Salem-News.com Immigration articles Page 18

The Struggle Continues Over Immigration Laws in Columbia County

Community members reflect on significance of Anti-Immigrant Ballot Measure and plan next steps.

(SCAPOOSE, Ore.) - Columbia County has been thrust into the public eye statewide after the passage of an anti-immigrant ballot measure last Tuesday.

Measure 5-190 intends to impose a $10,000 fine on any employer found to be hiring undocumented immigrants, and require county employers to register with the federal E-Verify program. On Election Day, the vote was split with 57% in favor and 45% against.

A local community organization waged a strong grassroots campaign against the measure knowing that the odds were not in their favor. Throughout the last few months, Columbia County Citizens for Human Dignity (CCCHD) mobilized over 300 volunteers to have personal conversations with 13,387 of the 28,053 voters in the county. This army of volunteers logged 1,652 volunteer hours, hand-addressed 11,000 postcards, had 26 letters to the editor published in local papers, and prevented a landslide victory of the measure.

DMV to Verify Immigration Documents Starting in 2009

Lawful presence status will be added to customer records.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon DMV is making two changes to the issuance of driver licenses, driving permits and identification cards effective January 1st 2009.

First, DMV will electronically verify information contained on federal immigration documents presented as proof of lawful presence in the United States by applicants for Oregon driver licenses, driving permits and ID cards.

DMV will verify the information by using the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program operated by the federal Department of Homeland Security. DMV will not issue driving privileges or ID cards to applicants whose immigration documents cannot be verified with the SAVE system.

Immigration Study Released by Coalition for a Working Oregon

"We as a state need a legal workforce and we can only get a solution through federal comprehensive reform. Piece by piece or state by state only makes a solution more difficult and confusing." - Bill Perry, Oregon Restaurant Association

(WILSONVILLE, Ore.) - The Coalition for a Working Oregon released a study on July 9th predicting a considerable loss of economic output if the federal "No-Match" rule is implemented.

Conducted by William Jaeger, Ph. D., Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at Oregon State University, the study details the consequences of the "No-Match" rule, a federal regulation designed to identify undocumented workers in the U.S. Under the "No-Match" rule, if a worker's social security number is questioned by the Department of Homeland Security, he or she must provide proper work authorization by a predetermined date. If the employee cannot provide proper authorization, the employer must release the employee or face penalties.

Immigration Reform - Business Begins to Find its Voice

OBA Provides Perspective on the Diverse Needs of Oregon Employers.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - This is a statement submitted for publication by the Oregon Business Association. The OBA says their mission is to continue to represent their industry-diverse, state-wide members within a coalition of employers and to work to protect Oregon's long term economic vitality.

From Three Mile Canyon Farms, Oregon's largest agricultural operation to The Standard Insurance Company, that recruits many of its actuaries from Canadian universities through the federal visa program, OBA members desire a rational conversation about immigration and meeting the workforce needs of our employers.

OBA participated in a media roundtable and editorial board meeting along with other members of the Coalition for a Working Oregon (CWO). The event, covered by television and print media from around the state, provided the opportunity for CWO to release a new study that predicts potential disruption to Oregon's economy.

Newly-Released Study Predicts Economic Pain for Oregon if Federal Immigration Regulations are Implemented‏

Federal "No Match" Rule could disrupt the Oregon economy and eliminate jobs within the state's most critical industries.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The Coalition for a Working Oregon (CWO) released a study today that predicts significant reductions in economic output and job loss in the state if the federal "No Match" rule is implemented.

The study, conducted by William Jaeger, Ph. D., Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at Oregon State University, is entitled Potential Economic Impacts in Oregon of Implementing Proposed Department of Homeland Security "No Match" Immigration Rules. The report details possible economic consequences in Oregon of the proposed "No Match" rule, a federal regulation designed to identify and eliminate undocumented workers in the U.S. workforce.

"The potential ramifications for Oregon's economy are significant and could cause a loss of 173,500 jobs in the short-term, or 7.7% of Oregon's workforce along with a reduction in statewide annual production of up to $17.7 billion," said Dr. Jaeger.

Border Patrol Will Hold Recruitment Event in Salem

Qualified candidates have the potential to earn what the Border Patrol describes as "a great salary and generous benefits."

(SALEM, Ore.) - The United States Border Patrol will hold a national recruiting and hiring event in Salem, Oregon for individuals interested in pursuing a career in border law enforcement.

The event will be held on Thursday, June 12th, 2008, at The Red Lion Hotel, 3301 Market St NE in Salem from from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Illegal Immigrant Supporters to March/Rally in Salem Today

Court Street NE between 12th Street NE and Cottage Street NE, and Cottage Street NE between Court Street NE and State Street will officially close at 10:00 AM.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Thousands of illegal immigrant rights supporters are expected to be around the Oregon State Capitol Mall today for a rally and march.

The rally, which is being call "The Immigrant Rights Rally," will take place from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Be Aware! that several downtown Salem streets will be CLOSED during the event.

Employers Say Immigrant Labor is Extremely Vital to Oregon`s Economy

Coalition pushes for comprehensive federal immigration reform.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Advocates for Oregon business say the first consolidated effort by Oregon employers to promote sensible approaches to immigration reform is officially underway with the launch of the Coalition for a Working Oregon.

Nursery Industry Responds to Homeland Security No-Match Rule Proposal

Homeland Security strikes out at Oregon agriculture businesses.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Today, the Oregon Association of Nurseries responded sharply to the Department of Homeland Security's revised no-match letter policy, declaring that the proposal unfairly burdens labor-intensive employers with more onerous regulation.

They also say it creates an environment of suspicion in the workplace. The response came shortly after a conference call with 70 individuals representing employer groups from across the United States.

Senate Approves Legislation to Tighten Identification Requirements

Legislation will require legal presence to obtain Oregon driver’s license.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Earlier today the Oregon Senate approved SB 1080, legislation that will help prevent identity fraud in Oregon by tightening the requirements to receive Oregon driver’s licenses and identification.

SB 1080 will require the Department of Motor Vehicles to verify social security numbers with the U.S. Social Security Administration before issuing an Oregon driver’s license, identification card, or driver’s permit.