Justice for our Neighbors

Local GR Press printed an AP story which used both “Illegals” and “kicked loose” in the short title.  I like this one better.  Unfortunately, once you get beyond the title the message is the same.

Jan 19, 2012 - Walter Ewing, American Immigration Council

This month, the U.S. Border Patrol is set to end the practice of sending unauthorized Mexican immigrants back to Mexico without any sort of punishment. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), the Border Patrol believes it now has sufficient resources and personnel “to begin imposing more serious consequences on almost everyone it catches from Texas to San Diego.” This new policy, however, is as misguided as it is ambitious.  While protecting our borders is certainly important, the Border Patrol will waste even more resources than it already does on criminalizing unauthorized immigration rather than targeting the dangerous cartels that smuggle unauthorized immigrants into the country. Furthermore, the Border Patrol’s new policy threatens to inundate federal courts and prisons with even more non-violent immigration offenders.

The crux of the Border Patrol’s new policy is a “Consequence Delivery System” which assigns apprehended immigrants to one of seven categories, ranging from first-time border-crossers to individuals with criminal records. Children and the ill will still be returned to their home countries without punitive action, but everyone else will be subject to some sort of penalty. As the AP reports, the consequences “can be severe for detained migrants and expensive to American taxpayers, including felony prosecution or being taken to an unfamiliar border city hundreds of miles away to be sent back to Mexico.” This strategy was implemented in the Tucson Sector’s Central Corridor starting on September 5, 2009. The new policy will expand it to the entire border.

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AIR Op Ed Dec 2011

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder moved boldly last week when he announced a series of immigration proposals that would help stimulate Michigan’s economy. The proposals would attract highly talented international students and workers, as well as investors. The potent mix of talent and investment would jump-start the state’s high-tech economy and create more jobs for all.

Snyder has chosen a progressive path, welcoming those who want to contribute to our state. We need more Republican governors to follow this example, especially in light of the controversial anti-immigrant laws passed in other states that have undermined both civil rights and the economy. We should turn away from these divisive politics, and focus on practical ways to create jobs. Snyder’s immigration proposals do just that.

The proposals address two key groups: international investors and international students with hightech degrees.  Snyder will request Congress to change visa rules (the EB-5 program) to make it easier for foreign investors and entrepreneurs to start businesses in Michigan, provided that they create at least 5 jobs.

Many investors would love to start a new life in America, but are unable to get the appropriate visa.  We should make it as easy as possible for those jobs to come to Michigan.  The Governor also wants Congress to authorize special Green Cards for international graduates of Michigan colleges with degrees in science, technology, engineering or math. The current system makes it very difficult for these students to stay in the United States, and most often they must leave the country and use their advanced degrees to work for foreign competitors. These changes could create an influx of investment and talent to Michigan, helping to fuel high-tech jobs for the whole state.

Michigan was the only state in the last census to lose population. Many of our big cities have seen their populations shrink rapidly. Tax rolls are declining and schools are standing empty. We certainly need policies to support our current residents’ needs, especially in urban areas, however immigration must also be a key strategy to address this population crisis.

Snyder’s proposals set up a stark contrast to states like Arizona, Alabama and Georgia, where harsh anti-immigration laws have hobbled their state’s agriculture industries, leading to millions of dollars in losses and many lost jobs. By choosing a practical approach to immigration instead of petty politics, we can boost new industries, rebuild neighborhoods, and put Michigan on track for growth and prosperity. Governor Snyder should be applauded for taking the high road, and Congress should support his proposals.

This December, climbing partners Allen Zeitlin and JFON Volunteer Charles Hamel will attempt a free climb of the second-longest sport climb in N. America to raise funds for medical research in Post Tramautic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The Team:
Allen, an avid climber, is a Gulf War II veteran and a medical student at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. Charles is a law student at Thomas M. Cooley Law School and has worked as a climbing instructor and outdoor guide. We have partnered with the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation in New York (http://bbrfoundation.org/), which will fund grants in PTSD research with 100% of donor contributions.

The Challenge:
We will be travelling to the eastern Sierra Madre of Mexico to climb Time Wave Zero. At 2,300 feet comprised of 23 pitches, Time Wave Zero is the second-longest bolted route in N. America. Many parties make two day ascents by bivouacking on a ledge at the 12th pitch, while others try to summit in a single day with a pre-dawn start and nightfall rappel to the bottom. The route is physically challenging because of both the endurance and technical skills required to climb it, and will be the most difficult project we’ve attempted. We invite everyone, and in particular those affected by PTSD, to join our effort by pledging now through our website to make a contribution to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation once we have completed the climb. PTSD develops into a chronic condition for nearly two thirds of diagnosed patients. Please help us change this.

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