Feds sue Utah over illegal immigration enforcement bill

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah will aggressively fight a federal lawsuit attacking the state's controversial immigration enforcement law, Mark Shurtleff said Tuesday.

The Utah attorney general said the state was careful to tailor HB497 to reflect recent federal court opinions on other states' immigration enforcement efforts, but there are "one or two minor things they still have some heartburn over" that could be corrected by the Utah Legislature in its next session.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705394800/Feds-sue-Utah-over-illegal-immigration-enforcement-bill.html 

Feds sue to block Utah immigration law

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit Tuesday claiming the Utah Legislature overstepped its authority when it passed a tough immigration law, arguing immigration enforcement is a federal duty.

"A patchwork of immigration laws is not the answer and will only create further problems in our immigration system," U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement. "While we appreciate cooperation from states, which remains important, it is clearly unconstitutional for a state to set its own immigration policy."

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/52972971-90/497-attorney-bill-department.html.csp 

Editorial: Alabama's Shame

The self-inflicted wounds from Alabama’s most-abusive-in-the-nation immigration law just keep on coming. Last week, a manager for Mercedes-Benz, visiting from Germany, was pulled over in his rental car by a police officer in Tuscaloosa near where a Mercedes plant builds sport-utility vehicles. 


READ MORE: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/22/opinion/alabamas-shame-cont.html

Bad economy slows foreign-born immigration to Utah

While the illegal immigration debate flared in Utah the past few years, new Census Bureau estimates suggest that immigration here by foreign-born people slowed greatly.

Based on surveys of foreign-born residents who lived in Utah in 2010 — both documented and undocumented — the Census estimates about 15,610 of them immigrated here from 2008 through 2010.

That was down from the 25,422 it estimates immigrated here from 2005 through 2007 — for a 39 percent drop between those two three-year periods.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/52938759-90/utah-born-foreign-percent.html.csp

More Discretion In Deportations .

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, the immigration-enforcement unit of the Department of Homeland Security, said in an outline of the initiative that its "attorneys nationwide will review all incoming cases in immigration court." The ICE said such a review would accelerate the removal of "criminal aliens and other priority cases" and prevent "new low priority cases" from clogging overburdened courts.

READ MORE: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204517204577044503987324914.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Feds offer new guidance on when to dismiss immigration cases

A memo laying out the guidelines, obtained by the Houston Chronicle, offers a clearer picture of the groups of immigrants who would benefit from the Obama administration's much-publicized plan to review 300,000 pending cases in immigration courts.

The review, first announced in August, is designed to cull from the nation's overburdened immigration court docket "low priority" cases - primarily those involving illegal immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for years without committing serious crimes.

READ MORE: http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Feds-offer-new-guidance-on-when-to-dismiss-2275353.php

Obama administration showing leniency in immigration cases

The elderly, children who have been in the country more than five years, students who came to the U.S. under the age of 16 and are enrolled in a college degree program, and victims of domestic violence are among those whose deportations could be put on hold under the test program, which begins Dec. 4 and could be broadened in January.
READ MORE: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-immigration-review-20111118,0,1046351.story?track=rss

Deportations Under New U.S. Policy Are Inconsistent

Since June, when the policy was unveiled, frustrated lawyers and advocates have seen a steady march of deportations of immigrants with no criminal record and with extensive roots in the United States, who seemed to fit the administration’s profile of those who should be allowed to remain.

But at the same time, in other cases, immigrants on the brink of expulsion saw their deportations halted at the last minute, sometimes after public protests. In some instances,immigration prosecutors acted, with no prodding from advocates, to abandon deportations of immigrants with strong ties to this country whose only violation was their illegal status.

READ MORE: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/13/us/politics/president-obamas-policy-on-deportation-is-unevenly-applied.html?ref=us 

U.S. to Review Cases Seeking Deportations

The Department of Homeland Security will begin a review on Thursday of all deportation cases before the immigration courts and start a nationwide training program for enforcement agents and prosecuting lawyers, with the goal of speeding deportations of convicted criminals and halting those of many illegal immigrants with no criminal record.


READ MORE: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/17/us/deportation-cases-of-illegal-immigrants-to-be-reviewed.html?_r=1&hpw

On immigration, Marco Rubio urges the right to tone it down

"The Republican Party should not be labeled as the anti-illegal immigration party. Republicans need to be the pro-legal immigration party," the Florida lawmaker said Monday on Fox News.

The appearance follows other efforts in the past two weeks — including a story in the Wall Street Journal and a speech in Texas — in which Rubio has criticized inflammatory immigration rhetoric.

READ MORE: http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/on-immigration-marco-rubio-urges-the-right-to-tone-it-down/1201722

Sandstrom to battle Wimmer for Utah’s 4th congressional seat

Sandstrom will formally announce Monday and said he had vacillated between the 2nd and 4th Congressional Districts. His original plan had been to run in the 3rd Congressional District, but that was scuttled when U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, decided not to leave his seat to challenge Sen. Orrin Hatch.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/52907309-90/sandstrom-district-utah-congressional.html.csp?page=1

Deportations Under New U.S. Policy Are Inconsistent

A new Obama administration policy to avoid deportations of illegal immigrants who are not criminals has been applied very unevenly across the country and has led to vast confusion both in immigrant communities and among agents charged with carrying it out.       

With Latino communities taking the brunt of those deportations, Latino voters are increasingly disappointed with Mr. Obama. White House officials hope the new policy will ease some of the pressure on Latinos, by steering enforcement toward gang members and convicts and away from students, soldiers and families of American citizens.       

READ MORE: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/13/us/politics/president-obamas-policy-on-deportation-is-unevenly-applied.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=JULIA%20PRES%20IMMIGRATION&st=cse

Immigrants Are Still Fitting In

The U.S. today is home to 40 million foreign-born residents, the most ever, a number that includes people here illegally after sneaking across the border and those with legal status, who hold a green card or are citizens.

How quickly immigrants assimilate—reflected in indicators such as homeownership, learning English and achieving U.S. citizenship

READ MORE: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203537304577030292197601270.html

Arizona Poll: Views on migrants not hard-line

PHOENIX - A new statewide survey suggests the attitude of Arizonans about illegal immigrants may not be as harsh as that of many politicians.

The poll, done for the Morrison Institute for Public Policy, found 78 percent of Arizonans said they would support legislation allowing those in this country illegally to become citizens under certain circumstances. That includes having no criminal record either here or in their home country, paying a fine, getting a taxpayer ID number, and demonstrating that they can speak English.


Read more: http://azstarnet.com/news/local/border/poll-views-on-migrants-not-hard-line/article_03992d59-cbe4-5599-aa63-a7b4448f3edf.html#ixzz1dgaDQaVq

The lessons of Arizona, Mississippi for Georgia Republicans

On Tuesday, state lawmakers will begin submitting bills for their colleagues’ consideration in January, when the Legislature returns to Atlanta.
We are entering an election year, which means more than a few of the measures will be intended to stir the blood and drive GOP voters to the polls in November.

READ STORY HERE:
http://blogs.ajc.com/political-insider-jim-galloway/2011/11/12/the-lessons-of-arizona-mississippi-for-georgia-republicans/

HB116 does not fall within the principles of the Utah Compact

Approximately one year ago, many Utah groups and individuals signed on to the Utah Compact in an effort to establish Utah’s community values as a guide to discussion about immigration reform.

The guidance the Utah Compact was designed to provide was strongly misinterpreted during the 2011 legislative session when Gov. Gary Herbert signed into law a package of immigration related laws, referred to as the Utah Solution.

READ COMPLETE STORY:

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/52880098-82/utah-compact-immigration-federal.html.csp 

Utah Compact hailed for shaping, changing immigration debate

On a chilly Friday afternoon in the place marking Brigham Young’s decision to settle Salt Lake Valley, state lawmakers and the Mormon church marked the one-year anniversary of The Utah Compact — a document supporters credit for sweeping immigration reform within the Utah and across the nation.

The symbolism wasn’t accidental, according to Attorney General Mark Shurtleff.

READ COMPLETE STORY HERE:

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/52897845-78/compact-illegal-immigrants-immigration.html.csp

Utah Compact helped turn anti-immigration tide in Arizona

SALT LAKE CITY — The outcome of Tuesday's historic recall election in Arizona should help embolden conservative Republicans who champion pragmatic solutions to the nation's immigration problems, says Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff.

Shurtleff, taking part in a telephone press conference Thursday hosted by the National Immigration Forum, said the recall of Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce should "give courage and support to those speaking up and being challenged by members of the far right wing of the party."

READ COMPLETE STORY: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705394066/Utah-Compact-helped-turn-anti-immigration-tide-in-Arizona.html

Will Arizona reimburse ousted state senator?

The voter recall of immigration firebrand Russell Pearce took a new twist Thursday when state Sen. Jack Harper, R-Surprise, suggested the state’s Constitution requires campaign cost reimbursements to an ousted lawmaker.

"If people believe he has to file a lawsuit first, it could take awhile," Harper said. "If they believe we have the constitutional mandate and we should take steps, it could happen as early as next week."

READ COMPLETE STORY: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/52889473-90/arizona-campaign-harper-immigration.html.csp

Recall Election Claims Arizona Anti-Immigration Champion

MESA, Ariz. — For years, Russell Pearce, Arizona’s most powerful legislator and the architect of its tough immigration law, has sought to make life so uncomfortable for illegal immigrants in the state that they pack up and go.

But Mr. Pearce, known for his gruff, uncompromising manner, was the one sent packing on Tuesday after disgruntled voters in this suburban neighborhood outside Phoenix banded together to recall him from the State Senate and replace him with a more moderate Republican.

READ MORE HERE: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/10/us/politics/russell-pearce-arizonas-anti-immgration-champion-is-recalled.html

Utah Compact has had national impact, signers say on eve of document's 1st anniversary

SALT LAKE CITY — When community activist Tony Yapias first heard about the Utah Compact last fall, he had a lot of questions.

"I didn't know what the Utah Compact was. What is this thing? Where did this come from?"

On the eve of the first anniversary of community, business, political and faith leaders publicly endorsing the document, Yapias calls the statement of principles "one of the inspired documents of our time."

READ COMPLETE REPORT HERE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705394046/Utah-Compact-has-had-national-impact-signers-say-on-eve-of-documents-1st-anniversary.html

Dethroned: How Russell Pearce lost race

Political experts will spend years analyzing how a political novice emerged from obscurity in west Mesa to knock off Arizona's most powerful lawmaker in Tuesday's unprecedented recall election.
But analysts and people involved in the fierce campaign pointed Wednesday to an array of factors in Jerry Lewis' improbable upset victory over Senate President Russell Pearce.
Those factors include:


Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2011/11/09/20111109mesa-how-russell-pearce-lost-race.html#ixzz1dIl39AJR

Utah Compact has had national impact, signers say on eve of document's 1st anniversary

SALT LAKE CITY — When community activist Tony Yapias first heard about the Utah Compact last fall, he had a lot of questions.

"I didn't know what the Utah Compact was. What is this thing? Where did this come from?"
On the eve of the first anniversary of community, business, political and faith leaders publicly endorsing the document, Yapias calls the statement of principles "one of the inspired documents of our time."

The compact, signed Nov. 11, 2010, outlined principles to guide the immigration debate, urging federal solutions and policies that did not separate families. Some 4,500 people have signed the document online at theutahcompact.com in the past year.

READ FULL STORY HERE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/705394046/Utah-Compact-has-had-national-impact-signers-say-on-eve-of-documents-1st-anniversary.html

Amnesty: Tears, jeers for Reagan’s immigration legacy

Gerardo Avilos is surrounded by tires. Big ones and small ones, new ones and used ones — stacked so high inside a garage bay that it’s hard to tell where the black rubber ends and the back wall begins.

His business is getting people on the road again and, for the past 11 years in Salt Lake City, it’s where he has spent every day except Sunday supervising four employees replacing tires and repairing engines.

READ MORE HERE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/52820110-90/immigration-reagan-amnesty-bill.html.csp 

GOP Alienates Latinos, Moderates With Immigration Enforcement Agenda

The harsh stand on immigration by some GOP candidates surprises Lionel Sosa, a Republican ad man who calls the rising anti-immigrant rhetoric "grossly insensitive and irresponsible."
Sosa, who has crafted Latino-targeted campaigns for Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and now Newt Gingrich, said the party's position on the highly contentious issue has taken a dramatic shift.

READ MORE HERE:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/gop-immigration_n_1040734.html

Hairstylists in Hispanic community enlisted to help fight domestic abuse

When there is no one else around, no reason to fear sudden rage crashing down without warning, the dark secrets pour out inside Antonia Medina's tiny beauty salon.

She listens in her quiet way, snipping hair inside the Little Village shop as clients tell her over the chatter of a Spanish radio station about busted ribs, broken hands or the unborn baby that was lost after a tumble down some stairs. Each time, they tell her, it's because of "him."


Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/11/01/3243175/hairstylists-in-hispanic-community.html#ixzz1cYsCvqKf

Editorial del New York Times: Gracias, Pero No Gracias

There are almost 12 million potential Hispanic voters in the United States. And both parties say they are eager to court their votes. So one has to wonder why the Republican presidential contenders would miss the chance to debate before the largest possible audience of Spanish-language television viewers.       

LEER COMPLETO REPORTE AQUI: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/30/opinion/sunday/gracias-pero-no-gracias-to-a-univision-debate.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

GOP aims to become simpatico with 50 million Hispanics

WASHINGTON – Fidelia Ramirez Friedman already has a tough time convincing Hispanics in her Pennsylvania community that the Republican Party is truly in line with their ideals

As vice president of the Pocono Republican Hispanic Association, Friedman says she constantly battles a stigma that Republicans dislike Hispanics, and tries to show them how the party's ideals of self-reliance, limited government and family values line up with their views.

READ MORE HERE:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/story/2011-10-26/Republicans-woo-Hispanics/50944178/1

Obama's illegal-immigrant crackdown fills prisons with Hispanics

Much has been made of how this is playing out on the state level, with Arizona and Alabama among the states passing tough immigration laws.

But a crackdown, at least a partial one, has been happening at the federal level, too. A series of high-profile sweeps known as Operation Cross Check have netted thousands of what the Obama administration refers to as criminal aliens.

READ MORE HERE:
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2011/1028/Obama-s-illegal-immigrant-crackdown-fills-prisons-with-Hispanics

Beyond 2012 Field, Nuanced G.O.P. Views on Immigrants

Senator Mike Lee of Utah, one of the most conservative members of the chamber, recently teamed with Senator Charles E. Schumer, the New York Democrat, on a bill that would provide three-year residential visas to foreign home buyers who invest at least $500,000.       

READ MORE HERE:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/29/us/politics/tough-stance-on-immigrants-questioned-by-some-in-gop.html?_r=1&hp

Immigration an issue of faith, social justice, faith leaders say

SALT LAKE CITY — The intersection of faith communities and undocumented immigrants boils down to a basic Christian tenet, said the Rev. Steven R. Mitchell of the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Rock Springs, Wyo.

"Jesus never turned anyone away. Neither do we," the Rev. Mitchell said.

Mark Kadel, director of World Relief Spokane, said the issue must be framed in terms of "real people."

READ MORE HERE:
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705393202/Immigration-an-issue-of-faith-social-justice-faith-leaders-say.html

Undocumented immigrant population in the West has fallen during recession, economist says

SALT LAKE CITY — University of Idaho economist Priscilla Salant doesn't advocate one position over another in the debate over illegal immigration.

Her job, she said, is to tell the story of the numbers, which can tell a different story than the rhetoric.
For instance, some who oppose illegal immigration claim the numbers of foreign-born Hispanics in the Mountain West has radically increased in the past 10 years, which has burdened schools and social service providers.

READ MORE HERE:
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705393208/Undocumented-immigrant-population-in-the-West-has-fallen-during-recession-economist-says.html

Salt Lake summit: Harsh rhetoric may derail GOP in 2012.

Republicans at an immigration summit Wednesday in Salt Lake City said that a continuation of harsh rhetoric on the polarizing issue — notably among GOP presidential hopefuls — will cost the party the White House in 2012 — and possibly beyond.

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff took it even a step further.

READ MORE HERE:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/52790322-90/based-crops-enforcement-immigration.html.csp 

Immigration law a new embarrassment for Alabama

At a recent neighborhood meeting in Birmingham, Alabama Congresswoman Terri Sewell said the harsh anti-immigrant law promoted and signed by Gov. Robert Bentley is embarrassing Alabama in the eyes of the nation.

"We're solving a problem that was not a problem,'' she said, according to The Birmingham News.

READ MORE HERE:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/26/opinion/raines-alabama-immigration/index.html?&hpt=hp_c2

Ruben Navarrette: Romney can't play holier-than-thou on immigration

SAN DIEGO -- I have a feeling that Mitt Romney woke up this morning with a headache -- the political kind that comes when a line of attack you've used against an opponent comes back to knock you upside the head.
Luckily, Romney can get medical attention. Even if he weren't worth more than $250 million, the former governor of Massachusetts always could fall back on the health care law he signed in the Bay State.


Read more: http://journalstar.com/news/opinion/editorial/columnists/article_008927e2-3013-5c68-a5d4-0a17988676a4.html#ixzz1btZAkAhU

Business and Political Leaders To Gather in Utah For First-Ever Mountain-West Immigration Summit

Salt Lake City, Utah —Prominent figures from business, law enforcement, faith and government in the Mountain West will convene on October 26 in Salt Lake City to discuss the importance of immigrants and immigration to the region’s economic and cultural vitality. Key stakeholders from Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Idaho will begin to develop a common understanding of the value of immigrants and immigration to the Mountain West, and America. 

Recent leadership by law enforcement, business and faith to launch “The Utah Compact” created a unique moment in which pragmatism trumped partisanship. Regional leaders will convene for a rational discussion to forge a new consensus on immigrants and America. While many agree that there is a need for a national immigration strategy, local leaders can forge a new consensus on what that means.

Keynote speakers include Mayor Paul Bridges of Uvalda, GA and syndicated columnist Ruben Navarrette. In light of anti-immigrant legislation sweeping through the Southeast, Mayor Bridges will discuss the negative impact of the legislation on the Georgia economy, highlighting the value of the Mountain West’s practical approach. Ruben Navarrette will bring a national voice into the fold, sharing his views on immigration in the region and across the country.

Discussions will be organized around three topics, with a presentation on the changing demographics and voting pattern of the region:

· Economy: What role do immigrants and immigration play in the current regional economy, and how are they important to the future of the region’s economy across a number of sectors?

· Security: How does the region’s sense of public safety hinge on the relationship between immigrants and law enforcement?

· Faith: How have congregations of faith grown from and been shaped by the influx of immigrants to the region? In what ways have the problems in the immigration system affected religious communities?

WHEN: Wednesday, October 26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Pacific

WHERE: Capital Ballroom of the City Center Marriott

220 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT

Top Department of Justice attorneys meet with Utah leaders over controversial immigration law

SALT LAKE CITY — A top Department of Justice attorney described Tuesday's meetings with Utah leaders over a controversial immigration enforcement law passed by the Utah Legislature earlier this year as "productive."

However, assistant attorney general Tony West, who heads the DOJ's Civil Division, gave no indication whether the federal government will intervene in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of HB497.

READ MORE HERE:
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705393097/Top-Department-of-Justice-attorneys-meet-with-Utah--leaders-over-controversial-immigration-law.html

Feds meet with Utah officials over immigration law

Top Utah lawmakers said they’re optimistic about the federal government staying out of a lawsuit against the state’s enforcement-only immigration law after having a “productive” closed-door meeting with key U.S. Department of Justice lawyers Tuesday.

Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, who called the meeting at the Capitol, said he was able to go over “line by line” provisions in HB497 and believes the attorneys “see Utah is doing something different.”

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/52782306-90/department-enforcement-immigration-justice.html.csp

Matt Reed: Rubio's true story beats 'exile' embellishment

It’s too bad Sen. Marco Rubio embellished his family’s immigration history to sound less like the rest of ours and more like one of Miami’s powerful Cuban political exiles.

It’s too bad because the real story of his parents’ immigration to Florida more than 50 years ago, which he described to me during his Senate campaign, is more noble and relevant to Florida in 2011.

http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20111025/COLUMNISTS0207/310250002/Matt-Reed-Rubio-s-true-story-beats-exile-embellishment

Hispanic voters: Stick with Obama or go with GOP?

A year before the 2012 presidential election, Hispanic voters are facing a choice.

They can continue to support President Barack Obama despite being hurt disproportionately by the economic downturn or turn to Republicans at a time when many GOP presidential hopefuls have taken a hard line on immigration.

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9QIP37G0.htm

Gov. Robert Bentley avoiding taking the spotlight on Alabama's immigration law

Gov. Robert Bentley could have brought more decency and reason into the debate over Alabama's toughest-in-the-nation immigration law.

Instead, when HB56 passed the Republican-controlled Legislature in June, he was a strong supporter, proud of the law's unprecedented reach.

http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-commentary/2011/10/our_view_gov_robert_bentley_av.html

Few Americans take immigrants' jobs in Alabama

Potato farmer Keith Smith saw most of his immigrant workers leave after Alabama's tough immigration law took effect, so he hired Americans. It hasn't worked out: Most show up late, work slower than seasoned farm hands and are ready to call it a day after lunch or by midafternoon. Some quit after a single day.

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9QGERUO0.htm

Gobierno de Obama batió récord de deportaciones

Mientras la Oficina de Aduanas y Control Fronterizo (ICE) confirmaba que deportó a más de 397 mil inmigrantes indocumentados durante el año fiscal 2011 (el tercer récord consecutivo durante la administración del presidente Barack Obama), funcionarios de la Casa Blanca se reunieron el martes con líderes hispanos para escuchar sus preocupaciones mientras grupos de activistas exigían al mandatario que cambie su política migratoria de forma inmediata.

http://noticias.univision.com/inmigracion/noticias/article/2011-10-18/piden-obama-freno-deportaciones

Latinos Said to Bear Weight of a Deportation Program

A deportation program that is central to the Obama administration’s immigration enforcement strategy has led disproportionately to the removal of Latino immigrants and to arrests by immigration authorities of hundreds of United States citizens, according to a report by two law schools using new, in-depth official data on deportation cases.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/19/us/latinos-said-to-bear-weight-of-deportation-program.html?_r=1&hpw

Salt Lake to host four-state immigration summit Oct. 26

SALT LAKE CITY — Business, political, law enforcement and faith leaders from four western states will meet in Utah on Oct. 26 for a summit on the value of immigrants and immigration to the nation.
Syndicated columnist Ruben Navarrette and Mayor Paul Bridges of Uvalda, Ga., who will discuss the negative impact of immigration legislation on Georgia's economy, are the keynote speakers.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705392565/Salt-Lake-to-host-four-state-immigration-summit-Oct-26.html?pg=1

What are Mormons’ views on illegal immigration?

A portion of a nationwide survey recently commissioned by the LDS Church is attempting to delve into Mormons’ understanding of illegal immigration, including whether undocumented immigrants are able to get temple recommends and be baptized into the faith.

Church officials have been largely mum on the survey, which was sent out to members via email. However, it was a wide-ranging survey of 66 questions — about six of which tackled the controversial immigration issue.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/52681984-90/church-immigration-issue-lds.html.csp

Navarrette: Harsh immigration rhetoric not helpful to GOP hopefuls

The Republican Party has dug itself an awfully deep hole with Latino voters. And every time a Republican talks about immigration, the hole gets a little deeper.

That includes nearly all the 2012 Republican presidential candidates. They can't avoid talking about the subject because it keeps coming up in the debates. There are three reasons for this: Many Republican voters care about the issue; Gov. Rick Perry's opponents see it as a weakness for a front-runner they would like to portray as soft on illegal immigration; and the media enjoy the sight of Republicans clawing at one another, especially over an issue that makes most of them look dishonest, extreme and out of touch.

http://www.statesman.com/opinion/navarrette-harsh-immigration-rhetoric-not-helpful-to-gop-1877455.html

No Casa Blanca for the GOP

As a Latina however, I find myself scratching my head and wondering whether the GOP candidates even know - or care - there is a powerful and growing Latino voting population in critical swing states that hold the key to any Republican who wants to work in the Oval Office.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maria-cardona/no-casa-blanca-for-the-gop_b_981530.html

Perry faces immigration hurdles in Iowa

Less than two months into Rick Perry's presidential candidacy, a record on illegal immigration that served him well politically as a border-state governor is proving a tough sell with voters looking toward Iowa's Republican caucuses this winter.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-perry-immigration-20110927,0,2928515.story

EU cerró la ventanilla de las visas tipo U

El gobierno federal estadounidense anunció el lunes que cerró la ventanilla para la recepción de solicitudes de la visa tipo “U”, porque el número de peticiones sobrepasó la cantidad anual autorizada por el Congreso.

La decisión se adoptó por segundo año consecutivo, dijo la Oficina de Ciudadanía y Servicios de Inmigración (USCIS) en un comunicado publicado en su página web.
http://noticias.univision.com/inmigracion/visas/article/2011-09-19/eu-cerro-ventana-visas-u?ftloc=channel1486:wcmWidgetUimStage&ftpos=channel1486:wcmWidgetUimStage:1

Will Tough Talk On Immigration Repel Latino Voters?

Wherever he goes, GOP presidential candidate Rick Perry proudly waves the flag of conservatism, often introducing himself with, "I simply want to get America working again and make Washington, D.C., as inconsequential in your life as I can."

But the Texas governor, a favorite of conservatives overall, is taking criticism for being too moderate when it comes to immigration. The reason: In 2001, his first full year in office, he signed legislation that grants in-state tuition rates at Texas colleges and universities to some illegal immigrants.


http://www.npr.org/2011/09/19/140601828/will-tough-talk-on-immigration-repel-latino-voters

Analysis: Obama deportations raise immigration policy questions

President Barack Obama says he backs immigration reform, announcing last month an initiative to ease deportation policies, but he has sent home over 1 million illegal immigrants in 2-1/2 years -- on pace to deport more in one term than George W. Bush did in two.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/20/us-obama-immigration-idUSTRE78J05720110920

The Border To-Do List:

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ten years after 9/11 our borders are significantly more secure. Borders are now understood as pivotal to keeping terrorists out. Our country is safer for that recognition.

Many vulnerabilities remain, however, allowing potential terrorists who were already here before 9/11 to stay and others to get here subsequently. To address these weaknesses and achieve the next generation of border security goals, the Center for Immigration Studies has published "The To-Do List: Curtailing Terrorist Travel Ten Years after 9/11" by Janice Kephart, the Center's National Security Policy Director at the Center for Immigration Studies and former border counsel to the 9/11 Commission.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-border-to-do-list-new-report-explores-immigration-improvements-remaining-challenges-ten-years-after-911-129874628.html

Don't stereotype Hispanic America

San Diego, California (CNN) -- When you refuse to acknowledge a group of people in all their nuances and complexities, or depict them as predictable and one-dimensional, or dictate for them a code of acceptable behavior, it is a blatant sign of disrespect.

It would be offensive for someone to suggest that all Italian-Americans think a certain way, all Irish-Americans behave a certain way or all African-Americans vote a certain way.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/15/opinion/navarrette-hispanic-america/

Employers Targeted by Immigration Officials

In contrast to the Bush administration's penchant for attention-grabbing raids resulting in worker arrests, the Obama administration has chosen to ramp up its immigration enforcement program with an eye towards I-9 audits that target small and big employers alike.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/15/tagblogsfindlawcom2011-freeenterprise-idUS265803715120110915

Hearing on tough Utah immigration law delayed

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah state attorneys said in a court filing Tuesday that federal authorities might get involved in a lawsuit challenging the state's tough immigration enforcement law that civil rights groups argue is unconstitutional.

It's not clear, however, if the U.S. Justice Department plans to take action regarding the Utah law. Spokeswoman Xochitl Hinojosa said the department was reviewing the law but didn't elaborate.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705390824/Hearing-on-tough-Utah-immigration-law-delayed.html

Utah’s “Show Me Your Papers” Law Hearing Postponed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2011

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The federal district court today granted a request by the Utah Attorney General’s Office to delay a hearing regarding the state’s anti-immigrant law. Utah requested the delay because of possible future involvement by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in the lawsuit.

DOJ has not filed a lawsuit against Utah’s law, but has done so with similar anti-immigrant laws in Arizona and Alabama. The hearing on Utah’s law, HB 497, was originally set for Friday but has been rescheduled for Nov. 18.

http://www.acluutah.org/PR_HB497_Hearing_Postponed091311.html

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez Confirms that Grandparents Were Undocumented

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Embroiled in a high controversial push to bar the ability of undocumented immigrants from legally acquiring New Mexico driver's licenses, Gov. Susana Martínez has acknowledged for the first time that her paternal grandparents came to the U.S. illegally.

"I know they arrived without documents, especially my father's father," the Republican said Wednesday in an interview in Spanish with KLUZ-TV, the Albuquerque Univision affiliate.

Read more: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/politics/2011/09/09/new-mexico-gov-susana-martinez-confirms-that-grandparents-were-undocumented/#ixzz1XYa9j5zt

Immigration offenses makes Latinos majority in federal prison

Immigration offenses are making Latinos the new majority in federal prisons, according to a government report analyzed by The Associated Press.
For the first time, Latinos make up more than half of all federal felony offenders sentenced so far this fiscal year, according to a report released by the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

http://www.ocregister.com/news/immigration-316316-program-latinos.html?nstrack=sid:2484512%7Cmet:102%7Ccat:3165555%7Corder:3

New Mexico Gov.Martinez: License Bill A ‘Gimmick’

SANTA FE – House Speaker Ben Lujan, D-Nambé, on Friday introduced what some Democrats are calling a compromise bill that would toughen requirements for foreign nationals who apply for New Mexico driver’s licenses but would not stop illegal immigrants from obtaining them. House Bill 22 would require foreign nationals and illegal immigrants to provide two forms of official photo identification, fingerprints and proof of at least six months of residency in New Mexico. Licenses would be issued for only two-year periods, rather than the regular options of four or eight.

http://www.abqjournal.com/main/2011/09/10/news/martine-zlicense-bill-a-gimmick.html

Estatus de la LEY HB-497...postergado hasta Septiembre

Por Mark Alvares:

El 10 de mayo del año 2011, el juez federal Clark Waddoups impuso una medida cautelar en contra de HB497, la ley de Utah que pretende asumir algunas responsabilidades federales sobre la inmigración. Se conoce como "Arizona Light" o "Enséñame los documentos." Se planeó una audiencia para discutir la ley en el juzgado el día 14 de julio de 2011. La oficina del fiscal general del estado (Mark Shurtleff) pidió una extensión de tiempo para preparar documentos en apoyo de HB 497. El juzgado federal ha aplazado la audiencia de hoy. Se ha concertado la próxima audiencia para las nueve de la mañana del día 2 de septiembre del año 2011.

 

On May 10, 2011, Federal Judge Clark Waddoups blocked the implementation of HB 497, a Utah immigration law that has been referred to as "Arizona Light" or "Show Me Your Papers." A court date for further argument was scheduled to take place on July 14, 2011. The Utah Attorney General's office asked for an extension of time to file documents in support of HB 497. The federal court has postponed the hearing scheduled to take place today. The hearing is now scheduled to take place at 9:00 am on September 2, 2011.

 

 

 

Former Draper Mormon leader deported

Draper • It looked like a life interrupted.

There were stacks of black trash bags on the porch next to a dining room table and chairs under the outdoor awning at this split-level home in Draper’s foothills.

On the table sat a pot partially filled with dried rice and tortilla chips. Roses in a vase rested on a windowsill.

CLICK HERE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/51998759-90/callejas-family-felix-immigration.html.csp

Mexico, 13 other nations say Utah illegal immigration law could strain diplomatic relations

The Utah bill and Arizona's SB1070 spurred "copycat" legislation in other states that, according to the brief, could result in a "dangerous patchwork" of inconsistent state immigration laws.
The Utah law requires police to verify the immigration status of people arrested for felonies and class A misdemeanors and those booked into jail on class B and class C misdemeanors. It also says officers may attempt to verify the status of someone detained for class B and class C misdemeanors.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705374152/Mexico-13-other-nations-say-Utah-illegal-immigration-law-could-strain-diplomatic-relations.html?pg=2

Pro-guest-worker group polls Republican delegates

Utah Republican state delegates were recently polled by a Washington, D.C.-based group seeking to defeat a resolution calling for repeal of a controversial guest-worker law at the state party’s convention next week.

American Principles in Action funded the poll, and its architect, Alfonso Aguilar, said his group has offered to make results available to any of the groups supporting HB116 — including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/51970268-90/aguilar-church-convention-delegates.html.csp

Immigration list suspects take plea deals, avoid jail

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - The women believed responsible for creating and sending a list of supposed illegal immigrants appeared in court Monday to accept plea deals that will keep both of them out of jail.

Teresa Bassett, also known as London Grace Wellington was charged with two 3rd Degree Felony Computer Crime counts, and accepted a plea deal, as ABC 4 reported she would ten days ago.
READ MORE: http://www.abc4.com/content/news/top_stories/story/UPDATE-Immigration-list-suspects-take-plea-deals/GLDc_NdlB0eEu-83T6xkJQ.cspx

'The List' suspects strike plea deals

Two ex-Department of Workforce Services employees suspected of creating "The List" of 1,300 allegedly illegal immigrants have struck plea bargains with prosecutors.

Teresa Bassett (who recently changed her name to London Grace Wellington), pleaded in Salt Lake City's 3rd District Court on Monday to a pair of third-degree felonies.

READ MORE: http://www.fox13now.com/news/local/kstu-the-list-suspects-to-plead-guilty-today-20110606,0,4797926.story

Woman Linked To Utah Immigrant List Pleads Guilty

MIDVALE, Utah (AP) - A Utah woman accused of inappropriately accessing the personal information of 1,300 purported illegal immigrants has pleaded guilty.

Leah Carson was charged with making a false statement by unemployment compensation agent, a misdemeanor. The 32-year-old was ordered Monday to serve probation for a year and pay a $440 fine

READ MORE: http://connect2utah.com/news-story/?nxd_id=150157

¿Marchamos por la reforma? Ven el sábado 6 de marzo a Centro Civico Mexicano

SALT LAKE CITY — Two former state employees pleaded guilty Monday in connection with the controversial case known as "the List," where the personal information of 1,300 supposed illegal immigrants was released to law enforcement agencies and the public.

Both women received probation for their crimes — sentences at least one Hispanic community leader said are way too lenient.

READ MORE: http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=15854443

Probation for former Utah employees who made ‘the list’

Midvale • Latino advocates on Monday condemned a deal that allowed two former state workers accused of compiling and distributing a list of allegedly undocumented immigrants to be charged, enter pleas, and sentenced on Monday.

Neither Leah D. Carson, 39, or Teresa Bassett, 59, will go to jail.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/51952737-78/bassett-carson-list-reed.html.csp

Sutherland Institute aims to resurrect failed illegal immigration reform bill

SALT LAKE CITY — A so-called "Utah solution" to illegal immigration has come under fire on several fronts. And now an organization that supported the guts of the plan wants to replace it with a measure the Utah Legislature dismissed with little consideration.

The Sutherland Institute on Thursday called Sen. Luz Robles' failed SB60 the "gold standard" of a state-based, comprehensive immigration policy. It proposes to replace controversial HB116 with the Salt Lake Democrat's bill, which stressed accountability.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705373786/Sutherland-Institute-aims-to-resurrect-failed-illegal-immigration-reform-bill.html

Hiring migrant workers a matter of survival for some Utah farms

PAYSON — McMullin Orchards puts out the "help wanted" sign each year for workers to prune its trees and harvest its fruit.

This past year, owner Robert McMullin had more takers than usual. "We actually had three or four or five applicants," said the third-generation farmer.

But, he said, none of them stuck. Some put in as little as two hours before deciding picking cherries or peaches in the hot summer sun wasn't for them.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705373590/Hiring-migrant-workers-a-matter-of-survival-for-some-Utah-farms.html

A Crackdown on Employing Illegal Workers

TUCSON — Obama administration officials are sharpening their crackdown on the hiring of illegal immigrants by focusing increasingly tough criminal charges on employers while moving away from criminal arrests of the workers themselves.       
After months of criticism from Republicans who said President Obama was relaxing immigration enforcement in workplaces, the scope of the administration’s strategy has become clear as long-running investigations of employers have culminated in indictments, convictions, exponentially increased fines and jail sentences.

READ MORE: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/30/us/politics/30raid.html

Sandstrom: New immigration law should be considered in special session

SALT LAKE CITY — A state lawmaker said Saturday that Utah needs to quickly pass its own version of an Arizona law intended to stop the hiring of illegal immigrants, now that it's been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.

"It's imperative now that Utah act," said Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem, warning that more undocumented workers will come to the state as a result of the court's decision to uphold the 2007 Arizona law penalizing employers who hire them.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705373539/Sandstrom-New-immigration-law-should-be-considered-in-special-session.html

EXCLUSIVE: Latino leader reacts to expected "List" charges

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Thursday night, ABC 4 News broke the story that charges were expected to be filed soon against main immigration “List” suspect Teresa Bassett.

Bassett (who has since legally changed her name to London Grace Wellington) is expected to be charged with multiple third degree felonies.

READ MORE: http://www.abc4.com/content/news/state/story/EXCLUSIVE-Latino-leader-reacts-to-expected-List/s3jH7g4Idk23iYmY8oHaUQ.cspx

EXCLUSIVE: Immigration "List" charges expected soon

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - ABC 4 News has learned criminal charges are expected to be filed within days against one of the women who allegedly created “The List” of suspected Utah illegal immigrants.

The woman formerly known as Teresa Bassett (she recently changed her name to London Grace Wellington) is now expected to appear in court within the next week or two.
READ MORE: http://www.abc4.com/content/news/state/story/EXCLUSIVE-Immigration-List-charges-expected-soon/JBwKotZIrkm9ZD-zDI8YZA.cspx

Suprema Corte avala Ley Arizona

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Una decisión de la Suprema Corte dio impulso ayer a las facultades de los estados para legislar en asuntos relacionados con inmigración. Es uno de los principales argumentos usados para defender la controversial legislación SB1070, ahora a las puertas del máximo tribunal.

Por un fallo de 5 contra 3, la Suprema Corte reafirmó el caso Cámara de Comercio versus Whiting, que permite la vigencia de la Ley de Trabajadores Legales de Arizona (LAWA). Esta autoriza el uso obligatorio de E-Verify y penaliza a negocios que contraten inmigrantes indocumentados.

LEER MAS: http://www.impre.com/laopinion/noticias/primera-pagina/2011/5/27/suprema-corte-avala-ley-arizon-257834-1.html#commentsBlock

Corte Suprema falló a favor de ley que castiga contrata ilegal en Arizona

El máximo tribunal de Justicia de Estados Unidos falló -por cinco votos a favor y tres en contra- a favor de una ley promulgada en 2008 que faculta al estado de Arizona sancionar a empresas que, a sabiendas, contraten a inmigrantes indocumentados.

La decisión judicial reavivó el debate migratorio y podría promover que otros estados o ciudades adopten sus propias medidas migratorias, entre ellos el propio Arizona con la promulgación de la polémica SB 1070, y recientes medidas similares adoptadas en Georgia, Indiana y Texas.

LEER MAS AQUI: http://noticias.univision.com/inmigracion/noticias/article/2011-05-26/corte-suprema-e-verify?ftloc=channel1486:wcmWidgetUimStage&ftpos=channel1486:wcmWidgetUimStage:1

U.S. Supreme Court ruling on immigration law could have impact on Utah

SALT LAKE CITY — A U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding an Arizona law that penalizes business for hiring illegal immigrants could put some weight behind a similar measure in Utah.

By a 5-3 vote, the court said Thursday that federal immigration law gives states the authority to impose sanctions on employers who hire undocumented workers. In so doing, it rejected arguments that states have no role in immigration matters.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705373417/US-Supreme-Court-ruling-on-immigration-law-could-have-impact-on-Utah.html

Supreme Court ruling could affect Utah immigration law

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling Thursday upholding Arizona’s law requiring businesses to use a federal employment verification program could be a precursor to validating at least a portion of Utah’s controversial guest worker bill passed earlier this year.

Utah’s law, HB116, has a similar provision that requires employers in the state to use E-verify, the federal database that allows employers to check the status of an employee.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/51892443-90/arizona-bill-businesses-fine.html.csp 

Utah Compact gains foothold in Arizona

The Utah Compact is serving as a template for some states grappling with immigration reform, but few places can boast the symbolic impact of what happened this week in Mesa, Ariz.

The seven-member Mesa Human Relations Advisory Board unanimously voted Wednesday to forward a version of it to the City Council. It is a notable moment, given Mesa is in the backyard of anti-immigration firebrand and Arizona state Senate President Russell Pearce.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/51892842-90/arizona-compact-council-district.html.csp

Judge puts Utah illegal immigration enforcement bill on hold

SALT LAKE CITY — A federal judge Tuesday put Utah's new enforcement-only immigration law on ice.
That means police throughout the state, for now, may not ask people arrested for felonies and class A misdemeanors and those booked into jail on class B and class C misdemeanors about their status in the country as outlined in HB497.

U.S. District Judge Clark Waddoups made the temporary restraining order effective until he orders otherwise. The bill was to become law Tuesday.


READ MORE: http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=15482818

Hearing On Hours-Old Utah Immigration Law

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A federal judge is hearing arguments Tuesday to decide whether to block a new Utah immigration law that lets police check the citizenship status of anyone they arrest.

U.S. District Judge Clark Waddoups is set holding a hearing on the matter in Salt Lake City hours after the law goes into effect.

Two civil rights groups sued to stop the law and want an injunction.
READ MORE: http://connect2utah.com/news-story/?nxd_id=145727

Federal judge blocks Utah law targeting illegal immigration

Utah’s enforcement-only immigration law was on the books for less than 15 hours before a federal judge blocked it from being enforced Tuesday afternoon during a hearing that took less than an hour.

U.S. District Judge Clark Waddoups issued the temporary restraining order after the lawyer for the state couldn’t argue that there wouldn’t be “irreparable harm” to people if the law remained in effect.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/51788264-78/law-utah-arizona-immigration.html.csp

Utah’s immigration bill to get day in court

A federal judge will hear arguments Tuesday whether Utah’s enforcement-only immigration bill should be enforced or be set aside because civil rights groups believe it violates the U.S. Constitution.

The law, HB497, is slated to take effect at midnight — meaning it will be enforceable for as long as there is no ruling on the case. Both the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Law Center had attempted to reach an agreement with Attorney General Mark Shurtleff on Monday to delay the law’s start until after the court hearing, but those talks were unsuccessful.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/51780128-90/court-effect-enforcement-federal.html.csp 

Immigration: LDS Church has duty to protect missionaries

As the angst continues to swirl within Utah Republican circles over the LDS Church’s increasingly apparent support of the Legislature’s package of immigration bills that includes a guest-worker provision, there is an elephant-in-the-room component that everyone seems to be missing.

The LDS Church has as big a stake in this debate as any institution or association. Therefore, despite those who cry foul over the church’s support of more humanitarian solutions than an Arizona-style enforcement-only law, church officials and lobbyists not only had a right to get involved at the legislative level, it had an obligation to do so.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/51758464-82/church-latin-lds-missionaries.html.csp

Arizona law: Buyer’s remorse?

Mesa, Ariz • Fernando Hernandez feels weary on a Sunday morning as he sits alone in his office in this suburb connected to Phoenix by car-clogged freeways and seemingly endless rows of empty strip malls.

Last year, about 600 clients paid for his tax preparation services and he employed four people to help with the onslaught. The day before the filing deadline, he and his staff worked until nearly midnight.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/51753443-90/pearce-arizona-says-law.html.csp

McEntee: Immigration lawsuit will be costly but necessary

Milton Ivan Salazar-Gomez has lived in Utah since his parents brought him here when he was 10 months old. His two children are U.S. citizens. And he’s afraid he’ll be busted by a police officer who won’t know the feds have cleared him, not to be a citizen, but to be here legally. For now.

Salazar-Gomez is one of five individual plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed this week to stop a new law from forcing police officers to take on a job that rightly belongs to federal agents — spotting and busting people in the country illegally.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/51752703-90/immigration-utah-law-cops.html.csp

SLC-area mayors urged to make immigration an economic issue

South Salt Lake • Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and an adviser to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg asked mayors Wednesday to help refocus the debate and show how fixing immigration could boost the economy and create jobs.

“The immigration issue really is an economic issue,” Shurtleff told a Utah League of Cities and Towns forum attended mostly by area mayors. That’s partly because the economy still depends heavily on labor by undocumented workers, he said, and ways must be found to fill that need within the rule of law.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/51752582-90/immigration-utah-economy-issue.html.csp

'Smart' immigration reform would create more American jobs, speaker says

SALT LAKE CITY — Smart immigration reform would lead to more American jobs.
That's the message Jeremy Robbins, policy adviser to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, left with Utah political and business leaders Wednesday. It's a notion, he said, that is lost in the debate about how to fix a broken immigration system.
"Immigration reform is an economic imperative," he said. "The story is immigrants create jobs. Millions of Americans have jobs today because of immigrants."

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705372023/Smart-immigration-reform-would-create-more-American-jobs-speaker-says.html

Utah sued by ACLU over illegal immigration enforcement law

SALT LAKE CITY — Alicia Cervantes fears Utah's new illegal immigration enforcement law will subject her to police questioning because she is Latina.

A U.S. citizen born in Utah, Cervantes also believes the passage of HB497 has already led to anti-immigrant sentiment in the state. Recently, her daughter's classmates have said things such as "Send the Mexicans home."

READ MORE: http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=15394129

NILC and ACLU File Lawsuit Challenging Utah “Show Me Your Papers” Law

HERE IS THE LINK FOR THE LAWSUIT THAT WAS FILED TODAY AGAINST HB-497

http://www.nilc.org/immlawpolicy/LocalLaw/UCLR-v-Herbert-complaint-2011-05-03.pdf

NILC and ACLU File Lawsuit Challenging Utah “Show Me Your Papers” Law

SALT LAKE CITY — The National Immigration Law Center (NILC), the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Utah, and the law firm of Munger, Tolles & Olsen filed a class action lawsuit today charging that Utah’s recently passed law, HB 497, like Arizona’s notorious SB 1070, authorizes police to demand “papers” demonstrating citizenship or immigration status during traffic stops, invites racial profiling of Latinos and others who appear “foreign” to an officer, and interferes with federal law.

READ MORE: http://www.nilc.org/pubs/news-releases/nr062.htm 

ACLU, others sue to block Utah immigration law

Several local and national civil rights groups filed a lawsuit against Utah’s enforcement-only immigration law Tuesday — just days before it is scheduled to go into effect — calling it “unconstitutional” and an open pathway to racial profiling.

The American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Law Center were joined by Archie Archuletta, a member of the Utah Coalition of La Raza, in filing the suit in federal district court against Gov. Gary Herbert and Attorney General Mark Shurtleff.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/51742041-90/aclu-archuletta-attorney-check.html.csp

ACLU files lawsuit against Utah illegal immigration enforcement law

SALT LAKE CITY — The ACLU has filed a class-action lawsuit against what it calls Utah's "show me your papers" illegal immigration enforcement law the Legislature passed earlier this year.

In addition to the national and local chapters of the ACLU, the National Immigration Law Center claim HB497 authorizes police to demand papers proving citizenship or immigration status during traffic stops. They contend the law invites racial profiling of Latinos and other who appear "foreign" to police officers.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705371907/ACLU-files-lawsuit-against-Utah-illegal-immigration-enforcement-law.html

Immigration officials may deport Mormon branch president and family

DRAPER — A local leader of an LDS Church Spanish-speaking congregation who faces deportation unwittingly finds himself in the sights of Latino activists looking to further their position in the ongoing illegal immigration debate.

Immigrations agents arrested Felix Joaquin Callejas-Hernandez, his wife and two teenage children April 19 and they all now face deportation to their native El Salvador. Callejas served as president of the Eastridge 9th Branch in Draper until his release last week.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705371685/Immigration-officials-may-deport-Mormon-branch-president-and-family.html

LDS leader’s arrest puts spotlight on immigration stand

A local Mormon leader is being held in a Utah County jail awaiting deportation after federal authorities arrested him and his family nearly two weeks ago for being in the country illegally.

Felix Callejas, an LDS branch president in Draper, oversaw a congregation of about 100 and was picked up by U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) agents April 19 after a failed attempt to obtain legal asylum from his native country of El Salvador.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/51721061-90/according-arrested-awaiting-branch.html.csp

Some LDS conservatives now at odds with their church

For decades, Mormon conservatives have believed their politics on a number of issues matched with the positions of their church. They opposed abortion, the Equal Rights Amendment and same-sex marriage, for example, and so did their religion.

But now comes an issue that puts the two seemingly at odds: immigration.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/51716530-78/church-says-lds-immigration.html.csp

Immigration and rule of law

The "rule of law" is a fastidious thing. To the extent that enacted laws and their enforcement reflect the principles of the rule of law, each individual enjoys a set of shared expectations and due process which allow him to reasonably predict the outcome of his actions. These principles are a large reason why western democracies have flourished structurally and economically, and are arguably the best things to emerge from the Enlightenment. At the same time, it's terribly easy to misrepresent them for parochial political gain.

READ MORE: http://www.heraldextra.com/news/opinion/article_0638ab63-2e11-5a2d-ba20-a32b0d2ec00f.html

Nuevas leyes de inmigración de Utah se explicarán en junta

Varias organizaciones de apoyo al inmigrante están poniendo sobre aviso a la comunidad sobre la aplicación de algunas leyes de reforma migratoria aprobadas este año en la Legislatura de Utah.

Conocidas en conjunto como la “Solución de Utah”, las cuatro leyes de inmigración fueron firmadas por el Gobernador Gary Herbert el 15 de marzo. Estas incluyen las propuestas HB116, HB466, HB469 y HB497.

LEER MAS: http://www.ahorautah.com/ahorautah/home/51689831-160/que-las-utah-inmigración.html.csp?page=1

Rolly: Selective prohibitions of LDS Church lobbying

The rant posted this week against the LDS Church’s support of the guest-worker bill passed by the Utah Legislature comes from a conservative group of mostly Mormons who seem incensed by any notion the church lobbied for immigration bills.

Read More: http://m.sltrib.com/sltrib/db_22794/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=xqtyM8xE&src=cat

El liderazgo mormón reitera su respaldo a la reforma migratoria, pero sin amnistía

Denver, 20 abr (EFE).- La iglesia mormona de Utah ha reiterado su respaldo a la reforma migratoria, siempre y cuando no suponga una amnistía ni un camino a la ciudadanía, tras una controversia acerca de su postura frente a la inmigración indocumentada.

Por medio de un comunicado emitido el martes por el Departamentos de Asuntos Públicos, los dirigentes de la Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días indican que "la iglesia ha hablado en numerosas ocasiones sobre el tema de la inmigración".

LEER MAS: http://www.google.com/hostednews/epa/article/ALeqM5hyKaUB9SfHg4j8h12UjdGDn8TKjg?docId=1514302

Mormon church reiterates support for Utah immigration bills, including HB116

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints posted a response on its website Tuesday to questions about its position on immigration, reiterating the church's appreciation for the passage of a package of immigration reform bills in Utah, including one that would give undocumented immigrants the right to work in the state.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700128720/Mormon-church-reiterates-support-for-Utah-immigration-bills-including-HB116.html

Congressman urges lawsuit on Utah immigration law

SALT LAKE CITY — The Texas congressman who heads the U.S. House Judiciary Committee has accused the Justice Department of being "hypocritical" for not pursuing legal action against a Utah law approving a guest worker program for illegal immigrants.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700128824/Congressman-urges-lawsuit-on-Utah-immigration-law.html

Amid questions, controversy LDS Church repeats its immigration stance

Amid a steady trickle of questions from LDS members and a swelling stream of political criticism of a state guest-worker law, the church is repeating its support of the Utah Compact, and it again described immigration laws enacted by Utah’s governor and Legislature as “a responsible approach.”

The statement, posted Tuesday on the church’s official website, came in response to “three or four calls a day [from members] … asking for the [LDS] church’s position on immigration,” said spokesman Scott Trotter. “The information is meant to reiterate what we’ve already said multiple times, rather than serve as a new statement on the topic.”

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/51664127-78/bills-church-illegal-immigration.html.csp 

Utah’s Wester attends White House immigration meeting

Washington • A Utah-born, common-ground approach to fixing America’s broken immigration system was part of a White House discussion Tuesday and may serve as a model in moving the dicey debate forward.

John Wester, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City and an architect of the Utah Compact, was one of the leaders invited to the meeting that included President Barack Obama and a bevy of Cabinet heads.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/51658822-90/compact-federal-immigrants-immigration.html.csp

Rolly: Some GOP delegates don’t buy LDS position on immigration

LDS Church leaders to Republican delegates: What part of “we support the guest-worker bill” do you not understand?

Actually, the LDS Church has not responded to the immigration-reform issue with that kind of in-your-face demeanor.

That’s just me.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/51656721-90/church-county-lake-republican.html.csp

Latino group to states: Copy Utah Compact, not its laws

At the one-year anniversary of the enactment of Arizona’s controversial immigration law, a group trying to head off similar laws elsewhere encouraged states to copy the Utah Compact — but not to imitate the package of bills actually passed by the Utah Legislature, which it says are unconstitutional.

“Thanks to the effort of political, faith and business leaders, the debate in Utah was positive and constructive. Unfortunately, the outcome was not. The laws passed by Utah are flawed and unconstitutional,” said Janet Murguía, president and CEO of the National Council of La Raza, a Latino advocacy group.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/51664946-90/arizona-compact-debate-enforcement.html.csp

Hispanic Media Attack Obama

Jorge Ramos attacks President Obama on immigration.

WATCH VIDEO HERE: http://www.politico.com/politico44/perm/0411/unusual_meeting_46015bdc-54d9-4f69-a2d8-999538f4c909.html

Pres. Obama vows again on immigration

President Obama told about 70 community and religious leaders on Tuesday that he hasn’t given up on immigration.

According to Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti, Obama made a “compelling case” in a meeting at the White House that he was still committed to changing the immigration system, despite his failure to move legislation in either body of Congress in the last two years.
WATCH VIDEO: http://www.politico.com/politico44/perm/0411/unusual_meeting_46015bdc-54d9-4f69-a2d8-999538f4c909.html

Arizona Mormons divided on immigration

Arizona LDS lawmaker, Russell Pearce, and other Mormons like to quote the LDS Church's 12th Article of Faith about the importance of “obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law” to defend stringent immigration enforcement laws.

But such opponents of undocumented immigrants, says Phoenix commercial trial lawyer Daryl Williams, disregard other Mormon scriptures that urge followers to embrace laws, only when they are good.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsfaithblog/51650158-180/williams-lds-pearce-church.html.csp

Is Utah on pace to become first sanctuary state?

Does the average legal Utah resident want their state to become the first in the country offering sanctuary and a guest worker program for illegal aliens? Were our citizens even consulted about this important legislation recently passed by our lawmakers and signed by Gov. Gary Herbert?

READ MORE: http://www.thespectrum.com/article/20110418/OPINION/104180308

Exigen destitución de cónsul honorario de Perú en Utah

Un grupo de ciudadanos peruanos redactó una carta en la que solicita que el Cónsul Honorario de Perú en Utah David Utrilla sea destituido inmediatamente del cargo o que renuncie por iniciativa propia.

Tony Yapias, director del Proyecto Latino y de nacionalidad peruana, dijo que la carta fue enviada por correo electrónico al Cónsul General de Perú en Denver Guido Loayza Devéscovi. Los argumentos mencionados en el documento apuntan a una atención ineficiente por parte del consulado y a que ésta debería ser realizada únicamente por ciudadanos peruanos.

LEER MAS AQUI: http://www.ahorautah.com/ahorautah/home/51607317-160/que-consulado-por-utah.html.csp 

Liberal immigration activists seek to mirror Utah Compact for national application

Utah leaders — including government, education, business and religious groups — came together last fall to draft a set of principles to guide the immigration debate in the state. Those guidelines, known as the Utah Compact, state in part that illegal immigrants are essential to the economy and deserving of respect.

The recommendations are credited with helping pass immigration changes last month in the Utah Legislature that included enforcement revisions and a guest worker program.

READ MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/immigration-reform-advocates-mirroring-principles-of-utah-compact-in-other-states-nationally/2011/04/09/AFnoB88C_story.html

Utah Compact provides starting point for Congress

Immigration reform has produced political gridlock in Congress and is becoming an obstacle to long-term economic resurgence. Instead of realizing the benefits of an imperfect but best achievable solution, the issue has become increasingly divisive as both sides dig in deeper.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700125632/Utah-Compact-provides-starting-point-for-Congress.html

sltrib: Utah Compact

Can the Utah Compact become America’s Compact? We hope so.

Utah leaders have said almost from the beginning that their goal in passing a package of immigration reform bills in the recently concluded legislative session was to create a model for national reform. They hope that the new Utah laws put pressure on Congress to act.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/51592085-82/utah-compact-immigration-reform.html.csp

Illegal immigration bills not in accord with Utah Compact, Bishop Wester says

SALT LAKE CITY — A driving force behind the Utah Compact skipped the governor's signing ceremony for the controversial illegal immigration bills the state Legislature passed this year.
While commending lawmakers and Gov. Gary Herbert for recognizing the value of immigrant workers and families, The Most Rev. John C. Wester said their political strategy poses severe risks for that "vulnerable" population.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705370274/Illegal-immigration-bills-not-in-accord-with-Utah-Compact-Bishop-Wester-says.html

KSL-TV: Bishop Wester: Illegal immigration bills not in accord with Utah Compact

SALT LAKE CITY — A driving force behind the Utah Compact skipped the governor's signing ceremony for the controversial illegal immigration bills the state Legislature passed this year.

While commending lawmakers and Gov. Gary Herbert for recognizing the value of immigrant workers and families, The Most Rev. John C. Wester said their political strategy poses severe risks for that "vulnerable" population.

Wester, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, takes issue with the state passing laws before seeking the federal approval needed to put them into practice.

SEE VIDEO: http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=15069806

Supporters push for national version of Utah Compact

A national version of the Utah Compact is largely written, and key officials are aiming for a signing ceremony this summer in Washington, D.C., to propel discussions on immigration reform solutions.

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff said Tuesday the so-called “America’s Compact” aligns closely with the Utah Compact, a document signed in November that outlines humane guidelines for immigration reform while acknowledging the federal government’s authority to solve the divisive issue.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/51569783-90/america-approach-compact-enforcement.html.csp

Utah immigration plan a good starting place for national compromise

Immigration reform is on hold indefinitely because of a stalemate, exorbitant costs and constitutional restrictions.

Republicans in Congress will not introduce immigration reform because the Democratic-controlled Senate and the president will stop it. The Democrats will not introduce reform because the Republican-controlled House will not fund it.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/51540512-82/illegal-immigration-budget-immigrants.html.csp 

Utah Immigration: Friendly fire

A group of Utah Republicans has launched an online petition drive urging the Legislature to repeal the state’s new guest worker law. We agree that the law never should have been enacted and should be repealed, but we disagree on the reasons.

The petitioners are right that the new guest worker law is unconstitutional. Only Congress, not the state of Utah, can pass immigration laws. If each state attempted to create its own immigration system, chaos would result. For that reason, the new Utah law should be repealed.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/51540983-82/law-utah-immigration-guest.html.csp 

New Utah law shows disdain for immigrants

As I mentioned in a previous column, I understand the efforts of Governor Gary Herbert and some legislators to pass more humane immigration-related legislation during the 2011 Utah Legislative session. However, when states get involved in federal immigration questions, it typically makes matters worse and Utah's H.B. 497 Utah Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act is no exception.
READ MORE: http://www.icatholic.org/article/new-utah-law-shows-disdain-for-immigrants-7581064