Students Walk Out of Napolitano Speech

Students at the University of California Los Angeles walked out as Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano addressed the immigration controversy. Expanding on national security issues spanning from international threats to natural disasters, Napolitano said the government prioritizes issues of homeland security, border security and immigration. “That doesn’t mean that we don’t need immigration reform, I’ve spoken about that, the President has. That doesn’t mean we weren’t disappointed that the Dream Act wasn’t passed by the Congress. I testified in favor of it. And we worked very hard to get it passed and it failed by just a couple of votes. We need to keep those efforts ongoing. That’s going to be a marathon, not a sprint. But in the meantime, we can do smart effective enforcement.” Students then began changing chanting, “Education, not deportation,” after Napolitano’s speech, and were escorted out.

GUTIERREZ: FEDERAL IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS AND STATE LAWS INCENTIVIZE RACIAL PROFILING

Rep. Gutierrez focused particularly on the impact of enlisting state and local police in the enforcement of federal civil immigration law.  This situation has been exacerbated by the proliferation of “show me your papers” laws like the anti-immigrant measures adopted in Alabama (HB 56) and Arizona (SB 1070) and by the expansion of federal programs like “287(g)” and “Se Communities.” The following is Rep. Gutierrez’ opening statement, as prepared for delivery: Thank you Chairman Durbin and Ranking Member Graham for inviting me to testify today. I have traveled from coast to coast to visit dozens of cities and communities and to listen to immigrants’ stories.  Immigrants everywhere tell me that they are regarded with suspicion.  They tell me they are frequently treated differently, because of the way they look, sound or spell their last name.  In Alabama, I met 20 year old Martha, a young mother raised in the U.S.  One late afternoon while driving she was pulled over…