Senator Michael Bennet Extends Welcome To New Citizens

Fort Carson, CO – Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet welcomed a group of 13 soldiers and family members of soldiers as they became American citizens during a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) naturalization ceremony held at Fort Carson. 

The new American citizens hail from all over the world including Colombia, Haiti, Malaysia, Mexico, Nicaragua, China, Philippines, South Korea, Togo, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.

“These individuals have bravely served and sacrificed for this country.  It is a special and exciting moment to see them as they become a part of the fabric of this great nation,” Bennet said. “We are a nation of immigrants, and these ceremonies remind us of the important contributions immigrants make to our communities.”

“It is also a reminder that we have to continue working to fix our broken immigration system to ensure that we are welcoming the best and brightest into America and that we make it possible for other immigrants to share in this momentous experience.”

As a member of the “gang of 8” that co-authored the immigration reform bill that passed the Senate last year, Bennet has been actively involved in crafting immigration policy and working to fix our broken system.  In Colorado, he brought farmers, ranchers, law enforcement agencies, faith leaders, and Latino advocates together to craft a set of principles called the Colorado Compact.  The Compact helped inform work in the “gang of 8.”

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon foreign citizens or nationals after fulfilling the requirements established by Congress. After naturalization, foreign-born citizens enjoy nearly all the same benefits, rights, and responsibilities that the Constitution gives to native-born U.S. citizens, including the right to vote.

Naturalization for military members and their families is expedited.  Over the last decade, roughly 93,000 members of the armed forces have become U.S. citizens.  Unfortunately, the Valenzuela Brothers, from Colorado, who fought in the Viet Nam war have been unable to naturalize.  The current law refuses to over-look the contribution veterans have made to the country in relationship to their record after leaving the service.  Many Viet Nam veterans, for example, were severely traumatized by the insanity of in-theater fighting.  After returning home, they fell astray of the law.   The current law makes little exception for immigrant soldiers.

Meanwhile, President Obama continues his record of deportations far exceeding the Bush/Cheney numbers.  Latinos are unhappy with the President for his refusal to sign an executive order halting deportations in lieu of his inability to bring lawmakers together on immigration reform.  Even some Latino leaders disagree on the executive order.  If left as the status quo, it would leave immigrants in a never-ending second- class-citizen limbo in which they never have a say in the government that controls them, while always being subject to loss of status each time a president takes office.  An executive order would at least stop the dismantling of families.

Republican lawmakers are pushing for a piecemeal solution to immigration which will increase immigrants in the high tech sector, presumably lowering the cost of labor.  They blame the Democrats for holding piecemeal measures up in the U.S. House of Representatives pending a vote on the entire immigration package.  However, a few House Republicans are holding up a harsh, re-written, version of of the U.S. Senate bill which would likely pass if key Republicans would allow it.  Hence, Republicans might do better to point fingers at their own party leadership for the failure to vote on an immigration package which will identify most people in the country, thus making America more secure.

Marriage Equality For Homosexuals UCC and UUA Say YES!

Joint Letter of Support for Marriage Equality

United Church of Christ & Unitarian Universalist Association

Ellen Degeneras from her blog post in support of a proposition in California allowing gay marriages

DENVER (March 4, 2014) – 72 Colorado clergy, faith leaders, and members of the United Church of Christ (UCC) and Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) released a joint letter of support for marriage equality for same-sex couples. About 20 faith leaders prayed together and presented their join letter.

Both the UCC and the UUA have been at the forefront in the struggle for justice and equality affirming that the inherent worth and dignity of every person applies equally to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.  Both UUA and UCC congregations and clergy have long recognized and celebrated same-sex marriages within their faith traditions.  For more than 30 years, both faith communities have worked for equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) persons, consistently calling for an end to discrimination, equal protection under the law, deploring LGBTQ hate crimes and violence, supporting LGBTQ relationships and families, celebrating the gifts of LGBTQ persons for ministry and encouraging all settings of the church to be open and affirming of LGBT persons, welcoming them and encouraging their participation in every aspect of the mission and ministry of the church.

Across the nation and here in Colorado, the movement to grant full marriage equality to same-sex couples is rapidly growing.  As the debate surrounding marriage equality for all continues, those speaking on behalf of their religious beliefs have been among some of the most vocal opponents to same-sex marriage.  Those signing the letter believe it is important for the public to know that there is an equally committed group of religious leaders and faith communities firmly in support of marriage equality for all people.

To that end, clergy and members of UCC and UUA congregations across Colorado "affirm that the conventional values that are essential to the Gospel are central to how we understand marriage in this time.  We also recognize and affirm that all humans are made in the image and likeness of God and blessed by the Spirit of Love, including people of all sexual orientations.  We further believe that human sexuality is a sacred gift bestowed upon all people equally.  As such, we recognize and affirm full equality in marriage and that all people have the right to lead lives that express love, justice, mutuality, commitment, consent, and pleasure."

Interfaith Organizing Director

American Friends Service Committee

jpiper@afsc.org

0:  303.623.3464 ext. 5

C:  720-301-1858

901 W. 14th Ave. #7,

Denver, Colorado 80204

afsc.org/denver/

Story from press release 

March Forth

Ellen DeGeneres has a unique take on it.  She wrote a letter to the Supreme court and asked people to tweet it.  The response was very strong, to say the least.  Here is the letter she wrote:

California's Proposition 8 is headed to the Supreme Court. Hundreds of companies and families as well as Republicans are submitting briefs urging the 9 judges to allow gay people to marry. I thought that was ridiculous. Why would judges want all of that underwear? Then, after a quick talk with some people, I found out what a brief was.

I've never filed a brief to the Supreme Court, so I thought I would post mine here. I'm sure someone will tweet it to them.

Portia and I have been married for 4 years and they have been the happiest of my life. And in those 4 years, I don't think we hurt anyone else's marriage. I asked all of my neighbors and they say they're fine.

But even though Portia and I got married in the short period of time when it was legal in California, there are 1,138 federal rights for married couples that we don't have, including some that protect married people from losing their homes, or their savings or custody of their children.

The truth is, Portia and I aren't as different from you as you might think. We're just trying to find happiness in the bodies and minds we were given, like everyone else.

Coming out was one of the hardest things I ever did. I didn't intend to be on the cover of Time magazine saying, "Yep, I'm gay." The truth is, I don't even remember saying that. I mean, I definitely said the "I'm gay" part. It's the "yep" I don't remember. I'm not really a "yep" person. "Yes siree Bob" maybe. But not "yep."

In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "We're here, we're queer, get over it." And there's another famous quote that says "A society is judged by how it treats its weakest members." I couldn't agree with that more. No one's really sure who said it first, so if anyone asks, tell them I said it.

I hope the Supreme Court will do the right thing, and let everyone enjoy the same rights. It's going to help keep families together. It's going to make kids feel better about who they are. And it is time.

*I was just told Benjamin Franklin did not say that first quote. I apologize and see that I have a lot to learn about stuff.

Above letter from Ellen DeGeneres

Many people oppose same sex marriage because they feel it reduces the sanctity of heterosexual relationships and violates religious principles.  

An $80K Mistake Costs Traveler Her Benjamin Franklins

Govt file photo

(Wednesday, February 12, 2014)

San Diego — A Fresno woman, likely a courier, made an $80,000 mistake that will cost someone dearly, most likely the courier and her family.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from the Otay Mesa port of entry arrested a woman after they found she was carrying the undisclosed cash.  The Customs and Border Patrol allege attempted

smuggling.

Shortly before 1:30 p.m. on February 11, CBP officers were inspecting travelers along the 905 South heading to Mexico.  The vehicle was targeted, another way of saying "profiled".  It was a 2007 blue Dodge Charger.  Inspection agents asked the driver to pull aside for a more complete look.

The CBP knows drugs move North and guns and money move south.  They tasked a firearms and currency  detector dog to take a close "sniff" of the blue Dodge.  The dog alerted to the dashboard on the passenger side.  When the CBP thinks they have a good prospect, it does not take them long to get through the normal screening material including dash and glove box.  Soon they found bundles of U.S. cash hidden behind the glove compartment.  A final count revealed $79,925 bucks!

File Photo

The driver is both a Mexican citizen and U.S. permanent resident, aged 35.  The officers arrested her and turned her over to Homeland Security Investigations agents.  She was transported to Metropolitan Correctional Center for criminal arraignment.  With that kind of cash, one would think she could post bond, but, alas, the funds were seized, along with the vehicle.

Mules are often recruited for transport of money South to Mexican and South American hands.  The mules are promised a nice fee for their efforts.  Few realize how much hot water they can find themselves in if their plan does not go as smoothly as they thought it would.  Not only do they face criminal penalties, but their handlers generally have a no-excuses policy.  The money is still owed, as far as they are concerned.  They won't be picky about getting it back, if not from the female who remains helplessly housed in an American institution, then from her family.

It is a violation of federal law to fail to declare money in excess of $10,000 to a CBP agent both upon entry and exit into or from the U.S.  It is also illegal to hide the money in a vehicle if the intent in hiding the money is to evade detection.  While we don't know the particulars with this person, it is a foolish move to get hooked into drug dealer and other illegal services.  For the little the mule makes, the risks are not worth the rewards.

All people are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  This may have been an innocent attempt to repatriate a life-savings to Mexico in anticipation of retirement or to acquire a big ticket asset.  However, if it was the intent of the driver to break the law, this is the kind of example that places the immigrant community in a bad light.

GLBT Families Get A Break At The Border

Photograph Marge Eloy

In a surprise move, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that same-sex couples and their children will be able to go through Customs when re-entering the country together instead of being forced to split up. Previously, same-sex couples and their children had to use different forms and go through separately unless they could prove they were related "by blood, marriage, or adoption." 

The proposed rule will broaden the CBP's definition of family to include the children of same-sex partners, regardless of adoption status. The definition will also include same-sex partners by focusing on sharing of financial assets and obligations instead of the sex of the two people when determining what a couple is, which includes civil unions and domestic partnerships.

According to CBP, this change will allow thousands of additional returning residents to file customs declarations as a family unit rather than filing a declaration for every person re-entering the country. Aside from increased efficiency, the proposed rule expands the positive treatment and recognition of LGBT people and families across the country.

At the Task Force, we have been saying for a long time that families are made up or more than rigid definitions of family that only recognize those related by blood, marriage or adoption. This increased awareness and acceptance of LGBT people and their families is part of a trend in federal policy. In 2010 the U.S. Department of Labor expanded definitions within the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to allow domestic partners to better care for their partners' children.

The trend of recognizing broader definitions of family demonstrates more public support for LGBT people and their families. Changes like this are what the Task Force and its partners in the New Beginning Initiative, a coalition of over two dozen organizations, are working to accomplish in federal policy to benefit the lives of LGBT people and families. The Task Force applauds Customs and Border Protection for taking positive steps to help LGBT families. Finally, congratulations to our friends at the Family Equality Council for their hard work to make this change possible.

Source, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition

US House Forgets Immigrants, Stresses Division Of Families

Wikipiedia photo

DENVER, CO— On Thursday, the House Majority released a long-awaited set of principles that vaguely outlined their vision for immigration reform after months of inaction. The one-pager prioritizes border security and interior enforcement while it disregards the humanity of immigrants and the need for immigration reform that keeps families together. 

Members of the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition Issued the following statements:

“In our communities we see and serve a lot of families that through their family ties are fixing their immigration status.  We need their principles and future legislation to encourage family reunification rather than allowing for business to decide who immigrates to this nation and who doesn’t.

These “Principles” are not even a blueprint for real immigration reform, and if made into legislation they would exacerbate family separation,”  said Lizeth Chacón, an organizer with Rights for All People in Aurora.  “If the house majority doesn’t take action towards a more humane approach to immigration, we will continue to mobilize and we will escalate our civic engagement of immigrant and Latino communities, until we see real legislation that represents the will of our community.”

“Speaking only in terms of employment-based immigration leaves families, a crucial part of all of our communities, out of the conversations.  Keeping our families together is a priority that we refuse to abandon,”  said Ricardo Pérez, Executive director of the Hispanic Affairs Project in Western Colorado.  “The principles focus on enforcement first: the border, interior enforcement, e-verify, and visa entry-exit systems. It then looks to create a path to status and citizenship for youth while making a path for other undocumented folks to live and work in the US without a ‘special path to citizenship’ and it’s unclear what that would look like. It then aims to radically alter our immigration system to one focused solely on employment-based immigration.”

“Principles and speeches do not ensure ways for our  families to stay together and they do not change the fundamental flaws in our current system. We need the House Majority to take the next step and turn those principles into legislation that takes into account the humanity of our communities,”  said Jose Muñoz, a leader from Amanecer in Ft. Morgan. “Their need to appeal to the Latino and immigrant voters in an election year might have pushed them to work on these principles, but so long as they don’t represent our communities, we will continue to mobilize towards a real immigration reform.”

Meanwhile, the Obama Administration continues to build the U.S. record for the largest number of persons deported in the history of the U.S.  Because Congress refuses to act, many feel the solution is for an executive order issued by the president of the United States halting all deportation.  The order is necessary because authorities have refused to follow requirements of prior presidential memorandums, including the Morton memorandum.  However, such an order would provide temporary relief as it would depend upon each new president to enforce it.  Also, it would leave immigrants without rights and without recourse against a system which is bent on continuing the division of families, the interruption of the labor pool and the continuation of a system that should have been over hauled long ago because of it's inability to recognize the contributions of people who contribute to the tax base and the future of America.  

Article source, The Colorado Immigration Rights Coalition

Navy Shooter One Of The Navy's Own

How could anyone have known 34 year Aron Alexis was not reporting to duty for an honest day's pay when he passed through the check point at the Navy Sea Systems Command, Building 197 on Monday, September 16th, 2013, in Washington D.C. After arriving at the building, Alexis made his way to an overlook in the building and began to open fire.

AR-15 File Photo

Perhaps there was an unrecognized clue.  In 2004, Alexis was arrested in Seattle for shooting out the tires of a car belonging to another man.  Alexis said he was in a black-out rage.

There are 12 people dead and 8 others injured.  Alexis was armed with two rifles including the lethal an AR-15 assault rifle plus a 9 mm pistol.  Most of the shots taken were with the AR-15.

Alexis had been discharged by the Navy after several discipline problems including the unlawful discharge of a firearm.  He was working as an employee of the sub-contractor, Thomas Hosko.  The company reported there were no problems with the ex-navy electrician.

A second shooter was originally reported during early reports.  However, no link to a second shooter can be found, though the matter remains under investigation.  

Alexis may have suffered post traumatic stress disorder after pulling several people to safety during the 911 attacks.  So says his father, according to International Business Times.

Our hearts go out to the innocent people who became victims of this vicious shooting.  

Benefit Concert and Family Fun Day in Support Of The Nina 7

Seven People Are Stranded At Sea

There is rocking good time coming this weekend!  If you miss it you will really be missing something!

The Nina is a 1928 schooner that went missing in the Tasman Sea.  Aboard are seven intrepid sailors who need your help.  The rescue authorities have given up the ghost, which is not unusual for rescue organizations.  Sailors know they only get so much searching on the government dime and then they are on their own.

The families of the seven sailors are holding events in Lafayette, Louisiana, and Nebraska this week end to see if they can save the seven lives.

An organization called Texas Equusearch is advising the families on the best way to do the search.  So far, they have been, for the first time even, able to task a satellite over the Tasman Sea.  They enlisted Digital Globe and an organization called Tomnod.  

The site called Tomnod is a social web site where people come to help in searches.  In the Nina case, they search for a yacht or a life raft.  When enough people pin enough tags on the yacht or life raft, the information is sent to the search coordinators who then send out a plane to look for the object found.

Maybe you can find the Nina or the raft.  If you do, fame will come your way!  

Right now, preparations are being made for a great time in Lafayette!  This is a wonderful chance to stand by a community and stand by seven sailors who need your help!

You can find search updates at www.evxx.com