Virtual Office Attorney

Immigrants: You have a New BFF --- Lou Dobbs!!!

Immigrants seeing comprehensive immigration reform (CIR), you may have a new BFF -- Lou Dobbs. 

The former high profile opponent to immigrant rights has now signaled he may be switching teams. 

Why?  Since Lou Dobbs resigned from CNN, he has been hinting at a future as a --- political candidate.  Maybe the Senate, maybe the White House in 2012.  Lou's no dummy.....he'll need Latinos to survive in the politics game.

So....stay tuned.

My only regret is that he didn't switch teams to support CIR while he was still at CNN!

Lou Dobbs Loses Support of Anti-Immigration Group -- Daily Intel.

Homeland Security Today - preparedness and security news - Napolitano Urges Swift Action on Reform

DHS Chief: immigration reform bill in Congress before mid-term elections in 2010. 

See the link below. 

Homeland Security Today - preparedness and security news - Napolitano Urges Swift Action on Reform.

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

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

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Proxy wedding means Marine's widow, baby unable to remain in the U.S.

Another example of the complications related to immigration law.  It is always a tangled web of facts that are unique to each situation.  The marriage was what the US citizen spouse (now deceased) wanted.  I think it is enough pain stress on the wife, child and parents.  I only hope that immigration laws will not keep this family apart. 

Proxy wedding means Marine's widow, baby unwelcome - Yahoo! News.

Advocates hope immigration reform will be in place by 2010 | CLINIC

Here is a post article from the Catholic News Service, posted on the CLINIC website.  Again, I sincerely hope that reform comes soon. 

Advocates hope immigration reform will be in place by 2010 | CLINIC.

President Obama makes serious commitment to immigration reform

Hopefully, there will be immigration reform soon....there is much chatter in the media.

    From a recent New York Daily news article:

Opinion polls show time and time again that the majority of the American people favor a fair and compassionate immigration reform law with a path to citizenship. Recent polling conducted by the Benenson Strategy Group shows that - despite conventional wisdom to the contrary - even Republican voters overwhelmingly support comprehensive reform, reject enforcement-only approaches and believe reform will help the economy.

See the link here.

President Obama makes serious commitment to immigration reform.

Comprehensive Immigration Reform for 2009 - Coming Soon??

I agree with many, that the current system is broken.   I frequently take calls for many times from people who want to come to the U.S. legally, but there is no way for them to do so.  Additionally, I have received calls from potential employers who want to put people to work in jobs, but there are no visas currently available for the employment classification. 

The most heartbreaking stories are those of undocumented people who are here in the United States  and they have children who are citizens.  Are they to leave the U.S.  and potentially be told they can not return for five, ten or maybe never?  The parents may have been working and financially supporting the child or children with the wages they earn here in the United States.  If they leave to return to their home country, there may be not enough wages to send back to the child in the U.S.  Instead, should they leave with their child and most surely reduce the child's potential opportunities in life to keep the family together outside the U.S.?

There are no easy answers.  However, I hope the House, the Senate and President Obama are brave enough to tackle this politically unpopular issue NOW.  

In any case,  see the link here for Business Week's  take on the potential for Comprehensive Immigration Reform in 2009. 

 A Makeover for Immigration Policy?.

Texas Legislature to see several bills addressing illegal immigration | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Mexico News

Texas Legislature to see several bills addressing illegal immigration | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Mexico News.

Some lawmakers say bills attempting to solve illegal immigration at the state level – no matter how popular – miss the point. "The reality is that these problems can only be solved in Washington, D.C.," said Rep. Rafael Anchía, D-Dallas.

I agree with Mr. Anchia, a lawyer, that immigration is a federal issue.  

State and Local Response to Congressional Inaction on Immigration Reform

The New York Times highlights in a recent article the growing activity of immigration enforcement by state and local governments who are frustrated by the inaction of federal legislators to create and approve immigration reform.

I think in the immigration arena, it is better for the U.S. congress to legislate.  Consistency of the law  and the enforcement of the law.  This way, everyone knows what the law is and how to be within the law. 

I would like to hear back from you.