Computers, but not Smart phones and Ipads now allowed at immigration hearings

On a day where Apples announces the new Iphone Email from ICE Public Advocate: Today I want to make you aware of a policy change at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that will enhance detainees’ access to fair and impartial immigration court proceedings by giving their advocates an important, additional tool to use during those proceedings. At the request of the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR), ICE will now allow private attorneys or accredited representatives appearing before an immigration judge on behalf of detainees to bring a laptop into EOIR courtrooms located within detention facilities. Private attorneys or accredited representatives will be required to complete a request form each time they intend to bring a laptop into an EOIR courtroom in a detention facility. Please note, this process is for laptop computers along with an air card only and does not include iPADs, iPODs, smart phones, BlackBerrys or other electronic devices. In addition, this process does not permit attorneys to take laptops in attorney-client visitation rooms. Further rules outlining where, when, and how laptops can be used while in detention facilities are clearly stated in the request form. ICE is currently implementing this policy in each of its 24 Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) field offices. To get the laptop request form, you should contact the field office in which your EOIR proceeding and detention facility are located. If you do not have a field office point of contact, you may identify and email the appropriate Public Advocate Field Liaison by using this interactive map on the ICE.gov website and clicking on the area where your pending proceeding will take place. Phone numbers for each field office are also available on the Contact ICE page. Please help us spread the word about this important change in ICE policy by forwarding this message to your colleagues and community partners.

Mitt Romney immigration policy at odds with his Church

While Mitt Romney is taking a hard line on immigration even as the Republican primaries head toward the heavily Hispanic states of Nevada, Colorado and Arizona, the Mormon Church to which he belongs has become a decisive player in promoting policies that are decidedly more friendly toward immigrants.

This NY times article explains

Woman's deportation stayed for a year

"A local woman set to be deported next month has been granted a stay, according to a U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement memo. The federal agency on Thursday notified an attorney for Victoria Lorenzo-Calmo that she can remain in the United States for one year

Problem at local jail

A new report by advocacy groups alleges human rights abuses persist at two immigrant detention centers in Illinois and another in Kentucky. It calls on the Obama administration to close them, but federal immigration officials dispute the need for that.

Colbert on AgJobsand Immigration

CLick here for Colbert's hilarious clip supporting AgJobs.

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/340925/july-08-2010/arturo-rodriguez

CIR is Dead

Just As I predicted, Comprehensive Immigration Reform is Dead. Politicians do not have the conviction to debate or pass immigration legistaltion. In the guise of fighting terrorism, Conservative activist have led the fight against illegal immigration. I think South Park said it best, people are afraid of immigration because " they'll take our jobs!"