Immigration in the News

Thanks to our loyal reader George for these news tips!  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

World Trade Bridge has changed the U.S.-Mexico border, for good and bad

During the day, literally thousands of trucks cross the span into the U.S., headed for destinations scattered throughout the Midwest and East and north into Canada.Traffic between Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, on Mexico’s side of the bridge, is only expected to increase in coming years with Mexico anticipating billions of dollars in new trade, mainly from China, on its way to the United States, according to a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration executive summary. Increasing trade has, however, been matched by growth in corruption and death in both border cities, though U.S. and Mexican officials are loathe to admit it. http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_4906294

One wonders whether anything would truly be different without freer trade between the NAFTA nations.  I bet not.

Mexican woman with Down Syndrome not allowed to visit Mickey

Living in Durango, Mexico, Teru Rodriguez dreamed of visiting Disneyland. This year, her dream was almost fulfilled. But the 27-year-old, who has Down syndrome, was denied her nonimmigrant visa by the U.S. consulate in Ciudad Ju rez on the grounds that officials could not trust she would return home. http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_4906030

One can only wonder hos a case like this promotes faith in the legitimacy of the U.S. immigration laws, at home as well as abroad.

Beaufort County passes tough immigration law

A company that knowingly hires illegal immigrants could lose its business license under a county law given final approval Wednesday evening. Beaufort County Council unanimously approved the local law, dubbed the “Lawful Employment Ordinance,” 9-0, following a public hearing. It is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2008. Under the ordinance, people who apply for a county business license must sign a form verifying, under penalty of perjury, they do not knowingly employ or plan to hire an illegal immigrant. Licensed companies would be subject to county audits of their employees’ documentation. http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/business/16332164.htm

Despite repeated failures in the courts, local governments keep passing immigration-related laws.  Whatever one thinks of these local initiatives, we must acknowledge that a vocal segment of the public wants action on immigration now.

KJ