February Immigration Headlines | Legal Language Services

February?s immigration headlines focus heavily on immigration reform in the US.

The debate on immigration reform has extended to rights for same-sex couples, and whether or not US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was right to cease detention of ?several hundred? immigrants undergoing deportation proceedings.

February?s immigration headlines also included a Guatemalan Grammy-winner visiting the US on an immigration-inspired tour, and the Singaporean government?s plans to increase their population by up to 40 percent via immigration.

1. Immigration Policy Affects Same-Sex Married Couples

Generally, marriage between an American and a foreign national opens the door to a green card, or lawful permanent residence. This does not include same-sex couples, however, despite the fact that they may legally marry in nine states.

President Obama?s plan for immigration reform would give US citizens the ability to sponsor same-sex spouses for immigration.

Some conservative religious organizations object to this. They instead wish to uphold the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage as a union solely between a man and a woman.

2. ICE Releases ?Several Hundred? Detained Immigrants

The media have been buzzing about the government?s release of immigrants who are undergoing deportation proceedings. However, these immigrants are not exempt from the proceedings?they are simply no longer being physically detained by ICE.

ICE cites budget cuts as the reason for the decision. Instead of spending $122 per bed per day, detention alternatives include electronic ankle-bracelet monitoring, telephone monitoring, and compulsory scheduled check-ins at a local ICE office.

3. Guatemalan Pop Star Visits Arizona on Immigration Tour

Ricardo Arjona, Guatemalan Grammy-winner, brought his pro-immigration tour to Arizona on Feb. 26. The Keeping Families Together Story Tour concentrates on families separated because of immigration policy. The tour also has stops in California, Nevada, New York and Florida.

In 2005, Arjona?s song ?Mojado? (English translation??Soaked?) commemorated undocumented immigrants.

4. Singaporean Government Plans to Increase Immigration, Natives Protest

In Singapore, the government is looking to compensate for a declining birth rate with an increase in immigration. By 2036, the current population of just over five million may expand to nearly seven million.

Native Singaporeans are protesting, and recently hosted one of the largest demonstrations in the nation?s history.

The majority of arrivals to Singapore are wealthy Chinese immigrants. While these immigrants create jobs for many Singaporeans, there is also a negative stigma associated with them. Some native Singaporeans feel that the newcomers have little regard for the country?s laws and traditions.

Below, share with us your opinions on February?s immigration headlines.

Source: http://www.legallanguage.com/legal-articles/top-immigration-headlines-february-2013/

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