7. New Bytes:

U.S. officials warn Haitians against scam artists

The St. Petersburg Times in Florida reports that in response to alleged scams targeting Haitians,  the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has offered forums throughout Florida and the country to answer questions about the temporary protected status (TPS) being extended to Haitian citizens.

The scammers have charging potential TPS applicants for forms, to schedule appointments with immigration personnel and other services that are free. To apply for Temporary Protected Status in the U.S, Haitian citizens must have been in the United States before January 12, 2010--the date of the deathly earthquake in Haiti. The deadline to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is July 20. The only fees are the $50 application fee, an $80 fee for those over 14 years old to have fingerprinting and photographs (biometrics), and a $340 work authorization fee. Applicants should not pay more than $470 total for the whole process.

There are organizations that will help with the forms for free, including Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services, at gcjfs.org. Gulf Coast Legal Services (gulfcoastlegal.org) also provides free assistance with the temporary protected status process.

http://www.tampabay.com/features/consumer/immigration-officials-warn-people-to-avoid-haiti-earthquake-scam/1070229

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Feds execute major smuggling sweep in Houston

The New York Times is reporting that immigration officials raided 14 bus companies in the Houston, TX area that were operating an underground system that transported unauthorized immigrants all over the country. Some of these companies allegedly exploited the migrants and their families by holding passengers captive until their relatives paid exorbitant fares.

These bus companies worked exclusively on smuggling operations; these were not legitimate transportation companies. The companies used minivans to shuttle hundreds of undocumented immigrants from Mexico to cities across the United States. The routes usually included back roads and traveling at night to avoid the authorities. The owners of the bus companies paid smugglers commissions of up to $300 for each passenger brought for transportation. The companies also charged far more than legitimate carriers would for the trips, asking immigrants to pay as much as $650 for a ride.

Officials said that the bus company raids in Houston signified a shift in Immigration and Customs Enforcement strategy. In the past, immigration agents have intercepted individual drivers and arrested the illegal immigrants they carried. This time a critical link in the smuggling network—the owners and operators of the bus companies—were the ones held accountable.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/05/us/05bus.html

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DHS: Illegal alien population has declined

The Washington Times reports that from 2007 to 2009, the number of unauthorized immigrants in the United States dropped by nearly 1 million, according to new Homeland Security Department figures. Homeland Security demographers estimate  the population of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S  was 10.8 million in January 2009, down from a peak of 11.8 million in 2007. This size of drop is unprecedented in modern history. Homeland Security officers point to immigration law enforcement and to the economic recession as major factors contributing to the decrease of would-be immigrants.

The report renews a polarizing question on how to address the presence of undocumented immigrants in the country. Those in favor of tougher immigration control say the report offers proof that illegal immigration is linked to job opportunities. The solution, therefore, lies in taking away the jobs so that illegal immigrants will leave the U.S. On the other hand, there are those who are in favor of legalizing undocumented immigrants, because—they argue—most undocumented migrants are contributing members of American society and have established their lives in the United States.  According to the DHS report, 63 percent of the illegal immigrants in the country arrived before 2000.

Among undocumented migrant groups, the Chinese population dropped by the largest percentage - nearly 50 percent. It is estimated that Mexicans, the largest unauthorized immigrant population, decreased by nearly 400,000 people. Although a decline in the undocumented migrant population occurred in most parts of the country, Georgia, Arizona, Florida, New Jersey and New York witnessed double-digit drops.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/feb/10/1-million-fewer-illegals-in-us-new-study-says/

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