6. News Bytes:

In Alabama, Calls for Revamping Immigration Law

The New York Times reports that an increasing number of Alabama state lawmakers say they are willing to consider changes to Alabama’s anti-immigration law in light of “unintended consequences.”  “All of us realize we need to change it,” said Slade Blackwell, a Republican state senator.  Because the law remains popular with eighty percent of Alabama residents, officials seeking changes must assert that any intended alterations will not dilute the law’s aim to deter illegal immigration. The most vocal criticism comes over “Section 30” which vaguely requires proof of immigration status for “any transaction between a person and the state or a political subdivision of the state.” 

Defenders of the law say fears about the vagueness of this section are unfounded but many lawyers like Birmingham’s city attorney, Thomas Bentley, say the section could be interpreted to apply to “almost everything we do.”  State Senator Scott Beason, a Republican who sponsored the law, rebuffed criticism, pointing out that “providing identification is a common practice when dealing with the state and many private entities.”  He also added that he has long been open to “ironing out any administrative difficulties or ambiguities.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/17/us/in-alabama-calls-for-revamping-immigration-law.html?pagewanted=all

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Gingrich Takes Big Risk Articulating Immigration Policy

Foxnews.com reports that Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich challenged rival Republican presidential candidates to refute his argument against mass deportations of illegally present immigrants.  Gingrich warned against a policy that proposes deporting immigrants that have been in the country for 25 years, saying he would not “expel” those who had come to the United States illegally if it happened decades ago.  He said long-residing illegally present immigrants shouldn’t become citizens, but neither should they be torn apart from their families.  Presidential hopefuls Michele Bachmann, Mitt Romney, and Rick Perry took the opportunity to lash out against Gingrich, calling the stance a form of amnesty that attracts illegal immigration.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/11/23/gingrich-on-top-gop-polls-takes-big-risk-articulating-illegal-immigration/

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Bachmann: Deport all 11 Million Illegally Present Immigrants, In Steps

The Hill (DC) reports that Michele Bachmann, intent on differentiating herself from Republican presidential frontrunner Newt Gingrich, called for the deportation of all 11 million illegally present immigrants believed to reside in the U.S. in steps.  Asked by radio host Laura Ingraham about an earlier statement she made differentiating between immigrants who had recently entered the country illegally from those with longstanding ties to the United States, Bachmann said she was never referring to legalization.  “What I’m talking about is the order of deportation,” Bachmann replied.  “It is almost impossible to move 11 million illegal immigrants overnight.  You do it in steps.”

http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/195597-bachmann-deport-all-11-million-illegal-immigrants-in-steps

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AZ Sherriff Endorses TX Governor

The Texas Tribune reports that controversial Arizona Sherriff Joe Arpaio announced his endorsement of Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry.  Sherriff Arpaio joined Perry on the campaign trail in an effort to shore up support from Conservatives who cooled on Perry after rivals charged him with being soft on immigration.  Perry coupled the endorsement from Arpaio with a promise that, as president, he’ll detain and deport anyone who crosses the border illegally.

http://www.texastribune.org/texas-politics/2012-presidential-election/perry-get-nod-americas-toughest-sheriff/

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Mandatory Wage Hikes for Immigrant Workers Delayed

The Town Talk (VA) reports that federal government-mandated wage increases for seasonal immigrant workers have been delayed until Jan. 1 after President Barack Obama signed appropriations legislation that prevents the U.S. Labor Department from spending money needed to implement and administer the increases.  In a Nov. 2 hearing, businesses that use seasonal foreign labor asked U.S. District Judge Dee Drell in Alexandria, Virginia to invalidate the way Labor Department officials came up with the new rates, or at least postpone the Nov. 30 implementation.  The businesses fear the implementation, which raises some hourly wages as much as 100 percent, will hurt bottom lines and drive some companies out of business.  Judge Drell has not yet ruled on the request and government and union attorneys continue to fight the lawsuit.

http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20111123/NEWS01/111230331/Mandatory-wage-hikes-immigrant-workers-delayed

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Newt Gingrich Signs Border Fence Pledge during Iowa Swing

The Los Angeles Times reports that Republican presidential contender Newt Gingrich signed a pledge to build a double fence along the U.S.-Mexico border by the end of 2013.  The former House speaker signed the pledge, which is being promoted by a North Carolina group, Americans for Securing the Border, while on a campaign visit to Iowa. 

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/dec/01/news/la-pn-gingrich-fence-20111201

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