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Peru immigrants in the U.S. hold onto Obama’s amnesty promise

Peruvians living in the United States hope that America's next president Barack Obama will grant amnesty for undocumented immigrants, as part of a new immigration policy that would benefit millions of immigrants.

”This would help to legalize the immigration status of some 12 million undocumented aliens living in the United States”, said July Rojas, president of the Consultative Council of Peruvians in New York, where about 600,000 Peruvians live.

In a phone interview with Andina news agency, Rojas pointed out that the whole Latino community in the U.S. expects that Democrat Obama will keep his promise to put law I-245 into force again.

Through this law, which was rendered no longer valid at the end of Bill Clinton's administration, any immigrant can become a resident only at the request of a relative living legally in the United States.

In addition, she said it is necessary that illegal immigrants have some basic benefits such as access to health insurance and education in public universities, where they are still not admitted because of their illegal immigration status.

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# Devilmaycare says :
5 November, 2008 [ 13:59 ]

Don't count on this happening any time soon.

# Adios mis migrantes ilegales says :
5 November, 2008 [ 15:30 ]

As soon as Big Labor makes the phone call to the casa blanca, "O" will throw the illegals under the bus.  He owes the labor unions big time. 

# mucho confundo says :
5 November, 2008 [ 15:40 ]

I agree with Adios.

Labor unions will likely have more sway in the Obama administration than immigrants. The goals of labor unions in the US are antipathetic to Latin American interests in the US, especially free trade agreements. Peru should be vigilant not to give Obama pretext to unravel theirs.

FYI, McCain also supported 'path to citizenship' for illegal immigrants.

# mericorps says :
5 November, 2008 [ 15:54 ]

I do not think this will happen as expected either, NOT due to labor, but due to the economic realities. We have a problem in our country, a big one and Obama will have to make some tough calls to fix it, it won't be easy and I predict he will make himself unpopular..that being said, i think he is the best person for the job and he has my support.

# JulioG says :
5 November, 2008 [ 16:38 ]

I agree with you mericorps. I don't think it''ll happen soon either. It does not only depend on Obama, but the congress has to agree on the new bill and Obama needs to aprove or veto it. I think the hardest part would come on an agreement from the congress.
I really hope they do it. Many illegals need to come out of the shadows. They are humans like us and cannot be treated worse than animals or abused due to their condition.
I think only illegals who prove that worked honestly, do not have any major criminal history, and pay a fee should be on the path to obtain papers.

# David says :
5 November, 2008 [ 17:36 ]

You don't think it will happen as expected, or as promised?

So the mans not in office for a day and he is breaking campaign promises already?

Wow! I'll reserve comment until he actually goes back on his word.

# mucho confundo says :
5 November, 2008 [ 18:14 ]

David:

He's not in office for another 2 1/2 months.

Julio G:

Congress is divided on immigration reform, and not along party lines either. President Bush, John McCain, Ted Kennedy and Barack Obama all supported citizenship path for illegal immigrants but couldnt get it through because states with strong organized labor factions opposed it.

# David says :
5 November, 2008 [ 19:05 ]

Mucho,

I fully understand when he will be in office. I was commenting on how others are speculating on how he will not follow up on campaign promises.

It is something to see a person pulling for a candidate and even before that person takes office they are seemingly OK with him breaking his word!

If Bush did that they would be all over him. And no I do not like Bush.

# Rachel says :
5 November, 2008 [ 19:22 ]

I agree, FAT CHANCE of that bill passing.

Even though Obama and McCain supported a "path to Citizenship" they also supported that ridiculous fence along the U.S. Mexican Border.

What about the Asians, Africans, Middle Easterners, Europeans, Latinos (not from Mexico) that immigrate to the U.S. Illegally? They don't all cross the U.S. Mexican border, many of them come on a plane!

Anyway, it's not much of an "Amnesty" bill like it's been described before if people are paying a penalty.

I think the government should allow illegal immigrants to get driver's licenses so that way you at least know who's in your country. Of course there should be a process to filter fraudulent identities and aliases from being used to obtain U.S. documentation.

Immigrant issues got put on the back burner after 9/11 happened and now with a financial crisis, it's probably going to stay that way until we get our economy straightened out.

# David says :
5 November, 2008 [ 19:31 ]

---

Rachel I have to disagree. An illegal should not be able to get a drivers lic. it gives them legitimacy. They can use a passport for ID.

No doubt that something more needs to be done for those that are here and law abiding.

# mericorps says :
5 November, 2008 [ 19:53 ]

David,

It is a far stretch to say something is not possible as equating it to a lie or a purposly broken promise.  In fact I consider that quite dishonest of you to equate the two.

You are pretending that it is a decision he makes and implements himself, you are pretending that if he does it differently or slower due to changing circumstances, then technically it is a lie ..bejeebez David, just come out and admit it already.

And I realize that even though our country has been profiting on the backs of illegal immigrants, and even though our own GOA admit that they actually pay more into US taxes than they cost us and that the price of food and housing will rise and estimated 10-18% without them, that we have done little or noting of substance to punish Americans breaking the law by hiring them for decades, that the entire owness of the problem should be on the backs of the illegal immigrants.

And I realize you also ignore that if 12 million illegal immigrants suddenly leave the US that most major study institutions and a bi-partisan congressional comission have suggested that the devestation to small business owners, housing markets, the farming industry and a host of of other American businesses will suffer tragically, something we can ill-afford with our current economic situation...

Maybe it is my old fashion Kansas farmers values, but my grandparents taught me that if we helped created a problem with others, then we should work with them to find solutions. They taught me that was the American way and our Christian responsibility.

I guess you see it differently.

I find that silly and absurd and shameful for an American to hold an illegal immigrant to a higher standard for following our laws than you would hold a fellow American...but thats your right.

 I still find it beneath even you to take a call that the revision of immigration laws is not going to be as Latinos want as equating to him lieing on a campaign promise. 

Of course, the last 8 years have been filled with more lies than the Nixon administration and in fact the Bush administration has been found by the US Supreme court to have implemented rules, executive orders and through non-compliance issues with investigation been in violation of the US Constitution more than..ALL ADMINISTRATIONS IN HISTORY< COMBINED.

For you, that must be ok, for me the US Constitution should be protected at all costs.  Your Bush called it just a G..D.. piece of paper.

# JulioG says :
5 November, 2008 [ 19:55 ]

I agree with you Rachel and I understand David's concerns as well. Let me share something with you.
When I was in the US, I met many illegal immigrants. We hired one woman to be our baby's nanny. She was a honest, hard working woman, and I trusted her fully. She also had children who went to school, so she needed to drive to drop them off. She wanted to give them education. Of course, she didn't have a driver lic. but she had to do it anyways or her children could not attend school (school bus was not available at that time). So far I know, she hasn't been caught by police, but if it happens she'll go to court and get deported like many other illegal women.
Therefore, I think that they can have a special driver lic. Something that cannot be used as ID, but allow them to drive. So far I know, there are few states that started with this "special driver lic", but it now requires to present a valid I-94, which illegal immigrants do not have, so it's useless.

# Rachel says :
5 November, 2008 [ 20:09 ]

If she gets caught without a driver's license she'll get a citation and a grace period to acquire the license. I've known illegal Mexicans that this has happened to and I know illegal Mexicans who drive safely, follow traffic laws and have not been pulled over yet.

Maybe getting a government issued I.D. like the Mexican consulate provides would be a sufficient form of identification to obtain a U.S. License.

In many cases an immigrant with an I-94 is only granted a license for the duration of their Visa.

What's illegal is the racial profiling exercised in Texas. My husband was pulled over in Texas just for looking "Mexican" and wrongfully detained and threatened with deportation even though he had a valid green card on him.

Why aren't they stopping Asians at their illegal and racist check points?

Sorry, but illegal immigration is a Homeland Security and USCIS issue. I don't think local county governments and sheriff's departments should be spending tax payer money to pay for racial profiling as a method to "find illegals." It's UN-American IMHO.

# David says :
5 November, 2008 [ 20:39 ]

Kevin, somehow I liked it better when you ignored me. Remeber your word that you would no longer reply to my comments? Why do you so often go back on your word, I guess you have very little self control. Perhaps the reason you are in the spot you find yourself in.

It seems you read into my comments way to much looking for a hidden meaning. I was not the one stating anything bad about President elect Obama. If you looked you would have read under a different story that I stated "We should all pull together now that the next 4 years have been decided."

Obama and all politicians know full well the potential obstacles that may plague there Presidency. Having a campaign promise take longer then originally intended is nothing new. The important point is that he makes the attempt to correct what he perceives as wrong. You have already given him a free pass in saying that he may not be able to get the job done. Ronald Reagan did it why not Obama?

I also stated that I did not like Bush, as a matter of fact I hate the man, and his family. They are some of the worst people on the planet if you ask me. Remember I am the one that thinks the Bush family has more to do with 911 then anyone from the middle east, remember?

I also support the idea that illegal aliens living in the US that produce, do not break the laws, other then the fact that they are in the country should be granted some form of citizenship or at the very least be given a green card and let them stay and apply for citizenship.

So Kevin, stop all your accusations about me "Just come out and admit it already" What is that supposed to mean. Why don't you just come out and say it? Defame me again as you have in the past.

I have my flaws as everyone else, but I do not break the law of the countries I live-in or visit for that matter, can you claim the same?

Get a life! You are so obsessed with me, I may have to take you seriously when you said that you loved me. Let go my friend, let go, I'm spoken for.

# JulioG says :
5 November, 2008 [ 20:59 ]

Rachel,
You're right, I talked to a lawyer and he said that. Although, if the police decides to call an immigration officer, then it'd depend on him/her what to do after the court. According to this lawyer, some illegal immigrants were deported and others just warned.

# juan says :
5 November, 2008 [ 21:32 ]

that law well at least be discussed in the years to come. one effective act is the dream act. please at least give us education.

# yes we can says :
5 November, 2008 [ 22:07 ]

This bill will be proposed and passed within in the first 18o days. Think of all the fresh new tax payers. Yumm

# Paul says :
5 November, 2008 [ 22:23 ]

I dont think it will pass; simply for economic reasons.  The US is entering a recession.  Big companies are slashing workforces, small comapnies are downsizing.  What sense does it make to increase the workforce, thus contributing to already rising unemployment figures. 

I realize the majority of illegals are already working, but no politician wants to increase the unemployment numbers. 

Another negative in doing this would be increasing the number of people who will be eligible for social security and benefits, which again combined with rising unemployment would be a double whammy.

The US economy needs illegals now more than ever.  Cheap labour to stimulate the economy.

Morally and ethical its wrong, and I dont agree with it, however, things are the way they are. 

# David N says :
5 November, 2008 [ 23:08 ]

No matter the pros and cons, amnesty for illegals remains political suicide. It won't happen anytime soon, if ever.

Besides, Congress passes laws, not the president. Even a leftist freak like Pelosi won't try to pull off amnesty, she's got another election to orchestrate two years from now. Just another misrepresentation by B.O.

# CapitanDan says :
6 November, 2008 [ 00:01 ]

It's simple, the unions supported Obama and business supported McCain... The unions want illegals banned because they work for less and cause the loss of union work( all illegals don't pick fruit many work in construction). The republicans looked the other way so businesses could hire illegals and ICE made a few token arrests....Now the Unions have the Democrats and a few republicans in Congress and Senate. The Unions have control basically over the Exec and Legislative branches..With many Citizens out of work it will be stupid for anyone not to jump on the Union bandwagon. Unions want limited Visas( a company will have to prove that there isn't a citizen that can do the work and will in turn pay higher wages , thus defeating the purpose of outsourcing), want the tech jobs now outsourced to india, mexico and the Phillipines stopped.They won't need to build a fence, with the unions watching companies, and actually policing the businesses work will dry up....Next look for a U.S. Idenity card ( can be used as a passport) too access medical programs, government resources etc.. It's coming get used to it..People will openly accept it because of the free benefits....I could go on and on... This is just the start.. I don't care, I have nothing to hide or lose... Chau Friends

# bob ward says :
6 November, 2008 [ 08:54 ]

You are all forgetting the first rule of politics
Get the tough stuff out of the way EARLY, so people will forget before the next election.  That is why an immigration bill will be passed soon within a few months.

There is no way America cannot deal with this situation and under a Democratic President with Democratic Senate and HoR, its a done deal.

The only question is the details and whether it will work for everyone's interest
bobo

# CapitanDan says :
6 November, 2008 [ 15:19 ]

Bob, You may be right about the Bill, but it won't offer amnesty across the board and it will be more selective and restrictive....Anyone that thought Obama would open the gates and allow unchecked immigration is in for a real shock. Chau

# p40 says :
7 November, 2008 [ 18:28 ]

I am all for imagration..every country around the world benifits from it....AS LONG AS IT IS DONE LEGALLY!
I'm sorry..but i just dont understand why anyone in this world feels they have the right to go into another country ilegally and expect to be treated and have the same rights as a person who was either born in that country or a person who has worked darn hard to imigrate the legal way...why do some people feel they need to be treated any different and not obey the rules? surely if you have respect for a country and its people then you will do the decent thing by abiding the laws of the land, like the countrys citizens have too.?...its like walking into a sweet shop and demanding the shop keeper to hand over all the sweets for free with out paying....i just dont get it...i'd like to live in australia...but no way would i dare have the nerve to just fly over there and say hey i am here..tough nuts to all you who are doing things legally...i want it now, and i demand to stay here!....thats just really disrespectfull.

# Illegal Double Standard says :
7 November, 2008 [ 18:48 ]

How can we deal with 12 million illegals?  Who will pick your lettuce, apples, etc for sub-minimum wage?  Are you willing to pay more for your food and services to be done by legal citizens earning minimum wages?  Everyone says that the US will come to a halt if we don't have illegals doing this work.  I, for one, don't believe it.  Simple economic principals will take hold. 
1. Implement a secure, national ID with biometric data -- fingerprint, photo and demographics.
2. All employers required to vett this ID against a national database.
3. Any employer hiring an illegal is fined US$10,000 per illegal.
4. No fences need to be built.  They will go home on their own.  12 million of them who cost $9K/year more than they pay in taxes.
5. Employers who were hiring illegals at sub-minimum wage levels will now have to raise wages until legal citizens are willing to take the work.  (free market principles).  And the consumer will have to pay more for their food at a restaurant because the dishwasher is now making a legal wage, more for the lettuce, oranges etc.
Every other nation in the world has a national ID.  It is a phony, red herring argument used by the ACLU that somehow we will be "abdicating our rights" if the US implements a secure national ID.  The truth is we already have abdicated our rights.  What do you call the SSN?  It is required to open a bank account, get a passport, get a job.  The only thing is that it is not is a secure form of ID.  The SSN is an invitation to identity theft.
I am a legal resident of Peru - 10 years.  I could not do so if I entered Peru illegally.  Why is it somehow expected to be different in the US?  Is there a double standard? 

# p40 says :
7 November, 2008 [ 20:28 ]

''I am a legal resident of Peru - 10 years.  I could not do so if I entered Peru illegally.  Why is it somehow expected to be different in the US?  Is there a double standard?''

Illegal Double Standard ....may i just say i totally agree with what you have said! Thank you for pointing that out!

well said and so true! :) thats exactley what i think!

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