Draft legislation is circulating on the Hill to repeal the REAL ID Act. Passed in 2005, with bipartisan support, the REAL ID Act requires states to assure that any identity cards used for a federal purpose (like passing through a Transportation Security Administration security checkpoint before boarding a plane) be issued only to individuals who are lawfully present in the United States.
Over the next two days, Secretary Napolitano will testify before four different congressional committees to discuss the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed budget for 2010. Given the budget implications on worksite enforcement and the Department’s issuance of new worksite guidelines, the appropriations and authorizing committees should have no shortage of questions. However, if any member is looking for questions, here are just a few that I would propose.
Los Angeles Times: The immigration debate, again Neither the economic downturn nor enhanced enforcement has driven 12 million illegal immigrants to leave the country. Enforcement is still far from effective, either on the border or in the workplace. And even in a recession, we still seem to need foreign workers, especially at the bottom of […]
REGION: Bersin visits San Diego border in new role : North County Times – Californian 05-04-2009 In his first official visit to San Diego as assistant secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, Alan Bersin said cooperation with Mexico is key in stemming the northward flow of illegal immigrants and drugs and the southward flow […]
SBInet spending plan not complete, GAO says — Federal Computer Week The Homeland Security Department’s latest spending plan for the Secure Border Initiative virtual fence and infrastructure program fully satisfies only three out of 12 legislative conditions for receiving additional funds, according to a new report on SBInet from the Government Accountability Office.
Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lamar Smith challenges Secretary Napolitano on whether illegal immigration is a criminal act.
DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano is tentatively scheduled to testify before the United States Senate Judiciary Committee on DHS immigration enforcement policies. Heritage has its own set of questions that should be asked of Napolitano about the Administration’s views on immigration enforcement. We will be adding new questions for Secretary Napolitano daily until the May 6, 2009 hearing—along with Heritage’s suggested response. Check out today’s question.
Last week, I argued that the new Secretary of DHS, Janet Napolitano, would need to avoid common problems that have plagued so many border projects over the past year. Long ago, it was thought that all problems had their source in one of the seven deadly sins, sloth, gluttony, lust, wrath, envy, and pride. This week, we look at gluttony, defined as an insatiable appetite, gulping down without thought or need, and the compelling desire for instant gratification.
FEMA, ICE nominees pledge to focus on agency performance (4/22/09) — www.GovernmentExecutive.com Key members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee endorsed President Obama’s choices to lead the Homeland Security Department’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and Immigration and Customs Enforcement bureau at a wide-ranging confirmation hearing on Wednesday aimed at exploring the candidates’ […]
Security Debrief is hosting its first online debate to analyze a strategic plan released by the Department of Homeland Security to secure the border with Mexico. The Department released a fact sheet last week — “Southwest Border: The Way Ahead” — which outlines the new activities and spending for specific departments and locations. Contributors Doug Doan and Chad Wolf kick off the debate by offering differing views on the appropriate use of stimulus funds for homeland security projects.
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