WASHINGTON — Today’s foreign terrorists could become tomorrow’s U.S. refugees under changes proposed by the Bush administration.

The intent is to grant refugee status to rebels who have fought repressive governments or advanced U.S. foreign policy objectives, particularly in Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America.

But proposed changes to immigration rules also could cover U.S. enemies such as al-Qaida members and Hamas and Hezbollah fighters.

To some lawmakers, the revisions under consideration by the administration are too broad and potentially dangerous.

Officials say the changes are meant to reverse the unintended consequences of post-Sept. 11 restrictions that have kept thousands of otherwise eligible people from a haven in the U.S.

The administration wants the authority to waive those restrictions so it has as much flexibility as possible in deciding who can and cannot enter the country.
Under current law, virtually all armed nongovernmental groups are classified as terrorist organizations and the U.S. is prohibited from accepting their members and combatants as refugees.

There is limited ability to grant waivers to supporters of those groups who can prove they were forced to provide assistance. But more than 10,000 people have been barred. That includes many from Burma, Laos and Vietnam, including some who fought alongside U.S. forces in Vietnam.

Last year, the government planned to accept 56,000 refugees; the actual number was 12,000 less, primarily due to the restrictions. In addition, about 5,000 people already in the United States as refugees have been blocked from seeking U.S. citizenship because of the rules. Some 600 people asking for political asylum have had their cases put on hold. “This has had a devastating impact on the admission of refugees and asylum seekers,” said Jennifer Daskal, U.S. advocacy director for Human Rights Watch, which supports the proposed changes.

Amendments to the Immigration and Naturalization Act would permit the government to waive the rules for active members and fighters of terrorist groups on a case-by-case basis.

Critics wary of enemies in U.S.

They would cover any foreigner who has engaged in terrorist activity, said Gonzalo Gallegos, a State Department spokesman.

“This amendment thus provides the executive branch with the authority to admit aliens who have engaged in armed action against oppressive regimes or in furtherance of U.S. foreign policy or both,” he said.

Lawmakers, however, are skeptical of the need for such expansive changes.

Acting on behalf of a bipartisan group, Kyl in March blocked the amendment from appearing in the Iraq war spending bill that President Bush vetoed Tuesday. Kyl’s office is working on wording that would cut out what he called the bill’s “excesses.”

A new version, giving the executive more limited waiver authority, could be ready as early as this week, according to aides.

The State Department and advocacy groups see no reason for concern, saying that members of al-Qaida, Hamas or Hezbollah never would benefit.

Source: http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/border/181723

The White House and key lawmakers have been urgently negotiating for nearly a month, trying to come up with a new way forward, but, so far, the only agreement out of those talks is how hard it is to agree.

Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Massachusetts, who co-authored an immigration reform plan that stalled in the last Congress, said the negotiations in recent weeks “have not been easy.”

Ironically, immigration reform is one of the few issues where President Bush and Democratic leaders in Congress generally see eye-to-eye — to the consternation of many conservatives in Bush’s own political base.

Bush and most Democrats support creating a guest worker program and a path to citizenship for the estimated 12 million immigrants already in the country illegally. But many in the GOP fiercely oppose those proposals, labeling any legalization plan as “amnesty.”

To try to alleviate some of that conservative opposition bipartisan negotiators are considering a compromise — a so-called trigger — under which a guest worker program and a path to citizenship would only kick in after the Bush administration showed progress in securing borders and enforcing immigration laws.

The hope is that this would help increase support among House Republicans, who successfully killed immigration reform last year.

However, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has told the White House that she will not bring an immigration bill to the House floor unless the president can deliver at least 70 GOP votes.

A Democratic source said Pelosi wants enough Republican support to give the proposal a true bipartisan label and make it harder for Republicans to use it against Democrats in 2008.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/05/01/immigration.bill/index.html

Mayor Newsom Vows to Keep San Francisco ‘Sanctuary City’ for Immigrants

SAN FRANCISCO — A series of recent immigration raids in the Bay Area is prompting Mayor Gavin Newsom to pledge that San Francisco will remain a so-called “sanctuary city.”

Newsom promised that San Francisco officials won’t help federal authorities in conducting raids in a speech on Sunday to about 300 mostly Latino members of St. Peter’s Church.

The Board of Supervisors first declared San Francisco a sanctuary city in 1989.

The designation has no legal meaning, but Newsom promised that no city employee would assist in the raids.

Newsom’s comments come after a series of recent raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials throughout the Bay Area.

On Friday, immigration agents arrested 13 foreign nationals who were working illegally at an Oakland manufacturing company.

CONTACT: Tim Bueler
(530) 401-3285
www.minutemanproject.com

BRONX JUDGE PENS CHILDREN’S BOOK ABOUT IMMIGRATION AND PATRIOTISM

“Hot House Flowers” teaches consequences of unchecked immigration

Bronx, NY — Judge John H. Wilson has stepped out of his judicial robes to write a children’s book. Hot House Flowers is aimed at entertaining and educating children, but adults will find the story an informative and useful object lesson in politics and current events and a cautionary tale to share with family and friends.

Judge Wilson tackles the topic of illegal immigration in an imaginative manner, and the publisher adds a colorful assortment of illustrations to the Judge’s metaphorical story of cartoon “hothouse flowers” which must resist the intrusion of weeds from outside the borders of the protected house.

The parallels of loyalty to and defense of one’s country against unauthorized intrusion are unmistakable. Judge Wilson’s unique perspective on this national issue teaches children (and adults) about patriotism and the need for defense of national borders in a logical manner.

Judge Wilson develops Hot House Flowers with a religious subtext. Christian parents will find this book very suitable for young children whose reading and reasoning skills are developing. With his carefully chosen language and the abundant illustrations, Judge Wilson emphasizes that the diversity on which America prides itself must be regulated and protected from within in order to preserve it.

Readers concerned about the effects of unregulated immigration on the daily lives of American citizens and who support the active defense of their country will find the lessons in Hot House Flowers a potent antidote for the mindless pursuit of “diversity.” Judge Wilson’s carefully constructed conservative discussion will annoy those who are without concern for national survival or the quality of life for all who are affected by those who would invade a nation without following lawful rules and procedures; but for minds young and old, which are open to logical thought, this book will be a great addition to any library.

About the Author
Judge John H. Wilson was elected in 2004. He serves in the Criminal Court of Kings County, New York. Born in the Bronx, Judge Wilson graduated from Pace University School of Law, and served as Bronx County’s Assistant District Attorney. He has also served as Law Chairman of the Bronx County Conservative Party. Judge Wilson resides in New York City.

To request a free review copy, please contact representative Jeff Haas by phone at (212) 431-2340.

CONTACT: Tim Bueler
(530) 401-3285
www.minutemanproject.com

DEMOCRAT MAJORITY WILL PUSH BUSH AMNESTY

Did the President sandbag the GOP?

Los Angeles, CA – Why did President George W. Bush wait until after the mid-term elections to replace Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld? Why was there virtually no support from the White House for Republican candidates like Randy Graf (CO) and J.D. Hayworth (AZ)?

Most pundits agree that if Rumsfeld was to be replaced, it would have been much better for Republicans had the announcement been made before the elections. And with the razor-thin losses of key Republican candidates to supposedly “conservative” Democrats, it seems clear that a little more money or other support from the President or national GOP headquarters might have kept the House and Senate from turning over to Democrat control.

“Here you have conservative candidates and some incumbents who were solidly in favor of protecting our borders – a position with which the overwhelming American majority agrees,” commented Minuteman Founder Jim Gilchrist. “Bush has been unable to pass his amnesty program through the GOP-controlled Congress, but he won’t give up, so why wouldn’t he welcome a more compliant Democrat-led pro-illegal alien Congress, where he wouldn’t have effective opposition from his own party?”

Today’s speech by the President tends to confirm Gilchrist’s ruminations. When asked about the prospect of the Democrats cooperating with his amnesty proposals, Bush seemed almost delighted with the change of House leadership. Americans who question the open borders policies of this and previous administrations will have plenty to worry about in the coming months, if Gilchrist’s analysis proves accurate.

“This is a devastating blow to the security of the country,” said Gilchrist. “Every American is at greater risk than before the elections. Illegal aliens and terrorists are celebrating today, but our mission remains clear: we shall continue our surveillance and reporting operations in a continuing effort to inform and mobilize Americans to demand better border security.”

CONTACT: Tim Bueler
(530) 401-3285
www.minutemanproject.com

SILENT MAJORITY’S OCTOBER SURPRISE?

Candidates who favor border security will win, says Minuteman Project founder

Los Angeles – Ever since founding The Minuteman Project, Jim Gilchrist has been traveling across America, interviewing politicians and talking to Americans who are fed up with lax border security. In the last election, the Vietnam Veteran and retired CPA, running as an Independent in Orange County, CA, polled over twenty-six percent – way ahead of the single-digit numbers which most independent candidates are able to achieve. He credits that performance to the strong support he gets from voters who agree with his message that America is being overrun by an invasion of illegals.

Since then, increasing numbers of Americans in every state are being alerted by Gilchrist’s Minuteman Project and his book with Dr. Jerome Corsi, “Minutemen – The Battle To Secure America’s Borders,” and Gilchrist and his volunteers have worked with candidates such as Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO), whose Immigration Caucus has grown from a small handful to over 100 members in the House, and Rep. Steve King (R-IA), whose design for a border wall was recently approved by Congress.

“The growth of the Immigration Caucus closely follows the mood of the public,” said Gilchrist. “Every state, nearly every town, has seen an explosion of illegals in their communities. Crime is up, low-skill wages are down, and America is being invaded by tens of millions of illegal aliens who care nothing about our culture or our laws. Americans are not blind, and I believe that on Nov 7, they will show up at the polls in much greater numbers than is being predicted.”

Gilchrist’s prediction is echoed by Minuteman Project volunteers, who are actively helping candidates like Randy Graf (R-AZ) and Duncan Hunter (R-CA). Judging by the response to the Minuteman Project, with volunteers on the borders and in every state, the nation’s new Minutemen may possibly be one of the largest unpaid lobbying and activist groups in the nation. And if Gilchrist’s prediction holds true, any candidate who has not proved to be a staunch defender of border security could find an unpleasant October surprise at the ballot boxes.

“We aren’t taking anything for granted,” added Gilchrist. “We know the American people agree with us, by a large majority, a super-majority, but we are continuing to work with pro-security candidates to get our message out. If Americans who care about border security don’t get out to vote this election, we can kiss the United States Constitution goodbye – but I believe we will see a great turnout, and it will be because no true American wants to lose his country for lack of border security.”

CONTACT: Tim Bueler
(530) 401-3285
www.minutemanproject.com

ATTORNEY FOR MINUTEMAN PROJECT SENDS DEMAND LETTER TO COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

President Bollinger remains missing from any meaningful discussion

Columbia University, NY – Leftist Columbia students destroyed civility and assaulted academic freedom when they disrupted the Republican Club sponsored event by storming the stage at Roone Arledge Auditorium on Oct 4, physically preventing Minuteman Project founder Jim Gilchrist from speaking.

More than two weeks have passed since that outrageous attack on free speech, and to date, nothing of significance has been heard from Columbia’s president, Lee Bollinger, who seems to prefer anonymity in dealing forthrightly with this important free-speech-on-campus issue.

Is Columbia a real university, where opposing views can be debated openly? Or has Columbia become simply a breeding ground where only leftist so-called “liberal” thought is tolerated?

Silence is acceptance, and in this case, Bollinger’s silence speaks loudly that Columbia’s policy is to accept racial epithets, hate speech, hate crime, censorship, and hooliganism – so long, of course, as it is directed only at conservative speakers. Leftist speakers come and go on campus, and nothing comparable ever happens to them.

A letter from attorney Jack H. Robbins, of Dana Point, makes demand that President Bollinger conduct “a full and complete investigation in a timely manner.” Robbins’ letter notes that the university police officers present “did absolutely nothing to prevent the attack, or to stop the violence once it began.” And, according to Robbins’ letter, no one from Columbia – least of all Bollinger – ever inquired if the speakers’ had been injured.

The student bullies of Columbia were abundantly filmed. Their attack on free speech was immediately posted on University websites and in the national news. Yet to date, no arrests or suspensions have been made, and President Bollinger remains missing in action.

If conservative bullies had similarly stormed a leftist event, such as by the Chicano caucus or the socialist coalition, can anyone doubt that enforcement would have been severe, and investigation and punishment immediate? Had anyone shouted racial slurs at leftists, or made false allegations, can there be any doubt that investigation and prosecution would have been called for by Columbia’s president?

The Minuteman Project is neither racist, nor violent, despite the hysterical claims of the individuals and groups involved in the disruption at Columbia. Yet the Project and its representatives have been both slandered and libeled by the arrogant, violent, irresponsible allegations of the hooligan disrupters, whose uncivilized acts have been effectively condoned by the silence of the administration.

It’s time for President Lee Bollinger to stop being silent and step up to denounce and investigate – then to arrest, suspend, and sanction, without regard to political correctness. He should follow that with a personal invitation to the Minuteman Project to return to Columbia. Only then can Columbia again be considered a real university. Until that happens, supporters, donors, alumni, and entering students are well advised to “steer clear” of this intolerant school.

PHOENIX, AZ (August 23, 2006) – Chris Simcox, President of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps (“MCDC”) today announced the donation by FOMGuard, USA, a Washington-based fiber optic mesh company, of up to $7 million in fencing materials to the Minuteman Border Fence Project. Simcox released the following statement:

“We are very grateful to FOMGuard, USA for their generous donation of materials that will allow the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps to use funds we continue to raise to build fencing with cutting-edge technology along the border with Mexico on private land using these private donations.

“The United States Senate voted against a fence before voting for it, then voted against funding the fence and has yet to pass any meaningful legislation to address securing our out-of-control borders. The Minuteman Civil Defense Corps will continue undistracted from our mission to secure the borders in the interest of national security and public safety. In a time when mothers are forced to drink baby formula before being allowed to board an airplane, terrorists, drug smugglers, human traffickers, rapists and thieves can walk across our unsecured borders unabated.”

Nina May, President of FOMGuard, USA, released the following statement:

“We are proud to be part of the effort to secure America and provide a critical line of defense for our homeland security. FOMGuard is a state-of-the-art fiber optic mesh, perimeter security system that provides pin-point accuracy over miles of secured areas, with zero false alarms. It has been tested at Eglin Air Force Base and far exceeded all the testing parameters.

“Although we recognize the desire for millions of people to live in America and enjoy the freedoms and opportunities we can offer, we also understand that there are those who want to do us harm and have devoted their very existence to this end. We have an obligation, as free people to protect that liberty, secure our borders, and fulfill one of our constitutional mandates to provide for the common defense of our nation. As citizens, as the ‘we’ in ‘We the People,’ there is an understanding that we are all called to do what we can to protect our neighbor, our family and our nation from foreign and domestic terrorism.

“We believe that the addition of FOMGuard to the planned border protection program that the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps and other fellow Americans have designed, will help ensure that peace in our homeland.

“FOMGuard is designed to be used over existing structures, or can be stand-alone. It can be configured in a variety of ways to compliment, enhance or support existing programs with a complete systems integration component, utilizing cameras, face recognition software, laser and vibration sensors. It will help support and protect our hard working border guards who have been assigned an almost impossible task of protecting our open borders from would-be terrorists and illegal invasion.”

###

Contact for television and print interviews:

National Media Office
Connie Hair

703-822-4665 office

520-255-2932 mobile

Media@MinutemanHQ.com

Contact for radio interviews:
Lynne Campbell

630-848-0750

Lynne@SpecialGuests.com

Shauna Whitlock

630-848-0750

Shauna@SpecialGuests.com

Jerry McGlothlin

630-848-0750

Jerry@SpecialGuests.com

Minuteman PAC could make it Three in a Row with Nevada Win

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT: Brett Farley (866) 407-4258
Rick Shaftan, Neighborhood Research (973) 726-8114

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 11, 2006) – A tracking poll of 306 likely or definite Republicans who plan or who have already voted in the hot Nevada 2nd Congressional District Primary show that Minuteman PAC endorsed candidate Sharron Angle has opened up a 13 point lead over second place candidate Dawn Gibbons.

Angle led the five way contest with 33 percent of the vote, followed by Gibbons at 21 percent and Secretary of State Dean Heller at 19 percent. 27 percent of respondents were undecided.

23 percent of those surveyed had already voted and 43 percent had voted for Angle, 29 percent for Gibbons and 28 percent for Heller.

Angle has gained 14 points since a prior survey completed on July 26 and 27. That survey showed Heller leading with 24 percent followed by Gibbons with 22 percent and Angle at 19 percent.

Overall, Heller dropped 5 points in two weeks and Gibbons 1.

Among the 57 percent of voters favorable to the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, Angle led with 42 percent versus 21 percent for Gibbons and just 13 percent for Dean Heller. Angle’s 42 percent is a boost of 19 points from the 23 percent she had among this group two weeks ago.

Overall, Angle has a favorable rating of 33 percent and an unfavorable rating of 14 percent. Gibbons is viewed favorably by 24 percent and unfavorably by 24 percent and Heller is viewed favorably by 23 percent and unfavorably by 23 percent. Angle’s favorable rating was up 11 points in two weeks while Gibbons’ dropped by 1 percent and Heller by 6 percent.

Chris Simcox, founder of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps and honorary PAC chairman, was thrilled at the results.

“It’s clear that the Independent Expenditure the Minuteman PAC has dedicated to this critical race is paying off,” said Simcox.

Simcox recently recorded a radio spot endorsing Angle in the August 15th Primary.

Among those people who have cable TV and are favorable to the Minuteman PAC – 67 percent of all cable viewers, Sharron Angle now holds a 50-13 lead over her nearest competitor in this race.

“It’s clear to me that Nevada voters are responding positively to a candidate who talks straight on the question of illegal immigration and doesn’t pander to the forces of political correctness as so many others have done,” Simcox said. “Sharron Angle is a true leader who will stand up for border security in Congress and fight any form of ‘Guest Worker’ Amnesty that comes forward in Washington.

“The American people are fed up with the idea of Spanish-language ballots, government benefits for illegal aliens, allowing towns to be sanctuaries for illegal aliens and, worse, President Bush’s Amnesty proposal,” Simcox said.

“Minuteman PAC has already spent $50,000 on radio and cable TV ads throughout the district,” Simcox detailed. “We’re going to do whatever we can to ensure that Sharron Angle is elected on Tuesday,” Simcox added, “She’s the only candidate willing to stand up and fight for border security now. She understands how fundamentally critical it is to the future of our republic.”

Simcox explained that Minuteman PAC efforts over the last several weeks have resulted in two pro-border security victories for Doug Lamborn in Colorado and Tim Walberg in Michigan, where incumbent Joe Schwarz was defeated in the GOP primary last Tuesday. The Nevada Primary is August 15th.

PHOENIX, AZ (August 11, 2006) – Chris Simcox, President of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps (“MCDC”) today announced the weekend border watch and search and rescue efforts in Altar Valley, Pima County, Arizona. A new thermal camera will be in use for these night missions as well as three new 3rd generation night vision scopes to aid the Minutemen in spotting those illegally crossing the border to report them to the proper authorities.

DATE: Friday Aug 11th, 2006 ending Sunday Aug 13th at 7AM.

LOCATION: King Anvil Ranch, Three Points Arizona, Altar Valley (private property)

TIME: Shifts will run from 7PM-1AM, 1AM-7AM. Night shifts only

LOCAL CONTACT: Stacey O’Connell, Arizona Chapter Leader (602) 705-7947

DIRECTIONS: From Tucson, take Hwy Rt. 86 west approximately 23 miles to Three Points, Arizona. Then take Rt. 286 south to mile marker 38, shortly after, make right onto King Anvil Ranch entry (dirt road). Follow that road about ½ mile to main ranch house. Please keep your speed down, this is a private road.

Media must check in at administration for issuance of a press pass for the operation. Those media outlets who wish to accompany the search and rescue missions must be in good physical condition and able to carry their own equipment along with enough drinking water for themselves.

###

Contact for television and print interviews:

National Media Office

Connie Hair

703-822-4665 office

520-255-2932 mobile

Media@MinutemanHQ.com

Contact for radio interviews:

Lynne Campbell

630-848-0750

Lynne@SpecialGuests.com

Shauna Whitlock

630-848-0750

Shauna@SpecialGuests.com

Jerry McGlothlin

630-848-0750

Jerry@SpecialGuests.com