A time for action

  

            Recently, Republican leadership in the U. S. House of Representatives released a document titled “Standards for Immigration Reform” outlining a set of principles to guide their negotiations on the issue in 2014. 

Included in their framework are familiar ideas such as securing the nation’s border to the south, implementation of an entry-exit visa tracking system, employment verification and workforce enforcement of the law, a special plan for addressing the status of under aged youth brought to the United States by parents and a requirement that undocumented residents be willing to “come forward” and honestly address their current status.  A requirement embedded in the GOP plan would be the admission of a violation of the law by the undocumented, submission to rigorous background checks, the payment of fines and any back taxes, development of proficiency in both English and U. S. civics and the ability to support their families.  Finally the “Standards” state, “Criminal aliens, gang members, and sex offenders and those who do not meet the . . . requirements will not be eligible for this program. In addition, none of this can happen before specific enforcement triggers have been implemented to fulfill our promise to the American people that from hereon, our immigration laws will indeed be enforced.”     

This clear statement of the Republican position provided encouragement to those of us who have been working hard and clamoring frequently for Congress to take action to define, reform and pass comprehensive immigration reform that will benefit millions of our undocumented neighbors by providing them legal status and the protection and opportunity that they so richly deserve but presently do not enjoy. 

           Protection is essential because currently many of my undocumented friends work, study and serve without assurances provided by law or regulation.  As a result, workers are forced to live with the exploitation of unscrupulous employers who take advantage of their immigration status to underpay or, in some cases, to not pay for work performed.  Furthermore, in many of the most demanding work settings safety, human resources standards and fair labor practices are not simply neglected; they are largely ignored or completely dismissed. 

Dedicated, hardworking students complete degrees at our universities with absolutely no pathway to full employment.  Individuals and families are forced to live in what amounts to an underground society defined by limitations and the very real fear of deportation and separation from loved ones. 

I understand the fears of parents well thanks to the fact that for several years I’ve worked with a family whose son was deported to Mexico, even though he was brought to the United States as a very young child with no knowledge of immigration law.  Jose, now sent away to a village in central Mexico, knows nothing but his experience and self-understanding as an American. 

           

A city like Dallas would be hard pressed to function without the presence and labor of the undocumented, like Jose’s father.  Comprehensive reform would bring everyone into the light of day.  The overall local economy would benefit.  Our schools would improve dramatically, as now documented parents felt more confident in engaging with public schools.  Law enforcement, labor relations, business development, home ownership, community strength and enhanced social stability would improve the quality of life for us all in virtually every neighborhood in town.

           

Beyond the clear economic return to Dallas as a result of immigration reform, we need relief from the injustice and immorality of the current state of affairs that weighs on our city’s self-understanding, as well as its vision for a bright future.  No city aspiring to become a world-class community built on fundamental democratic ideals, the power and beauty of human diversity and the promise of a people’s innovation can achieve its goals when so many of its people cannot function as fully vested partners in the enterprise of hope and justice.

Unfortunately, the Speaker of the U. S. House of Representatives has now come out to inform us that he will not take up any effort to enact reform this year.  Claiming that President Obama “cannot be trusted to enforce the law,” Speaker Boehner has decided no action is the proper approach to this pressing national problem.

Texas is special.  So much of our history, hope and heritage connect to families south of our boarder.  For generations the real immigrants to Texas, and more particularly to Dallas, have benefited greatly from this Latino connection.  The time has come, and is long past due, to honor our centuries old joint heritage.  Providing a way for our hard working, undocumented neighbors to more fully embrace our community, its opportunity and its promise makes sense for us all.  To fail again in addressing this clear and immediate challenge seems unthinkable. Clearly, it is time for action.

Larry James

President/CEO

CitySquare

214-303-2116

ljames@CitySquare.org

Immigration Reform in Committee

The U. S. Senate Judiciary Committee leads the current discussion regarding immigration reform.  To see a listing of the committee members click here.

The 18 members of this committee are considering possible amendments to the bipartisan “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act” that was introduced a few weeks ago.  

The amendment process is incredibly important: it provides the opportunity to make improvements to the bill before it goes to a vote, but it also provides an opportunity to introduce elements to a carefully negotiated compromise bill that could cause bipartisan support to be limited going forward.

If one of your senators is a member of this committee, I urge you to contact him/her and express your support for comprehensive immigration reform, and ask that it be wrapped up this coming summer for the sake of the millions of people who are adversely affected by current policies.  

So many of our neighbors need the relief that strong reform would provide.  

Monica

Many readers will remember the saga of Monica and Jose.  She's been my friend since she was about 5-years-old!

If you need a refresher, just type Monica into the search tool on this page and you can read past posts.  The following message came to me on March 21.  

What joyous news for this great young woman and her family!

Our struggle has been more than worth it.  It is an example of community work at its very best and highest expression

Now we need to direct our attention to the work of comprehensive immigration reform, including passage of the DREAM Act.  

Dear family and friends,

I am happy to announce that I am now DACAmented :D  (DACA documented... get it?)

I am happy to announce that I have been approved for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which means my deportation proceedings have been closed and I am now like any other DREAMer without the fear of being in deportation proceedings again. Based on this new program I am able to attain a work permit that will be valid for a period of two years and may be renewed, and I am currently working on the process of attaining my driver's license.

I would like to thank everybody from the bottom of my heart for all of your support, blessings, prayers and presence in mine and my family's life, we are so grateful to know such wonderful people.  What I have today would not be if it wasn't for all of y'all help. I will keep you updated and please let me know if there is anything I can do to give back.

Much Love,

Monica Ibarra

P.S. Alan (my youngest brother) is currently awaiting approval of his DACA application. We will keep you updated on that too.  

______________________

Throughout Monica's entire ordeal, her attorney, Liz Cedillo-Pereira stood by her, fought for her, counseled her and prayed for her and all of us.  Here's what Liz sent to Monica upon receiving the great news:

I like that phrase "DACAmented!"

And, I am so very proud and happy for you.  Your life has enriched my own.  And, I have no doubt that this valley you have walked in since 2009 will be used as a testament to the unbreakable sprit and determination of a young woman named Monica Ibarra.  You know that God has His hand on you and called you to service and I can only imagine all the great things that are in store for you and our world because of you in it.

You will always be in my heart and Ms. Helen's. 

Love,  

Liz

Immigration policy change to protect children/youth

This report hit the news last Friday.  When I read it, I thought of all of the children and youth we know who will be protected by this sensible policy change.  What do you think?

U.S. Will Give Immunity to Some Young Illegal Migrants
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP) —

The Obama administration will stop deporting and begin granting work permits to younger illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. as children and have since led law-abiding lives. The election-year initiative addresses a top priority of an influential Latino electorate that has been vocal in its opposition to administration deportation policies.

The policy change, described to The Associated Press by two senior administration officials, will affect as many as 800,000 immigrants who have lived in fear of deportation. It also bypasses Congress and partially achieves the goals of the so-called DREAM Act, a long-sought but never enacted plan to establish a path toward citizenship for young people who came to the United States illegally but who have attended college or served in the military.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano was to announce the new policy Friday, one week before President Barack Obama plans to address the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials' annual conference in Orlando, Fla. Republican presidential challenger Mitt Romney is scheduled to speak to the group on Thursday.

Obama planned to discuss the new policy Friday afternoon from the White House Rose Garden.

Under the administration plan, illegal immigrants will be immune from deportation if they were brought to the United States before they turned 16 and are younger than 30, have been in the country for at least five continuous years, have no criminal history, graduated from a U.S. high school or earned a GED, or served in the military. They also can apply for a work permit that will be good for two years with no limits on how many times it can be renewed. The officials who described the plan spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss it in advance of the official announcement.

The policy will not lead toward citizenship but will remove the threat of deportation and grant the ability to work legally, leaving eligible immigrants able to remain in the United States for extended periods. It tracks closely to a proposal offered by Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida as an alternative to the DREAM Act.

"Many of these young people have already contributed to our country in significant ways," Napolitano wrote in a memorandum describing the administration's action. "Prosecutorial discretion, which is used in so many other areas, is especially justified here."

The extraordinary move comes in an election year in which the Hispanic vote could be critical in swing states like Colorado, Nevada and Florida. While Obama enjoys support from a majority of Hispanic voters, Latino enthusiasm for the president has been tempered by the slow economic recovery, his inability to win congressional support for a broad overhaul of immigration laws and by his administration's aggressive deportation policy. Activists opposing his deportation policies last week mounted a hunger strike at an Obama campaign office in Denver, and other protests were planned for this weekend.

The change is likely to cause an outcry from congressional Republicans, who are sure to perceive Obama's actions as an end run around them.

To read the entire report click here. 

Jose in Mexico

If you've been reading here for very long, you've "met" Jose. If you've been around for several years, you'll remember how Jose and his cousin, Monica, while high school students, were picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to be deported to Mexico. Jose and Monica have been through a lot. Their status and situation call for passage of the DREAM Act. Brought to the United States by their parents as minors, they, and countless other young persons, face deportation every day.

Several weeks ago, my friend Jose journeyed back to Mexico by order of the immigration court here in Dallas.

Jose knew no one really when he left home here in the U. S. He managed to arrange for housing in the home of a relative he doesn't really know. The small town where he "lives" offers no employment options, no higher education, no real community life that he feels apart of.

What is very present every day in this fine young man's life is danger.

Here's an email message that I received just last week from Jose:

Good morning Mr James, I was only contacting you to let you know that yesterday March 1st I got beat up when I was on my way to one of my uncles house I had only been driving less than 5 minutes away from home and I got stopped by a truck and four guys started hitting me and warn me not to mess with them and that I didn't know who they where. The good thing is that I'm fine and at home thank God. Ill keep you updated of my situation. Jose

Jose sent me these two photos documenting the assault that he described in  his message to me. 

I'm not understanding the policy of our nation when it comes to fine young people like my good friend, Jose. 

Pray for Jose.

Research the DREAM Act. 

Contact your congressional leaders and the President. 

Speak up for passage of the DREAM Act, as well as comprehensive immigration reform.  I don't think the average American understands what is going on around these important issues. 

[To read more on this site about Jose and his struggle over the past several years use the search tool on the  page or for starters read the entries for these dates:  3/11/07, 3/13/07, 4/13/07,7/16/07, 7/19/07, 10/25/07, 1/4/08, 3/3/08, 4/21/09, 8/19/11, 8/21/11, 8/23/11, 10,17,11.]

Jose, Alabama and Federal Court

Last week I had a meeting with Jose.  [Use the "search" tool to read more about his case and that of his cousin, Monica.]

Jose came to the United States when he was a very young child.  No one in the family had the documents needed to be in the country legally.  Like almost all  immigrants to the U. S., Jose's family came to find and to make a better life. 

Today, Jose faces deportation.  Recently, Jose married his sweetheart, an American citizen.  He is in the process of working through the system so that he can stay in this country.  He will be required to leave and go back "home" to Mexico, even though he won't know anyone when he arrives.   He is nervously trying to line out his plan with high hopes of returning to his wife as soon as possible.

Like in the case of lots of controversial issues, once you know someone personally who faces a very difficult situation like Jose's you just look at things differently.  Jose is a fine young man.  He comes from a very fine family of extremely hardworking people.  He has never been in trouble with the law.  He has been a good young man.  He is exactly the sort of person we need to stay in the country. 

I'm wondering why our leaders can't step up and deal with immigration reform so that we create a new way for our neighbors to the south to come and go to the benefit of all concerned. 

Because of my friendship with Jose and his family, the following story about a federal court's ruling on the very harsh immigration laws now in force in Alabama caught my eye. 

We've got to find a way to do better and to do the right thing by our fellow human beings.  After all, we are a nation of immigrants. 

Court Rules Alabama Can Detain Illegal Immigrants

by The Associated Press
October 14, 2011

A federal appeals court issued a ruling Friday that temporarily blocked parts of an Alabama law requiring schools to check the immigration status of students but let stand a provision that allows police to detain immigrants that are suspected of being in the country illegally.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued the order after the Justice Department challenged what is considered the toughest immigration law in the nation. The opinion also blocked a part of the law that makes it a crime for immigrants to not have proper documentation.

A final decision on the law won't be made for months to allow time for more arguments.

Since a federal judge upheld much of the law in late September, many frightened Hispanics have been driven away from Alabama, fearing they could be arrested or targeted by police. Construction workers, landscapers and field hands have stopped showing up for work, and large numbers of Hispanic students have been absent from public schools.

Read the entire report here.

Standards of treatment a must. . .

Standards of treatment. . .

Monday, while waiting for a decision at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on the deportation case (threat) involving my young friends, Monica and Jose, I listened as they recounted their horrifying experience four years earlier. The two first cousins (their fathers are twins) remembered everything about being taken into custody by ICE officers while attending an end of school party at a farm outside Greenville, Texas.

They were hurried back to Dallas on that Friday afternoon, and before anyone knew what was going on, ICE transported them to a private, for-profit facility, Rolling Plains Regional Jail in Haskell, Texas. I knew all about this experience, or so I thought.

Let's be clear. Entering the US and remaining without proper documentation is a civil law violation, not a criminal act. Still, Monica told me how her captors roughed her up, tried to intimidate her into signing papers she didn't understand, and even handcuffing her very harshly so that they hurt her arms. They lied about how the two family members would be separated and about how her cousin, Jose, had signed the papers in question, also an untruth.

In short, the two then high school students were handled harshly, inappropriately and unjustly.

I asked their attorney why would a person in violation of civil law be handcuffed and treated like this. She told me ICE claims that people like Monica "pose a threat to the safety of the US."

Are kidding me?

So, when ICE "tickets" (that's what they do) business owners who employ undocumented workers, why don't they 'cuff them? Why not haul them off to an incarceration facility over 200 miles away? If it's good for the kids, why not the adults?

And what about bail? Our young friends had to put up a $50,000 bond in cash to get out of that Haskell jail. They were able to come up with it thanks to one of our board members who's stuck with them all the way.

Justice?  Hardly.

What are expected standards of treatment for young people brought to the US by their parents as small children?

How is jail time even possible?

Shackles?

Handcuffs?

 Intimidation?

Surely not here.

No, sadly, yes, here.

We're studying the matter. Stay tuned.

We think we can change the policy back of this kind of behavior.

Part of the process is to simply inform rational, fair-minded people.  You are out there, right?

Tears for the children. . .

Yesterday was a day of tears for me.

Owen, my third grandchild, went off to Kindergarten!  I expect his parents shed a tear or two.  I know I did just looking at his photograph!  Time gets away so quickly.  Everything changes so fast. 


Then, Gracie and Wyatt, two of my other grandchildren, went off to 4th and 2nd grade respectively.  I bet a tear or two rolled down a cheek over at that household as well.  Again, I confess, my eyes filled up as I viewed their photo. 

Sweet children!  Blessings, every one beyond words.  And, I didn't even mention little Henry--his time will come! 

But, there were other tears as well.

My day began in the office of a great immigration attorney as we prepared to deliver two other children from two other families to the office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) here in Dallas.  These other young people had to appear for consideration of deportation.  [Again, if you are interested, use the search tool above and type in "Monica" and "Jose" to read more about them and read my post from two days ago.]

As we prepared to leave for the drive to ICE, these families melted into each others' arms.  The tears flowed like a river.  Parents telling their children good-bye, not knowing what would happen to them next. 

Thankfully, the Executive Order issued last Thursday by President Obama provided the platform my young friends needed to see their "stay of orders" documents accepted by the ICE officials. 

What a grand relief we experienced.  Reunited with family members, the tears flowed again!

These young people are so wonderful.  So eager for a better life.  So willing to learn.  So ready  for greatness.  So wanting to make a difference in and for their nation, the only country they've ever known, having come here with their parents when they were very small children. 

I came away from the day considering the stark contrast in the reason back of all of the tears.  I also realized that the tears were all really the same.  They came from loving parents, grandparents and siblings.  Good tears, as it turned out. . . at least for now. 

Monica and Jose

We received word late Friday that officials in our immigration court here in Dallas, Texas are "reviewing" the case involving two of our young people, Monica and Jose. 

Thankfully, President Obama's executive order on Thursday regarding children and youth who pose absolutely no threat to our nation caused authorities here to be willing to reconsider action to remove these two fine young people from the country. 

Talk about an answer to prayer!

Critics of Mr. Obama and those who so often disagree with me here need to reconsider their positions. 

If these two children were your children, what would you want for them? 

Remember all that we have invested in them to this point in public education, health and other community benefits, such as those we've shared with them from our community development organization's efforts. 

Why would anyone want to throw away such a long-term investment? 

Pray for Monica.

Pray for Jose.

They need to stay in the United States. 

Three years ago, I flew to Washington, DC with these two great young people.  They spoke with Senator Hutchison's staff.  Unfortunately, Senator Cornyn would not allow them in his office.  Disgusting. 

They toured the national monuments. 

They stood where Dr. King stood on the marble slab that marks his presence on the day of the 1963 March on Washington and his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. 

I observed their tears. 

I listened to their fears and hopes. 

They are part of my family. 

We must find a way for them to stay here.

[For more information on these young people and their terrible situation, read my post from yesterday.]

Justice and Mercy

The nightmare is back.

If you follow this page, you may remember the stories I've posted about Monica and Jose, cousins and the children of twin brothers who came to the U. S. when their children were very young.  No one in the family possessed the proper documentation when they crossed the border into this country, including the children. 

To read more about Monica and Jose click here and here.   You might also use this page's search feature to read other posts on this situation and about the need for immigration reform by entering "Monica." 

Just yesterday, these wonderful young people received a notice to appear for deportation on Monday. 

Both are model adults.  Monica has continued on in college.  Jose has never been in any trouble.  And now, or so it seems, they will be taken into custody and sent back to Mexico where they have no real connections. 

The past 24 hours have involved us in a campaign to move our political leaders to intervene on the behalf of these wonderful young people. 

They are not the kind of people who need to be shipped away out of the country. 

U. S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson, one of our members of Congress here in Dallas, has been lobbying hard on behalf of Monica and Jose, for which we are most grateful.  We've been on the phones working to gain support for the cause of these two amazing people.

But, it may not be enough.

It makes no sense whatsoever.

Since the DREAM Act stalled yet again in the Congress, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have adopted a much harsher enforcement policy toward all undocumented persons, including students who are an asset to their communities here in the U. S. The plight of Monica and Jose serves as a case in point. 

All of us who know Monica and Jose have been very distraught by this latest development.  My family has shed many tears for our dear friends, both the children and their parents.

Last night a bit of light broke, almost miraculously. 

No, that's not right, the timing was beyond miraculous. 

A report in The New York Times and published in today's editions of The Dallas Morning News described President Obama's executive order to ICE instructing the agency to end deportations of students who pose no threat to the safety of their communities or the nation.  Further, ICE will now be reevaluating thousands of cases that involve children and youth like my dear friends, Monica and Jose. 

While it may still not end well on Monday, the President's action gives us hope.  I'm grateful for him.

What's needed in the case of people like my two young friends will not be supplied by law. 

What's needed here is justice and mercy.

Please pray for both.

John Lewis on the DREAM Act

Civil rights icon and U. S. Congressman from Georgia, John Lewis expressed his strong convictions about the DREAM Act this week:

DREAM Act: Economic benefit to nation

To read a comprehensive report on the positive economic impact of the
D. R. E. A. M. Act click here.

This reform legislation will benefit all of us, including thousands of young people here in Dallas with whom we work.

". . .I was a stranger and you welcomed me. . ." Jesus (Matthew 25).

Support the DREAM Act today!

To learn more about why the U. S. Congress should pass the DREAM Act before the end of the current session and to sign on as a supporter of the much-needed legislation, click here to visit the DREAM Act website.

D.R.E.A.M. Act: The Time is Now!

Watch this very helpful video to understand more about the D.R.E.A.M. Act and its current status. Millions of young people need the protection provided by this bi-partisan legislation.

Watch and tell me what you think.

DREAM Act reappears--CALL YOUR SENATORS TODAY!

For several years we've been working to promote passage of the Develop-ment, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM. Act) which would grant legal status to children of undocumented immigrants who entered the U. S. with their parents as minors. 

A new twist in the proposed bill's current status involved the U. S. Department of Defense.  Pentagon leaders have included the DREAM Act in their latest strategic plan for military operations.  To see the plan go here, paying particular attention to section 2.1.1. 

Senate Majority Leader Reid will bring up the DREAM Act as an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill this week. The amendment needs the support from Texas Senators, since 12 percent of individuals who will benefit from the DREAM Act live in Texas. Senator Hutchison's vote is crucial to make the DREAM Act a reality. Possibly now that the U. S. Military has documented its support for the bill, even Senator Cornyn might be convinced. 

Julieta Garibay, who holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas added, "Senator Hutchison knows the right thing to do. She voted with us in 2007, and we ask her to vote with us again on Tuesday."

If you live in Texas, call Senator Hutchison (202-224-5922) and Senator Cornyn (202-224-2934) to express your support.  If you live outside Texas, call your two senators today as well.  You'll  find their phone numbers here.

For a helpful summary of the DREAM Act and its importance in American life check out this editorial in the Silicon Valley Mercury News published on September 16, 2010.

UT President supports passage of DREAM Act

This just in from University Leadership Initiative: 

PRESS RELEASE
August, 9, 2010
Contact:  Julieta Garibay
University Leadership Initiative
512-297-9417

University of Texas President Supports the DREAM Act

Austin, TX -- University of Texas President William Powers is one of the newest university presidents who has made public his support for the DREAM Act. With President Obama's visit to UT, the University Leadership Initiative (ULI) hopes President Obama takes note of how the DREAM Act would help meet our nation's higher education goals.

Under the headline UT Support for the DREAM Act, President Bill Powers reiterates his support for the legislation and those it would benefit. President Powers stated:

"If Texas educates these young people, it should provide them with access to legal employment. At UT, we support the goal of our graduates having the opportunity to put their education to work on behalf of our state and our nation."

According to a recent report from the Migration Policy Institute 258,000 individuals in Texas would benefit from the DREAM Act.

"We thank President Powers for his support of the legislation," said Julieta Garibay, a University of Texas alumnus & ULI Co-founder. "Every year, students who would benefit from the DREAM Act graduate from public universities in our state, including the University of Texas. We hope that our state's senators and congressional delegation are taking note of the overwhelming support."

Jose Torres from the University Leadership Initiative added, "The economic benefits of an increasingly educated labor force to our state will be significant. It's no wonder that this law boasts supports from business groups, institutions of education, conservatives, and liberals."

In 2001, the Texas legislature overwhelmingly approved legislation to allow certain undocumented students who met residency requirements pay in-state tuition rates at public universities. The legislation was signed into law by Governor Rick Perry. The DREAM Act shows bipartisan support in Congress.

DREAM Act needed NOW!

Eric Balderas is the latest student to make the case for immediate passage of the DREAM Act.  Fortunately, Balderas' case has been temporarily resolved so that he can remain at Harvard University to complete his education.  Still, he has absolutely no assurance that he'll be able to remain in the United States to serve and to build the nation he has called home since he was 4-years-old.


Check out the NPR report on his case:

Undocumented Harvard Student Faces Deportation

by The Associated Press
June 11, 2010

An undocumented Harvard University student is facing deportation to Mexico after being detained by immigration authorities at a Texas airport, the students said Friday.

Eric Balderas, 19, who just completed his first year at Harvard, said he was detained Monday by immigration authorities when he tried to board a plane from his hometown of San Antonio to Boston using a consulate card from Mexico and his student ID.

"I'd made it through before so I thought this time wouldn't be any different," Balderas said Friday in a phone interview with The Associated Press. "But once ICE picked me up I really didn't know what to think and I was starting to break down."

Balderas, who previously had used a Mexican passport to board planes but recently lost it, said he became despondent and thought he was being deported to Mexico immediately, only to be released the next day. He said he has a scheduled July 6 immigration hearing.

"All I can think about was my family," said Balderas, who doesn't remember living in Mexico.

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman, Mark Medvesky, confirmed that Balderas was released and said his hearing will likely be in Boston.

Harvard officials immediately threw support behind Balderas.

"Eric Balderas has already demonstrated the discipline and work ethic required for rigorous university work, and has, like so many of our undergraduates, expressed an interest in making a difference in the world," said Christine Heenan, Harvard's vice president of public affairs and communications.

The case also sparked a buzz on social media sites and among student immigrant activists who see the Balderas situation as the ideal test case to push the proposed DREAM act — a federal bill that would allow illegal immigrants a pathway to citizenship via college enrollment or military service.

To read the entire report click here. 

To sign a petition in support of the DREAM Act click here. 

The time is NOW to act to save an entire generation of students in whose lives we been investing for years. 

Students need relief. . .

What with the way things appear to be unfolding (or not!) in Washington these days, the chances of Congress tackling comprehensive immigration reform this year seem slim to none. 

Still millions of immigrant children brought to the US by their parents when they were still minors continue to find themselves in "status limbo."  Hard working, diligent, eager and hopeful, millions of these youth need the benefit of legislation like the various versions of the DREAM Act that we've discussed here on numerous occasions.  [If you are interested, type "DREAM Act" and "Monica" in search tool above left.]

Juan's story in the video clip below touched me again concerning the plight of some really great human beings.  What does faith have to say to us about Juan?

Screening children for Santa?

Last week we received word from Houston, Texas that some charitable organizations would screen out the children of undocumented residents of the city when it comes time to distribute toys and other Christmas gifts.  You can read the original report published by The Houston Chronicle ( "Some toy drives check immigration status," Nov. 30, 2009, by Jeannie Kever) here. 

The original story reported that the Salvation Army and a toy drive associated with the city's fire department would be requiring various forms of identificaiton, including social sercurity cards, birth certificates and proof of income, to qualify families and children to receive toys and Christmas gifts this year.  The report set off reaction from groups working with immigrants in the city.

On last Thursday, the paper published a follow up story that reported the decision by the Salvation Army not to require social security cards. 

“It was never our intention to offend anyone with our registration requirement to provide a Social Security number, or to give the impression that we were discriminating against those individuals and families who do not have a Social Security number,” Major Chris Flanagan, Area Commander for The Salvation Army Greater Houston Area Command said in a statement. 

To read the entire report click here.

My reading of the stories lead me to believe that the original intention was to eliminate the children of "illegal" immigrants from the Christmas gift program.   Thankfully, the organizations involved reconsidered the hurtful policy.  As usual when a community rises up and  cries out, things change for the better. 

Still, the enire affair points up once again the intense hatred and the unapologetic discrimination lurking just beneath the surface of many of our communities that can be so quickly directed toward our immigrant neighbors.  Reading the reports and considering the attitudes that informed these policy decisions in the first place, I'm wondering if our faith communities and their leaders don't need to do some work with us on just how God regards the "aliens" and the "strangers" among us. 

Clearly, we need to remember and reconsider the clarity of our faith traditon regarding residents from other places, regardless of how they made their way to us.  I'm thinking of words like these:

"Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt." Exodus 22:21

"Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt."  Exodus 23:9

"The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God."  Leviticus 19:34

"And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt." Deuteronomy 10:19

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. . . ." Matthew 25:35

In view of the clarity of our faith traditions, I'd say we need to reflect clearly and carefully on our attitudes and our actions. Maybe it's just me, but this seems especially true during the Advent waiting as we consider the arrival of the Child who, himself an immigrant in more ways than one, comes to set us free.

[This post also appeared on the Sojourners blog here.]