vi·sa /ˈvizə/ noun, 1. an endorsement made by an authorized representative of one country permitting the passport holder entry into or transit through the country making the endorsement. vi·sion /ˈvɪʒən/ –noun 1. the act or power of anticipating that which will or may come to be."
Archive for November, 2008
World War II Veteran
Immigrants have always played a significant role in the US Military. Green Card holders enter the military by the thousands every year, and are targeted during recruitment campaigns when enrollment by US citizens is low. Japanese Americans fought for the US during World War II, and Arab-Americans fought for the US in the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
With great thanks to every soldier, citizen and immigrant, who risked their life and limb for the US. Regardless of its religious source, this quote is universal and one which I’ve always held close to my heart:
לא ישא גוי אל גוי חרבלא ילמדו עוד מלחמה-Lo yisa goy el goy cherev. Lo yil m’du od milchama.
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation Nor ever again shall they train for war. Isaiah 2:4
Tags: war
Check it out… I was quoted about the problems with E-Verify in Golf Course Management Magazine!
http://www.gcsaa.org/GCM/2008/nov/feature5.asp
Some of Julie's Best Friends are Deportees!!!
I saw Julie Myers speak at an AILA conference in Orlando. I remember her urging immigration lawyers to join the “Force,” and explaining that there was a need for skilled immigration lawyers in ICE.
I wrote her a letter telling her I was ready, willing and able to serve my country as an ICE attorney. After my letter to Ms. Myers, I actually received a personalized rejection letter via email from a DHS HR rep.
This video clip describes ICE’s possible role in releasing info about the immigration status of Obama’s aunt. It also talks about Julie’s role. (Video Clip: see 1:13)
Federal Law Officials Leak Obama\’s Aunt\’s Immigration Status to Press
Tags: DHS, ICE
My Mom is right. Obama is like Moses. I hope this change in leadership brings a new era of unity, justice acceptance, compassion, and true commitment to peace.
And I am beyond grateful to have hope.
SENATOR MCCAIN: its not just a significant election for african americans. Its an unbelievably significant moment for every american. Barack obama is so much more than the first black man to win a presidential election.
But yes, now is the time for America to unite under Barack Obama’s leadership. This was the first decent speech that I’ve heard from McCain during the entire campaign.
Obama 207, McCain 135.
I haven’t been able to keep up with my thoughts, never mind keep up with my posting. I am so excited, nervous, and hopeful about this election. I wanted to document what I am thinking right now, even though it has to do with much more than immigration (which is the primary focus of this blog), because I know that the world will be a different place in a few hours and I simply cannot ignore it.
I am amazed at the hope that Obama has given to his supporters. I was a Hillary supporter, but I don’t think she could have inspired people the way Obama has. And although at first I thought she would be a better leader, I believe that if he wins, Obama is poised to unite our country in a way that transcends color, gender, wealth, or education. He is undeniably inspiring, and I hope and pray that he has the opportunity to inject our country with democratic values, and reestablish Americas position in the world as the preeminent destination for opportunity for immigrants and citizens alike.
And thank G-d McCain picked Palin. I think that added a lot of strength to Obama’s campaign.
Since I started paying attention, I’ve seen the twin towers fall, Afghanistan and Iraq invaded, Louisiana ignored after catastrophic Katrina, and the financial markets fall apart. I’ve never seen anything like this, but its about time!
- Auntie Zeytuni: Cross section of the REAL American family!
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, immigration has been virtually ignored by both Obama and McCain in the 2008 presidential campaigns. Obama’s moving commercial did make one mention of immigration, stating that every American is either an immigrant, or decendant of immigrants. Thanks for remembering and mentioning it Senator Obama!!!
Yesterday’s celebrity gossip scoop was about Obama’s “illegal” aunt. Although Republicans might view this revelation as a golden opportunity to denigrate Obama’s reputation even further, I think it is really a golden opportunity for the immigration cause to finally errupt.
1. It may force Obama, and of course McCain, to discuss immigration and state their positions (finally!). If McCain thinks that Obama’s “illegal aunt” is an Obamination, he could isolate the Hispanic vote which, although traditionally vote republican, may be swayed to cast their ballots for a candidate more sympathetic to the immigrant cause. Obama’s response that legal action should be taken against his Kenyan aunt is not exactly going to win votes of those whose lives are touched by undocumented immigrants. However, it may force him to publicly recognize that the immigration issue MUST be addressed in this campaign, and eventually by the next president. I fear that instead of actually addressing the issue, both candidates will continue to tiptoe around it and dodge the bullet.
2. Much like the 12 million undocumented immigrants working in the kitchens, farms, factories, and other low-skilled positions unseen by American citizens but vital to our economy and industries, the issue of immigration has been a shadow in this election. Spanish media stations have been airing commercials about immigration, but it hasn’t hit mainstream America.
More on this later…
Tags: Elections, illegal immigrants