GREETINGS
NEWS ITEM ONE: NOTICE TO EMPLOYERS—USCIS Continues to Accept FY 2012 H-1B Petitions
NEWS ITEM TWO: Pushing Obama to keep promises
NEWS ITEM THREE: Immigration Clock Runs Down on Republicans
COMMENTARY
1. NEWS ITEM ONE: NOTICE TO EMPLOYERS—USCIS Continues to Accept FY 2012 H-1B Petitions
As of April 15, 2011, USCIS had receipted 7,100 petitions towards the H-1B Regular Cap and 5,100 petitions towards the H-1B Master’s Exemption.
The H-1B nonimmigrant visa category allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. Unless determined to be exempt, H-1B petitions are subject to either the 65,000 annual cap or the 20,000 annual cap exemption. By statute, H-1B visas are subject to an annual numerical limit, or cap, of 65,000 visas each fiscal year. The first 20,000 petitions for these visas filed on behalf of individuals with U.S. master’s degrees or higher are exempt from this cap.
2. NEWS ITEM TWO: Pushing Obama to keep promises
Reflecting growing liberal frustration with President Barack Obama’s lack of progress on immigration reform, U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill. is barnstorming through the Bay Area this week to demand the administration slow down its record-high number of deportations. “He’s our champion,” said U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., who lands in the Bay Area on Tuesday. “He’s the one we want to support. But there’s a community of people he made a promise and commitment to, and we want him to keep it.” Obama continues to get high popularity ratings from Latinos and most immigrant groups, but Gutierrez is among a growing chorus of immigrant advocates who have expressed waning enthusiasm as the president launches his re-election campaign.
http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_17916025?nclick_check=1
President Obama, who has repeatedly referred to the immigration system as ‘broken’ was visiting California last week. While here, he made quite a few promising statements about immigration. Here are just a few of the headlines from his recent statements:
1. Obama wants immigration reform a fact before presidency ends
http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2011/04/21/obama-wants-immigration-reform-fact-presidency-ends/
2. Obama at Facebook. Townhall transcript – Lynn Sweet
Rep. Gutierrez is correct in his goal of maintaining pressure on President Obama. Does Mr. Obama really want change, or are his recent pro-reform statements merely campaign rhetoric? Despite the President’s statements, immigration has clearly been a low priority for this administration. The economy, the war on terror, health care, and reforming the financial industry have clearly been more important. How committed is President Obama to immigration reform? His statements are encouraging, but, to date, his actions have been lacking
3. NEWS ITEM THREE: Immigration Clock Runs Down on Republicans
The clock is ticking down to Drop-Dead Tuesday, and a much-debated immigration bill still isn’t on the agenda at the Senate Budget Committee. If Senate Bill 2040 doesn’t clear the panel by the end of business Tuesday, the measure is all but eliminated from consideration this session. Conservatives say the political repercussions could blow back on Senate President Mike Haridopolos’ campaign for U.S. Senate. The demise of SB 2040 would leave House Bill 7089 as the only remaining hope for immigration reform.
http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/story/immigration-clock-runs-down-republicans
Here is a basic summary of HB 7089:
Enforcement of Immigration Laws: Prohibits state or political subdivisions from limiting or restricting enforcement of federal immigration laws; provides that state or its political subdivisions may not be prohibited from maintaining or exchanging information regarding immigration status; authorizes law enforcement officer to determine immigration status; requires implementation consistent with federal law; prohibits using race, color, or national origin in enforcement; requires every employer to use federal E-Verify system; prohibits knowingly employing unauthorized alien; authorizes complaints to licensing agency that employer has employed unauthorized alien; provides for enforcement & penalties; provides that certain employers are not liable for hiring, refusing to hire, or terminating employee under certain conditions; prohibits public employers from contracting for services with contractors not using E-Verify system; provides additional instance for warrantless arrests; provides additional criteria for consideration when determining whether to release defendant on bail or other conditions; provides for enhanced maximum criminal penalties when offense committed by unlawfully present alien; provides findings of public necessity.
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=46685&SessionId=66
If Republicans want to court the Latino vote, they will have to do much better than HB 7089. This is a tougher measure and is focused exclusively on enforcement. That will simply not go well with Latino voters. The Republicans seem to have the ability to make immigration reform a reality at this point. To get voters on their side, they will have to offer something on the benefits side. It will be interesting to see what happens with the issue of immigration reform.
