One year after Arizona's infamous SB 1070 immigration bill was signed into law, chief architects Governor Jan Brewer and Senate President Russell Pearce are convinced their legislation is an unqualified success. Pearce told the East Valley Tribune last week: "They're leaving in caravans,'' he said of illegal immigrants. ... Continue »
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on Monday acknowledged a storm of criticism from lawmakers and immigration-rights supporters over a federal effort targeting criminal immigrants, saying there has been confusion over whether local communities can choose not to participate in the program known as Secure Communities. Continue »
Farmers are growing increasingly concerned about a federal employment verification program that could have vast implications for local agriculture, Santa Cruz County's top industry. Some Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have called for expanding a Department of Homeland Security program known as e-Verify. Continue »
A swarm of protesters bused in Monday from the Tampa Bay area called on God to prevent lawmakers from rolling ahead with an immigration crackdown, warning it will divide their families and lead to racial profiling. At the end of the day, the protesters had a spontaneous and friendly... Continue »
A bill to grant illegal immigrants in-state tuition died Monday evening at the hands of Republicans in a House committee. Supporters of Senate Bill 126 were encouraged after the bill had passed the Democratic-led Senate last week on a 20-15 party-line vote. Continue »
Four Montgomery County Council members are asking law enforcement to ignore a federal deportation program that is expected to be forced on the county later this year. A resolution being pushed by Councilwoman Nancy Navarro, D-Eastern county, "encourages" Montgomery County police to "continue its current policy." Continue »
A California congresswoman Friday called for an investigation into the actions of federal immigration officials, saying they lied about whether counties and states had the right to opt out of a controversial nationwide enforcement program that screens for illegal immigrants in local jails. Continue »
Protesting outside the Arizona legislature this week, Hispanic activist Carlos Galindo was clear about the impact of the desert state's controversial immigration crackdown made into law one year ago. "It has polarized Arizona," said Galindo, 51, a talk-radio host sitting with protesters. Continue »
Reflecting growing liberal frustration with President Barack Obama's lack of progress on immigration reform, a Democratic congressman from his home state of Illinois is barnstorming through the Bay Area this week to demand the administration slow down its record-high number of deportations. Continue »
Newt Gingrich has come a long way since criticizing Latinos a few years ago for continuing to speak "the language of living in a ghetto." He's taking Spanish lessons, reaching out to Hispanic community leaders, and supports "finding a way for residency" for some illegal immigrants. Continue »