LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Republican state lawmakers in Michigan didn't try to mandate labeling the driver's licenses of immigrants with yellow stars, contrary to a claim in a story circulating on several liberal-leaning sites. The story at themaven and other sites included a meme with a photo of state GOP Rep. Triston Cole and said lawmakers had proposed imprinting yellow stars, suggesting a comparison between the effort and badges that Jews were forced to wear in Nazi-occupied Europe. Michigan, along with other states, has a white star inside a gold circle marked on driver's licenses to comply with the federal Real ID act, passed in 2005 to strengthen rules for identification at airports and federal facilities. The stars are issued on all government-issued IDs, regardless of citizenship status. Since 2013, the state also has tagged driver's licenses for temporary immigrants with the letters "LT" to indicate they are limited term. Michigan lawmakers had initially proposed requiring … [Read more...] about Debunked: No yellow star on Michigan immigrant licenses
Immigration
Tom Homan, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, set to retire
Tom Homan, the acting director of the agency charged with combating illegal immigration, is stepping down, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced Monday. Homan has been one of the most public faces of the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration and oversaw a 40 percent surge in deportation arrests, along with other controversial changes including policies on making courthouse arrests and detaining pregnant women. The Senate had yet to act on his confirmation, which could have been contentious, given the opposition by some to his hard-line policy views. Homan said in a statement that it had been the "honor" of his life "to lead the men and women of ICE for more than a year." He called his decision to leave "bittersweet" but said that after 34 years, he wanted to focus on his family. Homan added that he was "inspired" by those who serve the agency as they face "unfair and false criticism from politicians and the media." "Because of their tremendous dedication … [Read more...] about Tom Homan, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, set to retire
Trump’s hubris is costing him big on immigration
President TrumpDonald John TrumpWhite House revises statement saying Iran 'has' secret nuclear weapons program DOJ files charges against 11 suspected 'caravan' members for illegal border crossing Mueller planned to ask Trump about Manafort's campaign outreach to Moscow: report MORE could be a transformative president on immigration, if he wanted to be. I realize that is a shocking statement coming from someone who’s been highly critical of Trump on immigration — from the day he announced his presidential campaign by calling Mexicans rapists and criminals, to every time that he has denigrated or demonized immigrants simply to rile up his anti-immigrant base. Which happens a lot. In fact, it is because of his draconian rhetoric and occasional — although not very credible — compassion toward Dreamers that he could succeed. He could grab this highly divisive issue, put a bipartisan deal on the table — the parameters of which already exist and have been … [Read more...] about Trump’s hubris is costing him big on immigration
Could unauthorized immigrants in New Jersey get driver’s licenses?
Share This Story! Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about Facebook Email Twitter Google+ LinkedIn Pinterest Could unauthorized immigrants in New Jersey get driver's licenses? New Jersey could become the 13th state to pass a law that expands access to driver's licenses Sent! A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Join the Conversation To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs Subscribe Today Log In Subscribed, but don't have a login? Activate your digital access. Steph Solis, @stephmsolis Published 6:44 a.m. ET May 1, 2018 CLOSE Silvia Martinez was one of scores of unauthorized immigrants and allies who packed the Snyder Academy in Elizabeth on Jan. 11, 2017, for the launch of the "Let's Drive NJ" campaign. The initiative pushes for a law that allows immigrants, regardless of status, … [Read more...] about Could unauthorized immigrants in New Jersey get driver’s licenses?
Hundreds to March in Boston for Worker, Immigrant Rights on May Day
Activists are planning to use May Day to highlight what they describe as President Donald Trump's attacks on workers and immigrants, coupled with calls for a higher minimum wage. In Massachusetts, members of more than 30 organizations plan to gather Tuesday in the East Boston section of Boston before marching through the neighboring cities of Chelsea and Everett. Activists are calling for a $15 minimum wage, paid family and medical leave, improved educational opportunities for immigrants, the adoption of "sanctuary" policies and an end to deportations. May 1 is International Workers' Day. 'May Day' Marches Protest Trump Deportation Policies Representatives of labor, community and immigrant rights groups participating in the march are criticizing what they say is the Trump administration's attempt to criminalize immigrants. According to the group's Facebook page, more than 1,500 people were registered for the rally in Boston and nearly 1,400 were registered for one in … [Read more...] about Hundreds to March in Boston for Worker, Immigrant Rights on May Day