Based on early returns, the Obama administration's plan to grant residency and work permits to illegal immigrants brought here as youngsters is a success.
Thousands have already signed up for training and information sessions.
In Los Angeles on Wednesday, hundreds of potential applicants, likely a number of them from Ventura County, waited outside nonprofit offices for help filing paperwork to open the door to the staples of success in America: a work permit and later a Social Security card and a driver's license.
Wednesday was the first day the young illegal immigrants could apply for the program.
As many as 1.7 million could be eligible. The Associated Press cited internal Department of Homeland Security documents estimating 1.04 million would apply in the first year, with 890,000 accepted.
The clumsily named Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program covers illegal immigrants now age 15 to 31 who: were brought to the U.S. before age 16; have lived here continuously for five years; have no serious criminal convictions; are enrolled in or have completed high school or have served in the U.S. military.
The successful applicant gets a two-year work permit and legal residency. Unlike the stalled Dream Act, it is not a path to citizenship.
The program outrages opponents, mainly Republicans. "With unemployment at 8.3 percent, it's unconscionable that the Obama administration's amnesty program actually requires illegal immigrants to apply for work authorization in the U.S.," said Rep. Lamar Smith of Texas, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
That mistakenly assumes temporarily legal immigrants can simply walk into jobs available to Americans. But illegal immigrants appeal to employers because they must work off the books and can't complain about employer violations of wage and hour laws.
Republicans who want to paint President Obama as soft on immigration ignore the fact that his administration has deported record numbers of illegal immigrants and that he's on course to deport more people in one term than the presumably tougher George W. Bush did in two.
This immigration plan is imperfect. But, in contrast to mass roundups, expulsions and a new Iron Curtain on our southern border, it shows that we are a humane people with a certain generosity of spirit in the land of opportunity.
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Comments » 115
LarryWaters writes:
So let me ask.... do you think this could lead to more bills that will require preferential hiring for illegals over citizens for 2% of staff for OJT for real world work experience at Union prevailing wage? What if the industry is not unionized such as IT or Sales n Marketing, who sets the prevailing wage then?
JohnInSimi writes:
I agree with the article, this hardly impacts the job marker which is already dismal. HOWEVER.......this is Obama's fast track to getting more PRACTICALLY GUARANTEED DEMOCRATS to be registered in time to vote for him as their saviour. Honestly, to me it's blatent ballot stuffing for Obama because Obama cannot run on his record. What a sad state this country has fallen in to.
Cammy writes:
I am amazed at this ignorant comment. You really believe that immigrants cannot think intelligently about who would be the better president to represent them and then vote for that person? You are comparing immigrants to cattle and I am insulted by this stereotypical message. "Sad thing"? Your comment is a sad thing.
Chilibreath writes:
Oh god how I want to unload on this article, but suffice it to say that I just hope all or most of the illegals that benefit from this program will at least make an effort to express some modicum of respect and loyalty to the US as opposed to their mother country, which many seem to hold a fondness for long after they have established roots here. But I digress.
gdav520 writes:
They voted for Governor Brown because they did not know the disaster he was last time, and now we are reliving his nightmare! They must know English and know the background of the people they are voting for (as everyone should for that matter)!
Freedom1 writes:
These "undocumented immigrants" even if they qualify for this program cannot vote - you still have to be a citizen to do that unless of course they use the documents provided under this amnesty program to acquire the documents necessary to vote :)
How will the driver's licenses and social security cards they acquire differ from those of legal citizens? Will those viewing them be able to tell the difference? My guess is probably not. Oh, and they aren't required to speak English since most public schools now teach in Spanish to accommodate them and disenfranchise English speakers. And could someone explain the difference between a "criminal offense" and a "serious criminal offense?" Robbery vs stabbing someone? Just wondering.
Snickers writes:
Just more BS programs REWARDING LAW BREAKERS!!
We don’t have a LEGAL immigration problem.
We do have an ILLEGAL immigration problem!!
Just more BS programs being funded or subsidized by the US Citizen Tax Payer!
Those who circumvent the Legal immigration process should NOT be rewarded with any type of amnesty!
These type of programs REWARD LAW BREAKERS, period!!
Sarcastically speaking, why not REWARD ALL LAWBREAKERS? Bank robbers, drug users, pimps, prostitutes, corruption, etc.
These and others are breaking the law, so why enforce the law on them if we don’t have the beach balls to enforce the law against ILLEGAL immigrants??
Why even have immigration enforcement agencies that get a budget of over a Billion Tax Payer dollars a year to protect our border??
What a waste of money if we keep having ILLEGALS circumvent the border and then REWARDING them with BS amnesty programs!
Snickers writes:
Just one of many negative ramifications ILLEGAL immigrants bring to our Country. (Read below)
Yet we continue to reward them with BS amnesty programs!
Wish my Government would promote Immigration Enforcement programs instead of BS amnesty programs!!
“Today, Katolis said, it's more difficult for unskilled American workers to make a living wage, in part because of illegal immigrants who undercut pay”. He wishes the labor laws were more strongly enforced.
"I know people, they don't have papers, they come here. I don't know how they come here and work," Katolis said.
"And the other thing, the bosses abuse the people. They take less money and they take work from Americans. Nobody check those places."
http://money.msn.com/main-street-amer...'s-a-great-country.aspx
abovetheclouds writes:
Hey pud, you can't vote in America if you weren't born here or arent a naturalized citzen. Poli Sci 101, get into it.
blackfoot writes:
For all you illegals running out to sign up for this back door amnesty policy, keep one thing in mind: They will now know who you are, where you are and what you are up to on a daily basis. This arrogant administration is certain it will win in November (which sadly I believe) and when all the dust settles their plan is to come and get you in one way or another and its all about dollar signs. Mark my words. You may feel as though you have been offered a reprieve from worry of deportion but the tyranny you are about to face will make you wish you were somewhere else.
eng42 writes:
As usual, you are poorly informed. This does not make them citizens and in no way will they ever get to vote for Obama.
eng42 writes:
Tsk Tsk, couldn't keep a civil tongue, and got bounced.
eng42 writes:
If they came here as children, they are not law breakers. In the majority of cases, they had no choice about coming.
eng42 writes:
Another conspiracy nut.
You theory is so silly it is laughable.
eng42 writes:
My two uncles who fought in Pearl Harbor and their older brother who was drafted at age 39 in 1943, would be what you derisively call "anchor babies"!
caroldammit writes:
Misdemeanor (traffic ticket) vs. felony (robbery)
(3 or more misdemeanors also disqualify)
caroldammit writes:
If you're looking for the actual criteria as pertains to this program instead of an opinion, here you go:
"For the purposes of this process, a significant misdemeanor is a misdemeanor as defined by federal law (specifically, one for which the maximum term of imprisonment authorized is one year or less but greater than five days) and that meets the following criteria:
Regardless of the sentence imposed, is an offense of domestic violence; sexual abuse or exploitation; burglary; unlawful possession or use of a firearm; drug distribution or trafficking; or, driving under the influence; or,
If not an offense listed above, is one for which the individual was sentenced to time in custody of more than 90 days. The sentence must involve time to be served in custody, and therefore does not include a suspended sentence."
http://www.ice.gov/about/offices/enfo...
VintageRacer writes:
So move to another state!
sslocal writes:
Seems Arizona had the proper way to go about it. Would that the politicians here in the PRK had the same courage.
LiketoRead writes:
We must not forget the several generations of "Anchor Babies" that are now adults and have adult children. They are all American citizens and have the right to vote.
This ploy is to garner votes from them, not the token illegals this new law affects.
ceeyh805 writes:
Deport them and there parents....If we did that they might think twice if they knew there kids would be sent back to.
ceeyh805 writes:
So lets just disband the Border Patrol they don't have anything to do anyway. Save $ 8 Billion a year, why do we need to pay for a border patrol when we have an open border.
ceeyh805 writes:
What happens when you guys run out of other peoples money to buy loyalty.
California's 40 year experiment in Union owned Democrat policies have us on bankrutcy's door step, you bleeding heart lefty's gonna make me stay here and pay higher taxes, because your envious of the successful and think it's fair.
Don't forget to make an invader and a Union owned Democrat happy, vote to raise your taxes on Nov, 6th.
ceeyh805 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Lets_Be_Truthful writes:
Interesting how a group that is so against having our government's intrusive gaze upon them, who they are and what they do, because it violates their freedom are also against getting those that are here illegally documented.
LiketoRead writes:
Yes, you are correct.
Just wish our politicians would do the right things for the right reasons rather that to get votes or whatever selfserving reason they have. Obama could have done this years ago.
BTW: I agree with letting these kids stay. It is the right thing to do.
Snickers writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
asilman73 writes:
I was thinking exactly the same thing, what if hussein does not get re-elected, now the "evil" republicans have all their info, or if hussein changes his mind, it would make it much easier to deport them. As for buying votes, I think that is the intention, but the main state that will be affected is California, which I think we all know will be casting its electoral votes for king hussein anyway, but will get to pay for all the new social services
northwestprincess writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
VintageRacer writes:
YOU should move because you and thadious despise everything about this state. I'm a US citizen born in the United States.
Funny how you're insinuating I'm from south of the US border. That is a very racial statement, but coming from you I am not surprised. My ancestors date back to the late 1700's. They came from England
ceeyh805 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
sparks240 writes:
Both the Republicans and the Democrats have no credibility when it comes to immigration. When was the last time you saw the CEO of companies like Tyson or ConAgra Foods get any meaningful penalty?
As long as politicians can be bought and sold there will be a way for agribusiness and others to get cheap labor.
eng42 writes:
That is not going to happen. The government has looked at that option and found that it would be next to impossible and way to expensive in costs and in damage to the economy. So come up with a practical solution.
eng42 writes:
Yes, and the more the racists rant and scream, the more votes for Obama and all future Democrats. The Republicans learned nothing from the fiasco of governor wilson's immigrant bashing. There is not a single Republican left in high office in California. Other states will be the same.
eng42 writes:
Well well, bounced again! Along with Snickers.
manchu49 writes:
Come on haters, how do you really feel right now? Ha! Ha! Ha!
ms_reason writes:
Yeah, this is a perfect time to give illegals a break. They already get assistance from the government for food, shelter, healthcare, free breakfast and lunch at schools, etc. Why not give them work permits so they can take from the American Citizens who also want to work. With an unemployment rate the way it is, why not. What the heck.
Thanks President Obama.
Romney/Ryan 2012!
VintageRacer writes:
Why is it none of the previous Republican presidents made any dent in the illegal immigration problem? You're critical of President Obama's amnesty, but why not slam President Reagan for his amnesty program?
VintageRacer writes:
"Illegals should not be entitled to anything"
Although I agree with you, the fact is they're going to get free care no matter what. The 14th Amendment makes "anyone" born in the US a citizen
The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) was passed by President Reagan in 1986 that "requires hospitals to provide care to anyone needing emergency healthcare treatment regardless of citizenship, legal status or ability to pay. There are no reimbursement provisions. Participating hospitals may only transfer or discharge patients needing emergency treatment under their own informed consent, after stabilization, or when their condition requires transfer to a hospital better equipped to administer the treatment.[1]"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergenc...
So, if you want to take on the task of getting another amendment to the US Constitution and repeal the noted Federal Law, good luck.
VintageRacer writes:
What about previous Republican presidents? Why didn't they do anything to fix the problem? They are just as guilty of granting amnesty and enacting laws that help illegal aliens.
rebel123 writes:
Just wondering why you continue to address the POTUS by his middle name. Do you do the same for Romney? Did you do the same for Bush? Or are you trying to make some veiled point? He didn't name himself you know... you only serve to make yourself look rather like someone who thinks that a name implies some sort of malicious intent. Or is it just an ad hominem, baseless attack?
VintageRacer writes:
What about President Reagan and his amnesty program and his federal mandate that prohibits denying healthcare to anyone regardless of their citizenship status and/or ability to pay?
"President Bush called for a major overhaul of America’s immigration system Wednesday to grant legal status to millions of undocumented workers in the United States, saying the current program was not working.
“Out of common sense and fairness, our laws should allow willing workers to enter our country and fill jobs that Americans are not filling,” the president said in an address in the East Room to members of Congress, his Cabinet and immigrant advocacy groups.
Critics of the plan said it amounted to an amnesty for illegal immigrants.
Bush’s election-year proposal is designed to help meet the needs of U.S. employers and to woo Latino voters."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3887721/n...#.UC2610TbZJM
The right wing mentality is amazing!
rebel123 writes:
"Republicans who want to paint President Obama as soft on immigration ignore the fact that his administration has deported record numbers of illegal immigrants and that he's on course to deport more people in one term than the presumably tougher George W. Bush did in two."
So much for the accusation that liberals are not sending people back across the border folks.
When a child is brought here by their parents, raised here, where exactly would those of you who brand these kids as criminals send them? Many have been here most of their lives. Heaven forbid we should encourage them to be law abiding, productive, contributing citizens by giving them legal residency. Especially since they must be in high school (or graduated) or defending OUR country. Noooo... send them back "home". Bulletin: This IS their home. They didn't choose it, but it is now their home. Deal with it.
I expected a bunch of xenophobic, racist comments on this article. I was not disappointed. This is a practical, pragmatic solution to the problem of children who were brought here by parents. Not that many of you ever think pragmatically. That would require giving up your hard wired prejudices.
Freedom1 writes:
Obviously you have never lived in a neighborhood turned into a Third World slum where once single family homes have been turned into boarding houses or had to find a private school for your kids because your local public school was too busy accommodating non-English speakers to teach yours or needed emergency services and waited for hours as doctors and nurses treated those that you "suspect" were not legal residents. Perception is not always accurate, but the overwhelming number of those in this country illegally allows certain assumptions. President Reagan did what he thought was right and what those that disagreed suspected would happen did - more illegals entering and expecting another amnesty which they are now receiving. This "pragmatic" solution further challenges our rights as a sovereign nation, which I susupect you welcome.
asilman73 writes:
It was ok for the media to refer to Bush as "W" but it is considered disrespectful or racist to use obamas middle name. And I didnt choose my middle name either, which is pretty embarrasing. My veiled point was how hypocritical I find the media
ms_reason writes:
Reagan's program also made it illegal for employers to hire illegal immigrants. And certain illegals were granted amnesty who were working in agriculture.
This is not a good time to give illegals a break. Our Country is in a serious crisis and our President is giving the illegals a break; while this year at taxes, one of our "breaks" was taken away and we had to pay even more.
So, it goes along with who is not cutting it as the President. That would be Obama.
The American Citizens need a break from Obama starting this year!
RUHIGH writes:
Maybe part of the deal should be you have to turn in your ILLEGAL PARENTS for deportation too.
As for jobs,guess all of you high school legal Americans are SOL for those entry level non skilled jobs. Better join the military quick before they make that a requirement for citizenship for the Dreamers,or they will take that away from you too. The Romans tried this many years ago, if we make all of the conquered nations citizens,Roman citizens it will increase the tax base for the government.(more citizens=more $$$) Didn't work then,will it now ?
ALL NEAL TO KING BARRY! Will history repeat itself? Ask the Romans.
MrTruth writes:
It is so sad all you people are so full of hate that you can't see the reality. All of you bashing so called anchor babies don't realize you are the product of an anchor baby. Someone in your past family history came here from somewhere else and had an 'anchor baby' and that is how you are here today.
All of you falsely accusing 'illegal immigrants' of taking services and making you pay for their housing and health care don't realize how hard they work and what they do for our economy. They work their a** off and this is how you repay them. Without immigrants entire industries would collapse, such as the agricultural industry. I doubt it any of you are going to work in the fields or send your kids to work out there.
MrTruth writes:
Immigrants are the ones who need a break from having their families torn apart and treated like they are not human. Guess what, they are human, just like you.
VintageRacer writes:
Gee, why haven't the Republicans done anything to fix the immigration problem? It's not like these children just suddenly appeared.
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