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 Read what visitors are saying. You can respond to these
comments or add your own ideas to the ones posted by joining our Task Force over at the Roundtable
January 16, 2001
How can we change this 1996 law that is destroying lives everyday, I have wrote my
goverment to no avail. Everything a Immigrant doe's is a "Agravated Felony" We
treat these people worse than MURDERERS!
Kathy
Stump
katt3@bellsouth.net
December 11, 2000
Is there any kind of a united effort currently being made to change this act?
I have read of several lone persons making some effort to effect change but no
united front to attack this problem in a systematic manner. It appears that many of
the letters, I have read here, concern convicted druggers whom will hurt the effort if
that fact was put before the public. I would appreciate any information that would
guide me to groups of people making attempts to bring about change in the spousal area of
this law.
November 23, 2000
The new 1996 immigration act is the most inhumane, restrictive and
anti-immigrant-biased law passed in the United States in this century. By double punishing
people and depriving immigrants of their constitutional right, this law is extremely
unfair in three major aspects: 1. It treats minor misdemeanor offense by immigrants as
"aggravated felony" and therefore "deportable". 2. It takes away the
very basic right for case to be heard by immigration judges. 3. It hunts people
retrospectively.
Thanks to this web-site and other media, we have heard so many heart-broken stories from
family members and righteous American citizen friends. Just in 1999 alone, over 2 millions
of families have been brutally affected.
Although both congress and INS have confessed that this new law is unfair and too harsh,
they are keeping to destroy families relentlessly by enforcing this notorious law. A
painful fact is that, as a group of individuals of no money and no right to vote, our
suffering didn't count and our voice is being ignored.
We should not passively waiting INS to knock at our doors and take away our dear family
members. We should act. Some suggestions in this web-site, such as unite to file
CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT and to write to congressman, are very constructive. WE NEED LEADERS.
Many immigration lawyerS have been working hard to fight against this law. We should
support them and support each other and be willing to participate with whatever our best
resource.
Thanks for consideration.
October 10, 2000
The only thing we can do now is press congress and senate to change the law.
***Call you congressman/woman and ask them to support the following bills:
HR3272 by congressman BOB FILNER or
HR 1485 by congressman BARNEY FRANK.
****Call the Immigration Subcommittee and tell them to pass the above laws. Their number
is 202-224-6098
****Send faxes to the Immigration Subcommitte and ask them to pass the above laws.
The fax number is 202-228-4506
Call the offices of Senator Dianne Feinstein and Senator Abraham , and Ted Kennedy (www.congress.org) , they are powerful people in the
Immigration Committee, ask them to modify the law and stop the retroactive application of
the IIRRIA 1996.
******contact www.CIEJ.org an organization of volunteers
that is trying their best to help us.
Thanks to everyone that helped, especially the Immigration Lawyers Association , that is
really doing so much to help us.
May this nightmare end soon.........
Received September 12, 2000
In my opinion, the retroactive application of the 1996 immigration law is patently and
most obviously unconstitutional because it is an EX POST FACTO law that punishes
immigrants for their crimes that were allegedly committed prior to the date the
immigration law took effect. It MUST be challenged on this basis all the way to the United
States Supreme Court if need be!
Received August 31, 2000
I THINK IT'S DISGUSTING HOW WE TREAT MEXICANS IN THIS COUNTRY. THEY COME HERE TO BUILD
A BETTER LIFE,THEY DON'T RELY ON OUR GOVERMENT TO PAY THEIR WAY LIKE SOME AMERICANS THAT I
KNOW. MEXICANS ARE HAPPY TO HAVE A JOB, I KNOW BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN WITH A MEXICAN MAN FOR
ONE YEAR NOW AND THEY BELIEVE IN A STRONG FAMILY UNIT ALL WORKING TOGETHER. I WAS MARRIED
TO AN AMERICAN FOR TEN YEARS AND LIFE WITH HIM WAS SO DIFFERENT, I AM HAPPY TO HAVE A
SECOND CHANCE IN LIFE WITH SOMEONE WHO WILL GO TO WORK AND SUPPORT A FAMILY.I KNOW MANY
WOMEN WHO CHOOSE TO BE WITH A MEXICAN MAN THAN WITH AN AMERICAN.WE HAVE LAWS THAT BETTER
PROTECT OUR ANIMALS IN THIS COUNTRY THAN PEOPLE THAT GATHER UP OUR HARVEST WHEN IT'S TIME.
ASK THE AMERICAN FARMERS WHO THEY WANT TO
WORK ON THE FARMS. IN MY AREA WE HELP THE PEOPLE THAT COME HERE TO WORK, WE RELY ON THEM.I
THINK THE 245I LAW SHOULD BE EXTENDED.THE GOVERMENT CAN NOT STOP EVERYTHING.
IMAGINE THIS STORY:
YOU MEET THE PERFECT PERSON TO SPEND THE REST OF YOUR LIFE WITH. YOU DO EVERYTHING
TOGETHER,YOUR HAPPY AS CAN BE.YOU PLAN A WEDDING,ONE OF THE HAPPIEST DAYS OF YOUR LIFE.THE
DAY COMES FOR THE WEDDING ALL GOESGOOD,YOUR PARENTS ARE SO HAPPY FOR YOU. YOU CAN'T
IMAGINE THIS IS FINALLY HAPPENING TO YOU. THEN ONE DAY YOUR HUSBAND, THAT YOU LOVE DEARLY,
TELLS YOU THAT HE IS ILLEGAL IN THIS COUNTRY. WHAT DO YOU DO? WHERE DO YOU START TO
UNTANGLE THIS MESS.HE DIDNT TELL YOU BEFORE THE WEDDING BECAUSE HE THOUGHT YOU
WOULDNT MARRY HIM.REMEBER, YOU LOVE THIS MAN.YOU WANT TO STAY TOGETHER BUT HOW,BY ALWAYS
LOOKING OVER YOUR SHOULDER,PARANOID THAT THE INS PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR ILLEGAL PEOPLE.
YOUR HUSBAND WILL NEVER REST INSIDE BECAUSE OF POLICE OR INS.MY SISTER
MARRIED A SUCH PERSON NOW HER LIFE IS HELL THANKS TO OUR SO CALLED GOVERMENT.GOD BE WITH
THESE HUMAN BEINGS THAT BREATHE,EAT,WORK AND PAY TAXES JUST LIKE AMERICANS.WHY DONT THEY
HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS AS AMERICANS,ARE NOT WE ALL HUMAN FOR GODS SAKE.SOMEBODY IN
WASHINGTON HAD BETTER LOOK HARD AT THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU FOR READING THIS!
Received August 1, 2000
I am also a family member affected by the 1996 Immigration reform act.I have read with
interest and heartfelt empathy the stories that have brouth pain and sorrow to many
amercan families across the nation.Now that we all have a common bond I would like to ask
from everyone that has contributed a story,to come forward and take a stand to really make
something happen,because that is what we all need now. In this election year we need
to make the people that represent us in congress aware of what this law is doing to our
families.My question to all of you is:How can we unite and make this an issue that will
place enough pressure in congress so something gets done about emending this law?
So far I have never read any editorials about this issue in nationally
recongnized magazines or newspapers.(times,walls street journal,newsweek,usa today etc.)
What about the people that intend to earn a party nomination to run for president?
Where do they stand in this issue? Is it important to them? I am tired of
waiting for something to happen.Why don't we start a big movement to get something done?
Union is power and may be we can get this law changed before you know it,but for
that to happen you also need to act.At this point we have nothing to fear or lose,but a
dear family member to rejoin our home. pLEASE WRITE ME WITH YOU
IDEAS,COMMENTS,SUGGESTIONS,ANYTHING TO C_HORMAZABAL@HOTMAIL.COM
Received July 17,2000
Let us praise the immigration lawyers and everybody else that are trying to save us
from this nightmare.
If you are a US citizen,
** please call you congressperson, ask that to support :
Bill Hr 3272 sponsored by Bob Filner of New York.
*** Call the immigration subcomittee at 202-2224-6098. Ask them to pass Hr 3272 by bob
filner.
****Call senator Dianne feinstein and senator Abraham, ask them to pass HR 3272.
Thanks.
Received July 15, 2000
WE NEED TO EXPLORE THE FEASABILITY OF A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST THE U.S.
GOVRNMENT, LITIGATED BY THE ACLU AND ANY OTHER ATTORNEYS WHO ARE SO BRAVE AS TO TAKE ON
THE TASK.
Received May 29, 2000
It has been almost 9 months since my husband has been detained. According to law
he was processed on a criminal case which was not properly investigated and worst his
lawyer did not have faith in him and did not defend him properly. My husband case
went into trial and he was found guilty. The jurors in this case were women and
there was no Hispanic nor African-American representation (men or women). His lawyer
came just before sentencing and told him that Immigration was informed and that he was
going to be deported. Immigration took custody of my husband almost three
months ago. I`ve been been in contact with his DPO but frankly I havn`t seen any
improvement in the development of his case. Right now he has some job offers and we don`t
know if his DPO will release him. I am the only one working, and everything is back up
(bills) I need someone to answer me and suggest what shall I do. The Civil case is
being appealed.
Received May 8, 2000
The 1996 law is destroying so many lives,it is just
incredible.Congress signs laws, INS applies them, nobody care about the consequences. The
only way to maybe salvage the situation for all of us before it is too late is with a vote
I think.So if you are a US citizen, you can vote we are Legal residents, we can pay taxes
but cannot vote we are the legal immigrants, and if we have happenened to fail a little in
our lives with the legal system, then we are asked to completely disappear from our loved
ones'lives and this society that we love too. Please call or go see your
congressman/woman, and ask them to support one of the following bills: HR 3272 BY
CONGRESSMAN FILNER OF NEW YORK HR 1485 BY CONGRESSMAN BARNEY FRANK Contact Dianne
Feinstein, Zoe Logren, Mr Abraham, you can find them under www.congress.org, look for
immigration committee. Call them, fax them, email them. Contact Janet Reno who gave the
final blow to this law, by saying that even expunged cases ( which means that they would
have been simple misdemeanors cases) had to be taken into account for deportation. A lady
called Laure Kozubo in Texas has created a committe CIEJ ( commitee for immigrants for
equal justice), and she spends half of her life now going to Washington , her
congresspeople in texas etc all that for us. Again if you are a us citizen, please help
her. Her email address is varie18187@aol.com, her phone number is 972-329-7080. Fax a
letter of protest against that law, we need to stop the retroactive applications of this
law. The fax number for the Senate Judiciary Committee at 202-224-9102 or 202-224-6098.
Thanks for the bottom of my heart for all the good people of this country , the lawyers
, the laypeople, that are trying to help us. We are decent people that do not deserve this
harsh treatment. I am letting my brother die of cancer in my country of origin, because if
I go visit him now and come back, they will deport me . I have to choose between him or my
spouse and my dear children.
Received May 8, 2000
Mandatory Detention - -
How is it that a person who has never been jailed for a crime can be held mandatorily
because congress decided to make the law retroactive? My husband has never been jailed for
any crimes - incarceration was suspended for probation. However he's considered an
"INS DETAINEE" but is detained with rapists, murderers, etc. and the only
thing he's been in is a fight. He was picked up after he finished working and has
been held for the past two months. Its gets better - a gang of 4 inmates jumped him and
beat the "....." out of him. Is this justice?? How can people be who have never
been jailed for their crimes, be treated this way???
Received May 4, 2000
Is there anything that we can do to force legislation out of the
subcommittees? I am the wife of an Oakdale detainee. My husband has been a permanent
resident since 1987. My husband was convicted of a third offense DWI, and he is now
"marked" as deportable. My husband served his time for his offense, and was
taken into INS custody on the day of his release from a state correctional facility. No
one seems to care that he joined AA and has been sober for over a year. No one seems to
care that our children (ages 2 1/2 and 5) are suffering without their "papa". I
have contacted our Congressman and our Senators. All they do is quote me the law, which I
already know. What in the world constitutes a hardship in the eyes of our lawmakers? What
really gets me is a letter that was recently written by an INS representative that says
that the INS agrees that the 1996 law is too harsh. They say they are urging their field
officers to use their discretion when bringing charges against someone. The INS tries to
act like they are on our side. In reality, the Board of Immigration is the one that
decided that my husband's offense qualified as an "act of violence" and rendered
my husband deportable and ineligible for bond. My husband never hurt anyone or caused
damage to any person or property. Sure...he could have, but he didn't. If you really think
about it, the word "crime" in itself indicates the potential for violence- no
matter what the crime may be. No where in the definition of aggravated felony does it list
DWI. We can thank the mindreaders on the Immigration Board of Appeals for that! As an
American-born citizen, I am absolutly disgusted with the way our government has chosen to
treat our non-citizen loved ones. Our government fails to see that the citizens are the
ones who are suffering. I wish I could lock these lawmakers in a room with my children for
just one hour. I want them to hear my babies cry and beg for their papa! . I am offering
my help and support to aid in any endeavors that might help save our families.
Received April 25, 2000
On behalf of a very, very dear friend of mine for over 20 years,
I recently joined a coalition by the name of CIEJ (Citizens and Immigrants for Equal
Justice). My friend, let's call him "Peter", has been accused and convicted of
Conspiracy to Money Launder. He has just begun serving a sentence of 2 years in prison.
What Peter was actually caught doing was, in all actuality, an act of benevolence. He was
simply helping a "friend" move some things from one apartment to another. What
he did not know, was that one of those things contained approximately $250,000. The police
did however know this because her house was under surveillance for about one year. Peter
had never been to her apartment (as the police are willing to admit they had never seen
him there before) and he had never called her apartment (as the police admit he voice was
never found on the many, many hours of tape recorded phone calls). Peter was doing a favor
that he turned down $20.00 tip to do because, forhim, it was exactly that - a favor.
Peter was stopped and questioned by the police, and then his pick up truck was
searched. After hours of questions, they told him to go away and don't look back - it was
his lucky day. It turns out that that lucky day came back to haunt him five months later
when the police came to arrest him with somewhat of a S.W.A.T. team in tow - in front of
his mother, his siblings and his adolescent children. He was placed under arrest and spent
three nights in jail. The horror story only begins here ...
After one year and $74,000 in lawyer's fees later, Peter was faced with two options:
one to surrender himself guilty for a reduced sentence of a minimum of two years, or try
to plead innocent and face 8 to 10 years, carrying the full weight of the entire case of
+/- $1.6 million dollars. The others in the house that day who had been under surveillance
were all arrested and were very willing to testify against him for lowered sentences,
along with two narcotics officers. Peter would not have stood a chance in hell fighting
the case, so he plead guilty thinking of his three children waiting at home for him.
The oddity of it all is that Peter is now serving two years in Federal Prison. He was
"lucky", they say, to have received such a low sentence. Even the Prosecutor was
willing to state in his plea agreement that "the defendant had absolutely no
knowledge that the money was drug related" and that "the defendant had minimal
participation in the incident". Not minimal enough that he is spending two years of
his life without his family, only to be followed by mandatory deportation. Peter, you see,
is Colombian.
It does not seem to matter to anyone that Peter has lived here half his life (he is now
29 years old) has an American wife and children, and his parents are American Citizens. He
has always been a wonderful, helpful individual, and the very best person I have ever had
the honor to know. It also does not seem to matter that he has never broken the law,
teaches his children to be the best they can be, owns a joint business with his brother,
is a very hard worker and does the right thing always.
Under this law of 1996, Peter is being punished two times, not one. The second
punishment, however, is for a life-time.
How can our government get away with this behavior. I know that this law was actually
passed because it was "hidden" within a budget bill of 1500 pages and given to
the President 24 hours before he had to sign. I also know that there are a lot of guilty
Senators out there who signed along with him, also unknowingly. But everyone is ignoring
the destruction and devastation that this is causing to so many families. Janet Reno has
the nerve to speak about family unity, and yet she is allowing this un-Godly act to happen
to these people.
I just returned from Washington, DC in a week-long attempt to have these Senators
understand that they made a mistake and that they must correct it. Perhaps they did not
understand the consequences, but they saw us in the flesh crying and pleading to them. One
Senator's aid actually had the nerve to tell us that fighting this law is a
"political headache". I asked her if she knew of the case where one of the
family members of these "victims of the 1996 law" commited suicide I asked her
if she knew how many heart attacks and illnesses were arrising from the complete and utter
devastation to these families and I explained that a Senator's headache is nothing in
comparison to what these people are being subjected to.
I am an American Citizen born and raised in New York. I told each and everyone of these
Senators' offices that I went to Washington at the age of 10 and again at the age of 27
and they would never have found a person more proud of this country. I then told them that
having to return at the age of 38, I feel nothing but disgust for their laws and their
Capitol Hill where justice is supposed to prevail.
I never got an answer ....
Please print this in your Roundtable minutes, and if possible, please keep me informed
of upcoming events, or anything that pertains to this matter. I will gladly fight along
side of each of you, because this is not just about Peter any more ... this is about
Absolute Injustice to all who face this insane nightmare.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you for realizing and for helping
all of us.
(Response received May 12, 2000: To the lady whose
friend is Peter , and has been now fighting our fight, I want to say thanks for the bottom
of my heart.
I would like to contact you did you want to go back again and see the representatives
in congress, I would like to go back with you if you do not mind.
I need a way to contact you. Can you leave a phone number, an email address and ask the
moderator of this roundtable to contact me privately.
Thanks a million. May you be blessed!)
Received April 17, 2000
How can a law simply be retroactive? Does the constituition
support this pathetic cruel law of 1996? How does a person who has served his time to
society and has reformed themselves be punished again? Is this double jeapardy or what?
Justice is that we examine and determine deportation according to the persons individual
records and accomplishments not judge him by simply generalizing and not reviewing or
caring to read about the defendent. Is this legal? Has anyone actually brought up the
constitution and realize that this is inhumane.
Are we turning to a regime of Nazism? We must fight this anti-immigrant laws because
this is the land of immigrants.
God help us!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Received April 3, 2000
wondering if there is an update on any changes of the IIRAIRA law??
thank you,
alain, (currently in belgium)
you may respond at alainhupert@hotmail.com
thanks again, alain
Received March 9, 2000
hello,
I have been working and learning a lot on this issue as my senior project called QUEST. i
am trying to answer the question, " how has changes in law relating to immigration
consequences of criminal actions affected naturalization? How have these changes affected
their families? While trying to answer this , i learned about IIRAIRA and feel that this
law has to be changed. i am now holding a seminar for anyone who would like to know about
this issue and i invite anyone of you to come and speak your mind regarding IIRAIRA. if
your interested please contact me at (510) 438-0599 after 3:30pm, page me at (510)
494-7511 or email me at Jatkurie@aol.com
thank you
Rasheel Dhillon
Received February 21, 2000
Perhaps somebody else has already suggested this, but I feel that if all of us who are
currently being affected by this unjust and harsh law unite and begin protesting in
Washington our voices would probably be heard louder. Getting on televison news
magazines such as 20/20, Dateline, etc., is another avenue to consider. My dad, a 61
year who suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure is suffering right now along with
my mother and the rest of his children. He has been incarcerated for a month and
transferred to three different facilities in this short amount of time. He has
not seen us for approximately three weeks. Now he can't even call us because somehow
they have put collect restrictions from where he is to all the numbers he had for us.
This law must be changed and we cannot stop looking for options to have Congress
change it.
Received December 10, 1999
Have any asylum applicants been negatively affected by the clockstopping provisions
governing EAD applications by a asylum applicants? Or does anyone have ideas on how
those provisions might be drafted in a more clear manner? I am a third year legal
intern gathering info for a proposed legislative amendment and I would like to collaborate
with others working in this area. Please feel free to contact me at my e-mail "mhawkins@mac.law.cuny.edu".
Received November 21, 1999
To everyone,
The harsh immigration laws of 1996 stand to tear my family apart. I know exactly what
other victims are going through. I have spent countless hours researching the law and
developments in Congress concerning our immigration policy. We have reason to be
optimistic. There are several bills in the House and one in the senate that would restore
fairness to our immigration laws. The anti-immigrant sentiment of 1996 is subsiding. As
the INS and Congress point the finger at each other for causing this atrocity, we need to
unite and let our lawmakers know how we feel. I urge everyone who reads this to write to
their congressmen and voice their opinion. There is strength in numbers and if we continue
to pursue this cause relentlessly, they will listen. To all those affected, stay strong
and have faith. This nightmare will come to an end. Take a stand, remember that our
families are at stake. Sincerely, Rven
Received October 12, 1999
I think the new immigration law is ridiculous, not only in it's concept, but in it's
blatant bias. This not only hurts the citizens of the U.S., but also the cultural
diversity and spirit of freedom that encompasses the the very heart of America - the
supposed land of the free. I'm hoping that the candidates for the next presidential
election will take seriously this issue.
Received September 25, 1999
I WOULD LIKE TO START BY SAYING THAT I KNOW HOW EVERYONE HERE FEELS. MY FAMILY WAS ALSO
AFFECTED. MY HUSBAND ENTERED AS A CREWMAN IN THE 80'S AND STAYED. WE TALKED TO MANY
LAWYERS AND WASTED MUCH MONEY.IN 1996,WE FILED WITH THE 1000. PENALTY ONE DAY BEFORE THE
LAW WAS CHANGED,WE APPLIED TO ADJUST HIS STATUS. WE HAD HEARD NOTHING ABOUT THE 96 LAW
UNTIL 2 MONTHS AGO, AND WERE DEVESTATED. THERE WERE MANY
PROVISIONS THAT AFFECTED HIM. THEN WE STARTED THINKING MAYBE THEY LOST HIS FILE LIKE THEY
DO SO MANY TIMES. WE KNEW THAT BY DECEMBER THERE WOULD BE A BIG LOBBY TO CHANGE THESE
LAWS,AND MAYBE THEY WOULD CHANGE BEFORE HE WAS CALLED FOR HIS INTERVIEW.ALL WE COULD COULD
THINK OF WAS OUR FAMILY BEING TORN APART.ONLY THOSE THAT GO THRU THIS CAN KNOW THIS
TERRIBLE FEELING.THEN CAME THE DREADED LETTER...COME TO THIS OFFICE...REPORT DIRECTLY TO
THE SECURITY GUARD...I JUST KNEW THEY WOULD SEPERATE US AND I AND MY CHILDREN WOULD NEVER
SEE HIM AGAIN. WE THOUGHT OF RUNNING,BUT HOW LONG COULD WE LIVE LIKE THAT? SO WE WENT,WITH
MANY STRIKES AGAINST US. AND THEN THE MIRACLE OCCURRED.HE WAS APPROVED!!!!THE THOUGHT OF
HIM BEING APPROVED HAD NOT EVEN CROSSED OUR MINDS,AT BEST WE WERE HOPING FOR AN APPEAL AND
A LONG BATTLE. I AM NOT A VERY RELIGIOUS PERSON, BUT I HAD TOLD GOD THAT THIS WAS TOO MUCH
FOR ME TO HANDLE,AND I WAS GIVING IT TO HIM. HE WAS WITH US IN THAT OFFICE LAST MONTH.I
REALIZE THAT NOT EVERYONE WILL BE BLESSED AS WE WERE, BUT SOME WILL BE. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE
UP. IF YOU HAVE THE FUNDS GET THE BEST ATTORNEY YOU CAN FIND, IF NOT, CALL EVERY ONE AND
BEG IF YOU HAVE TO. IF YOU HAVE COMMITTED A CRIME, AND ALREADY SERVED YOUR TIME OR
PROBATION,BRING THOSE PAPERS AS WELL AS THE WAVER YOU WILL HAVE TO FILE,AND FILE IT BEFORE
YOUR APPONTMENT. GOODLUCK TO ALL OF YOU MY FRIENDS,FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS, WE WILL BE
PRAYING FOR YOU.
Received September 24, 1999
Immigrants should be free to come to the United States.
Received September 22, 1999
I THINK THE LAW IS UNFAIR. I WAS IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO. I REGRET
MAKING THAT MISTAKE. I AM SORRY FOR WHAT I HAVE DONE. I DID THE CRIME I PAID AND DID MY
TIME. ALL MY REGRETING AND BEGGING FORGIVENESS WILL NOT CHANGE MY PAST. I HAVE TO LIVE
WITH FOR THE REST OF MY DAYS. I HAVE REHABILITATED MYSELF OVER AND OVER AGAIN. I HAVE WENT
TO COLLEGE AND RECEIEVED A DEGREE AND I AM PROUD OF MYSELF.
MY DAY MIGHT COME IT MAY NOT. BUT WHATEVER HAPPEN I WILL JUST HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT. NOBODY
KNOWS WHAT TOMOWWOR BRINGS THEY JUST HAVE TO HOPE FOR THE BEST AND ACCEPT THE WORST. I
EMPATHIZE FOR ALL THE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE SUFFERING BECAUSE OF THIS LAW IT HURTS. REAL
BAD. I HOPE THEY CHANGE IT REAL SOON.
I THINK THAT LAW SHOULD AFFECT THE INDIVIDUALS THAT GETS IN TROUBLE AFTER THE LAW CAME
INTO EFFECT. AT LEAST THEN THE KNOW IF THEY GET IN ANY TROUBLE WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO
THEM. WE ARE HUMAN BEINGS WE MAKE MISTAKES, YES I DO ADMIT THAT SOME OF THE MISTAKE ARE
MORE DEVASTATING THAN OTHERS. BUT PEOPLE CHANGE TOO. I THINK THE LAW SHOULD ONLY AFFECT
ONLY THE INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE GOTTEN IN TROUBLE AFTER OCT. 96.
Received September 16, 1999
We should not call America the home of the free when America will not even take in
people from countries that they know of, that have harsh treatment, that have
autocratic leadership like Idi Amin Dada, if we are not willing to save those people
who are under that type of leadership then we need to stop trying to save the world from
every war
Received September 14, 1999
What I don't agree with is the tatics that the justice system will use in theie
narcotics cases. What I meaan is this, how can they use an immigrant who was
caught selling or possesing narcotics, to sell on another person who is doing the same
thing? Then they turn around and set the informer free and gives the other fifteen
years to life iff he goes to trial or in my husband case 5- life(because he took a plea
bargain) and then he faces deportation after serving 2/3 of his time in State prison,
while the other person who was doing the same thing is allowed to go on and enjoy
the benefits of this country. He gets to move away to another State (where he
probably will start doing the same thing again), and is allowd to travel back and forth to
his country as wishes. Why doesn't the law apply to both equally?
Received August 28, 1999
Aliens with immediate family in US should not be affected by this law!!!!!!!!!
Received August 16, 1999
I hope that your efforts correct the injustices that are committed daily. The
application of a law that only wants the well to do: European,Japanese,Canadian
businessmen, South American Doctors and students, Professionals of all categories, and
baseball players from the island of Cuba. This racist immigration policy is a tool for the
United States of America to import the cream of the crop from its neighbors, thereby
depriving many countries the potential of their countributions to their societies. This
Law, in the end does not benefit the United States of Amerca. Families that are
broken up by the removal of the sole provider might
end up needing public assistance. Their sons and daughters resenting the actions of the US
government, and one day even seeking retribution. This Law has generated more hatred for
immigrants. Daily attacks are reported by the media. I blame our elected officals for
starting this craze. I PRAISE YOU for trying to correct these injustices.
Thank you from Tarpon Springs. 081699 1313H
Received July 16, 1999
I have filed a civil action in federal court on behalf of those prisoners who are
either facing deportation or have already been deported pursuant to the new IIRIRA. My
argument is that the sanction of deportation imposed, although labeled a civil sanction,
is in violation of the Double Jeopardy Clause. Why? The Supreme Court has made several
rulings in recent years stating that a sanction, though labeled civil, that serves as a
deterrent, is punishment for Double Jeopardy purposes. I have as evidence a Memorandum of
President William Clinton, outlining a New Deterrence Policy, which ultimately lead to the
IIRIRA.
I have commenced this action, which I think is a meritorious action in Boston. I am now
awaiting an Answer from the Defendant's. I will need further legal assistance if I am
going to be successful in this action. If there are any lawyer's out there who would be
willing to review my complaint and memorandum, please contact me. If htere is anyonw out
there who can contribute to the costs of this action, which so far have been paid solely
by me, I would like to hear from you.
I truly beleive that if this case can be fully heard on its merits, that we can reverse
the cases of those who have already been deported and stop deportation proceedings against
those who are now being subjected to deportation.
Thank you for your time. Mark R. Cook, 200 May Street, Bldg. B, S. Attleboro, MA
02703-5515, FAX: 508-761-6880, EMAIL: mark9342@webtv.net
Received June 23, 1999
I am a U.S. born citizen and am outraged at the blatant unconstitutionality of the 1996
Act. The heart of this country is based on the constitution. By demeaning it in such am
unlawful way is inhumane itself. My boyfriend is circumstance of tis law. I see him
shuffeled from one county facility to another, being basically starved because of the lack
of nutrition and lack of quantity in the food given and dehumanized. he is there for
somehting that happened while he was a child, now 12 years after the fact our government
is trying to deport him. He has been in this country since the age of 2. I have contacted
many politicians to no avail. I have also contacted people directly at INS and not so much
as a return phone call.
Stephanie Kown
Received June 11, 1999
San Diego CIEJ has been recieving lot of calls from detentions centeres from the
Northern Areas of Califonia (San Jose, San Francisco, etc.). At this point we would like
to know if an organization from that area is focusing in this law (1996), and if the
answer is yes.We need someone to record the stories of those been afected by this new law
if you have any question called to San Diego CIEJ region: (619) 233-4114
Received May 29, 1999
I think that the new Immigration law is the most anti-immigrant and is an obvious
violation of the human rights. Is it Constitutional to make this a retro-active on
cases prior to the effect of such law? Is it Constitutional to punish more than once
for the same offense to the same person? My son made a young guy mistake when he was
19 years old. He was charged with possesion of marijuana. He served his time
and because he was just "a legal resident" and not a citizen he was deprted 7
years after his offense without having the chance of a court day before his deportation.
My son came to this country when he was 3 years old and was living in this country
for 23 years. He does know any other country or any other language. He has a
wife and a 3 year son who were born in Atlanta and now are going through the worst time of
their lifes. They are suffering of extreme hardship and my daughter in law is so
depressed that I am afraid of her situation. She has mentioned to me that "life
has no meaning any more". My son never had any other problem with the law. It
was his only offense and is paying with all his family and life. Please help us to bring
him back where he belongs.
Received April 21, 1999
Hi, my name is Cindy Lara and my husband has been affected because of that 1996 Act.
I think it is so unfair what they did to him. This Act came about in 1996.
He has 3 DWI's the last one in 1993. He did not serve jail time but he served
probation for 5 years and finished probation and everything. Now the 1996 Act comes to
haunt us again. I know what my husband did is not O.K. but I think that on his 3rd
DWI he realized it and made a big difference in his life. He got himself together making
things right again. He accomplished it. We were living a normal life again. But now thats
all gone. I really think they should look at each case individually and consider a
pardon of some kind.
Received April 15, 1999
Hello my name is Dorothy Rodriguez and my Husband Francisco is a Cuban National and is
an INS detainee in York County Prison in Pennsylvania. He has served due
process.Immigration is holding him as an arriving alien. He is not an arriving alien. My
husband came here to our Country 31 years ago at the age of 2years old on a Humanitarian
Parole with an I-94 form.My statement is. We as Americans who have been incarcerated, and
payed their debts to society get a second chance at life. Why does these long term
residents have to pay their debt to society twice? They have worked in our country, and
payed taxes. I agree if these Immigrants do a crime they should serve due process. This is
double jeopardy.Immigration has the right to detain all Cubans who are held without crimes
and lack proper INS documentation in jail for the rest of their lives until their country
changes their law. Please reflect on the fact that the Nazi Regime also felt that they had
every right to detain and subject 6 million Jews to cruel and inhuman treatment labeling
them a threat to the German economy and detriment to german society, I think the world has
beckoned to disagree. This is what the United States is doing to these long term
residents. Thenk you for your time. Dorothy Rodriguez
Received March 20, 1999
I work with homeless migrants in Ketucky. I assure them there still whole lot os that
beleive what that lady stands in the Bay. Keep up the great work for our hispanic
neighbors. JM
Received March 20, 1999
It seems to me that most of the Immigration Administrative Judges are claiming that
they no longer have jurisdiction under the new law. But I think that you can argue
that they are within the Immigration Administration umbrella and aren't considered courts
for the purposes of the new law. I don't know if anyone is made this argument, but
it would seem that Congress did not intend to include them in the definition of Court. You
can then do a comparison between a court of record and the Administrative Judge. I
would like to find out if anyone knows of any administrative Judge that has taken
jurisdiction on request for bond hearings for aggravated felons under the new law.
Received September 24, 1998
How long does it take for an I-130 to be processed. i called immigrations in texas and
im told 232 days. What about your loved ones that are stuck with no job, car, nothing and
its been six months. What about you having to try to save a home deal with kids wanting
there step father and what about me wanting my husband. Is there nothing that can be done
to help us that have been misinformed?
Received September 17, 1998
I am concerned when I see productive, contributing members of our society summarily
denied rights and priveleges simply because of a past transgression--particularly when the
transgressions are no longer even considered a problem by their employers, employees,
colleagues and neighbors.
I pledge my support to see this uncaring and ill considered law repealed.
Received August 23, 1998
There are things EVERYONE can do to make a difference. We are a coalition of family
members fighting to change these harsh new immigration laws regarding deportation. Our
recent anti-immgrant sentiment in this country has caused unbelievable suffering on
families like mine. The loss of our family members is devastating our children.We need
every voice to say "stop" to our lawmakers! Restoration of humane immigration
policy is fundamental in the preservation of human rights.
http://members.aol.com/DIVERSTY99/index.html
Citizens and Immigrants for Equal Justice
Received June 2, 1998
I am writing from the Northern California Coalition for Immigrant Rights, based in SF.
We currently are conducting a survey of amnesty movements in the U.S., i.e. what kinds of
organizing, legislation, advocacy, etc., is out there vis-a-vis getting legal status for
undocumented immigrants. If you have relevant info, please e-mail me at eduardo@nccir.org.
Thanks
Received May 26, 1998
I am a brazilian citizen on a F1 visa and have been in the Us for the past seven years.
My parents still live in Brazil and they (the INS office in Tampa, FL) tell me that if I
was to visit them I would be able to come back into the US. Also Have been an outsdanding
student in the Us graduating seventh in my high school class and maintaining a 3.9 GPA in
junior college (because I cannot afford the out of state fees in an University and all of
the scholarships I have found are ffor residents only. No recognition for the "trash
of the world" I guess.
Received, May 11, 1998
Thanks for this web site! What the anti-immigrant forces don't stop and think about is
the real lives that are affected by the new and stricter immigration laws. People who have
been here for many years, have put down roots, and have families here. Many of them are
not even "illegal" (if a person can EVER be illegal) but may be having a
difficult time adjusting status because of the backups at the INS and because Congress
makes laws and the INS has to find ways to implement them. We hear stories about people
who file applications that just get lost. Or that take over a year to be adjudicated. How
about people that filed for asylum two years ago, and their applications are just in a
pile somewhere and will probably never even be looked at?
Many people come to the U.S. out of desperation. Conditions in their own countries are
intolerable, but if they waited to get a visa legally, they could NEVER come. In some
countries, the wait is 20 years or more! So they come on visitors visas and overstay, or
they sneak in somehow, and things here are so much better that they can't bear the thought
of going back. If the people screaming about tougher immigration restrictions would try
living in some of those countries, they would sing a different tune.
This is still the Golden Land of Opportunity. We are so blessed to be here! Why do we
begrudge other people the same opportunity? We have freedoms and chances here that are
unheard of in other countries. Are we so selfish that we don't want to share our
blessings? Will we deprive others of freedom of religion and free enterprise because we
want to keep it to ourselves? Where are our Christian roots?!?
Let them come! Let them have the same chances we have! And if they flood our country,
maybe their own countries will realize that democracy and freedom WORK, and that they
should changeif they want to keep their citizens.
If you were God, would you want your children living in godforsaken Communist China, or
would you want them to live in the U.S. where they could freely choose to worship and
learn about you?
What does the Statue of Liberty stand for, anyway? Maybe we should send it back if we
don't believe what it says any more. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled
masses yearing to breathe free..." If we don't believe that any more, why does she
still stand proudly in New York's harbor?
I won't hide my identity. Yes, I am a little partial. But it's because I deal with
individual immigrants and hear their stories all the time. I am very ashamed of the
anti-immigrant sentiment in my government. Immigrants have been used as scapegoats in the
past, but why now, when the economy is booming? Why do we need a scapegoat now? Why did we
suddenly get stingy and selfish?
Enough said. You are welcome to write. And once again, thanks for this web site. It's
wonderful that people get a chance to speak their minds and talk about their individual
lives here.
God bless,
Judy Hake
Webmaster
Immigration Lawyers on the Web
http://ilw.com
Received April 28,1998
Under this new immigration law, is it legal for the INS to use state CARES (Client
Assistance for Re-employment and Economic Supoort)records to deport legaland illegal
aliens? The law is written ambiguously and only says "some state and county
agencies" are required to report illegal aliens. After a phone call to the customer
service line, the person could not help me define this. Also, if a legal alien who is
applying for citizenship receives Medical Assistance for their children, will this affect
their citizenship? If someone out there knows the answer, please let me know!
Received April 22, 1998
How can a human being be illegal? Give up? There's no such thing as an "illegal"
human being, as Ellie Wiesel once said. This law is just a further attempt to divert
public attention from the real problems this country has - to shift the blame to the
immigrants, "legal" or otherwise, people who have the BASIC HUMAN RIGHT to
decide where they wish to reside. Who are we, all of us immigrants ourselves, to decide
who should live where? Who gave us, or the government for that matter, the right to decide
that?
Received April 16, 1998
How can resources ie people utilize their time more efficiently to make a difference?
Received April 8, 1998
13 years and counting, working just like everybody else, pay taxes every year and no
negative records, I am still waiting for a miracle. I came here as an H1 Visa and the
company I worked for went belly up. I had to look for another job quickly and I was hired
just like buying a burger,that fast. I have a BSEE and had been in the high tech industry
since I came to the this country. I am in limbo and always afraid. Hoping for a big heart
from Washington to give Amnesty to all of us who had been here for quite sometime, lived
and worked with everyone, and have completely adjusted to the American lifestyle and
living. If I come home, I will probably just die. I dont know anyone anymore and dont know
how to adjust to my previous life anylonger. I hope someone out there can understand my
situation and help me...
Thank you all and keep this site going forever....
Received December 5, 1997
I have just read the news about the "final deal" made in regards to the
245(i) extension. It is certainly good that it was extended until January 14, 1998. This
fact might help immigrants who are being sponsored by relatives. HOWEVER it is VERY UNFAIR
to immigrants who want to apply for permament residency as in the skilled workers
category. Before they can submit their application to INS, various requirements have to be
satisfied involving state and federal offices, advertising in newspapers, etc. The whole
process takes approximately two years in NY state. Therefore, if someone began this
process a year ago, they will not be ready to apply for their permamnent visa by January
14, 1998! This means that all applicants in this category (thousands of them) who are
currently in the process of fulfilling the pre-requisites have no chances of receiving
"green cards" since they will have to go back to their home countries and not be
able to come back to US for another three or ten years. And US employers will not be able
to hire the skilled workers they need. THIS IS VERY UNFAIR AND MUST BE CORRECTED! They
should be able to use the 245(i) extension! I hope this issue will be solved before
thousands of people suddenly find themselves in despair and disbelief, with no chance to
legalize their stay in the U.S...I thank you for reading this letter and hope that it will
help you convince your opponents about benefits of permament extension of 245(i) before
it's too late...Good luck and have a great holiday season! Sincerely, DEB
Received July 24, 1997
I have been reading many of the stories of people affected by the new INS law and my
heart goes out to them. I am attempting to help someone being faced with deportation
because of 2nd degree criminal sexual assault against a family member. It's horrible--and
all parties involved realize that but to ship the father out of this country will only
leave the family in a worse position. There are other children involved and it is felt
that the father's presence in the US is truly needed for proper acknowledgement and
treatment of the children involved. If anyone out there has information regarding the
successful use of the phrase "crime of moral terpitude" and how it might enable
this person to be exempt from deportation, I would really like to hear from you. Please
note that the mother and children are not (at this point in time) welcoming the sexual
perpetrator back into their home--but they are dependent upon his income and he is the
biological father of a child in the home. No one is excusing his deplorable actions. He is
guilty and has admitted his guilt & has served time & is seeking treatment as he
should be. He has attempted to get legal representation but no one feels he has a ghost of
a chance with the new legislation. Can anyone offer advice on this subject? The state
involved is MN. If you are knowledgeable in this area and can offer constructive advice,
please e-mail me as soon as possible at jewelry@mn.uswest.net I am just a person who is
interested in helping their family re-build, instead of seeing it be totally destroyed
forever. Again, no one is minimalizing the terrible toll it has taken on the one child
involved. Thank you...and may God bless each and every one of you--with or without a green
card!
Received June 5, 1997
I would like to see a national campaign started to positively influence the passage of
an extension to the adjustment of status provision, commonly known as 245(I). This
provision will expire on 30 September, 1997 unless congress extends it. If it expires it
will affect an estimated 3.7 million immigrants who have approved petitions and are simply
waiting for there petition date to become current. Most effected are South and Central
American illegal immigrants who are already in this country and waiting for their status
to become current. Below is a copy of a letter that I sent to Sen. Kenedy: Honorable
Edward M. Kennedy 6 June 1997 Ranking Member Senate Subcommittee on Immigration 807 Hart
Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Senator Kennedy, I am writing in regards to
the expiration of section 245(I) of the INA. I am deeply concerned about the impact it
will have and therefore have a number of questions and issues I was hoping you could
address. 1. As I understand it, persons not in a legal status as of Sep 97 will be
required to depart the U.S. or face a 3year bar to immigration. Although I fully support
the deportation of those persons with no legal claim and more importantly are not actively
pursuing a legal status I am frustrated and concerned for those who do and are. 2. Past
rules allowed for persons to remain in the United States to adjust status. However as of
Sep 97 even if a person has an approved petition for immigration, if their status is not
current (they have not reached the date/month to receive their immigration VISA), they
will be required to leave or face penalty. 3. It appears to me that we are discouraging
those persons who have a legal claim to immigration and eventually citizenship to apply in
fear that they will be deported before their requests are approved. We are in fact
penalizing those who are actively working towards legal status. 4. I understand based on
the number of persons here in an illegal status that something must be done. The numbers
are staggering. However I am not convinced that the current rules/laws in their present
state are in fact going to encourage compliance or aid in decreasing the number of aliens
in the U.S. in an illegal status. 5. I am sure you are fully aware of the financial impact
this will have on a great number of families not only in the U.S. but abroad when the
majority of these aliens will be required to leave in September. The financial impact it
will have on these countries (especially our own geographical region), will only encourage
further illegal immigration. A need to seek financial security for their families remains,
and will be gained at all costs. 6. Many aliens here in an illegal status with no basis or
claim for immigration will simply remain in an illegal status with no concern for the bars
to immigration. The new rules/laws in a sense do not affect or concern them as long as
they can continue to evade deportation. The new laws in fact only penalize those who wish
to make a legal claim for citizenship. 7. In addition to my above issues, more
importantly, what can be done for those persons with an approved petition for immigration
who simply have not reached a current status due to the waiting period required to obtain
an immigration VISA? I have researched as much of the current Immigration rules as
possible to find some exception or request for extension and have been unsuccessful. Is
there in fact a procedure to request an extension for those in an illegal status (original
Tourist VISA has expired), but have an approved petition, to at least wait until their
status becomes current? I understand fully that if the current rules in fact expire in
September an exception to "adjust status" in the U.S. cannot be made. At a
minimum these persons will ultimately have to return to their home country to adjust
status. However, if there is a way to remain in the U.S. until their status is current it
would minimize the hardship for these families that will eventually gain full legal
status. 8. Please address each of my questions and concerns and provide me with any points
of contacts, addresses and phone numbers that can aide us in gaining an extension of some
type. I realize that this probably must be done through the INS but the phone numbers I
have do not provide this type of information. We are fully prepared to pursue this at the
highest levels if possible. In closing I would like to say that our family has prayed
diligently over this matter and we are putting our faith in you, our Country, and the Lord
to do the right thing.... I would appreciate your help on this matter. If you need a
website to perform this task I would gladly do that it you could help establish the links
to other sites and get the fight rolling on a larger scale. Thanks in advance Ben Cotton
Received April 6th, 1997
I have a friend from Mexico who is so disturbed by this new law that he wants to go
back to his country and kick all Americans out! He told me that he would be happy to go
back to Mexico, because he values his own respect more than anything. But he said that all
the land, such as Southern California and Arizona, that was taken by Americans from
Mexico, should be given back. Actually, I can see why he feels so strongly about this.
There is something very, very wrong here in this new law's harshness. What I am trying to
say is difficult to put into words. I hate the fact that this new law is attempting to
wipe away centuries of tradition of America as a free land where those persecuted can come
to be safe. I am afraid of what will happen when other free countries, that for centuries
have respected us for our stance on human rights everywhere, start to read this law. It's
embarrassing to me as an American to imagine what they may think of this law's
incredible provincialism, and special-interest-group kind of rhetoric and defensiveness.
How can this biased, prejudiced rhetoric, so blatantly anti-immigrant, pretend to a place
next to the global dignity of the Bill of Rights? How can any American traveling abroad now
expect to be treated with respect and granted due process of law, given the harsh face
that this new immigration law turns to any person entering our country seeking freedom? I
think everyone who cares for human rights should work for the repeal of this new law.
Received April 3rd, 1997
What about creating a Child Monitor Work Visa other than the AU-PAIR PROGRAM? It would
be very useful to bring people from other countries (including Central and South America)
to take care of our children until they are ready for kindergarten.
Not everybody has the same family traditions as people from Europe.
What do you think?
ILW.COM hosted the Micasa Sucasa website for many years. This file is a part of the archives of the site during that time.
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