
For Immediate Release
December 1, 2010
Washington D.C. - In a new report, the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) paints a misleading financial portrait of the DREAM Act. The report, entitled Estimating the Impact of the DREAM Act, claims that the bill would be a burden on U.S. taxpayers and would "crowd out" native-born students in the classroom. However, the available evidence does not support either of these dire predictions. In fact:
* Institutions of higher education overwhelmingly support the DREAM Act, which would likely increase school revenues as students who would not normally attend college start to pay tuition.
* The 10 states which, since 2001, have passed laws allowing undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition have not experienced a large influx of new immigrant students that displaces native-born students.
* Most DREAM Act students would likely enroll in community colleges, most of which have open enrollment, based on a philosophy that all qualified students should have the opportunity to learn. Historically, more than 80% of community college students hold full or part-time jobs, thus contributing to their own educations (and the tax base) even as they attend school. The American Association of Community Colleges estimates that state and local governments receive a 16% return on every dollar they invest in community colleges due to the increased earnings of college graduates.
* Legalizing DREAM Act students would increase beneficiaries' earnings potential, as well as the U.S. tax base. A 2010 study by the UCLA North American Integration and Development Center estimates that the total earnings of DREAM Act beneficiaries over the course of their working lives would be between $1.4 trillion and $3.6 trillion.
CIS's cynical mischaracterization of the DREAM Act is not only inaccurate, but hypocritical as well. CIS frequently laments that so many immigrants to the United States have low levels of education, yet opposes a measure that would allow some of these immigrants to become more educated. What alternative to the DREAM Act does CIS propose? According to the Center for American Progress the cost to deport more than two million children and young adults who were raised in the United States would be $48.6 billion. How is that sound fiscal policy?
The U.S. economy doesn't need more deportations; it needs more college graduates. According to a recent report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, "not enough Americans are completing college... by 2018, we will need 22 million new college degrees-but will fall short of that number by at least 3 million postsecondary degrees, Associate's or better." The DREAM Act would help meet this need.
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For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at wsefsaf@immcouncil.org or 202-507-7524.
The Immigration Policy Center (IPC), established in 2003, is the policy arm of the American Immigration Council. IPC's mission is to shape a rational national conversation on immigration and immigrant integration. Through its research and analysis, IPC provides policymakers, the media, and the general public with accurate information about the role of immigrants and immigration policy on U.S. society. IPC reports and materials are widely disseminated and relied upon by press and policy makers. IPC staff regularly serves as experts to leaders on Capitol Hill, opinion-makers and the media. IPC is a non-partisan organization that neither supports nor opposes any political party or candidate for office.
A division of the American Immigration Council.
Visit our website at www.immigrationpolicy.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2010 - Los Angeles, CA - The Artivist Collective is pleased to announce the slate for the 7th Annual Artivist Film Festival. This year’s festival will take place December 1-4 at the historic Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, screening 45 independent, narratives, documentaries, shorts, and experimental films from around the globe. The festival concludes on Saturday, December 4th, with The 2010 Artivist Awards Honoring Peter Fonda, Barbara Pyle, Avis Richards, and the winning films of this year’s festival.
Founded in 2003, "ARTIVIST" is the first international film festival and awards dedicated to raising awareness for Human Rights, Children's Advocacy, Environmental Preservation, and Animal Advocacy. Our mission is to strengthen the voice of socially conscious artists - "Artivists" - while raising public awareness for social global causes. Through the years, the Artivist Film Festival has showcased 400+ films representing more than 60 countries around the world. Artivist has reached millions of people with its film festivals in Hollywood, London, Tokyo, Mexico City, and Lisbon. In recognition of the socially conscious platform it provides, ARTIVIST has been endorsed by Claes Nobel of the Nobel Prize family, Amnesty International, and the United Nations Department of Public Information.
Artivist Founder-President, Diaky Diaz, states “through the films and the presence of diverse NGOs active in human rights, animal advocacy, and environmentalism present at Artivist, the festival presents a unique opportunity for filmgoers to gain both awareness of issues and become active participants in positive change.”
This year’s Film Highlights and Premieres include:
OPENING NIGHT FILM - December 1, 2010. 8:00PM
“ReGeneration”
Director: Philip Montgomery
BEST FEATURE – ARTIVIST SPIRIT, 2010 ARTIVIST AWARDS WINNER
Join us for the Los Angeles Premiere. Screening followed by Filmmaker Q&A Panel and Reception.
Narrated by Ryan Gosling and featuring the music of Sound Tribe Sector 9, the feature film “ReGeneration”, takes an uncompromising look at the issues facing today’s youth and young adults, and the influences that perpetuate our culture’s apathetic approach to social and political causes. Focused on how today’s education, parenting, and media can shape us, the film follows three stories each with a unique perspective – from an inspired collective of musicians working outside the corporate system, to a twenty-something conservative family about to welcome the birth of their second child, and a group of five high-school students from the suburbs looking for their place in society. Their stories are interspersed with the knowledge, wisdom, and personal reflections of some of the country’s leading scholars, social activists, and media personalities including Amy Goodman, Andrew Bacevich, Noam Chomsky, Talib Kweli, and the late Howard Zinn. With such a varied and intelligent group of interviews, viewers come to a deeper understanding of the numerous influences shaping today’s culture where one universal feeling is shared – our society is at a crossroads, economically, environmentally, and intellectually – and we must change ourselves and the world for the better.
Limited FREE Tickets Available!! Click Here to Reserve Now: http://artivist.eventbrite.com
December 2, 2010. 7:00PM
“How Weed Won the West”
Director: Kevin Booth
Join us for the Los Angeles Premiere. Screening followed by Filmmaker Q&A Panel and Reception.
While California is going bankrupt, one business is booming! 'How Weed Won the West' is the story of the growing medical cannabis / marijuana industry in the greater Los Angeles area, with over 700 dispensaries doling out the buds. As a treatment for conditions ranging from cancer and AIDS, to anxiety, ADHD, and insomnia, cannabis is quickly proving itself as a healthier natural alternative to many prescription drugs. Following the story of Organica, a collective owned by Jeff Joseph that was raided by the DEA in August of '09, the film shows that although some things have changed with Obama in office, the War on Drugs is nowhere near over. From Kevin Booth, the producer/director of Showtime's 'American Drug War', 'How Weed Won the West' puts California forward as an example to the rest of the country by documenting how legalizing marijuana can help save the economy.
Limited FREE Tickets Available!! Click Here to Reserve Now:
http://howweedwonthewest.eventbrite.com
December 2, 2010. 9:30PM
“War Don Don” (War is Over)
Director: Rebecca Richman Cohen
Join us for the Los Angeles Premiere. Screening followed by Filmmaker Q&A Panel and Reception.
“War Don Don” (War is Over) is a Rashomon-esque legal documentary with global importance, and a thought provoking film that engages the heart, mind and conscience. In Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, United Nations soldiers guard a heavily fortified building known as the 'special court.' Inside, Issa Sesay awaits his trial. Prosecutors say Sesay is a war criminal, guilty of crimes against humanity. His defenders say he is a reluctant fighter who protected civilians and played a crucial role in bringing peace. The story of a sensational trial with unprecedented access to prosecutors, defense attorneys, victims, and from behind bars, Sesay himself. Can the trial of one man uncover the truth of a nation’s past?
Limited FREE Tickets Available!! Click Here to Reserve Now: http://wardondon.eventbrite.com
December 3, 2010. 7:00PM
“Complexo - Universo Paralelo” (A Parallel Universe)
BEST FEATURE – HUMAN RIGHTS, 2010 ARTIVIST AWARDS WINNER Director: Mario Patrocinio
Join us for the Los Angeles Premiere. Screening followed by Filmmaker Q&A Panel and Reception.
At the peak of tensions in Rio, two Portuguese brothers ventured into the most feared slum and lived there during the largest police operation ever launched in that state. They formed friendships with inspirational people that would forever change their lives and their perception of what is possible in this world. Through action and word, each character adds a piece to a gigantic puzzle that reveals the daily life of the favela as a whole.
Limited FREE Tickets Available!! Click Here to Reserve Now: http://complexo.eventbrite.com
December 3, 2010. 9:30PM
“Hempsters”
Director: Michael Henning
Join us for the screening of “Hempsters”, followed by Filmmaker Q&A Panel and Reception.
This lively documentary begins with the arrest of Woody Harrelson for planting four feral hemp seeds in Kentucky and his subsequent trial and acquittal. Featuring farmers who want to grow the multi-purpose crop as a way to save their farms, “Hempsters” puts hemp at the heart of just about every grassroots issue in America today, and is a rousing portrait of our country’s most spirited and sensible free-thinkers. A hyper-paced ride with a sizzling soundtrack, this motion picture features Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Ralph Nader.
Limited FREE Tickets Available!! Click Here to Reserve Now: http://hempsters.eventbrite.com
December 4, 2010. 12PM
“Play Again”
Director: Director: Tonje Schel
Join us for the Los Angeles Premiere of “Play Again”. Screening followed by Filmmaker Q&A Panel and Reception.
One generation from now most people in the USA will have spent more time in the virtual world than in nature. Is our connection to nature disappearing down the digital rabbit hole? Following six teenagers who, like the average American child, spend up to fifteen hours a day behind video-tv-mobile-computer screens. Director Tonje Schei unplugs these teens and takes them on their first wilderness adventure - no electricity, no cell phone, no virtual reality, and experience what it is to “play again”. Soundtrack includes music from the acclaimed Icelandic band Sigur Ros and singer Kimya Dawson (JUNO soundtrack). Music Director is Andreas Hessen-Schei, of the Norwegian bands Jaga Jazzist and Shining
Limited FREE Tickets Available!! Click Here to Reserve Now:http://playagain.eventbrite.com
December 4, 2010. 2PM
“Massai at Crossroads”
Directors: Joe Dietsch, Kristin Jordan
Join us for the Los Angeles Premiere followed by Filmmaker Q&A Panel and Reception.
How can cultures integrate modernization while remaining stewards of their traditions? And why is this uniquely important to the human experience? Maasai at Crossroads chronicles the struggles of the Maasai tribe as they attempt to modernize in the 21st century while still preserving their ancient culture.
Limited FREE Tickets Available!! Click Here to Reserve Now:
http://maasaiatthecrossroads.eventbrite.com
This year, Artivist proudly welcomes back PETROBRAS as its Official Community Partner. For the past four years Petrobras has supported the efforts and expansion of the Artivist Film Festival. Understanding the interdependence between humanity, animals, and the environment is crucial in our global community. By working with individuals and groups, organizations and companies, we can create long-term solutions to our global problems. ARTIVIST is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. All proceeds benefit the Annual Artivist Film Festival, creating a platform for socially conscious "Artivists" to share their inspirational and informative films with the world.
For more information please contact Susan von Seggern, Public Relations Consultant, susan@susanvonseggern.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, DC - A beloved American tradition, Thanksgiving Day offers us the opportunity to focus our thoughts on the grace that has been extended to our people and our country. This spirit brought together the newly arrived Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe -- who had been living and thriving around Plymouth, Massachusetts for thousands of years -- in an autumn harvest feast centuries ago. This Thanksgiving Day, we reflect on the compassion and contributions of Native Americans, whose skill in agriculture helped the early colonists survive, and whose rich culture continues to add to our Nation's heritage. We also pause our normal pursuits on this day and join in a spirit of fellowship and gratitude for the year's bounties and blessings.
Thanksgiving Day is a time each year, dating back to our founding, when we lay aside the troubles and disagreements of the day and bow our heads in humble recognition of the providence bestowed upon our Nation. Amidst the uncertainty of a fledgling experiment in democracy, President George Washington declared the first Thanksgiving in America, recounting the blessings of tranquility, union, and plenty that shined upon our young country. In the dark days of the Civil War when the fate of our Union was in doubt, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a Thanksgiving Day, calling for "the Almighty hand" to heal and restore our Nation.
In confronting the challenges of our day, we must draw strength from the resolve of previous generations who faced their own struggles and take comfort in knowing a brighter day has always dawned on our great land. As we stand at the close of one year and look to the promise of the next, we lift up our hearts in gratitude to God for our many blessings, for one another, and for our Nation. This Thanksgiving Day, we remember that the freedoms and security we enjoy as Americans are protected by the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. These patriots are willing to lay down their lives in our defense, and they and their families deserve our profound gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
This harvest season, we are also reminded of those experiencing the pangs of hunger or the hardship of economic insecurity. Let us return the kindness and generosity we have seen throughout the year by helping our fellow citizens weather the storms of our day.
As Americans gather for the time-honored Thanksgiving Day meal, let us rejoice in the abundance that graces our tables, in the simple gifts that mark our days, in the loved ones who enrich our lives, and in the gifts of a gracious God. Let us recall that our forebears met their challenges with hope and an unfailing spirit, and let us resolve to do the same.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 25, 2010, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all the people of the United States to come together -- whether in our homes, places of worship, community centers, or any place of fellowship for friends and neighbors -- to give thanks for all we have received in the past year, to express appreciation to those whose lives enrich our own, and to share our bounty with others.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA
Press Releases More information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Santa Cruz, Bolivia, Nov. 22, 2010 – Opportunities to expand military cooperation highlighted discussions Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates had here yesterday with two of his South American counterparts.
Gates, who is here to attend the Conference of the Defense Ministers of the Americas, had bilateral meetings with Bolivian Defense Minister Ruben Saavedra Soto and Brazilian Defense Minister Nelson Jobim.
A senior defense official speaking on background told reporters the secretary thanked Soto for hosting the conference, which brings together most of the Western Hemisphere’s defense leaders. Gates noted the various areas in which the U.S. and Bolivian militaries already cooperate, the official added, and pointed out that opportunities exist for further collaboration in areas such as search and rescue and disaster response.
The U.S. and Bolivian defense leaders also discussed progress in a framework agreement that could lead to normalization of relations between the two countries. Bolivia’s president expelled the U.S. ambassador in September 2008 on grounds that U.S. officials said were baseless, and as a result, the United States expelled Bolivia’s ambassador. Despite that diplomatic rift, Gates noted to Soto, the United States was the single biggest financial donor to Bolivia last year, contributing $55 million in aid, the official said.
But even as the countries continue to work on the agreement that could lead to normalized relations, Gates told his Bolivian counterpart that further military cooperation is possible in the meantime, citing education, conferences and exercises as possible avenues for an expanded relationship between the U.S. and Bolivian militaries, the official said.
In addition, the official told reporters, Gates invited the Bolivian military to observe a disaster response exercise in the United States that’s scheduled in May.
“I think the overall theme was the importance of remaining engaged and the opportunities for engagement,” the official said. “We face common challenges in areas like natural disasters and disaster response. There are certainly ways in which we can collaborate more.”
The Bolivians not only seemed receptive, the official added, but also brought up the same issues on their side of the discussion. “I think the minister was very positive,” he said.
The secretary’s meeting with Jobim was the latest of many, the official said, and confirmed the depth and collaborative spirit of the military relationship between the United States and Brazil.
“They really [built] upon the momentum of the defense cooperation agreement that was signed in April of this year,” the official said, noting that the two defense leaders signed a new military information-sharing agreement at the end of today’s meeting.
The U.S. and Brazilian militaries are working together on cybersecurity, conducting educational exchanges and engaging in strong cooperation in science and technology, the official said. “These are areas – particularly cybersecurity –- of great concern and interest to both countries,” he added.
Gates and Jobim also discussed challenges in Haiti and the work Brazil is doing there with the United Nations stabilization mission, the official said.
“The secretary commended the Brazilians for that effort and their continuing commitment to dealing with what is arguably a very difficult and challenging environment,” he added.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 26, 2010
WASHINGTON—For the first time, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is introducing a standardized form for requesting waivers of the fees charged for immigration-benefit processing. Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, will become available for use on Nov. 23, 2010 – the same day USCIS’s latest fee schedule takes effect.
“Our goal is to bring clarity and consistency to immigration-benefit services,” said USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas. “The development of the new fee waiver form reflects our commitment to making improvements through extensive collaboration with the public.”
The fee waiver form reflects significant input from stakeholders, community-based organizations, and the general public. In stakeholder meetings, USCIS heard concerns that the absence of a standardized form led to confusion about the criteria and standards used to approve waivers. In July, USCIS published and sought comments on a proposed form through the Federal Register, generating input from numerous interested parties. Comments reflected applicants’ past experiences in requesting fee waivers and recommended changes to the proposed form and instructions to make them easier to understand for non-native English speakers.
The new form identifies clear requirements for documenting a fee waiver request. The form’s instructions also give information on the methodology that USCIS uses to evaluate the requests. For example, if an applicant can show that he or she is receiving a means-tested benefit and presents evidence to document that claim, then there is no requirement to submit further evidence. USCIS will use the same methodology in reviewing all fee waiver requests, whether submitted on the new Form I-912 or in a written statement generated by the applicant.
USCIS announced today that it is also now seeking feedback on a new guidance memorandum documenting the agency’s consolidated policy for reviewing fee waiver requests. Stakeholders and the general public are encouraged to visit www.uscis.gov/outreach to review the new memorandum and offer their input.
USCIS’s latest fee rule, which takes effect Nov. 23, 2010, expands the availability of fee waivers to several new categories. The final rule also increases fees by a weighted average of about 10 percent, but does not increase the fee on naturalization applications.
For more information on USCIS and its programs, visit www.uscis.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 26, 2010
SAN DIEGO - Eight suspects are in custody on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border and more than 20 tons of marijuana have been seized following the San Diego Tunnel Task Force's discovery Thursday of a cross-border passageway even more sophisticated than a similar tunnel uncovered in the area less than three weeks ago.
Unlike previous area tunnels, the nearly half-mile long passageway had two U.S. entrances located in warehouses about 800 feet apart in the Otay Mesa industrial complex in southern San Diego. The tunnel, which reached an estimated depth of 90 feet, emerged in Tijuana, Mexico, inside a stucco residence outfitted with a garage large enough to accommodate deliveries by tractor trailer trucks. Inside, the tunnel's walls were fortified with wood and cinderblock supports and the passageway was equipped with advanced rail, electrical and ventilation systems.
The tunnel discovery is the result of an ongoing investigation by the multi-agency San Diego Tunnel Task Force, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Formed seven years ago, the task force uses a variety of techniques to detect cross-border tunnels, from state-of-the-art electronic surveillance to old fashioned detective work.
The tunnel was located Thursday morning after task force agents conducting surveillance in the Otay Mesa area observed suspicious activity involving a tractor trailer truck parked at a warehouse in the 10000 block of Marconi Drive where one of the tunnel's entrances was later found. After the truck left the site, agents kept it under surveillance, alerting CBP Border Patrol as it approached the traffic checkpoint in Temecula. There, Border Patrol agents stopped the vehicle and a search of the truck's trailer revealed more than 27,600 pounds of marijuana. The vehicle's driver was taken into custody and will be prosecuted on federal drug smuggling charges.
The tunnel was located Thursday morning after task force agents conducting surveillance in the Otay Mesa area observed suspicious activity involving a tractor trailer truck parked at a warehouse in the 10000 block of Marconi Drive where one of the tunnel's entrances was later found. After the truck left the site, agents kept it under surveillance, alerting CBP Border Patrol as it approached the traffic checkpoint in Temecula. There, Border Patrol agents stopped the vehicle and a search of the truck's trailer revealed more than 27,600 pounds of marijuana. The vehicle's driver was taken into custody and will be prosecuted on federal drug smuggling charges. The tunnel was located Thursday morning after task force agents conducting surveillance in the Otay Mesa area observed suspicious activity involving a tractor trailer truck parked at a warehouse in the 10000 block of Marconi Drive where one of the tunnel's entrances was later found. After the truck left the site, agents kept it under surveillance, alerting CBP Border Patrol as it approached the traffic checkpoint in Temecula. There, Border Patrol agents stopped the vehicle and a search of the truck's trailer revealed more than 27,600 pounds of marijuana. The vehicle's driver was taken into custody and will be prosecuted on federal drug smuggling charges.
“This discovery again shows the cartels' growing desperation in the face of beefed up border security and the costly extremes these organizations are trying in an effort to avoid detection,” said Miguel Unzueta, special agent in charge for ICE Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego. “Once again, we've thwarted their scheme and I predict you'll see more such successes in the future as the Task Force ramps up its outreach to businesses in the Otay Mesa area. While we have a vast array of high-tech equipment at our disposal, public tips play a huge part in our ongoing enforcement efforts.”
As the case began unfolding here, task force agents contacted the Mexican military with several leads and a search Thursday afternoon at a ranch in northern Mexico yielded another four tons of marijuana. Finally, after entering the tunnel itself, investigators recovered more than 6,000 additional pounds of pot inside.
“The discovery of this tunnel is the result of law enforcement's tenacity and willingness to work together to combat the latest method of drug smuggling by drug trafficking organizations,” said Ralph Partridge, special agent in charge for the DEA in San Diego. “The magnitude of this discovery can only be compared to the measure of disruption its discovery will have on drug traffickers.”
So far, eight suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the ongoing investigation. In addition to the truck driver intercepted at the Temecula checkpoint, task force agents arrested two men in El Cajon, Calif., who were observed at the Otay Mesa warehouse Thursday morning. The five remaining arrests were made by authorities in Mexico.
“Our border security mission continues to evolve as new vulnerabilities and threats persist,” said Paul Beeson, chief patrol agent for the San Diego Border Patrol sector. “I am confident that our collaborative law enforcement efforts on both sides of the border, specifically the efforts of Mexican military, will allow us to adapt and defeat these threats. Yesterday's discovery is a true indicator that intelligence and operational collaboration within the law enforcement community is essential for effective border security.”
Authorities emphasize that their investigation into this latest tunnel is ongoing. In the last four years, federal authorities have detected more than 75 cross-border smuggling tunnels, most of them in California and Arizona.
You may also visit ICE on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.
ICE is a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities. For more information, visit www.ICE.gov. To report suspicious activity, call 1-866-347-2423.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 25, 2010 - DENVER -- During a four-day targeted enforcement operation throughout Colorado ending Friday, 85 convicted criminal aliens and immigration fugitives have been arrested by agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
During the operation, which ended Nov. 19, ICE officers located and arrested 78 aliens with prior criminal convictions. Many of the criminal aliens taken into custody have prior convictions for serious or violent crimes, such as: contributing to the delinquency of a minor, sexual assault, possessing and selling dangerous drugs, drunken driving, sexual contact and battery, and assault. In addition, 18 of the individuals ICE officers took into custody were immigration fugitives, aliens with outstanding orders of deportation who had failed to leave the country.
Eighty-two aliens were arrested in the following Colorado cities: Denver, Colorado Springs, .Aurora, Lakewood, Commerce City, Longmont, Littleton, Westminster, Federal Heights, Greeley, Weldona, Estes Park, Johnston, Englewood, Thornton, Delta, Montrose, Carbondale, Basalt, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, Boulder, Windsor, Fort Collins, Evans, Glenwood Springs, Avon, Edwards, Vail, Grand Junction, Milliken, Lafayette, Fort Morgan, Brush, and Loveland. Three arrests were made in Wyoming.
The following law enforcement agencies assisted ICE ERO officers with these arrests: Montrose Police Department, Carbondale Police Department, Mesa County Sheriff's Office, Garfield County Sheriff's Office, Avon Police Department, and ICE Homeland Security Investigations.
"This four-day ICE operation targeted criminal and fugitive aliens throughout Colorado," said ICE Director John Morton. "These surge operations, and our daily targeting of aliens with criminal convictions, are some of the many tools that ICE uses to effectively reduce crime at the street level in communities throughout the United States."
Twenty one of those arrested had been previously deported. A conviction for felony re-entry carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
Below are two case examples of those arrested during this operation:
• A 40-year-old man from Mexico who is a U.S. permanent resident has been convicted of controlled substance violations, and other crimes. He was also convicted on Nov. 5, 2010 in the Denver District Court for sexual contact-no consent, for which he was sentenced to five years sex offender supervision. He was also convicted in 1993 in the Los Angeles Municipal Court for possessing cocaine, and was sentenced to 16 months in prison. He was taken into ICE custody in Denver during this operation and was served a Notice to Appear before a federal immigration judge.
• A 42-year-old man from Mexico, who is a U.S. permanent resident, has convictions for illegally possessing/selling a switch blade knife, inflicting corporal injury to a spouse/cohabitant, drunken driving, and possession for sale of cocaine. He was arrested by ICE in Thornton, Colo. He was served a new Notice to Appear and placed in removal proceedings.
The foreign nationals detained during the operation who are not being criminally prosecuted will be processed administratively for removal from the United States. Those who have outstanding orders of deportation, or who returned to the United States illegally after being deported, are subject to immediate removal from the country. The remaining aliens are in ICE custody awaiting a hearing before an immigration judge, or pending travel arrangements for removal in the near future.
Of those arrested, 73 were men and 12 were women. They represent the following nine countries: El Salvador (7), Poland (1), Dominican Republic (1), Guatemala (2), Mexico (66), Uganda (1), S. Korea (1), Honduras (5), and Mongolia (1). They range in age from 34 to 63.
This week's special enforcement action was spearheaded by ICE's Fugitive Operations Program, which is responsible for locating, arresting and removing at-large criminal aliens and immigration fugitives -- aliens who have ignored final orders of deportation handed down by the nation's immigration courts. ICE's Fugitive Operations Teams (FOTs) give top priority to cases involving aliens who pose a threat to national security and public safety, including members of transnational street gangs and child sex offenders.
The officers who conducted this week's operation received substantial assistance from ICE's Fugitive Operations Support Center (FOSC) located in Williston, Vt. The FOSC conducted exhaustive database checks on the targeted cases to help ensure the viability of the leads and accuracy of the criminal histories. The FOSC was established in 2006 to improve the integrity of the data available on at large criminal aliens and immigration fugitives nationwide. Since its inception, the FOSC has forwarded more than 550,000 case leads to ICE enforcement personnel in the field.
ICE's Fugitive Operations Program is just one facet of the Department of Homeland Security's broader strategy to heighten the federal government's effectiveness at identifying and removing dangerous criminal aliens from the United States. Other initiatives that figure prominently in this effort are the Criminal Alien Program, Secure Communities and the agency's partnerships with state and local law enforcement agencies under 287(g).
Largely as a result of these initiatives, ICE last year removed more than 392,800 aliens from the United States, which is a record number; of that number more than 195,700 were aliens with criminal convictions.
http://www.ice.gov/news/releases/1010/101008washingtondc.htm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 25, 2020 We are Looking for NYC's Sexiest Female Holiday Model Think it's you or Want to see who we find? We will award a $300 Cash Prize, Free Bottle of Champagne + Free Photo Shoot on Saturday December 4th, to the Winner. Doors Open 9pm
All submissions for the live contest must must be made via email to NYCWardrobe@Gmail.com no later than Thursday 12/2 10pm with the finalists being notified & competing Live @ Carnival Saturday Night 12/4 at 9pm to walk the runway and compete for the Cash Prize, Champagne Bottle and Photo Shoot.
Submissions must include at least 4 pictures clearly showing entrants sexiness and physical attributes. (Try to keep it clean).
Finalist will be notified via email that they will be appearing at the live event and the winner will be chosen by 2 judges and crowd response so make sure you come to cheer on your favorites!
Finalist will be posted on the event page as well.
You must mention the Sexy Holiday Contest at the Door in order to get in for free and enter before Midnight.
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| You're invited to “NYC's Sexiest Female Holiday Model Contest! $300 Cash Prize & More for the Winner!” |
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| NYC's Sexiest Female Holiday Model Contest! $300 Cash Prize & More for the Winner! |
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Steven Ocean Productions
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For Immediate Release
November 25, 2010
Washington D.C. - The DREAM Act - a popular proposal to provide legal status to undocumented youth who entered the U.S. as children, graduated from U.S. high schools, and attend college or enter the military - is the target of a smear campaign from anti-immigration hardliners. This tired effort to pit immigrants and native-born, whether they are workers or students, against one another is not only destructive, but has no basis in fact. Moreover, it ignores the economic benefits that come from legalizing a group of talented, hard-working individuals who want nothing more than to contribute to America and repay the country for the opportunities they've been given.
Research has shown that providing a legal status for young people who have a proven record of success in the United States would be a boon to the economy and the U.S. workforce. The U.S. military also needs the DREAM Act. Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy, Bill Carr, stated that the law would be "good for readiness" and would help to recruit "cream of the crop" students. The DREAM Act is part of the Department of Defense's 2010-2012 Strategic Plan to assist the military in its recruiting efforts.
Yet, despite the popular support and extensive data that should make passage of the DREAM Act a no-brainer, there are those who continue to spread half-truths. The Immigration Policy Center has compiled a fact check that breaks down typical myths about the DREAM Act.
To view the fact check, in its entirety see:
* Dispelling DREAM Act Myths (IPC Fact Check, November 23, 2010)
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For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at wsefsaf@immcouncil.org or 202-507-7524.
The Immigration Policy Center (IPC), established in 2003, is the policy arm of the American Immigration Council. IPC's mission is to shape a rational national conversation on immigration and immigrant integration. Through its research and analysis, IPC provides policymakers, the media, and the general public with accurate information about the role of immigrants and immigration policy on U.S. society. IPC reports and materials are widely disseminated and relied upon by press and policy makers. IPC staff regularly serves as experts to leaders on Capitol Hill, opinion-makers and the media. IPC is a non-partisan organization that neither supports nor opposes any political party or candidate for office.
A division of the American Immigration Council.
Visit our website at www.immigrationpolicy.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 25, 2010 The Dream Act will be voted on at the lame duck session of congress (HR-1751 in the house and S-729 in the Senate.) Its primary goal is to legalize the more than 2 million undocumented youths who have resided in and attended schools in the United States. TALKING POINTS · The Dream Act would provide students who lived most of their lives in our country and excelled in their work in order to obtain a college education, the means to obtain conditional lawful permanent status. · By taking these steps, the Dream Act will provide students with the opportunity to either pursue a higher education or serve in the U.S armed forces. · Each year, approximately 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school, many at the top of their classes, but cannot go on to college, join the military, work or otherwise pursue their dreams. They belong to a generation of immigrants, brought to the United States at a young age, who were, for the most part, raised in this country and, therefore, share much in common with second-generation Americans. · These students are culturally American, having grown up here, and often, having little attachment to their country of birth. · The vast majority are bicultural and fluent in English. Unfortunately, immigration status and the associated barriers to higher education contribute to a higher-than-average high school dropout rate. · The Dream Act would eliminate these barriers for many students. The high school graduation requirement would provide a powerful incentive for students who might otherwise drop out to stay in school and go on to college. · University presidents and educational associations, as well as military recruiters and business and religious leaders have added their voice to those calling for passage of the bill. · Indeed, there is a component to the bill that has an underlying economic stimulus potential, as the legislation requires undocumented youths to attain at least an associate-level college degree to be eligible for legalization. If implemented, the Dream Act would produce thousands of college graduates. Thus, according to a study by the University of California, passing this bill would enhance economic earnings by developing a highly educated workforce that will contribute trillions of dollars to the U.S. economy. A higher supply of skilled students would also advance the U.S. global competitive position in science, technology, medicine, education and many other endeavors. · Regarding the armed forces, the Dream Act represents an opportunity to expand the military’s human resources. The Dream Act is part of the Department of Defense's 2010-2012 Strategic Plan to assist the military in its recruiting efforts. As Secretary Robert Gates has pointed out, “the Dream Act provides an important opportunity to selectively manage against the highest qualification standards. This will result in improved recruitment results and attendant gains in unit manning and military performance.” · Failure to pass the Dream Act could have serious negative social consequences in American society, as jobless and hopeless young people may find themselves in the streets. Such situation could easily push these young individuals into criminal activities. PLEASE WRITE OR CALL MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND EXPRESS YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE DREAM ACT NOW. Sample Letter: Dear Congressman/Senator _________: We urge you to support the Dream Act because: - Pick two or three points from the talking points listed above. Thank you.
Research has shown that providing a legal status for young people who have a proven record of success in the United States would be a great boon to the economy and our workforce.
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Senator George LeMieux (R-Florida) United States Senate
Senator Bill Nelson (D- Florida) United States Senate
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Congressman Tom Rooney (R-16) 1529 Longworth HOB Phone: Phone: (202) 225-5792
Congressman Ron Klein 313 Cannon House Office Bldg. Washington DC, 20515 Phone (202) 225 3026 Fax (202) 225 8398 http://klein.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=4§iontree=4
Congressman Ted Deutch 2241 Rayburn House Office Bldg. Washington DC 20515 Phone (202) 225 3001 Fax (202) 225 5974 https://teddeutch.house.gov/Forms/WriteYourRep/default.aspx
Congressman Alcee Hastings 2353 Rayburn Office Building
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American Jewish Committee, Palm Beach County Chapter, the Anti-Defamation League, Catalyst for Justice, Catholic Charities,
Church of all Nations, End Times Harvest International Ministries, Hispanic Resource Council, Honorary Consul of Guatemala in
Palm Beach County, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Palm Beach County Chapter, Jesus Redentor de Vida, Jewish Community
Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, L’Dor V’Dor Synagogue in Lake Worth, Maria Santamarina,
FAU Diversity Officer, New Africa of the Palm Beaches, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Temple Israel, World Trade Center
Palm Beach and Western Union
