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Critics: Federal Employee Verification System Would Cripple SSA
Forcing companies to use a government system to verify the legal status of workers would cause thousands of citizens and legal residents to be initially rejected for work and cripple the Social Security Administration, critics told Congress Tuesday. Countries Refuse to Take Back Thousands of Illegal Immigrants The United States is facing a major obstacle in its efforts to deport thousands of illegal immigrants, including many convicted felons: their home countries don't want them back. Study: Fewer Immigrants Sending Money Home Regularly Fewer immigrants from Latin America are regularly sending money to their home countries because of the slumping U.S. economy and a growing "anti-immigrant" climate, a survey released Wednesday found. GOP, Democratic Senators Assail Real I.D. Senators from both sides of the aisle assailed the REAL I.D. Act Tuesday as a gigantic unfunded mandate for states and an affront to the privacy of Americans. Feds Receive Record Number of Applications for High-Tech Visas Requests for H-1B visas reached an all-time high this year, with nearly 163,000 applications received in five days, federal officials said Thursday. Chertoff Defends Immigration Raids, Detentions Homeland Secretary Michael Chertoff on Wednesday defended the administration's treatment of legal and illegal immigrants during workplace raids and at detention facilities. Senators Blast Chertoff on Citizenship Delays Democratic senators blasted the nation's top homeland security official Wednesday for a backlog in citizenship applications that could keep hundreds of thousands from voting in the 2008 election. Lawmakers Push for Seasonal Immigrant Visas GOP lawmakers said Tuesday they would try to force a bill to the House floor to increase seasonal visas for foreign workers. Immigration Fades in Presidential Race, Could Emerge in Congressional Contests A few months ago, GOP presidential hopefuls were trying to prove who was tougher on illegal immigrants and Democrats were debating whether to give them driver's licenses. Critics Bash Federal Employee Verification System Forcing U.S. companies to use a government system to verify the legal status of employees would result in hundreds of thousands of citizens and legal residents being initially rejected for work, critics said Tuesday. Socialist Policies Spur Venezuelans to Leave Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and his dream of "21st Century socialism" have spurred thousands to leave the South American nation, slowly creating a middle- and upper-class diaspora in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere. Democrats, Republicans Push Immigration Enforcement Bills Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are pushing bills that crack down on illegal immigration, keeping the issue alive in Congress during a volatile election year. Chertoff Defends Immigration Raids, Detentions Homeland Secretary Michael Chertoff on Wednesday defended the administration's treatment of legal and illegal immigrants during workplace raids and at detention facilities. ProAmerica Web Site to Shut Down A Web site that allowed companies to post a pledge not to hire illegal immigrants is shutting down Friday because of a lack of financial support. Latinos Hit Hard by Mortgage Crisis The Latino community has been hit hard by the sub-prime mortgage crisis and the situation could get worse, the president of a Hispanic civil rights group told Congress on Thursday. Government to Increase Fines for Businesses That Hire Illegal Immigrants The government said Friday it will soon increase fines against employers who hire illegal immigrants by 25 percent, the first hike in almost a decade. Some Conservatives Angry at McCain Hispanic Outreach Adviser Sen. John McCain appears to be mending many fences with conservatives lately, but groups that advocate stronger immigration controls are still angry about policies that he's supported. Teen U.S. Citizen Terrified at Immigration Raid Marie Justeen Mancha, an American citizen and high school student from Reidsville, Ga., told lawmakers Wednesday that she was terrified when four federal agents stormed into her house, screaming, "Police! Illegals!" Immigration Projected to Drive U.S. Population Growth to 438 Million in 2050 The U.S. population will reach 438 million in 2050, with 82 percent of the growth coming from immigrants and their U.S.-born descendants, a study released Monday projected. Clinton Holds Big Advantage with Latino Voters Sen. Hillary Clinton made an impressive showing with Latino voters on Super Tuesday, giving her strong support in New York, New Jersey and New Mexico and helping to deliver to her the grand prize of California, despite a strong push by Sen. Barack Obama to woo Latino voters in that delegate-rich state. Should the United States Mandate 'Integration' Courses? In Germany, many immigrants must pass a 600-hour language course and another 30 hours on the country's legal system, culture and history. Hispanic Group Asks Cable TV to Stop 'Hate Speech' A Hispanic civil rights organization on Thursday called on the nation's largest cable news channels to stop "parroting hate speech" and "demonizing the Hispanic community." Mini 'Telenovelas' Support Obama Supporters of Sen. Barack Obama, who has had trouble attracting Latino voters, have embraced a traditional Hispanic form of entertainment to push their candidate — telenovelas. GOP Candidates Talk Tough on Learning English, Advertise in Spanish GOP presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani garners screaming applause when he says that immigrants must learn to read, write and speak English to become U.S. citizens. Group Launches 'Lou Dobbs for President' Site A group that seeks stronger immigration controls launched a Web site Wednesday that could be used to try to draft CNN anchor Lou Dobbs to be a presidential candidate. Should Mexico Get More Green Cards? In 2006, the United States issued about 2,500 permanent immigrant visas for low-skilled workers. Mexico got 418. GOP Candidates on Immigration Immigration has emerged as an important issue in the Republican presidential primary, and some candidates have shifted policies since running for the Oval Office. Here is a look at where the GOP candidates stand on immigration now, and where they stood earlier. Spanish-Language Network to Launch 'Survival English' Program Azteca America, a Spanish-language network with 61 affiliate stations in the United States, is embarking on a nationwide quest: to teach English. Report: Latinos Feeling a Chill Because of Immigration Debate More than half of U.S. Latinos — including citizens, legal residents and illegal immigrants — worry about being deported themselves or seeing a family member or close friend kicked out of the country, a report released Thursday found. Immigration Ads a Staple in Presidential Primary One features the bloody victims of Central American gang violence. Another warns that 800,000 foreigners are crossing the border every year. And another denounces driver's licenses for illegal immigrants. Huckabee Releases New Plan on Immigration Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who is charming his way into conservative hearts in his quest for the GOP presidential nomination, may have a major problem: immigration. Prospects Fading for More H-1B Visas With little time left in the Congressional calendar, high tech companies are scrambling to get an increase in H-1B visas this year, but the prospects are fading. Richardson Brings Two Cultures to the Presidential Race "I'm from Mexico." Hispanics Become Dominant in English in One Generation, Study Finds Nearly all Hispanic adults born in the United States of immigrant parents are fluent in English, a report released Thursday found. Lott Leaving Congress, Sets Off Scramble for Leadership Posts Sen. Trent Lott of Mississippi, the number two Republican in the Senate, announced Monday that he is resigning by the end of the year, setting off a scramble for leadership posts that could benefit the Texas delegation. Businesses Pledge on Web Site Not to Hire Illegal Immigrants Earlier this year, Dallas lawyer David Marlett wanted to hire a contractor to paint his house, but only one with legal employees. Tancredo Talks Tough on Immigration, Riles Powerful People Rep. Tom Tancredo likes a good fight. 'Amero' Coin for North America Not Likely, Economists Say; Still Fuels Conspiracy Theories Former Mexican president Vicente Fox predicted recently that all countries in the Americas would eventually have a common currency, much like European nations now have the Euro. Should Noncitizens Be Allowed to Vote? Should noncitizens be allowed to vote? Study: Children Suffer Hardship, Mental Health Problems after Immigration Raids Children of various ages have suffered long-term economic hardships and psychological damage after federal immigration raids over the past year, a study released Wednesday found. Immigrants Lose Attachment to Home Country over Time Recently arrived Latino immigrants maintain strong ties to their home countries, but the bonds fade with time as they become more attached to the United States, a study released Thursday found. Senate Kills Measure to Help Illegal Immigrant Students The Senate defeated a controversial measure on Wednesday that would have given thousands of young illegal immigrants a path to citizenship if they attended college or joined the military. Senate to Vote on Measure to Help Illegal Immigrant Students A controversial measure that would allow young illegal immigrants to stay in the United States if they attend college or join the military will face a critical vote Wednesday. Should the Census Bureau Count Illegal Immigrants? Texas, Florida and Arizona each stand to gain an extra congressional seat in the next Census count because of their large illegal immigrant populations, according to a recent study. Conversely, states like Ohio, Michigan and Missouri could each lose a seat because they have fewer illegal immigrants. Latino Politicians with Anglo Names Face Challenge Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico is facing a challenge in his presidential bid: convincing voters he is Hispanic. GOP Lawmakers Ask Mukasey for Unbiased Review of Border Agents Case Forty-seven GOP House members urged attorney general-nominee Michael Mukasey on Tuesday, if he is confirmed, to conduct an "unbiased review" of the case of two former Border Patrol agents convicted of shooting an unarmed man and trying to cover it up. Illegal Immigrant Numbers Elusive How many illegal immigrants are there in the United States? Depends on who you ask and when you ask it. Hundreds of Illegal Immigrants Arrested in Summer 'Surge' against Immigrant Gangs A four-month nationwide "enforcement surge" against immigrant gangs netted more than 1,300 arrests in 23 cities, federal officials said Tuesday. Telemundo Launches Nationwide Citizenship Drive The Spanish-language television network Telemundo launched a nationwide voter registration drive Wednesday to encourage Hispanics to vote in the 2008 election. SCHIP Veto Could Hurt Republicans with Hispanic Voters President Bush's veto Wednesday of a children's insurance measure could hurt many poor Hispanics and further erode Latino support for the GOP, political experts and liberal activists said. Student Immigration Bill Hits Setback The Senate will not vote on legislation this week that would give thousands of young illegal immigrants a path to citizenship if they attend college or join the military. U.S. Unveils New Citizenship Test Do you know the name of the current speaker of the House? Or why the United States flag has 13 stripes? Or the role of the president's cabinet? Photo System Unveiled to Catch Illegal Immigrant Workers Businesses, facing a government crackdown on hiring illegal immigrants, now have one more tool to help them verify a worker's status. Proponents Say 'Dream Act' Could Replenish Military The U.S. military — facing recruitment challenges and a continuing war in Iraq — could benefit greatly from a measure that would give illegal immigrant high school students a path to citizenship, proponents say. Senate to Take Up Measure to Help Illegal Immigrant Students With a Senate vote looming, a group of illegal immigrant students asked lawmakers on Wednesday to approve a measure that would give them a path to citizenship if they attended college or joined the military. U.S. Courts Strike Down Immigration Ordinances Cities and groups trying to crack down on illegal immigration are finding an obstacle to their efforts — U.S. courts. Hispanics Often Victims of Predatory Lending Hispanic home buyers are often steered into mortgages with high interest rates even though they qualify for more affordable loans, a report released Wednesday found. A New Willie Horton? An illegal immigrant with a criminal history, arrested in connection to the brutal slayings of three college students in Newark, N.J., has become a poster boy for groups seeking stronger immigration controls. Hispanic Immigrants Earn More Money Recently arrived Hispanic immigrants are earning more money than they did about a decade ago, according to a study released Tuesday. Immigration Big on GOP Campaign Trail Immigration forced its way to the forefront of the Republican presidential primary campaign last week, and experts say it is likely to stay there. Gingrich: Young Americans 'Massacred' by Illegal Immigrants Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Tuesday he is "sickened" that President Bush and Congress went on vacation "while young Americans in our cities are massacred" by illegal immigrants. Companies That Hire Illegal Immigrants Face Crackdown The Bush administration on Friday announced a broad crackdown on illegal immigration, including increased fines or criminal prosecution for companies that hire illegal workers. Congressman Assails Prosecutor in Border Patrol Case Lawmakers said Tuesday that a U.S. attorney from Texas is engaged in an "alarming pattern" of defending the rights of illegal immigrants over those of U.S. law enforcement officers. Lawmakers Think Outside the Box to Free Border Agents Members of Congress have devised an interesting mix of strategies in an effort to free two former Border Patrol agents serving long sentences for shooting a Mexican drug smuggler and trying to cover it up. Senate Passes an Extra $3 Billion for Border Security The Senate approved an additional $3 billion Thursday to beef-up security on the U.S.-Mexico border with more agents, fencing, radars and cameras. Immigrant Economic Progress Slowing The economic progress of immigrants in the United States is slowing, a trend that does not bode well for future generations, a study released Wednesday says. Senators Ask Bush to Commute Sentence for Border Agents Two members of the Senate Judiciary Committee urged President Bush Wednesday to commute prison sentences for a pair of former Border Patrol agents convicted of shooting an unarmed man and trying to cover it up. U.S. Attorney Defends Prosecution of Border Agents U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton from San Antonio on Tuesday fiercely defended the prosecution of two former Border Patrol agents in a case that has become a cause celebre among conservatives and groups advocating for tougher border controls. Spanish Language More Evident in This Presidential Campaign With a record number of Latinos eligible to vote in 2008, presidential hopefuls are increasingly going bilingual. Democrats Promise Immigration Reform; No More Fences Two days after a major immigration overhaul died in the Senate, Democratic presidential candidates vowed if elected to push through legislation that would protect workers and give unlawful immigrants a path to citizenship. Early Primaries Could Boost Influence of Latino Voters The rush by many states to have early primaries could give Latino voters an unprecedented opportunity to help pick the next president. Immigration Bill Likely Dead for the Year The Senate dealt what is likely a fatal blow to a White-House backed immigration bill Thursday, handing President Bush a stinging defeat and putting off action on a major domestic problem. Immigration Bill Survives Challenges A fragile immigration compromise survived several challenges Wednesday, as opponents complained that their voices were stifled. Univision Citizenship Drive Could Influence Election The Univision network, known for its romantic telenovelas and kooky variety shows, could have a major impact on the 2008 presidential election. Immigration Bill Survives Crucial Vote An effort to overhaul the nation's immigration laws survived a crucial vote in the Senate Tuesday, but challenges remain for the controversial legislation. Cornyn: Immigration Bill Presents 'an Actual Danger' Texas Sen. John Cornyn said on Monday that a White House-backed immigration measure presents "an actual danger to our nation." Opponents Vow to Stop Immigration Bill Lawmakers who oppose a Senate immigration measure said Thursday they would "use every procedural tool" to stop the legislation. Bush Urges Hispanics to Push Immigration Bill President Bush urged Hispanics on Friday to lobby hard for a major immigration bill, a day after it was revived in the Senate. Major Immigration Bill Revived Senators revived a major immigration bill Thursday after agreeing on a list of amendments that would be debated and voted on as soon as next week. Bush Lobbies for Stalled Immigration Bill President Bush made a rare appearance on Capitol Hill Tuesday hoping to shore up GOP support for a stalled immigration measure. Proponents Say Immigration Bill Has a Pulse Proponents of a Senate immigration bill said Friday that the measure was still alive even after it was pulled from the Senate floor amid a partisan standoff. Immigration Bill Nearly Dies in Senate A major effort to overhaul the nation's immigration laws received a potentially fatal blow Thursday night when senators voted against limiting debate on the measure. Senate Makes English Official Language of the United States Senators voted late Wednesday to make English the nation's official language as they headed for a showdown on a major immigration bill. Businesses Not Happy with Long-Awaited Immigration Billl U.S. businesses lobbied aggressively for an immigration bill that would give millions of illegal immigrants a path to citizenship and create a guest worker program. Businesses in Georgia Join Forces on Immigration "We need workers." Senate Immigration Bill Withstands Challenges A fragile immigration agreement narrowly withstood two challenges Thursday that proponents said would have undermined the bill. Sen. Martinez the Man in the Middle on Immigration Sen. Mel Martinez is the man in the middle on one of the most explosive issues in Congress: immigration. Cornyn Offers Amendment to Immigration Bill The White House is mounting a full-court press on the immigration overhaul bill. But Sen. John Cornyn doesn't like it — so far. GOP Senators Decry Immigration Bill as Debate Begins Several Republican senators decried a White House-backed immigration bill Monday, saying that it rewards people for breaking the law and is being rushed through the chamber without proper scrutiny. Businesses throughout U.S. Join Forces on Immigration "We need workers." Senators Reach Deal on Immigration Overhaul Democratic and Republican senators reached an agreement Thursday on legislation that could dramatically change the nation's immigration laws and give millions of illegal immigrants a chance at citizenship. Bush Optimistic on Immigration Bill; Negotiations Continue President Bush said Wednesday he is optimistic that Congress will pass a bill to overhaul immigration, as lawmakers continued negotiations on the measure. Hispanic Lobbyists Join Forces, Seek Greater Influence K-street is in dire need of more Latinos. Most H-1B Companies Not Required to Look for U.S. Workers A vast majority of companies that hire foreign workers through the H-1B visa program do not have to prove — or even declare — that they have searched for American workers first. Democrats Force Immigration Debate In an effort to force a debate on immigration next week, Senate Democrats announced Wednesday that they will introduce a bill from last year that would give most illegal immigrants a chance at citizenship. Georgia Lawmaker Calls for Limiting 'Chain Migration' The United States should stop legal immigrants from bringing extended family to the country and focus instead on importing high-skilled workers, Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga., told a House panel Tuesday. 'Touch Back' Provision Key to Immigration Debate Some call it "self deport" or "report to deport." Regardless of the moniker, provisions in measures before Congress that require illegal immigrants to leave the United States in order to return as guest workers or legal residents are at the crux of the immigration debate. Immigration Marches Planned in Several Cities As Congress prepares to tackle a major immigration bill, immigrants and their supporters will take to the streets Tuesday urging lawmakers to allow millions of undocumented workers to stay in the United States. Hispanics Embracing 'Charismatic' Worship, Latino Churches U.S. Latinos are increasingly turning to "charismatic" forms of Christianity in a trend that will transform the nation's religious landscape and could change the political scene as well, a study says. |
Eunice Moscoso Eunice Moscoso began her newspaper career in 1995 as a general assignment reporter for the Austin American-Statesman. In Austin, she was part of a reporting team that won first prize in the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors' Awards in the community service category. The winning series exposed the severity of environmental problems that threaten an Austin neighborhood. She joined the Cox Washington Bureau in January 1998 and has covered homeland security, the Department of Justice, aviation safety, and major terrorism investigations. She currently writes about immigration and politics. In 2005, the Washington Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists awarded its top prize for Washington correspondence to Eunice and her colleague, Rebecca Carr, for their stories on government secrecy. Eunice is married to George Bridges, managing editor of the McClatchy-Tribune Photo Service in Washington. They have a son, Daniel. Cox Newspapers Washington Bureau 400 North Capitol St., N.W., Suite 750 Washington, D.C. 20001-1536 Phone: 202-331-0900 |
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