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November 1, 2011

Deportation Politics

by Carlos Batara

The Politics Of Deportations: Immigrants As Election Fodder

The immigration judge was not in a good mood.

Before my client’s removal hearing began, the judge scolded the detention officer.

As a deportation defense lawyer, it was clear the Immigration and …

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October 17, 2011

The Visa Waiver Program: No Room For Love

by Carlos Batara

The Visa Waiver Program And The Cold Heart Of ICE: No Room For Love

Love happens.

More often than not, love happens unexpectedly.

For immigrants who have entered the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program, love can lead to deportation …

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October 15, 2011

Green Card Holders At Risk

by Carlos Batara

Immigration Appeals: A New Attack On Permanent Residents?

When it comes to immigration law, what the Obama administration giveth, the Obama administration taketh away.

In mid-August, the administration announced it would suspend deportations against undocumented immigrants if they did not …

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September 7, 2011

The False Promises Of Padilla v. Kentucky

by Carlos Batara

Padilla v. Kentucky: More Bark Than Bite

Last summer I cheered when Padilla v. Kentucky was announced.

As a green card lawyer, I thought the Supreme Court had provided immigrants with a new weapon against unfair deportations.…

The Supreme Court Speaks

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August 28, 2011

The New Obama Plan: More Political Smoke On Immigration Reform

by Carlos Batara

Obama’s New Deportation Policy: Still A Long Road To Immigration Reform

Very soon, on the issue of immigration reform, the Obama administration will have to fish or cut bait.

Back in October, before the smoke cleared from the 2010 mid-term …

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August 20, 2011

Is ICE Above The Law?

by Carlos Batara

Are ICE Agents Above The Law?

Immigrants need a Dirty Harry.

From coast to coast, ICE officials act as if they are above the law.

Although the goal of the “Secure Communities” program is to remove immigrants who have been …

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August 1, 2011

The HALT Act: Immigration Reform Under Attack

by Carlos Batara

Political Farce: The HALT Act

As I read news reports about the HALT Act, my thoughts raced to poor Desirée from the 1973 musical, A Little Night Music.

Scorned by her sought-after lover, she lamented her misplaced loyalty.

Don’t you …

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July 30, 2011

Political Liberation, Third Party Movements, And Immigration Reform

by Carlos Batara

Liberation Politics And The Future Of Immigration Reform

A few months ago, Illinois Representative Luis Gutierrez announced the “Change Takes Courage” campaign.  The initiative challenged the president to exert leadership on immigration reform.

Sadly, courage and leadership are not traits …

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July 10, 2011

Will The 2012 Elections Lead To Immigration Reform?

by Carlos Batara

2012 Election Dynamics And The Push For Immigration Reform

Once again, immigration reform is in the news.

Based on comments from pro-immigration reform and the anti-immigration reform representatives, it seems nothing has changed since the last effort to pass immigration …

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July 4, 2011

Deferred Deportation: A New 19 Point Checklist

by Carlos Batara

A New ICE Age: 19 Points Of Hope

Earlier this week I expressed doubts that the June 17, 2011 prosecutorial discretion memo issued by John Morton, Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, would ever become reality.

My position as expressed …

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July 2, 2011

ICE Prosecutorial Discretion: Fiction Or Reality?

by Carlos Batara

The Morton Memorandum: More Empty Talk Or The Real Deal This Time?

On June 17, 2011, John Morton, Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a new memorandum on prosecutorial discretion.  The memo outlines a new direction for how …

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June 6, 2011

An Immigration Court For The Inland Empire

by Carlos Batara

Why Building An Immigration Court In The Inland Empire Is A Good Idea

Apparently, immigration officials haven’t read recent reports about how to fix our broken immigration system.

Perhaps they just don’t care.

But whatever their rationale, their recently-announced plan …

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June 3, 2011

Does Due Process Exist At Immigration Court?

by Carlos Batara

The Immigration Court: In Search Of Efficiency, Justice, And Due Process

Earlier this week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials announced the opening of a new detention center in Southern California.

I have a better idea.  Build an immigration court.  …

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May 31, 2011

Haiti TPS Extended

by Carlos Batara

Haiti TPS Program Extended To 2013

Temporary Protective Status (TPS) For Haiti, our nation’s newest TPS program, has been extended until January 22,  2013.

In her press statement, Department of Homeland Security leader Janet Napolitano noted, “In the extended aftermath …

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May 21, 2011

Refugees And Asylees 2010 Statistics

by Carlos Batara

…

2010 Department of Homeland Security Report: Refugees And Asylees

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