Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.

By: TessaWinkler*

On this International Women’s Day, who comes to mind when you think of a strong woman?  Do you picture your mother?  What about your grandmother or a sister?  At CLINIC, our thoughts are drawn to a school teacher in Brockton, Massachusetts who fled Haiti after the devastating earthquake of 2010.

June was a busy month for immigration news with the Department of Justice announcing its intentions to sue the state of Arizona for the controversial immigration bill, SB 1070. Since then, United States vs. Arizona has been and will continue to be a contentious subject among Republicans and Democrats alike.  While June began with news stories of tension along the US/ Mexico border and students and married couples facing the threat of deportation, it ended with an announcement by President Obama on the need for comprehensive immigration reform.

Making DREAM a Reality

By: Christie Valentine*

In a Papal message for migrant and refugee day, Pope Benedict XVI stressed the importance of supporting migrant children’s education:

In view of this week’s introduction of legislation for comprehensive immigration reform, it seems appropriate that on International Migrants Day, we take a moment to recognize the struggles, contributions, and other issues that face people on the move.

The Costs of the 287(g) Program Outweigh the Benefits

The clarion call is getting louder.

Next year, there will be a count of the country’s population. The 2010 Census is a big deal. It gives the most accurate tally of individuals that live in this country.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finally released the results of a months-long review of its detention system. The report and its recommendations support what advocates have said for years: DHS should stop operating its immigration detention system like the criminal justice system.

Most of us don’t think about our citizenship status. We claim our country of birth proudly. That pride is doubled for immigrants who wait eagerly to apply for citizenship and naturalize as American citizens. There is no doubt it is a moment to remember.

Patience is a virtue. And in our work, it is a necessity. 

Following an August 20 meeting with more than 100 immigration advocates, President Obama reaffirmed his commitment to immigration reform but also repeated his recent caution that no immigration legislation is likely to come before 2010. 

One of the most easily and commonly overlooked groups of immigrants are detainees. Every day, more than 32,000 individuals languish in detention facilities scattered across the country, unnoticed and ignored.  Thousands of these detainees are immigrants fleeing persecution and seeking refuge in the United States.