GOP Immigration Cuts Threaten Economy

As the Senate begins debating possible immigration legislation this week, don’t forget that immigration made America what it is today and continues to benefit our country. The benefits are broad, not only to the economy, but also to our vibrant and diverse culture and our historically prominent position as a place of refuge for those being persecuted in their own countries. This article summarizes the threats to our economy if Congress and the president succeed in cutting in legal immigration – one of the likely results will be a diminution in America’s strong economy relative to other regions.

Timothy R. Bakken
Founder

Thought's From Tucson's Police Chief

President Trump's distaste for immigrants is no secret, and he only continues to become harsher with the help of Senator Jeff Sessions. While he argues that immigrants are dangerous and causing crime, Tucson's police chief has quite a different opinion. Because of the great amount of anti-immigrant sentiment that is plaguing the United States currently, immigrants feel less and less safe and trusting of the government and law enforcement, causing them to become more secretive for fear of deportation. We need to build trust and positive rhetoric with immigrants rather than alienating them and treated them as outsiders, because they are not. Read the police chief's piece here. 

A dose of sanity from the Denver City Council to help combat anti-immigrant hysteria.

Thank you to the Denver City Council for unanimously approving changes to the city municipal code that will reduce the maximum possible penalties for certain criminal convictions. Read the full Denver Post article here.  

These changes will reduce the chances of deportation for immigrants, whether documented or not, convicted of relatively minor crimes. 
 

Timothy R. Bakken

Deportation efforts increasing dramatically under new regime.

As reported in USA Today, ICE has arrested 38% percent more undocumented immigrants so far this year as compared to last year.  More disturbing, though, is the fact that arrests of those with no criminal record increased 156%!

Timothy R. Bakken.

Know your rights if ICE visits your home

All people living in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have certain U.S. Constitutional rights. If you are undocumented and immigration (ICE) agents knock on your door, know that you have rights. Please find the full information in this document that you can download and print.  

Timothy R. Bakken
Lawyer

Ineffective in most areas, Trump has succeeded in attacking immigrants in his first 100 days.

BAKKEN LAW: Trump has been one of the least effective presidents early in his first term when it comes to tangible legislative and policy results.  However, he has been extremely effective at creating a climate of fear and anxiety in immigrant communities as well as in businesses and industries that rely on immigrants. Read this CNN article about Trump's first 100 days here.  

Time will tell if this anti-immigrant tone and approach will translate to comprehensive changes in the law.  At the very least, it seems likely that the United States under Trump will be less welcoming to, and provide less opportunities for, immigrants whether they seek to enter the U.S. to protect their lives, to support their families, or to contribute positively in all the ways immigrants have for centuries.

Timothy R. Bakken
Founder