NEWS BYTES The annual National Council of La Raza Convention began with the recitation of the names of more than 550 migrants who died attempting to enter California since 1995. The group blames US border policy for the rising numbers of deaths along the border, and hopes to draw increased media attention to the deaths. They argue that while the US does need border control, it should be conducted in some other way than the current program, which forces migrants to cross on foot through remote desert areas where they often die of exposure.
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Border Patrol agents in the Livermore (California) Border Patrol Sector are continuing their uphill battle to prevent the closing of their office. Their initial complaint, which was filed with the National Labor Relations Board, was dismissed by the Board. The agents have filed another complaint, this one alleging that they are not being given an opportunity to compete for other positions within the Border Patrol. The complaint seeks to prevent the INS from filling any new positions until the closure is complete.
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This November, the people of the state of Utah will vote on whether to make English the official language of the state. If passed, state agencies would be allowed to conduct business in English only, with only a few limited exceptions. Under the law, the state government could use a language other than English only in court cases and when there is a public health or safety risk. It would also move funds currently used to provide services in other languages to programs that teach English. Opponents of the measure say it would make it impossible for many recent immigrants to obtain much needed assistance.
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The INS has recently posted public charge fact sheets on its website in Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese. They are available online at http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/publicaffairs/pachron.htm < Back | Next > Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided as a public service and not intended to establish an attorney client relationship. Any reliance on information contained herein is taken at your own risk. | 
