Obama Backpedals on Immigration Reform Promise
Reposted from: Women of Color Policy Blog
While pro-immigrant advocates and even big city police chiefs are urging for humane and just immigration reform, the Obama administration has responded by putting off the immigration dialogue and approving even more enforcement measures.
This month, the Senate passed a $42.9 billion bill to address cyber security, complete 700 miles of the US-Mexico border wall and renew E-verify, which mandates federal contractors to verify the immigration status of their workers and has not proven to be effective.
The Department of Homeland Security also announced its expansion of the 287(g) program that mandates local police agencies to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and enforce immigration law. The cooperation between local and federal law enforcement agencies has led to a marked increase in arrest, detention and deportation of many immigrants since 2003.
The impact of immigration policies that emphasize enforcement rather than pathways to citizenship is devastating to families and workers. One example of how current policies are doing more harm than good is the case of Isaac G. Two years ago, Isaac, a reserved student and member of his community marching band and dance group in Harlem was arrested for being at the scene of a fight. Because of Isaac’s immigration status, he was detained and currently remains in custody. Today, his mother and sisters struggle to keep their family together and hope alive, a direct result of current enforcement laws. Had Congress passed more just and practical legislation, such as the DREAM Act, Isaac would have been able to contribute socially and economically to the only country he calls home.
Obama must keep his promise to immigrants and families by creating just and humane reform with a pathway to citizenship to bring the approximate 12 million undocumented workers, families and students like Isaac out of the shadows. This month’s actions show a continuance in the footsteps of his predecessor and the use of formidable enforcement measures to determine U.S. immigration policy.
July 25th, 2009 - 20:05
I feel a deja vu. Don't all presidents do this?