Inside . . . Obama Administration Implements Non-Enforcement Policy McCain May Not Lead Amnesty Push in 2009 ased on the president’s first six deeds, all leading to the inescapable con- PAGE 2 weeks in office, the April edition clusion that not only won’t the adminis- Bof FAIR’s Report be- tration vigorously enforce laws against il- gan to connect the dots and sketch out legal immigration, but their intent is to Pelosi Calls Immigration the Obama administration’s immigration dismantle immigration enforcement pro- Enforcement policy. “With or without [amnesty] legis- grams altogether. Following an Immigra- “Un-American” lation, the administration is sending un- tion and Customs Enforcement (ICE) PAGE 3 mistakable signals to illegal aliens that they worksite enforcement action in Belling- will not vigorously enforce laws against il- ham, Washington, in late February, the Obama’s Illegal Aunt legal immigration,” we observed. administration stated publicly that such Gets to Stay Since that time, “unmistakable signals” actions are under review. PAGE 4 have been translated into unmistakable CONTINUED on page 2

Around the Country PAGE 5 Vice President Biden Acknowledges the Obvious: Americans Oppose Amnesty The DREAM Act...Again PAGE 6 t a recent news conference in Costa Rica, Vice APresident Joe Biden, a man known for being direct, came right to the point on the subject of a Amnesty Lobby Amasses potential amnesty for illegal aliens. “It’s difficult to Huge War Chest tell a constituency while unemployment is rising, PAGE 6 they’re losing their jobs and their homes, that what we should do is in fact legalize (illegal immigrants) Responses to Amnesty and stop all deportation,” Biden stated. The vice Lobby’s Pleas president was in the Costa Rican capital meeting PAGE 7 CONTINUED on page 4

Visit us on the web at www.fairus.org FAIRIMMIGRATIONREPORT

Non-Enforcement Policy continued By the end of March the review was tions against company executives, while rying out enforcement actions against over and so, apparently, is worksite en- ignoring the illegal workers on the fac- businesses, prosecuting employers, de- forcement. Homeland Security Secretary tory floor or the construction site. porting illegal workers, and discourag- Janet Napolitano signaled in late March While DHS was reviewing and gut- ing other employers from hiring illegal that the arrest of illegal alien workers would ting worksite enforcement, the presi- aliens. In the case of the current presi- be abandoned in favor of going after em- dent was busy appointing illegal alien dent, not enforcing worksite immigra- ployers only. A planned enforcement action advocates to key positions in his ad- tion laws required a deliberate and cal- against a military-related facility in ministration. With the nomination of culated change in direction. Chicago, suspected of employing hundreds Thomas Perez to head up the civil rights The Obama administration’s pol- of illegal aliens, was called off. Even more division of the Department of Justice icy of non-enforcement will not go un- pointedly, DHS released 27 of the 28 ille- and Esther Olavarria as a deputy assis- challenged in Congress or by organiza- gal aliens nabbed in the Bellingham en- tant secretary of DHS, the upper eche- tions like FAIR that have worked hard forcement action and issued them work lons of the Obama administration have to promote sensible enforcement of permits and the right to remain in the now been filled with individuals who U.S. immigration policies. Secretary country for an indefinite period. are openly hostile to any sort of immi- Napolitano’s announcement that work- Napolitano indicated that the admin- gration enforcement. site enforcement would be curtailed istration will focus its enforcement efforts What distinguishes the actions of drew immediate concern from key on businesses and executives responsible the Obama administration from those members of Congress on both sides of for employing illegal aliens. How the gov- of its predecessors is that the president the aisle who urged the administration ernment will be able to prosecute busi- is affirmatively dismantling existing im- to maintain efforts to rescue American nesses and executives for employing illegal migration enforcement programs and jobs from illegal aliens. aliens without conducting worksite en- infrastructure. While Presidents Bill FAIR, too, has been waging a na- forcement is not clear. Nor is it clear how Clinton and George W. Bush did little tional effort to keep the heat on the ad- ICE plans to carry out enforcement ac- to enforce immigration laws when they ministration to protect the jobs of U.S. assumed power, their inaction was workers. In the media, and through our merely a perpetuation of the quo. national network of immigration re- The status quo inherited by Presi- formers, FAIR will make sure that the dent Obama, on the other hand, was president and Congress hear the voices one in which ICE was successfully car- of the American public.

McCain Won’t Provide GOP Cover for Amnesty

ne of the political necessities of of it. When politicians do something Opromoting unpopular legislation, that is guaranteed to anger the voters like amnesty for illegal aliens, is bipar- they want to be sure that they can tisanship — or at least the appearance spread the blame around.

CONTINUED on next page

PAG E 2 MAY 2009

McCain continued Immigration Enforcement Is “Un-American”, Says Without a prominent Republican like John Speaker Pelosi McCain prepared to on-enforcement of immigration laws is not take a public role, an Nthe exclusive policy of the Obama adminis- amnesty-only bill would tration. The president has key allies in his effort to likely be a Democrat- dismantle enforcement among only bill — which may the leaders of Congress. House Speaker Nancy be more political risk Pelosi (D-Calif.) made it very clear that she is in than the Democratic complete lockstep with the administration when leadership is prepared she addressed amnesty supporters at a San Fran- to take. cisco church on March 18. Echoing the exaggerated claims of the illegal In previous attempts to pass an illegal alien amnesty, con- alien lobby that ICE agents are indiscriminately gressional Democrats had President Bush and Sen. John McCain “terrorizing” illegal aliens, Speaker Pelosi told a (R-Ariz.) to provide political cover. In 2009, the political land- gathering of amnesty supporters, “Who in this scape is very different. President Bush is back on his ranch in country would not want to change a policy of Texas, and in a closed door meeting with Hispanic business lead- kicking in doors in the middle of the night and ers in March, McCain angrily told them that he was not going to sending a parent away from their [sic] families? It lead the charge in Congress for amnesty legislation. must be stopped…What value system is that? I It is not that McCain has had a change of heart on amnesty; think it’s un-American. I think it’s un-American.” rather, according to The National Journal, McCain let loose on Pelosi went on to reinforce the Obama ad- Hispanic leaders for the failure of Hispanic voters to rally around ministration’s systematic dismantlement of exist- him in his bid for the presidency, despite his long-time support ing worksite enforcement policies. Begun in late for amnesty. Of course if McCain had looked at countless polls 2007 by the Bush administration, the Immigra- of Hispanic voters, he would have realized that the economy and tion and Customs Enforcement agency’s (ICE) other issues were the primary factors that influenced how His- stepped-up worksite enforcement strategy was panics voted. creating effective deterrence to employing illegal It is clear, then, that when these comments are coupled with aliens — too effective for the Obama administra- indications that amnesty supporters on the political left intend to tion and Speaker Pelosi. “We have to have a sever their ties to the business lobby, which demands more guest change in policy and practice and again ... I can’t workers, achieving even the veneer of bipartisanship for an amnesty bill in 2009 is likely to be far more difficult than in the We have to have a change in policy recent past. Without a prominent Republican like John McCain and practice and again. . .I can’t say it prepared to take a public role, an amnesty-only bill would likely enough, the raids must end. The raids be a Democrat-only bill — which may be more of a political risk must end. than the Democratic leadership is prepared to take.

CONTINUED on page 7

PAGE 3 FAIRIMMIGRATIONREPORT

VP Acknowledges Obvious continued with Central American leaders at an in- a plan in 2007 while they were in the even during relatively good economic formal regional summit. Senate. times. Biden reiterated the Obama admin- While the Obama administration re- In spite of Biden’s remarks, the illegal istration’s support for “a comprehensive mains committed to a sweeping illegal alien lobby and its supporters in Con- approach” to immigration reform, but alien amnesty, Vice President Biden’s re- gress continue to press for consideration asked for “forbearance” as the U.S. strug- marks offer some hope that the adminis- of amnesty legislation. As the economy gles through its worst economic crisis tration may take a more pragmatic and rising unemployment have become since the Great Depression. “Compre- approach to immigration policy. overwhelming concerns for the public, hensive” immigration reform has be- Amnesty for millions of illegal aliens is FAIR has been working in Washington come a euphemism for legislation that inherently a bad policy idea that under- and around the country to raise aware- guarantees amnesty for millions of law- mines the rule of law and the interests of ness of the impact that amnesty would breakers in exchange for promises of bet- law-abiding citizens and immigrants, have on workers, taxpayers, and on state ter enforcement in the future. Both and has been resoundingly and repeat- and local budgets. Biden and President Obama backed such edly rejected by the American public,

Obama’s Aunt: a Symbol of U.S. Immigration Policy Abuse

eituni Onyango is an ille- Kenya — a country in which permitted to ignore deporta- Zgal alien from Kenya her nephew has attained folk tion orders and are still able to whose story made headlines hero status — her appearance file endless appeals and frivo- because she happens to be in a immigration lous claims for political asy- President Obama’s aunt. But court was her latest in a long lum. the real significance of series of attempts to defy U.S. Because President Obama Onyango’s case is that she of- immigration laws. and his administration are fers a textbook example of the Onyango previously ap- ideologically committed to way illegal aliens routinely plied for political asylum in a taxpayer-subsidized apart- gutting nearly all areas of im- manipulate the adjudication the United States, and in ment. migration enforcement, this process and abuse the politi- 2002 her request for asylum After seven years of open sort of abuse of the judicial cal asylum system. was denied after she could not defiance of U.S. immigration process is likely to increase. After a closed door hear- convince a judge that she laws, Onyango was still able The Onyango case pro- ing before an immigration faced a bona fide threat of to take advantage of the legal vides a high profile example judge in Boston in April, persecution in Kenya. In process to gain at least one of the sort of abuses that Onyango received a stay of 2003 she was ordered de- more year in this country. FAIR has fought for years. deportation for one year, so ported. That ruling was ap- The ability of illegal aliens Her flagrant (and so far, suc- that she could remain in the pealed and, in 2004, a second fighting deportation to stall cessful) abuse of the legal United States and press her deportation order was issued. for time by tying the judicial process demonstrates why ap- claim for political asylum. Be- Instead of complying with the system in knots is not limited peals of deportation orders side the fact that it is hard to order of deportation and leav- to those who happen to be must be limited and frivolous imagine that President ing the country, Onyango relatives of the president. claims for political asylum Obama’s aunt would be polit- moved into a public housing Onyango’s situation is all too must be prevented. ically persecuted in her native project in Boston and lived in common. Illegal aliens are

PAG E 4 MAY 2009 AROUNDTHECOUNTRY

GEORGIA A Georgia state law passed in 2006 requires that all state contractors use the federal E-Verify system in order to do business with the state. The law also mandates that local governments use a federal database to check whether people are eligible for welfare and other public benefits. House Bill 2, approved by the Georgia House of Representatives on April 1, is aimed at making sure that local governments around the state comply with the law. Under House Bill 2, local governments that do not follow procedures to make sure they are not hiring ille- gal aliens could lose state funding for road building projects. The State House and the State Senate must work out differences between their respective versions of the legislation before it can be approved by both houses.

INDIANA As FAIR reported in the April edition of the Immigration Report, the Indiana Senate overwhelmingly approved sensible legislation that would require state and local governments to use the E-Verify system and encourage other employers to do the same. But, Depression era unemployment rates in pockets of the state, the Indiana House of Representatives has indicated that it will not even hold a vote on the bill. Rep. Earl Harris (D-East Chicago), who chairs the committee to which the bill was assigned stated, “No, I don’t think this session. I re- ally don’t think this is the year we should do that.” FAIR and the Immigration Reform Law Institute (IRLI), which worked closely with the Senate sponsors, will continue to work closely with Indiana activists to press for a vote in the House.

ARKANSAS Just a few years ago, state legislation granting in-state tuition to illegal aliens at public colleges and universi- ties was gaining traction all across the country. Thanks to public opposition and legal challenges to illegal alien in-state tuition policies mounted by FAIR and IRLI, that trend appears to be halted. In March, the Arkansas Senate rejected a measure that would have granted in-state tuition to illegal aliens. Immigration reform activists and other Arkansans flooded the offices of state senators with calls and emails opposing the bill. The in-state tuition legislation was defeated by a vote of 21-13.

NEW JERSEY Last August, Gov. Jon Corzine convened what he called a Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel on Immigrant Policy. In March, the panel delivered its recommendations to the governor. Stacked with members who share Gov. Corzine’s support for providing benefits, privileges and services to illegal aliens, the panel recommended that New Jersey grant in-state tuition benefits and driver’s licenses to illegal aliens. While the panel may reflect the governor’s views, a Monmouth University poll found the panel’s recommendations to be out of step with most New Jerseyites. Only 20 percent of Garden State residents favor in-state tuition benefits for illegal aliens, and only 33 percent believe illegal aliens should be given driver’s licenses. A 2007 FAIR study found that illegal im- migration (at the time) cost state taxpayers $2.1 billion annually.

PAGE 5 FAIRIMMIGRATIONREPORT

The (Recurring) DREAM Act

ongressional amnesty supporters way for remaining family members to • Imposes enormous cost burdens on Cwould first and foremost like to gain legal status. state university systems that are al- enact a comprehensive amnesty bill that In addition to granting green cards ready struggling to maintain admis- legalizes all illegal aliens in the United to millions of illegal aliens, the DREAM sion levels, academic programs, and cap skyrocketing tuition increases. States. But, as in the past, their contin- Act would also permit states to provide gency plan is to break it into a bunch of in-state college tuition subsidies for those Because they worry President smaller amnesties and pass it piece by who benefit from the amnesty. While the Obama will lose political capital over piece. legislation is advertised as a measure to time, the illegal alien lobby is desperate As expected, the first of the “mini- help those who are illegally in the U.S. to get some form of amnesty passed in amnesties” to emerge is the DREAM through no fault of their own, the reality this session of Congress. But FAIR will Act, which was reintroduced in both of the bill is very different. The DREAM be closely tracking the DREAM Act and houses of Congress in March. Sponsored Act: other piecemeal amnesty bills and edu- by Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) and • Rewards parents through their chil- cating the American public about their Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), the dren and encourages more people to scope and cost. In the past, when the DREAM Act is being sold as a measure break our laws in the expectation public learned about such bills, they to help the innocent children of illegal that all will be rewarded. voiced their overwhelming opposition to aliens who want to be able to pursue a • Absolves parents of responsibility for their members of Congress. The result college education and the right to remain the consequences their illegal behav- will be no different with this bill, espe- in the country where they grew up. In re- ior has on their children. cially as American families increasingly ality, the bill would grant amnesty to just • Punishes students who are citizens struggle to pay for their own children’s about any illegal alien under the age of and legal residents by denying them college educations. 35. And, because of the family sponsor- much needed opportunities at pub- ship provisions of our immigration sys- lic universities, and much needed tu- tem, this “mini-amnesty” would pave the ition subsidies.

Illegal Alien Lobby Amasses Large War Chest for Amnesty Push

he illegal alien lobby is gearing up for a major push to enact guage that would also increase business’ access to foreign guest Tamnesty this fall, and has amassed a reported $18 million workers. The prospect of more guest workers led business inter- war chest to fund a media and grassroots campaign to back their ests to spend lavishly in support of the McCain-Kennedy amnesty cause. According to the McClatchy News Service, the money has legislation in 2006 and 2007. been raised from “liberal foundations,” with billionaire activist Flush with liberal foundation cash, and sensing that increas- George Soros providing the largest chunk of the funding. ing guest worker admissions will be hard to justify amidst a deep The shift in funding to the political left also indicates a recession and rising unemployment, the left wing of the open change in strategy on the part of the amnesty lobby. Previous ef- borders coalition appears to be gearing up for an amnesty-only forts to enact amnesty have been coupled with legislative lan- bill in 2009. In an effort to move a bill this year, the illegal alien

CONTINUED on page 8

PAG E 6 MAY 2009

“Un-American” continued Immigration Enforcement and Families: say it enough, the raids must end. ARATIONALRESPONSE The raids must end,” she said. The San Francisco church where Amnesty supporters often argue laws they run the risk of being sepa- Pelosi made her remarks was one of that it is wrong, no matter the cir- rated from their families. Being a the stops on Rep. Luis Gutierrez’s cumstances or the behavior, to sep- parent cannot be a “get out of jail 17-city tour to organize support for arate illegal alien parents from their free” card. Nobody would rationally amnesty legislation. The Speaker did families. House Speaker Nancy suggest that we cease enforcing not stop at condemning the en- Pelosi has called immigration en- other laws, or declare amnesties, forcement that takes an illegal alien because enforcing those laws might forcement of laws enacted by Con- parent into custody, “un-American.” harm family members of the of- gress as “un-American.” She offered Speaking from the pulpit, Cardinal fender. The responsibility for any praise for those who are demanding Francis George of Chicago de- negative consequences to family clared, “May this be the year that members rightly rests with the peo- raids and separation of families ple who break laws, not the people stop.” or the society that enforces them. U.S. citizen parents are separated As the illegal alien lobby wages its from their children every day in battle against immigration enforce- courts across America as a conse- ment and gears up for yet another quence of our laws being enforced. attempt at amnesty, its strategy to sell their ideas to the American pub- Illegal aliens have the option of lic is clear: appeal to emotion and staying with family members. Ille- hope and the public will ignore the gal aliens who are deported have to benefit from having broken the serious economic and social impact the option of taking their children law, declaring them to be true patri- mass has on the with them. If families are separated, American people. it is the result of decisions made by ots. the deported alien to leave children After apologizing to the audi- Illegal alien advocates do not hold behind. ence for not being able to speak to the moral high ground in this debate, them in Spanish, she told them, and their tactics cannot go unan- Illegal immigration harms Ameri- “You are special people. You’re here swered. As immigration reform ac- can families. Illegal immigration is on a Saturday night to take respon- tivists, it is important that you are not a victimless crime. When illegal sibility for our country’s future. That armed with rational responses to the aliens come to the U.S. and take makes you very, very patriotic.” illegal alien lobby’s emotional — and jobs and use benefits and services, Speaker Pelosi’s speech at St. An- only — argument for amnesty. The Americans pay a price. In particular, thony’s Church in San Francisco following are a few (by no means the the steady erosion of the rule of law can be viewed in its entirety on only) responses to the opposition’s is one that cannot be measured in www.YouTube.com. appeal to emotion: dollars. The impact immigration has on those legally here is the reason Law enforcement often separates we have immigration laws in the first families. Whenever people break place.

PAGE 7 Give a FAIR Gift Membership and Get a Gift! War Chest continued Giving a gift membership is easy. Just fill out the coupon below or contact Melissa Bradley-Wilson at FAIR, using our toll-free number, lobby is promoting the idea of legis- (877) 627-3247, and for a contribution of $25 or more, we will send lation that grants amnesty to illegal a confirmation letter to you and a welcome letter aliens in exchange for future reduc- tions in guest worker admissions. to the gift recipient. With solid Democratic majori- ties in both houses of Congress, and And to show our appreciation for your stiff opposition to guest worker pro- support of FAIR, we will send you and the grams by organized labor, illegal gift recipient a complimentary FAIR BIC® alien advocates appear to believe they Tote Bag. have a better shot at passing an amnesty-only bill than one that also This attractive and durable tote measures 151/2”w x 131/2”h x 31/2”d, is perfect for appeals to business interests. In ad- shopping, vacations or for carrying files and dition to jeopardizing lobbying dol- notes and has a zippered main compartment, a lars from the business wing of the mesh pocket designed to hold a water bottle, and adjustable shoulder strap. coalition, the strategy could risk the loss of support from key Republican Here’s an Additional Contribution. Keep up the Good Work! legislators who supported McCain- Kennedy. Without the appearance of Cut here and mail to FAIR 25 Massachusetts Avenue, NW • Suite 330 • Washington, DC 20001 bipartisanship on a bill that is sure to be opposed by an overwhelming ma- $25 $50 $100 $250 $500 $1,000 Other $______J J J J J J J jority of the American public, how- All contributions are tax-deductible. ever, many Democrats may be I am making my donation by check payable to FAIR, or credit card (check one) reluctant to risk alienating their con- stituents. JJJJ Whether congressional leaders Name (as it appears on card): ______promote an amnesty-only bill, or re- Card Number: ______Expiration Date: ______suscitate the McCain-Kennedy legis- lation, FAIR is already working to Signature: ______Amount:______oppose their efforts. During Febru- J I’ve included at least $25 for a Gift Membership to: ary and March, Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) conducted a 17-city nation- Gift recipient’s name: ______wide tour to rally illegal aliens and Address:______their supporters for an amnesty push. Almost everywhere Rep. City/State/Zip: ______Gutierrez stopped, he found that Stay Informed. Get Involved. Make a Difference! FAIR had already been there — J I would like to receive the FAIR Immigration Report and Legislative Updates online. making the case against amnesty on J I would like to receive only the Legislative Updates online. local talk radio, meeting with news- Here is my email address:______paper editorial boards, and organiz- NL509 ing local immigration reform activists. FAIR is one of a select few charitable organizations certified by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. You can be sure we are operating responsibly and are committed to ethical standards.