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Edition:  þ FLORIDA   o  METRO (DC-MD-VA-NY)
US IMMIGRATION NEWS 15 JUN 2006
No Place for Vigilantes in U.S. Society -- CIS Ombudsman
PALM BAY, Fla. (Basta Pinoy News) -- Concerns about anti-immigrant vigilantes were brought up with the Ombudsman of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), Prakash Khatri during a dialogue with the Brevard Taskforce on Immigration Advocacy in Brevard County.   In the meeting, Romie Dela Paz, Florida Chapter Chairman of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) pointed out a front page news story about “immigrants targeted in hate-filled directives” that appeared on this newspaper. “There were concerned reactions,” said Dela Paz. “It could be a major reason for the lack of trust with government institutions that cause undocumented persons to turn to churches and non-government organizations.” CIS Ombudsman Khatri's meeting with his constituents in the Space Coast was facilitated by Dela Paz. During the immigration dialogue hosted by the Hispanic Human Services Advocacy Group (HHSAG) led by its Founder/President, Tomas Lares, Ombudsman Khatri and Steve Zawaki, Chief, Special Projects for U.S. DHS listened to concerns from community leaders and Brevard County officials Peggy Busacca, County Manager, Director Robert "Bob" S. Lay, DHS Emergency Management for Brevard, Officer Mike Scully, Sheriff's Office Commander, West Precinct, County Commissioners Jackie Colon and Sue Carlson as represented by Robert Medina and Yvette Torres, respectively.
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At the outset Busacca acknowledged the seriousness of the issue as recently demonstrated by Brevard's experience on the May 1st Rally for Comprehensive Immigration Reforms held at the government center in Viera. Representatives of community organizations, ethnic media and local churches voiced their concerns, foremost are the following: - Anti-immigrant vigilante extreme calls for, especially, border security. (Dela Paz, one of the speakers at the May 1st Rally in Orlando showed a recent copy of Basta Pinoy News with the headline “Target: Immigrants”). Response by Mr. Khatri: “Aiming to identify correct formula for addressing border control. Vigilantes have no place in American society.” - Measures to assure compliance by undocumented aliens to evacuation directives during hurricanes and other natural disasters. Response: "Striving to treat everyone equally and with respect." Suggested solution : Utilize ethnic media to inform non-English speaking individuals that the goal is to safeguard lives, not to deport them. - Reluctance of some sectors to attend political events unless they are in a church setting - Need to encourage/provide opportunities to learn English as a means of empowernment. - Human trafficking issues must be addressed. (Mr. Khatri emphasized the community's opportunity to assist in stopping this criminal activity.) - Domestic abuse victims not filing complaints for fear of jeopardizing their stay in the U.S. - Lack or limited access to legal assistance. Challenge should be made for lawyers to give more "Pro Se or Pro Bono" work in our locality. - Local authorities should crackdown on criminals involved in documents fraud/Stricter enforcement of identity theft laws should be implemented. - Need for collaborative efforts from community leaders, organizations, agencies on immigration issues.
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Earlier, Ombudsman Khatri explained DHS goal to serve in the interest of everybody in the community. He intends to practice ways to ensure community satisfaction, among others, listening to individual grievances and recommendations to effectively serve the community. In a written statement, Mr. Khatri said, "Our families, our economy, and our culture are strengthened by immigrants from around the world who come to this country to contribute to our society and to realize the American dream. As an immigrant and naturalized citizen myself, I never take the honor of U.S. citizenship for granted. I am proud to lead the Office of the Ombudsman in its mission to ensure that the nation has an immigration benefits system that meets the needs and aspirations of employers and individuals -- citizens and non citizens alike -- that strengthen our economy, and that takes full account of DHS' national security mandate." The Brevard Taskforce on Immigrantion Advocacy meeting was arranged by the Brevard County Emergency Management office. Its officials also assured that undocumented persons are welcome to the shelters. (BASTA PINOY NEWS / R.Dela Paz)
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