.

via news.yahoo.com

Well, here's someone telling the truth. Illegal immigrants (or undocumented people) are what makes the United States go 'round. As you all know, I agree with Mr. Powell, there need to be a path to legalization and both parties need to work together to make it happen.

I was thinking that Immigration was a dead issue in this election cycle.  Yesterday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced that he will offer the controversial Dream Act as an amendment to a major defense bill expected to receive a Senate vote next week.

The DREAM Act, which has some bipartisan support, would allow young undocumented aliens who came to the U.S. before age 16, and have been here for at least five years, to earn legal status if they pass background checks, attend college  or serve in the military for at least two years.

I hope that this is a sincere effort to help undocumented aliens.  This may be helpful to some undocumented aliens be able to join the workforce and contribute to the country LEGALLY.  I wonder how old the potential beneficiaries of the proposed law have to be to benefit.

See the link to the news story here.

 

Here's an article from my local newspaper on the subject of immigration.  I have heard many stories from clients, potential clients and others.  I don't know what is more heartbreaking.   Being separated from your child or risking being raped by a coyote on your return trip after being deported from the U.S.

There are good people in the United States who are undocumented workers.  They just want the American dream like we all do.  Hopefully immigration reform will give them a chance.

'Ghosts' among us: Illegal immigrants in Longview say they're here to stay

Posted using ShareThis

Due to a recent settlement of a class action lawsuit filed by Peter Schey, amnesty is now open to many who entered the country on a valid visa but fell out of legal status between 1982 and 1988.  However, immigrants must show that their shift from legal to illegal status was "known to the government."  Showing that shift to illegal status was "known to the government" just got a little easier for thousands.

See the article here: 

Settlement opens up amnesty for tens of thousands of immigrants - Los Angeles Times.