We hope that everyone enjoyed a wonderful Holiday Season. Once again, we take the opportunity to say
Thank you for your business and friendship!
TOP LATINO POLITICIANS IN 2013
NBC Latino named the top ten Latino politicians to watch in 2013 and the list contains a mix of Republicans and Democrats from around the country. Among them is New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez (Democrat) who is sure to play a vital role in immigration reform this year. Also keep your eyes on Democratic Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez, Republican Idaho Congressman Raul Labrador, Republican Governor from New Mexico Susana Martinez and Florida’s Republican Senator Marco Rubio. Among newly elected Latino politicians to watch this year are: Democratic Texas Congressman Joaquín Castro, Republican Texas Senator Ted Cruz, former doctor and Democratic California Congressman Raul Ruiz, Democratic New Mexico Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham, and Mary Gonzales, the Democrat who will be serving Texas in the House of Representatives.
ICE 2012 STATISTICS
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that the Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations removed 409,849 individuals in the fiscal year 2012. About 55%, or 225,390, of those removed had been convicted of felonies or misdemeanors, which is almost double the number of criminals removed in the fiscal year 2008.
NEW NATIONAL DETAINER GUIDANCE
In order to continue their focus on the most serious criminal offenders, ICE has issued a new national detainer guidance that will limit the use of detainers to individuals who meet certain conditions. This new regulation prevents the use of detainers against people who have been arrested for minor felonies including traffic offenses, etc. This will help ensure that resources are focused on more major criminals and repeat offenders.
INCREASE IN I-9 AUDITS
ICE announced that 2012 marked a record high number of companies audited for employing illegal immigrants. In 2007, there were 250 audits of employer I-9 forms and there were over 3,000 in 2012. The cost in fines increased by millions and the number of manager arrests increased as well. President Barack Obama has kept his promise to investigate companies knowingly hiring illegal workers. If you have questions about I-9 forms, please contact the office.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office!