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January 12, 2012

Congressional War Against Immigrant Rights

by Carlos Batara

The Congressional War Against Due Process At Immigration Court

Back in my days as a political science professor, I would point out how candidates scapegoat politically powerless individuals for self gain.

Like undocumented immigrants.

Since they cannot vote, their ability …

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December 28, 2011

Judulang v. Holder: Supreme Court Victory For Lawful Permanent Residents

by Carlos Batara

Why The Judulang Decision Is Important For Lawful Permanent Residents

April 1, 1997. The day deportation defense died.

Almost.

Left in a coma-like state by Newt Gingrich and his Congressional cronies, the concept of fairness in immigration law became a …

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November 28, 2011

Newt Gingrich: Immigration Remorse Or Political Opportunism?

by Carlos Batara

Newt Gingrich: The Grinch Who Stole Immigration Reform

Newt Gingrich as the new savior of immigration?

Bah! Humbug!

Having practiced deportation defense in the 1990s, I am no Johnny-come-lately to immigration issues.

I remember the xenophobic backlash led by Gingrich …

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November 14, 2011

Deportation Statistics And Political Deceit

by Carlos Batara

Deportation Statistics And The 2012 Elections

In recent weeks, there has been a flurry of news about deportation statistics.

Unfortunately, many of the headlines contradict each other.

For instance:…

On October 18, 2011, USA Today announced “Most illegal immigrants deported

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November 6, 2011

Immigration Panel Review, Low Priority Cases, And Prosecutorial Discretion

by Carlos Batara

Obama’s Deportation Review Panel: Legal Substance Or Political Stunt?

When the idea of a deportation review panel was initially floated, I was skeptical it would get off the ground.

Now, given recent information shared by Janet Napolitano, DHS Secretary, in …

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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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