Immigration Action Newsletter

 

Your Immigration Action Newsletter

 

Now that the bipartisan Senate Gang of Eight’s bill (S. 744) has been introduced we are monitoring the legislative process very closely. As you know, next week, the Senate Judiciary Committee will continue to introduce and debate amendments to hopefully improve the legislation, bringing us one step closer to real commonsense immigration reform.

Meanwhile, the President traveled to Mexico and Costa Rica at the beginning of May, where he discussed the economic relationship between these countries and the United States, as well as the potential impacts of commonsense comprehensive immigration reform. He followed up his trip with a meeting with Asian American and Pacific Islander national leaders in order to discuss the impact of immigration reform on one of our largest immigrant populations. You can read the details on the President’s meeting here.

 

Earlier this week, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Director of National Drug Control Policy, R. Gil Kerlikowske, and Acting Associate Attorney General Tony West joined me for a briefing with law enforcement officials from across the country at the White House to discuss their shared support for commonsense immigration reform. The briefing was the latest opportunity to hear directly from law enforcement officials about the importance of immigration reform from a local law enforcement perspective. You can read more about the briefing with law enforcement here.

 

As always, please share with your networks and we look forward to working with you as we continue to push for commonsense immigration reform!

 

Julie Chávez Rodriguez
Associate Director
White House | Office of Public Engagement

Agency Updates

USCIS Announces ABT Settlement Agreement
May 14, 2013
The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice have agreed to settle a nationwide class action lawsuit challenging the denial of work authorization to asylum seekers who have been waiting six months or more for a decision on their asylum applications. The ABT Settlement Agreement will help ensure that certain individuals who seek to file an asylum application or have already filed an asylum application, are entitled to new procedures relating to the crediting of time toward eligibility for employment authorization.

 

USCIS to Expand Entrepreneurs in Residence Initiative
May 8, 2013
In just over one year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) innovative Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) initiative has produced real benefits that will strengthen agency policies and practices relating to job-creating immigrant entrepreneurs who help advance American economic growth.  To read a summary about EIR team’s accomplishments, including recent enhancements to Entreprenuer Pathways, USCIS’s online resource center for entrepreneurs, and plans to bolster agency expertise in a broader range of industries, click here. 

 

International Visitors Spent $14.4 Billion in the United States in March 2013
May 7, 2013
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank highlighted new data today that shows spending by international visitors to the United States in March 2013 totaled more than $14.4 billion, an increase of nearly 3 percent when compared to last year. International visitors spent $43 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States during the first quarter of 2013. The data release coincides with National Travel and Tourism Week, celebrated each year to recognize the positive impact the industry has on our economy.

 

DHS Testifies at Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Hearing on “Border Security: Examining Provisions in the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act”
May 7, 2013
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Policy Assistant Secretary David Heyman, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Deputy Commissioner Kevin McAleenan, and Border Patrol Chief Michael Fisher, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deputy Director Daniel Ragsdale address DHS’ work on border security and entry-exit controls.

Blog Highlights

Weekly Address: Fixing Our Immigration System and Expanding Trade in Latin America
President Obama describes the incredible opportunities to create middle-class jobs in America by deepening our economic ties and expanding trade in Latin America and discusses a recent Senate bill that takes commonsense steps to fix our broken immigration system.

 

President Obama Visits Mexico and Costa Rica
In preparation for his trip to Mexico and Costa Rica, President Obama met with US business leaders and Latino leaders to discuss the issues that would be raised on the trip, particularly economic development and comprehensive immigration reform. The President made clear that immigration reform continues to be a top legislative priority this year; business leaders agreed on the need to enact commonsense immigration reform as quickly as possible.

Get Involved

Cecilia Muñoz: “Let’s show we’re a nation of immigrants”
Cecilia Muñoz sent the message below to the White House email list, asking people to share their American stories. To kick things off, one of the President’s senior advisors sat down to share his story with you. Watch David Simas tell his American story, then tell us yours.

 

Applications for the FY 2013 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program Due by May 22
On April 18, USCIS announced the availability of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, a competitive grant opportunity which promotes immigrant civic integration and prepares permanent residents for citizenship. Applications are due by May 22, 2013.

 

For more information please visit www.uscis.gov/grants

 

USCIS Offering Over 60 Free Webinars on Revised Form I-9, E-Verify, Self-Check, and Employee Rights Throughout the Month of May
What better way to learn more about the revised Form I-9, E-Verify, Self Check and Employee Rights than by taking advantage of a free webinar in May. To meet demand, the Department of Homeland Security has scheduled over 60 webinars this month. We invite you to take part in this great opportunity. Visit the E-Verify Webinar webpage, I-9 Central or view the flyer for a list of this month’s sessions.

Get Updates

The weekly Share

 

ATTENTION: We Know A Way To Add $1.5 Trillion To The U.S. Economy

Elizabeth Warren Isn’t Going To Sit Back While They Try To Cut Benefits For Folks Like Her Aunt Bea

Paul Ryan Casually Drops This Slur And Shows The GOP’s Effort To ‘Reach Out’ Is B.S.

Immigration Action Newsletter

 

Your Immigration Action Newsletter

Friends,

 

Last week, Congress took another step forward in advancing commonsense immigration reform. Just a week after bipartisan Senate leaders introduced their comprehensive bill – the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 (S. 744) – Secretary Napolitano testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of the legislation:

 

“As the President stated earlier this week, this bill is clearly a compromise, and there are some things we don’t agree on, but the bill is largely consistent with the President’s principles on commonsense comprehensive reform. The bill would continue to strengthen security at our borders and hold employers more accountable if they knowingly hire undocumented workers. It would provide a pathway to earned citizenship for the 11 million individuals who are already in this country illegally. It would also modernize our legal immigration system, allowing families to be reunited in a humane and timely manner and grow our economy by attracting the highly-skilled entrepreneurs and workers who will help create good paying jobs. These are all commonsense steps that the majority of Americans support. The President and I, as well as the rest of the Cabinet, stand willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that comprehensive immigration reform becomes a reality as soon as possible. DHS is ready to work directly with this Committee to further refine the bill and pass the much-needed reforms that will help make our border safer and our country stronger.”

 

You can read the Secretary’s full testimony here. 

The Senate Judiciary Committee also held two hearings on S. 744 where a broad range of leaders from the law enforcement, business, faith, and immigrant communities spoke in support of moving this bipartisan legislation forward. 

Former Director of Hispanic Media Luis Miranda briefs President Obama ahead of Hispanic media interviews in the Oval Office, February 21, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza.)

Be sure to check out our former colleague Luis Miranda’s personal journey to citizenship and the White House in the blog highlights below. We appreciate his service with the Obama Administration and for speaking out so personally on this important issue.

 

We are also happy to announce the launch of our new Spanish language immigration web page, which will help to provide updates and information on our efforts to enact commonsense immigration reform. You can visit the new site here, or view the original page here.

 

As always, please share with your networks and we look forward to working with you as we continue to push for commonsense immigration reform!

 

Julie Chávez Rodriguez
Associate Director
White House | Office of Public Engagement 

Agency Updates

Secretary Napolitano Speaks at the American Hotel & Lodging Association Legislative Action Summit
April 24, 2013
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today delivered remarks at the American Hotel & Lodging Association Legislative Action Summit, highlighting the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) priorities, including the need to reform and modernize our nation’s immigration laws, and efforts to facilitate legitimate travel and trade. “The hotel and lodging industry and DHS have a shared desire to ensure that the United States remains open and welcoming to business and tourists – from across the country and around the world – who support our nation’s economy,” said Secretary Napolitano. “We want to make sure that travel to, from, and within the United States is not only safe and secure, but also efficient.”

 

Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security Announce Safeguards for Unrepresented Immigration Detainees with Serious Mental Disorders or Conditions
April 22, 2013
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will issue a new nationwide policy for unrepresented immigration detainees with serious mental disorders or conditions that may render them mentally incompetent to represent themselves in immigration proceedings.

 

USCIS Announces Citizenship and Integration Grant Opportunity
April 18, 2013
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today the availability of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, a competitive grant opportunity which promotes immigrant civic integration and prepares permanent residents for citizenship. The program will provide nearly $10 million in funding for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country. Applications are due by May 22, 2013.  

 

USCIS Welcomes New Citizens at the Library of Congress
April 15, 2013
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas administered the Oath of Allegiance to 25 new citizens today during a special naturalization ceremony at the Library of Congress to celebrate National Library Week. In addition, Director Mayorkas and Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Director Susan H. Hildreth announced a partnership to provide immigration and citizenship information at public libraries across the United States.

 

Updated Data on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
April 12, 2013
USCIS has posted updated data on requests for consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals at www.uscis.gov/data. The data include: the cumulative number of requests received and accepted for processing, biometrics appointments scheduled, requests under review and requests approved and denied. The data also shows the number of accepted and approved requests from the top 20 countries of origin and location of residence. Please also note that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals reporting period will change from a mid-month to an end-of-month cycle.

USCIS Reaches FY 2014 H-1B Cap
April 8, 2013 
For the first time since 2008, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached the statutory H-1B cap of 65,000 for fiscal year (FY) 2014 within the first week of the filing period. USCIS has also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption.

 

E-Verify Celebrates Another Successful Year!
April 8, 2013
E-Verify ended 2012 on a high note, providing even better, faster and more accessible resources to the public. From the launch of the Employee Rights Toolkit, to Self-Check and the development of quick audit reports, searchable databases and the E-Verify Self Assessment Guide for E-Verify Direct Access Users and the E-Verify Self Assessment Guide for E-Verify Web Services Users, there was something for everyone. Read the E-Verify blog.

Blog Highlights

A Personal Journey to Citizenship and the White House
Luis Miranda, the former Director of Hispanic Media for the White House Office of Communications, recently wrote an op-ed for USA Today sharing his immigration story – that began as a young, undocumented kid, and ended in the White House.

 

Working Together to Combat Human Trafficking
On April 9, we hosted the first-ever White House Forum to Combat Human Trafficking. The event brought together leaders from government, the private sector, advocates and survivors, faith leaders, law enforcement, and academia to talk about what we can do, together, to end human trafficking.

 

Working Together to Support Victims of Human Trafficking
On April 9, Secretary Janet Napolitano joined Senior Advisor to President Obama Valerie Jarrett and Attorney General Eric Holder at the White House Forum on Combating Human Trafficking where they announced the Administration’s latest effort to combat the hidden crime of human trafficking and help victims of human trafficking. During the Forum, they released a draft Federal Strategic Action Plan on Services for Victims of Human Trafficking, which will be open for public comment for 45 days.

 

Finding Home
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) have much at stake when it comes to commonsense immigration reform. Three-quarters are foreign-born and AAPIs naturalize at the highest rates of those who choose to become American citizens. Read one story here. 

Get Involved

USCIS Invitation: Revised Form I-9 Teleconference (PDF)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) invites interested individuals to participate in a stakeholder teleconference on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. (Eastern).

Beginning May 7, 2013 all employers are required to use the most recent version of the Form I-9. USCIS subject matter experts will discuss and answer questions about the revised Form I-9 during the stakeholder teleconference.

For more information about the revised Form I-9, please visit I-9 Central on our website. Please click here to RSVP for this engagement.

 

Immigration Action : Julie Rodriguez, The White House

Your Immigration Action Newsletter Friends, It has been a busy few weeks here at the White House. Last Friday, the President met with leaders from the faith community to discuss the need to fix the broken immigration system, focusing on the growing consensus building across American for common sense immigration reform. Last Thursday, President Obama signed the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) into law. The newly reauthorized VAWA strengthens and expands protections for victims of violence, including battered immigrant women who are victims of domestic abuse. As President Obama noted during the signing ceremony last week: “Imagine the dilemma for so many — if your immigration status is tied to a husband who beats you or abuses you, if you’re an undocumented immigrant, you may feel there’s too much to lose by coming forward.  The Violence Against Women Act already had protections so that victims could call the police without fear of deportation, and those protections saved lives.  And because we fought hard to keep them in place, they remain a lifeline for so many women.  That’s part of what today is all about.” In addition to the Vice President, Congressional leaders, and domestic violence advocates and survivors, the President was joined by Rosie Hidalgo, Director for Public Policy of Casa Esperanza, who has worked to end domestic violence for the past eighteen years. Watch the President’s full remarks: Meanwhile, immigration reform seems to be moving full steam ahead. The President met with members of his Cabinet on immigration issues in early February, and Congress has held several hearings to focus on key aspects of immigration reform. Last Wednesday, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano delivered remarks at the National Association of Evangelicals’ Washington Briefing, underscoring the Administration’s efforts in securing the nation’s borders. President Barack Obama listens to Secretary of State John Kerry during a meeting on immigration with Cabinet members and advisors in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Feb. 7, 2013. As always, please share with your networks and we look forward to working with you as we continue to push for common sense immigration reform! Julie Chávez Rodriguez Associate Director White House | Office of Public Engagement Agency Updates Justice Department Releases Spanish Language Video about Discrimination in Employment Eligibility Verification February 20, 2013 The Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department launched its first Spanish-language educational video, which was developed by the Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices, aims to assist employers in avoiding charges of discrimination in the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 Process and to inform employees of their legal rights. Policy Memo: CBP Enforcement Actions At or Near Certain Community Locations February 21, 2013 In a policy memo issued in late January and released in February for public viewing, CBP outlined its intent to carefully plan and mitigate the impact of its presence at and near schools, places of worship, and certain other sensitive community locations. E-Verify Receives High Ratings in Customer Survey February 22, 2013 More than 1,300 randomly selected employers who use E-Verify were asked to evaluate the program on key aspects including registration, online tutorials, ease of use, technical assistance, and customer service. They rated the program as exceptionally high in overall customer satisfaction, averaging an 86 out of 100 on the American Customer Satisfaction Index scale. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano’s Third Annual Address on the State of Homeland Security: “The Evolution and Future of Homeland Security” February 26, 2013 On the 10th Anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Napolitano spoke at the Brookings Institution about the Department of Homeland Security’s journey, and the future of the agency, highlighting her plans for what she refers to as “DHS 3.0.” DOJ Releases New Fact Sheet on EOIR’s Disciplinary Program and Professional Conduct Rules for Immigration Attorneys and Representatives February 27, 2013 The Department of Justice has released an updated fact sheet on the Executive Office for Immigration Review’s disciplinary program and professional conduct rules for immigration attorneys and representatives. Provisional Waivers Introduced on March 4th, 2013 March 4, 2013 Beginning March 4th, certain immigrant visa applicants who are spouses, children, and parents of US citizens (immediate relatives), and have been unlawfully present in the United States, can start applying for provisional unlawful presence waivers through a new process that is expected to shorten the time US citizens are separated from immediate relatives while those relatives are obtaining immigrant visas to become lawful permanent residents. Blog Highlights Businesses Need Common Sense Immigration Reform to Keep Growing, Creating American Jobs On March 6th, Acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank met with business executives whoare part of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group. They discussed key issues facing them as they continue to grow, create jobs, and drive both innovation and competitiveness here in the U.S., including the need to attract and retain the best and brightest from around the world, which is a key principle of the President’s framework for commonsense immigration reform. A Special Naturalization Ceremony in Honor of the First President of the United States On February 22nd, USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas had the privilege of administering the Oath of Allegiance to fifty new US citizens on the 281st birthday of our first president, George Washington, at Washington’s home estate of Mount Vernon. Director Mayorkas was joined by Senior Policy Director for Immigration at the White House Domestic Policy Council, Felicia Escobar, who welcomed the new citizens and led them in the Pledge of Allegiance. E-Verify Listens—A Look Inside the Ongoing Discussion E-Verify Listens, an online community where users can submit and discuss ideas as well as vote for their favorite ideas to help frame the evolution of the program, was launched in July of 2012 and has recently been updated to accommodate user needs. Get Involved Know a hero? The Citizens Medal is one of our nation’s highest civilian honors. For the past two years, President Obama has relied on you to identify heroes in your community – extraordinary Americans whose exemplary deeds provide inspiration for others to serve. We’re looking for Americans who have made a difference in their communities but who may not have received national attention. Does that sound like someone you know? Click here to nominate the hero in your community today. USCIS Public Engagement Division Introduces New Registration Process for National Stakeholder Engagements Going forward, each invitation will include a unique link to a website where registrants will enter their email address and preferences for that engagement. Public Engagement will also now maintain two subscription lists: updates from the USCIS Public Engagement Division and updates from the USCIS Intergovernmental Affairs Branch. You can now manage your subscriptions here. USCIS Public Engagement Division: Intergovernmental Affairs Quarterly Stakeholder Engagement USCIS invites interested individuals to participate in a stakeholder teleconference. The conference will feature experts from the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program, who will provide stakeholders with program updates and information on the new SAVE Case Check service. Date:  Wednesday, March 20th, 2013 Time:  1 pm to 3 pm (Eastern). Register Today:  To register, please email the USCIS Intergovernmental Affairs Branch (IGA) no later than Monday, March 18, 2013, at USCIS-IGAOutreach@dhs.gov. Reference “IGA Quarterly” in the subject line of your email, and be sure to include your full name and organization in the email body.

Congressional Budget Office

• 
  

  The Taxation of Capital and Labor Through the Self-Employment Tax

• CBO Releases a Report on the Taxation of Capital and Labor Through the Self-Employment Tax

• CBO Releases a Report on the Proposed Homeland Security Budget for 2013

• The Proposed Homeland Security Budget for 2013

Julie Rodriguez, The White House

Agency Updates

ICE Homeland Security Investigations special agents honored by South San Francisco August 10, 2012 The mayor, city manager and police chief from the California city of South San Francisco traveled to Los Angeles recently to personally thank the HSI special agents for their courage and sacrifice and present them with a proclamation. On May 3, 2012, HSI agents participated in an enforcement action that resulted in several gang members being arrested, and three ICE HSI members being injured in the operation. Click here to read more about their heroic work and how they were honored by city officials.

Zone Extended for Border Crossing Card Holders in New Mexico August 8, 2012 DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano announced a proposed rule change to extend the travel boundary for Border Crossing Card (BCC) holders. Under the proposed rule, BCC holders will be able to travel 55 miles into New Mexico, thus allowing for increased economic activity in towns along the U.S.-Mexico border at New Mexico. Click here to read more about Secretary Napolitano’s announcement.

USCIS Expands Customer Service Center Hours to Saturday August 6, 2012 The USCIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC) is expanding its hours to include Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Live agents will now be available at Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in each time zone. Call the NCSC toll-free at 1-800-375-5283.

DHS Outlines Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals August 3, 2012 DHS has promulgated more details regarding Secretary Napolitano’s June 15 announcement to make available deferred action to certain young immigrants. Details now available include clarifying definitions on eligibility as well as more information on the actual process for applying. Click here to read more about the details released by DHS on August 3.

Just Released: DHS Outlines Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Process

DHS Outlines Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Process

WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security today provided additional information on the deferred action for childhood arrivals process during a national media call in preparation for the August 15 implementation date.

On June 15, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet other key guidelines may be eligible, on a case-by-case basis, to receive deferred action.  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is finalizing a process by which potentially eligible individuals may request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals.

USCIS expects to make all forms, instructions, and additional information relevant to the deferred action for childhood arrivals process available on August 15, 2012. USCIS will then immediately begin accepting requests for consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals.

• Information shared during today’s call includes the following highlights:
• Requestors – those in removal proceedings, those with final orders, and those who have never been in removal proceedings – will be able to affirmatively request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals with USCIS.
• Requestors will use a form developed for this specific purpose.
• Requestors will mail their deferred action request together with an application for an employment authorization document and all applicable fees to the USCIS lockbox.
• All requestors must provide biometrics and undergo background checks.
• Fee waivers cannot be requested for the application for employment authorization and biometric collection. However, fee exemptions will be available in limited circumstances.
• The four USCIS Service Centers will review requests.

Additional information regarding the Secretary’s June 15 announcement will be made available on www.uscis.gov on August 15, 2012. It is important to note that this process is not yet in effect and individuals who believe they meet the guidelines of this new process should not request consideration of deferred action before August 15, 2012. Requests submitted before August 15, 2012 will be rejected. Individuals who believe they are eligible should be aware of immigration scams. Unauthorized practitioners of immigration law may try to take advantage of you by charging a fee to submit forms to USCIS on your behalf. Visit www.uscis.gov/avoidscams for tips on filing forms, reporting scams and finding accredited legal services. Remember, the Wrong Help Can Hurt! An informational brochure and flyer are also available on www.uscis.gov.

For more information on USCIS and its processes, please visit www.uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis), and the USCIS blog The Beacon.

Get Updates

Media Matters for America

Paul Babeu Is Just The Latest Fox Candidate http://mediamatters.org/research/201111010012 Sheriff Paul Babeu of Pinal County, Arizona, a prominent anti-immigration advocate who recently formed an exploratory committee to consider a run for Congress, is a frequent guest on Fox News, and has used his platform to promote and fundraise for his potential congressional bid. Babeu is just the latest in a long line of Republican candidates that Fox News has enthusiastically promoted. Babeu Appears Frequently On Fox Babeu Announces Exploratory Committee For Congressional Run. Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu, who quickly rose to national prominence as a leading advocate of tough border security and immigration enforcement and more recently gained attention as a sharp critic of President Barack Obama’s administration over the “Fast and Furious” gun-smuggling scandal, announced Monday that he is considering running for Congress. Babeu is the first Republican to announce that he may run in a redrawn district that is expected to cover most of rural western Arizona and is expected to heavily favor Republicans. The congressional map is being redrawn as part of the decennial redistricting process. [The Arizona Republic, 10/24/11] Babeu Is A Frequent Fox News Guest. A Media Matters study found that Babeu appeared on Fox at least 30 times between April 2010 and June 2011. Since June 2011, Babeu has appeared at least another seven times. [Media Matters,10/27/11, 10/27/11] Fox’s Bolling Calls Babeu “America’s Sheriff.” [Fox Business, Follow the Money, 6/21/11] Babeu Appeared On Fox To Discuss His Possible Congressional Run. From the October 25 edition of Fox & Friends: STEVE DOOCY (co-host): Why do you want to go to Washington? You got your hands full out there in Arizona. BABEU: We do. We’re tired of getting punched in the gut out here in Arizona. And not only to stand up for the rule of law, I have another experience, an army officer, I’ve had the honor to command soldiers at the border in Yuma, where we’ve helped actually reduce illegal entries by 96%. So I know a little bit more about border security and what it takes to secure that border than Janet Napolitano. GRETCHEN CARLSON (co-host): Well, I guess you could argue that because you’re in that state doing that every single day. [...] BABEU: I don’t think [Democrats] like Fox News. But we love Fox News, we’re going to continue to watch and be great fans of yours out here in Arizona. [Fox News, Fox & Friends, 10/25/11] Fox’s Bolling to Babeu: “You’re Right For The Job. I Say Go For It.” Interviewing Babeu about his possible congressional run, Eric Bolling said, “So you’re looking at an exploratory committee. Listen, I’ll be your committee. You’re right for the job. I say go for it.” [Fox Business, Follow The Money, 10/25/11] Arizona Republic Columnist: Babeu Gained “Great Exposure” From Being “A Staple On The Talk Shows Of Fox News.” Arizona Republic columnist E.J. Montini wrote: If the current redistricting model holds, Babeu will seek office in a district that covers much of rural western Arizona and has a big Republican voter advantage. He’ll likely have some competition, but no one with more name recognition. “It would be easy for me to stay and continue to get re-elected (as sheriff),” he said. “But I have been moved to explore this opportunity. . . . I won’t ever lose the fact that I served as a sheriff. I will always have that as the core of my identity. So, with me, if a sheriff goes to Washington and I am behind closed doors, people here won’t have to question whether I am the strongest voice in the room for them. Or what my opinion will be.” Babeu has become a staple on the talk shows of Fox News. It’s great exposure. But name recognition is like a blank check; it’s only valuable if you cash it. Babeu is headed to the bank. [The Arizona Republic, 10/28/11] Babeu Has A Strong Anti-Immigrant Stance Babeu Calls For Militarizing U.S./Mexico Border. From the April 21 edition of Fox& Friends: BABEU: The real thing we need to do: secure the border first. Then we can have a reasonable, dispassionate discussion about what we do. Instead of calling elected sheriffs liars on national TV, why don’t we talk about truly what we’re going to do to secure the border. And it’s going to take armed soldiers. [Fox News, Fox & Friends, 4/21/11] Babeu Appeared On Fox To Call For “6,000 Armed Soldiers” To Be Sent To U.S./Mexico Border.From the May 10 edition of Glenn Beck: BABEU: What we need is 6,000 armed soldiers to be deployed to the border for two years to immediately stop the flow of not just illegal immigration, but the drug smuggling, the cartels that have resulted in 35,000 people killed, with the government of Mexico fighting the cartels it has nearly toppled their government. To stop them from coming across and we build this double barrier fence across about 700 miles of the 2,000 mile border. The president’s simply wrong. He’s the one who stopped the fence from getting built. We’ve hardly built any fence. So he doesn’t even have the facts straight. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 5/10/11] Fox Has A History Of Promoting Conservative Candidates On-Air Christine O’Donnell September 2010: Fox News Hosts, Contributors Endorsed, Touted O’Donnell September 2: Cavuto Tells O’Donnell, “The Tea Party Saw Something In You, Galvanized Its Efforts And Away We Go.” In a September 2 interview on Your World (retrieved from Nexis), host Neil Cavuto said to O’Donnell: “You know, it was sort of like you became like an overnight emerging force. And I don’t know whether it had to do with what was going on, you know, in Alaska, but bottom line, the Tea Party saw something in you, galvanized its efforts and away we go.” [Fox News, Your World, 9/2/10, via Nexis] September 8: Malkin Tells Hannity, “I Endorsed Christine O’Donnell.” On the September 8 edition of Hannity (retrieved from Nexis), Fox News contributor Michelle Malkin said, “I endorsed Christine O’Donnell. I met her over the past couple of weeks in D.C.” [Fox News, Hannity, 9/8/10, via Nexis] September 9: Palin Endorses O’Donnell On Hannity’s Radio Show. On the September 9 edition of Sean Hannity’s radio show, Fox News contributor Sarah Palin endorsed O’Donnell, after having earlier re-tweeted a positive statement about O’Donnell from radio host Tammy Bruce. [Huffington Post, 9/9/10; The Hill, 9/8/10] September 13: Van Susteren Airs Palin’s Endorsement Of O’Donnell. On the September 13 edition of On the Record (retrieved from Nexis), host Greta Van Susteren said “O’Donnell has Governor Palin in her corner,” then aired the endorsement robocall Palin made for O’Donnell’s campaign. [Fox News, On the Record, 9/13/10, via Nexis] Post-Election: O’Donnell Credits Fox Figures And Movements For Win As Network Celebrates Her Victory O’Donnell Cites Palin, Groups With Ties To Fox News During Victory Speech. In her primary victory speech, O’Donnell thanked Palin and the Tea Party Express for their support. O’Donnell also thanked the Glenn Beck inspired 9-12 movement for “laying the foundation and stirring things up.” [Media Matters,9/15/10] Hannity Touted His Support For O’Donnell. On the September 14, 2010, edition of his Fox News show, Hannity highlighted how “talk radio, including myself and Mark Levin and Rush and others … got involved in the Delaware primary and people’s awareness went up.” He declared that O’Donnell’s success was another sign that “we are seeing the establishment being beaten by the tea party movement and by conservatives that are saying, you know what? We’ve had it with RINO [Republican In Name Only] Republicans.” [Fox News, Hannity, 9/14/10] Carlson: It’s “Suicide” For Republicans Not To Support O’Donnell. On the September 15, 2010, edition of Fox & Friends, co-host Gretchen Carlson opined that Republicans deciding not to support O’Donnell was not a “smart move,” and later added that “This is suicide for the party.” [Fox News, Fox& Friends, 9/15/10] Gingrich Throws Support To O’Donnell. Following O’Donnell’s win, then-Fox News contributor Newt Gingrich issued a series of tweets praising her: “Christine odonnell won in delaware. She got more votes in the primary. The elite media wants to declare her unelectable–nonsense-she won” “There will be an all out effort to discredit christine odonnell in delaware just as there was to discredit sharon angle in nevada” “Angle will beat harry reid and odonnel will win in delaware. 2010 is the year of the grassroots over the establishment” [Newt Gingrich's Twitter account, 9/15/10, 9/15/10, 9/15/10] Scott Brown Brown Appeared On Fox To Encourage Viewers To Visit His Website.  In appearances on America’s Newsroom, On the Record, and Hannity, Brown pointed viewers to his campaign website, solicited funds for his campaign, and also cited RedInvadesBlue.com, where, he said, “we have a money bomb right now that’s hitting … and you can help me fight back against the machine.” Fox News hosts Martha MacCallum and Greta Van Susteren said they invited Democratic candidate Martha Coakley to appear on their Fox News shows. [Media Matters, 1/12/10] Fox “Political Analyst” Dick Morris Urges Viewers To “Please, Please Help” Brown. During the January 11 edition of Fox News’ Hannity, political analyst Dick Morris urged viewers to “go to DickMorris.com … to help elect Brown,” because if “we win this fight, then there will never be another victory for Obama.” [Media Matters,1/12/10] Rand Paul Between May 2009 And May 17, 2010, Then-Candidate Paul Appeared On Fox News, Fox Business, And FoxNews.com 21 Times. [Media Matters,5/19/10] Fox News Contributor Sarah Palin Endorsed Paul. Footage of Palin endorsing Paul appeared in a campaign ad for Paul’s campaign, which was promoted on Fox Nation. [Media Matters, 4/22/10] Fox “Political Analyst” Dick Morris Endorsed Paul On Fox Business’ America’s Nightly Scoreboard. [Media Matters, 3/16/10] Marco Rubio Fox Dubs Rubio A “Political Star.” From the February 19, 2010, edition of Fox News’ Fox& Friends: [Media Matters, 2/19/10] America’s Newsroom: Rubio’s CPAC Speech “One Of The Most Eagerly Anticipated Moments Of The Conference.” On the February 18, 2010, edition of America’s Newsroom, while Rubio was giving his speech, host Bill Hemmer commented that it was “one of the most eagerly anticipated moments of the conference.” [Media Matters, 2/19/10] Hannity: Rubio “Knocked It Out Of The Park In His Speech.” On the February 18, 2010, edition of Hannity, Sean Hannity described Rubio’s speech as “one of the most anticipated moments today” before hosting Rubio, whom Hannity said has a “pretty inspiring story to tell.” Elsewhere during the program, Hannity exclaimed that “Marco Rubio knocked it out of the park in his speech,” and said he “is a rising star.” [Media Matters, 2/19/10] Sharron Angle Dick Morris Urged Hannity Viewers To Be “Helpful” To Angle. From the June 28, 2010, edition of Hannity: MORRIS: If you don’t want to put up with Harry Reid and his immigration position, everything else, for the next six years, you’ve got to be helpful in that race. [Fox News, Hannity, 6/28/10] O’Reilly Calls Angle Campaign Ad “A Home Run.” On the July 14, 2010, edition of The O’Reilly Factor, Bill O’Reilly explained why Angle’s campaign ad was so effective: O’REILLY: She’s new. Angle’s new. Instead of putting the focus on her, she basically is saying, look, here’s Reid. Here’s what he’s done for Nevada. Nevada is the worst state in the union as far as employment, the economy. [Fox News, The O'Reilly Factor, 7/14/10] Hannity Hosted Angle To Promote Her Website, Ask For Donations. [Fox News, Hannity,6/15/10] Fox Business’ Tobin Smith Tells Angle She Is His “Hero.” From the July 19, 2010, edition of America’s Nightly Scoreboard: SMITH: You’re my hero for a couple of reasons. Number one, you, by yourself, took on the Nevada Supreme Court and won. Now see, I think that is more courageous than anything I’ve ever heard. Now you’re taking on the most powerful man in the Senate, who’s got unlimited cash. He’s got a war chest that would make Arnold Schwarzenegger blush. How you gonna do this? You don’t even have a war room, I read, you don’t have a communications director, how you gonna beat Harry Reid? [Fox Business, America's Nightly Scoreboard, 7/19/10] Doocy Attempted To Conceal Angle’s Position On Social Security. Fox & Friendsco-host Steve Doocy claimed that it was “not true” that Angle wanted to eliminate Social Security, even though her campaign website advocated “transition[ing] out” Social Security. [Media Matters, 6/14/10] Contact: The O’Reilly Factor The O’Reilly Factor http://twitter.com/oreillyfactor Contact: FOX & Friends Fox & Friends http://twitter.com/foxandfriends Contact: Your World w/ Neil Cavuto Your World w/ Neil Cavuto Contact: Glenn Beck show http://twitter.com/glennbeck Contact: Sean Hannity hannity@foxnews.com http://twitter.com/hannityshow Contact: Dick Morris Dick Morris Contact: Hannity http://twitter.com/hannityshow Contact: Neil Cavuto Neil Cavuto Contact: Newt Gingrich Newt Gingrich 1301 K Street NW Suite 800 West Washington, DC 20005 http://twitter.com/newtgingrich Contact: Steve Doocy http://twitter.com/sdoocy Contact: Bill O’Reilly oreilly@foxnews.com Contact: On The Record with Greta Van Susteren On The Record with Greta Van Susteren Contact: Fox News Channel FOX News Channel 1-888-369-4762 1211 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10036 http://twitter.com/foxnews

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Rove Misses Security Experts’ Assessments Of Climate Change http://mediamatters.org/research/201111010018 On Fox News, Karl Rove criticized President Obama for elevating climate change as a national security concern. However, national security experts have long warned that climate change will exacerbate existing tensions within and between nations, and the U.S. military became concerned about the issue before the Obama administration. Rove Criticizes Obama For Recognizing Climate Change As A National Security Threat Rove: Obama “Elevat[ed] Climate To The Same Importance As Weapons Of Mass Destruction And Terrorism.” Echoing a Foreign Policy column by former Bush adviser Peter Feaver, Karl Rove said on Fox & Friends that President Obama is “elevating climate to the same importance as weapons of mass destruction and terrorism” and “it hasn’t gone well”: KARL ROVE: Where President Obama has embraced the Bush worldview, things have gone well. Where President Obama has not embraced the Bush worldview, it has not gone as well. In fact, as Peter makes the point, where he’s embraced Tom Friedman’s views on how to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or about elevating climate to the same importance as weapons of mass destruction and terrorism, then it hasn’t gone well. [Fox News, Fox & Friends, 11/1/11] National Security Experts Have Long Identified Challenges Posed By Climate Change Security Experts Under Reagan Admin. Researched Climate And Security Connection. From The Yale Forum on Climate Change and the Media: “The US security community has been looking at environment and security links for much longer than the current attention around climate/security linkages would suggest,” Geoffrey Dabelko, director of the Environmental Change and Security Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, told The Yale Forum in an e-mail interview. He noted that the research goes back as far as the Reagan administration. [The Yale Forum on Climate Change and the Media, 7/17/08] Bush Included Climate Change In His 2002 National Security Strategy. From President George W. Bush’s 2002 National Security Strategy: Economic growth should be accompanied by global efforts to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations associated with this growth, containing them at a level that prevents dangerous human interference with the global climate. Our overall objective is to reduce America’s greenhouse gas emissions relative to the size of our economy, cutting such emissions per unit of economic activity by 18 percent over the next 10 years, by the year 2012. Our strategies for attaining this goal will be to: remain committed to the basic U.N. Framework Convention for international cooperation; obtain agreements with key industries to cut emissions of some of the most potent greenhouse gases and give transferable credits to companies that can show real cuts; develop improved standards for measuring and registering emission reductions; promote renewable energy production and clean coal technology, as well as nuclear power — which produces no greenhouse gas emissions, while also improving fuel economy for U.S. cars and trucks; increase spending on research and new conservation technologies, to a total of $4.5 billion — the largest sum being spent on climate change by any country in the world and a $700 million increase over last year’s budget; and assist developing countries, especially the major greenhouse gas emitters such as China and India, so that they will have the tools and resources to join this effort and be able to grow along a cleaner and better path. [National Security Strategy, 9/20/02, via The New York Times] In his 2006 National Security Strategy, Bush did not mention climate change, global warming or greenhouse gases. Chairman Of Bush’s National Intelligence Council: Climate Change Has “Wide-Ranging Implications For US National Security Interests.” In June 25, 2008, testimony before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, Dr. Thomas Fingar, chairman of Bush’s National Intelligence Council, presented the Council’s study titled “National Security Implications of Global Climate Change to 2030.” Fingar presented the following “summary of key observations”: We judge global climate change will have wide-ranging implications for US national security interests over the next 20 years. Although the United States will be less affected and is better equipped than most nations to deal with climate change, and may even see a benefit owing to increases in agriculture productivity, infrastructure repair and replacement will be costly. We judge that the most significant impact for the United States will be indirect and result from climate-driven effects on many other countries and their potential to seriously affect US national security interests. We assess that climate change alone is unlikely to trigger state failure in any state out to 2030, but the impacts will worsen existing problems–such as poverty, social tensions, environmental degradation, ineffectual leadership, and weak political institutions. Climate change could threaten domestic stability in some states, potentially contributing to intra- or, less likely, interstate conflict, particularly over access to increasingly scarce water resources. We judge that economic migrants will perceive additional reasons to migrate because of harsh climates, both within nations and from disadvantaged to richer countries. [Office of the Director of National Intelligence, 6/25/08] Center for Naval Analysis Concluded That Climate Change Has “Grave Implications For Our National Security.” A 2007 Center for Naval Analysis study was authored by 11 retired generals and admirals. It stated that “[t]he nature and pace of climate changes being observed today and the consequences projected by the consensus scientific opinion are grave and pose equally grave implications for our national security.” The report issued four conclusions: 1) “Projected climate change poses a serious threat to America’s national security.” 2) “Climate change acts as a threat multiplier for instability in some of the most volatile regions of the world.” 3) “Projected climate change will add to tensions even in stable regions of the world.” 4) “Climate change, national security, and energy dependence are a related set of global challenges.” [Center for Naval Analysis, 2007] Military Reportedly Began “Studying Possible Future Impacts Of Global Warming With New Intensity” Under The Bush Admin. From an April 15, 2007, Washington Post article: “The Army’s former chief of staff, Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, who is one of the authors, noted he had been “a little bit of a skeptic” when the study group began meeting in September. But, after being briefed by top climate scientists and observing changes in his native New England, Sullivan said he was now convinced that global warming presents a grave challenge to the country’s military preparedness. “The trends are not good, and if I just sat around in my former life as a soldier, if I just waited around for someone to walk in and say, ‘This is with a hundred percent certainty,’ I’d be waiting forever,” he said.” Part of the sense of urgency, the generals said in interviews last week, stems from the fact that changing climatic conditions will make it harder for weak nation-states to address their citizens’ basic needs. The report notes, for example, that 40 percent of the world’s population gets at least half its drinking water from the summer melt of mountain glaciers that are rapidly disappearing. “Many developing nations do not have the government and social infrastructures in place to cope with the type of stressors that could be brought about by global climate change,” the report states. “When a government can no longer deliver services to its people, ensure domestic order, and protect the nation’s borders from invasion, conditions are ripe for turmoil, extremism and terrorism to fill the vacuum.” [Washington Post, 4/15/07] Dept. Of Defense: Climate Change “May Act As An Accelerant Of Instability Or Conflict.” From the Pentagon’s Quadrennial Defense Review Report, issued in February 2010: Climate change will affect DoD in two broad ways. First, climate change will shape the operating environment, roles, and missions that we undertake. The U.S. Global Change Research Program, composed of 13 federal agencies, reported in 2009 that climate-related changes are already being observed in every region of the world, including the United States and its coastal waters. Among these physical changes are increases in heavy downpours, rising temperature and sea level, rapidly retreating glaciers, thawing permafrost, lengthening growing seasons, lengthening ice-free seasons in the oceans and on lakes and rivers, earlier snowmelt, and alterations in river flows. Assessments conducted by the intelligence community indicate that climate change could have significant geopolitical impacts around the world, contributing to poverty, environmental degradation, and the further weakening of fragile governments. Climate change will contribute to food and water scarcity, will increase the spread of disease, and may spur or exacerbate mass migration. While climate change alone does not cause conflict, it may act as an accelerant of instability or conflict, placing a burden to respond on civilian institutions and militaries around the world. In addition, extreme weather events may lead to increased demands for defense support to civil authorities for humanitarian assistance or disaster response both within the United States and overseas. In some nations, the military is the only institution with the capacity to respond to a large-scale natural disaster. Proactive engagement with these countries can help build their capability to respond to such events. Working closely with relevant U.S. departments and agencies, DoD has undertaken environmental security cooperative initiatives with foreign militaries that represent a nonthreatening way of building trust, sharing best practices on installations management and operations, and developing response capacity. [Department of Defense, February 2010] Contact: Karl Rove http://twitter.com/karlrove Contact: FOX & Friends Fox & Friends http://twitter.com/foxandfriends Contact: Fox News Channel FOX News Channel 1-888-369-4762 1211 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10036 http://twitter.com/foxnews You can help support our work: donate to Media Matters for America.

News on immigratio​n …Katherine Archuleta, BarackObama.com

I wanted to make sure you saw the news: President Obama announced a common-sense policy change that will make our immigration system fairer and smarter. I’m proud to support it, and I hope you are, too.

Under the administration’s guidance, immigration courts are going to focus on deporting people who have been convicted of crimes or who pose a security risk. This means that the courts will focus less on “low-priority” cases — like young people who were brought here as small children and know no other home, or veterans and military spouses.

So the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice will be reviewing the current deportation caseload, clearing out low-priority cases, and making sure they don’t get into the system in the first place — keeping the focus on cases that will make our country safer. It’s a smart, strategic change. And it will make a difference.

But more comprehensive change requires Congress to act. And we’ll need to build momentum for this fight by raising awareness and demanding action on immigration reform. That starts with getting the word out to our friends and family about this important policy change.

Pass the News on …

The Republican presidential candidates are carbon copies of the congressional Republicans who have blocked common-sense change at every turn.

In last week’s Republican debates in Iowa, the candidates talked about walls, as if higher and longer fences could magically resolve this complex issue.

President Obama and the majority of Americans know that the real answer is much more complicated. That’s why he’s directing our immigration courts to focus on the cases that keep our country safe.

There’s a lot more we can do to improve our broken immigration system. President Obama will need us to keep up the pressure on our members of Congress to make that change happen.

Today’s announcement represents important progress that the President can make right now.

Thanks,

Katherine

Katherine Archuleta
National Political Director

Newser Nine at Nine – Let’s Scrap Color-Coded Terror Alerts: Homeland Security

The nine most recent stories, in your inbox bright and early.

Let’s Scrap Color-Coded Terror Alerts: Homeland Security

(Newser) – America‘s color-coded terror alert system, long the butt of jokes and the target of complaints, may not be much longer for this world. The Homeland Security Department is proposing a change to the Homeland Security Advisory System, which many have faulted for being too vague or simply a scare tactic,… More  »

On Black Friday, $89 Kindles

(Newser) – There’s no need to leave your house to snag a killer Black Friday deal, like the one Amazon just announced: a Kindle e-reader for $89. The site disclosed the deal on its Facebook page, David Carnoy reports for CNET . The only catch: You can only get the previous generation (Amazon’s… More  »

Federal Investigation Could Redefine ‘Insider Trading’

(Newser) – Insider trading just isn’t what it used to be. As the feds mount a massive probe into the practice, its definition is becoming murkier: Where insider-traders of old simply whispered secret tips over the phone, today a wide range of data-gathering practices may be legally questionable, the AP reports…. More  »

Flier Sues TSA Over Scanners

(Newser) – Plenty of travelers have been complaining that the TSA’s full-body scanners violate their privacy … but do they violate the Constitution? An Arkansas man says they do. He has filed a lawsuit against the TSA in federal court in Little Rock, claiming that the scanners hurt his “emotional, psychological and… More  »

Birthornot Couple Never Intended to Abort

(Newser) – A Minnesota man who caused an uproar after launching a site asking viewers to vote on whether or not his wife should terminate her pregnancy has admitted they never intended to have an abortion. Pete Arnold—a right-wing blogger with a history of making anti-abortion posts on site like the… More  »

US Carrier Heads to Korean Waters

(Newser) – The USS George Washington left a naval base in Japan today, bound for Korean waters to carry out joint exercises with the South Korean military. US officials say that while the 4 days of military exercises set to begin on Sunday were “planned well before yesterday’s unprovoked artillery attack,… More  »

Nude Guy in Trunk Stumps Google Street View Fans

(Newser) – Why would a naked man calmly climb into the trunk of a car parked in a driveway? That’s what the world wants to know after eagle-eyed Street View fans spotted the unusual scene and posted their intriguing find online. The shot, which has been taken down by Google, showed the… More  »

Royal Wedding to Cost UK Economy $7.9 Billion

(Newser) – Good news for the British: They’ll be getting an extra day off to celebrate the royal wedding next year. The bad news: That extra day off will cost the country $7.9 billion, according to calculations by the Telegraph . Business groups expect the day off to result in $9.48… More  »

Cops: Priest Tried to Hire Hit Man to Kill Teen Accuser

(Newser) – What’s more damaging to the Catholic Church’s image than a priest accused of sexual assault? How about a priest accused of sexual assault who allegedly tries to hire a hit man to kill his teen accuser? Investigators say 52-year-old Texas priest John Fiala offered a neighbor $5,000 to kill… More  »