Republican House considers altering birthright citizenship

MoonHowler

msnbc.com:

The 14th Amendment to the Constitution doesn’t leave much in the way of wiggle room: the rights of American citizenship are given to “all persons born or naturalized in the United States.” It’s a principle generally known as “birthright citizenship,” and after its enactment following the Civil War, the Supreme Court has protected the tenet many times.
But as Republican politics moved sharply to the right, and anti-immigration sentiments within the GOP became more extreme, the party’s “constitutional conservatives” decided the principle, championed by Republicans nearly 150 years ago, needs to go. Shortly after the “Tea Party” gains in 2010, ending birthright citizenship was added to the far-right’s to-do list.

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About immigration: a word to the wise

MoonHowler

child
Today I read some unpleasantness on a local blog about illegal immigration. The blogmeister(s) made the mistake of quoting F.A.I.R. For the uninitiated (read Baptism by Fire), F.A.I.R. is the Federation for American Immigration Reform. F.A.I.R.’s objectives are to secure the border (southern), to stop illegal immigration and by their own admission, limited the number of legal immigrants into the country.

Here’s the reality of the situation. Supervisor Candland, whether rightly or wrongly, is associated in many people’s minds with the blog where I read the diatribe about unaccompanied minors and the remarks and report by F.A.I.R. He does not want to be associated with F.A.I.R. nor does he want to appear to be anti-immigration.

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Prove it, Dick “Plastic Fetus” Black

MoonHowler

Dick Black’s statement regarding Senate Bill 722:

There is a Federal Statute that says that if you give in-state tuition to unlawful immigrants then you must give in-state tuition to Americans from other states.  It just makes sense that Americans should receive as much consideration as people here illegally.  Giving in-state tuition moves illegal immigrants to the front of the line.  For every unlawful person who get in-state tuition, there will be an American who can’t go to college in Virginia and that’s unfair.  Any time you give something free to a person here illegally, you have to take it from an American.

I would like to see a copy of that law.  I find it hard to believe that there is a law stating such bullsh!t.

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McAuliffe to Veto Anti-dream Act Legislation

MoonHowler

Washingtonpost.com:

 Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) said he would veto a bill barring undocumented immigrant students from receiving in-state tuition at state universities, which passed a Senate committee Thursday.

A spokesman for the governor called the legislation, put forward in the House and Senate by two Loudoun County Republicans, “counterproductive and mean-spirited.” The Senate version advanced Thursday morning out of the Senate Education and Health Committee on a party-line vote of 8 to 7.

McAuliffe “is focused on expanding economic opportunity to Virginians from all walks of life, not targeting some for discrimination,” spokesman Brian Coy added.

In his first State of the Commonwealth address Wednesday night, McAuliffe called for passage of a state version of the so-called Dream Act that would grant in-state tuition to some students who were brought to the country illegally as children. Attorney General Mark R. Herring (D) has already ruled that students who qualify for deferred action under President Obama’s recent executive order can apply for the tuition discount.

“The Senators who voted for this measure should meet some of the young people they are trying to punish,” Herring said in a statement Thursday.

Herring is right.  Black and Ramadan should have to meet some of the kids they are attempting to discriminate against.   I think they would feel like worthless dogs if they ever met some of these kids that have worked so hard to become something.

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Loudoun Legislators attempt to block in-state tuition for illegal immigrant kids

MoonHowler

Washingtonpost.com:

Two lawmakers from Loudoun County are pushing back on the extension of in-state tuition at Virginia’s public universities for undocumented immigrants brought to the country as children.

Legislation filed in advance of the 2015 General Assembly session would explicitly bar any resident granted temporary legal status from paying in-state tuition. The bills challenge a recent directive from Attorney General Mark R. Herring (D) that said young immigrants granted legal status under a 2012 presidential initiative could apply for in-state rates. The status has been approved for more than 9,000 such residents.

Del. David I. Ramadan (R-Loudoun), who filed a bill in the House of Delegates, said he has heard more from voters on this issue than almost any other. A ban “is what constituents want; this is what Virginians want; this is what my constituents are telling me — people who work hard and earn their money and earn their status,” Ramadan said.

A nearly identical bill was filed in the state Senate by Sen. Richard H. Black (R-Loudoun).

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It’s our tradition….Happy Thanksgiving to all!

MoonHowler

A few moments to be thankful that we are all part of the great melting pot.

 

Meanwhile, Yo quiero turkey?

Is this really what people think is going to happen?  I have read all sorts of fear mongering.  Some papers refused to run this cartoon.  Others took the mustache off the man or altered it so it didn’t look quite as “Mexican”, in order to be politically correct…well sorta.  (eye roll)

Yea, Foxies, ….them “Mexicans” are here to steal your turkey and probably the silverware also.  Give me a break.

President Obama’s immigration plan: It’s about time

MoonHowler

Newyorktimes.com:

President Obama announced on Thursday evening a series of executive actions to grant up to five million unauthorized immigrants protection from deportation. The president is also planning actions to direct law enforcement priorities toward criminals, allow high-skilled workers to move or change jobs more easily, and streamline visa and and court procedures, among others.

The president’s plan is expected to affect up to five million of the nation’s unauthorized immigrant population, currently 11.4 million according to the Migration Policy Institute. It would create a new program of deferrals for approximately 3.7 undocumented parents of American citizens or legal permanent residents who have been in the country for at least five years. Deferrals would include authorization to work and would be granted for three years at a time.

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Pete Candland Attempts to Retread the Immigration Issue

Elena

Dear Pete,

I would never have guessed that you too would have fallen so quickly into using children to propel you into the “immigration” spotlight.  I realize that you were probably not paying attention back in 2007 when this now, recycled tactic, was originally used and abused.

So allow me to take this public opportunity to educate you.  Back in 2007 John Stirrup, along with Corey, focused much of their attention on the “invasion” of children from South America into our public schools system.  They also wanted reimbursement for the supposed “free” education.  Only here is the problem, it wasn’t free (if you live in the county, in a house or apartment)there is a real estate tax being paid on that dwelling.  In case you weren’t aware, THAT is what pays for our schools.

Also, now pay attention, this is another critical piece of information, there is this pesky Supreme Court ruling, Plyler v Doe.  We HAVE to educate all children, I know, so irritating, but hey, I guess we could live in Afghanistan where no one has to be educated.

HHS is providing funds to house and educate these kids while we determine if sending them back home is a death sentence.  It may be, ultimately, this is the critical difference between you and me, you see, I see them as refugees.

You can’t claim “compassion” for children and yet have your actions be self-serving while possibly inciting another chapter of Help Save Manassas.

You are going down a dangerous moral path,  my friend, and I sincerely hope you rethink this journey you have chosen to embark upon.

 

Hispanic Bar Association Opposes Covington Judicial Appointment

MoonHowler

covington

Valawyersweekly.com:

The Hispanic Bar Association of Virginia is opposing a Manassas lawyer nominated for a general district judgeship.

The HBA-VA says W.S. “Wally” Covington III – a Prince William County supervisor – has indicated a bias against immigrants, particularly Latinos.

The group has written to Del. Luke E. Torian, D-Dumfries, opposing Covington’s bid for the judgeship vacated by the retirement of Judge Peter W. Steketee this year.

HBA-VA president Manuel E. Leiva said the effort may be futile, since Torian is a Democrat and Covington reportedly has the support of Republican legislators in the area. Republicans control both houses of the legislature.

Leiva said his group was disappointed that seemingly better qualified candidates who interviewed with bar groups were passed over in favor of Covington. “I just think it’s a slap,” he said.

 

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Child sex abuse? Rule of Law! Rule of Law!!

Angelina_Apr

Mike Hethmon, for those of you who do not remember, was one of the outside sources giving Prince William County legal advice on how to write their “Rule of Law Resolution.” There are just some things that come back and bite you in the ass. This is one of them.  Surely Prince William County could seek advice from someone who didn’t have this alleged dirty little secret.

Don’t expect other blogs to be covering this tawdry story.  I am sure it will be brushed under the rug.  The anti-immigration blog might be crawling back under its rock with this news.

Mike Hethmon tried to protect us from anchor babies.  If this charge is true, who is going to protect the anchor babies and all the rest of the children from Mike Hethmon?

Mike Hethmon advises US on Rule of Law????

Mike Hethmon is innocent until proven guilty.

Majority of Americans think refugee children should be allowed to stay

MoonHowler

U.S. Agents Take Undocumented Immigrants Into Custody Near Tex-Mex Border

Huffingtonpost.com:

WASHINGTON/McALLEN, Texas, Aug 11 (Reuters) – President Barack Obama’s pledge to fast-track the deportation of migrant children from Central America is out of step with the opinion of a majority of Americans, who say the children should be allowed to stay in the United States, at least for a while.

The results of a Reuters/Ipsos poll highlight the complexity of the child migrant issue for Obama, who has sought to emphasize his compassion while also insisting that his administration plans to send home most of the children, many of whom have fled violence in their homelands.

The poll, conducted on July 31-Aug. 5, found that 51 percent of Americans believe the unaccompanied children being detained at the U.S.-Mexico border should be allowed to remain in the country for some length of time.

That included 38 percent who thought the unaccompanied youngsters should be sheltered and cared for until it was deemed safe for them to return home. Thirteen percent said the children should be allowed to stay in the United States, while 32 percent said the children should be immediately deported.

Very interesting that Americans come down on the side of protecting children.  This wish is not for permanent residency but until such time that it is safe for the children to return home.  President Obama needs to listen to his constituents and stop being in such an all fired hurry to send children back to God-knows what.

To bloggers and politicians in PWC: Let the hysteria subside

MoonHowler

Insidenova.com

School officials: No immigrant influx

Although “hundreds” of immigrant Central American teens and pre-teens have spent time at Youth for Tomorrow in western Prince William the past two years, there’s little sign that significant numbers have enrolled in local schools.

In response to questions from the Prince William County Board of Supervisors earlier this month, YFT Chief Executive Officer Gary Jones told county officials the Bristow-based Christian group home for troubled teens is now housing about 80 young immigrants. He also said the non-profit founded by former Washington Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs has hosted “hundreds” as part of the two-year contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement.
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Doing the right thing: Child refugees

MoonHowler

Sonia Nazario has been to Central America and has ridden The Beast for 3 months. She was there 10 years ago and she has gone back more recently. She followed one young chap named Enrique in order to write her book, Enrique’s Journey. Enrique’s Journey is about a young boy who made a journey across several countries to reunite with his mother who had left him when he was 5. Nazario tells us that 10 years ago, poverty and the desire to reunite with family drove children to come to the United States. Now she says things have changed.  Enrique’s Journey is not a newly released documentary.
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Only in America: So which kids do we say don’t count?

MoonHowler

Supposedly America is where dreams come true if you work hard.  Listen to the words of the Brooks and Dunn  song, Only in America.

Sun coming up over New York City
School bus driver in a traffic jam
Starin’ at the faces in her rearview mirror
Looking at the promise of the Promised Land
One kid dreams of fame and fortune
One kid helps pay the rent
One could end up going to prison
One just might be president.

It is true or is it all BS?  Perhaps that is what some of us are afraid of…that an “other” could grow up to be President.

I think it is probably time to start looking at the facts and remembering that these are children. President Obama said last night that they would all go back.  There is something sad about that.  I would foster a child trying to escape violence.  Who else would?

 

Michael Stafford: A Christian perspective to the Central American refugee crisis

Elena

Since we have been  discussing how a religious person reconciles a humanitarian crisis witinh our immigration system, I thought this article would be some food for thought.  So far as I can determine, the good folks of PWC have chosen to their better angels and NOT fallen into the ranks of hateful public protests.

Strangers at Our Door:  Refugees, a Crisis of Conscience for American Christians

Michael Stafford ABC Religion and Ethics 25 Jul 2014

In the words of Pope Francis, America is experiencing a “humanitarian emergency.” Fleeing instability and violence in Central America, a human tide of thousands of refugees, many of them unaccompanied children, has been flooding across our southern border.

As children often travelling alone, these refugees are uniquely vulnerable. And yet their arrival has been met, in many instances, with ugly scenes including displays of rank nativism, cruelty and hatred. Instead of finding sanctuary and protection, they are the targets of abuse. As CNN has reported regarding one shameful incident in Murrieta, California, “busloads of babies in their mothers’ laps, teens, ‘tweens and toddlers … were met by screaming protesters waving and wearing American flags and bearing signs that read such things as ‘Return to Sender.'” These reactions communicate a brutally simple message: you are not welcome here.

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