Today, Aníbal Acevedo Vilá, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a semi-autonomous territory of the United States, was indicted for 27 federal crimes related to irregularities found in the financing of his campaigns for public offices on and off the island.
Along with him, 12 other people associated with his party, the Popular Democratic Party, all living in Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., or Philadelphia.
The U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez, of the District of Puerto Rico, said that, because of the nature of the crimes he is charged with, the Governor himself will not be arrested immediately and will be given a chance to "give himself up to the police." Some of the other people charged, however, have already been arrested and await a trial.
The 13 defendants are charged with conspiracy, false statements, wire fraud, federal program fraud, and tax crimes related to the financing for the governor's 1999-2002 campaigns for Resident Commissioner, the sole representative of the island in the U.S. Congress, and for his subsequent 2004 gubernatorial run.
This indictment comes after a two-year investigation by a Grand Jury of donations made to the Governor's past campaigns.
The defendants face 3 to 10 years in federal prison, as well as several $100,000 to $250,000 fines.
Gov. Acevedo Vilá is the chairman of the Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico, which supports the island's current Commonwealth status with the United States, instead of full statehood or independence.
In ties with the book Boricua Power, it seems that the governors of Puerto Rico worry more about having power to govern a country then to worry about their people. The governor of Puerto Rico in the 1960's Luis Munoz-Marin also cared mostly about having power then helping the people establish a better economy in the country, and the Governor now is doing the same thing, he wants to keep his position as governor and support other things then help the country out.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Who will Puerto Rico Support????
For the Press, On to Puerto Rico -- Where Obama May Have Surprising Support
NEW YORK On to…Puerto Rico? Hillary Clinton’s March 4 primary victories in Ohio and Texas ensured that the Democratic campaign is far from over. As voters continue to yo-yo between the New York senator and Barack Obama, with neither winning decisively enough to claim the nomination, more and more states with late primary dates get the opportunity to have a big say.This is a new role for Puerto Rico, which has been widely described as being the “last to vote.” Actually, this is no longer true. The territory has now decided to move its vote forward to June 1 from June 7, and two other states will now go to the polls later, Montana and South Dakota, on June 3. Also, in a move of some significance, the Puerto Rico vote will now be in a primary, not caucuses (where Obama has done well in the past). This is no small thing, as it has a healthy pile of delegates, 63 (including eight super-delegates). Puerto Rico has usually been just an addendum to a nominee’s burgeoning delegate count. But this spring, voters there could influence who the nominee will be. And those who suggest that it may be an easy win for Clinton may not be aware that its governor strongly backs Obama.Will Puerto Rico prove crucial? “It remains to be seen,” says Kevin Mead, editor at The San Juan Star, an English-language newspaper. “It depends on what ends up happening with Florida and Michigan. If they get re-done they could steal a little bit of Puerto Rico’s thunder.” In the meantime, the paper is tracking the daily developments of the race.
This is the chance that Puerto Rico has been waiting for, more power and recognition. According to the book Boricua Power, Puerto Rico started battleling for rights ever since the 1960's and now they have the chance to select the democratic runner for this years election towards presedency. In the book it states that many Puerto Ricans suffered a lot to get where they are at and have lost a lot of things because of the United States, but recently the governor of Puerto Rico started to support Obama, as the democratic candidate, so now is up to the question of who will lead the democratic party.
NEW YORK On to…Puerto Rico? Hillary Clinton’s March 4 primary victories in Ohio and Texas ensured that the Democratic campaign is far from over. As voters continue to yo-yo between the New York senator and Barack Obama, with neither winning decisively enough to claim the nomination, more and more states with late primary dates get the opportunity to have a big say.This is a new role for Puerto Rico, which has been widely described as being the “last to vote.” Actually, this is no longer true. The territory has now decided to move its vote forward to June 1 from June 7, and two other states will now go to the polls later, Montana and South Dakota, on June 3. Also, in a move of some significance, the Puerto Rico vote will now be in a primary, not caucuses (where Obama has done well in the past). This is no small thing, as it has a healthy pile of delegates, 63 (including eight super-delegates). Puerto Rico has usually been just an addendum to a nominee’s burgeoning delegate count. But this spring, voters there could influence who the nominee will be. And those who suggest that it may be an easy win for Clinton may not be aware that its governor strongly backs Obama.Will Puerto Rico prove crucial? “It remains to be seen,” says Kevin Mead, editor at The San Juan Star, an English-language newspaper. “It depends on what ends up happening with Florida and Michigan. If they get re-done they could steal a little bit of Puerto Rico’s thunder.” In the meantime, the paper is tracking the daily developments of the race.
This is the chance that Puerto Rico has been waiting for, more power and recognition. According to the book Boricua Power, Puerto Rico started battleling for rights ever since the 1960's and now they have the chance to select the democratic runner for this years election towards presedency. In the book it states that many Puerto Ricans suffered a lot to get where they are at and have lost a lot of things because of the United States, but recently the governor of Puerto Rico started to support Obama, as the democratic candidate, so now is up to the question of who will lead the democratic party.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
3 Canidates for a new Immigration Reform
Mr. McCain faces a balancing act between appeals to Hispanics who want changes and conservatives in his party who will fight any form of amnesty for those in the country illegally.
Mr. McCain came under heavy fire from conservatives when he pushed measures to give illegal immigrants a way to stay in the U.S. lawfully. He now says he wants border security first before a larger overhaul, but he does support a temporary worker program.
"The lesson is that Americans want the borders secured first," he said Thursday in Houston.
Mrs. Clinton has said that within the first 100 days of her presidency, she would push to jumpstart the process that collapsed last year on Capitol Hill.
In a statement to The Dallas Morning News, she said she continues to support "comprehensive immigration reform that respects the rule of law, our immigrant heritage and our American values." She said she wants to secure the borders and favors change that provides a "sensible and effective method of sanctioning employers who exploit undocumented workers, helps our local communities deal with the costs of immigration and provides a path to citizenship to those who are here, working hard, respecting the law."
Mr. Obama, in the Texas debate, said immigration needs to be fixed because of the growing backlog of people. "We have to require that undocumented workers, who are provided a pathway to citizenship, not only learn English, pay back taxes and pay a significant fine, but also that they're going to the back of the line," he said.
He recently told reporters he could succeed where Mr. Bush has failed because the Senate would gain more people "who are sympathetic to solving the problem as opposed to using it as a political football." And, he said, he would "use the president's bully pulpit more effectively to explain what our choices are."
The outcome over the debate may be decided more so by the congressional elections. Democrats own razor-thin majorities in the House and Senate, but many analysts say the landscape favors Democrats to expand their margins this fall
Mr. McCain came under heavy fire from conservatives when he pushed measures to give illegal immigrants a way to stay in the U.S. lawfully. He now says he wants border security first before a larger overhaul, but he does support a temporary worker program.
"The lesson is that Americans want the borders secured first," he said Thursday in Houston.
Mrs. Clinton has said that within the first 100 days of her presidency, she would push to jumpstart the process that collapsed last year on Capitol Hill.
In a statement to The Dallas Morning News, she said she continues to support "comprehensive immigration reform that respects the rule of law, our immigrant heritage and our American values." She said she wants to secure the borders and favors change that provides a "sensible and effective method of sanctioning employers who exploit undocumented workers, helps our local communities deal with the costs of immigration and provides a path to citizenship to those who are here, working hard, respecting the law."
Mr. Obama, in the Texas debate, said immigration needs to be fixed because of the growing backlog of people. "We have to require that undocumented workers, who are provided a pathway to citizenship, not only learn English, pay back taxes and pay a significant fine, but also that they're going to the back of the line," he said.
He recently told reporters he could succeed where Mr. Bush has failed because the Senate would gain more people "who are sympathetic to solving the problem as opposed to using it as a political football." And, he said, he would "use the president's bully pulpit more effectively to explain what our choices are."
The outcome over the debate may be decided more so by the congressional elections. Democrats own razor-thin majorities in the House and Senate, but many analysts say the landscape favors Democrats to expand their margins this fall
Could this Be True?
Barack Obama hit the front page of the Mexican papers again this morning, this time in an exclusive interview (snagged after his speech at the Austin Convention Center) with the Mexico City daily Reforma, in which he made comments sure to please Mexicans. In some of his strongest language so far on the immigration issue, Obama told Reforma that raids and deportations aren’t the answer.
“The raids haven’t worked,” Obama said. “It’s clear the contribution these Mexican workers make for our economy and one of my priorities on this issue is to keep the families of immigrants united and not separate them with deportations.”
Mexico by and large couldn’t be happier with the three remaining presidential candidates, widely perceived here to be the most immigrant-friendly of the original slate of candidates.
"This sounds to good to be true, but if Obama does became president could we expect him to actually do this, according to the book many organization in the 1950's and 60's wanted this to happen. In the book Walls and Mirrors, the Community Service Organization (CSO), states that "immigrants had existed for far to long on the margins of Amerian society "uncemented" "The time has come for such persons to be officially incorporated into American society."
If Obama happens to win this election and put his statement to practice will immigrants in the U.S. actually be considered part of the so known American Society, or will all this turn out to be a disaster among people who want the immigrants out.
“The raids haven’t worked,” Obama said. “It’s clear the contribution these Mexican workers make for our economy and one of my priorities on this issue is to keep the families of immigrants united and not separate them with deportations.”
Mexico by and large couldn’t be happier with the three remaining presidential candidates, widely perceived here to be the most immigrant-friendly of the original slate of candidates.
"This sounds to good to be true, but if Obama does became president could we expect him to actually do this, according to the book many organization in the 1950's and 60's wanted this to happen. In the book Walls and Mirrors, the Community Service Organization (CSO), states that "immigrants had existed for far to long on the margins of Amerian society "uncemented" "The time has come for such persons to be officially incorporated into American society."
If Obama happens to win this election and put his statement to practice will immigrants in the U.S. actually be considered part of the so known American Society, or will all this turn out to be a disaster among people who want the immigrants out.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Two Presidents for The Reform Law, But Which One To Belive???
Presedent Calderon:
Mexican President Felipe Calderon told a joint session of California's Legislature on Wednesday that the United States and Mexico are at a historical point in their relationship and called for comprehensive immigration reform.
"Future generations will judge us by the decisions we (make) today," Calderon said in his first visit to California since he was elected in 2006. "Did we work together to provide organized and humane migration, or did we continue to allow hundreds to die each year?"
Mexico "loses a great deal" with each Mexican who makes the dangerous trek across the border in search of better jobs, Calderon said. Hundreds die during the journey, and the president said immigration costs his nation "our bravest, our youngest and our strongest people."
"My administration is working hard to create the conditions that will enable each Mexican to find, in our land, well-paid opportunities for employment," Calderon said, adding that Mexico has taken steps to tighten border security.
Mexico and the United States, he said, "must take a comprehensive approach" to immigration that is "legal, safe and organized."
Presedent Bush:
In President Bush´s landmark address on US immigration last year, he stated: "For decades, the United States has not been in complete control of its borders. As a result, many who want to work in our economy have been able to sneak across our border, and millions have stayed. We're a nation of laws, and we must enforce our laws. We're also a nation of immigrants, and we must uphold that tradition, which has strengthened our country in so many ways. These are not contradictory goals. America can be a lawful society and a welcoming society at the same time. We will fix the problems created by illegal immigration, and we will deliver a system that is secure, orderly, and fair. So I support comprehensive immigration reform that will accomplish five clear objectives".
Both presedents support the Immigration Reform, but one is doing more talking then action, and the other is doing more action then talking, but the actions been taken by him are not appropriate. What is your opinion on the Immigration Reform, and what actions do you think should be taken place at this time???
Mexican President Felipe Calderon told a joint session of California's Legislature on Wednesday that the United States and Mexico are at a historical point in their relationship and called for comprehensive immigration reform.
"Future generations will judge us by the decisions we (make) today," Calderon said in his first visit to California since he was elected in 2006. "Did we work together to provide organized and humane migration, or did we continue to allow hundreds to die each year?"
Mexico "loses a great deal" with each Mexican who makes the dangerous trek across the border in search of better jobs, Calderon said. Hundreds die during the journey, and the president said immigration costs his nation "our bravest, our youngest and our strongest people."
"My administration is working hard to create the conditions that will enable each Mexican to find, in our land, well-paid opportunities for employment," Calderon said, adding that Mexico has taken steps to tighten border security.
Mexico and the United States, he said, "must take a comprehensive approach" to immigration that is "legal, safe and organized."
Presedent Bush:
In President Bush´s landmark address on US immigration last year, he stated: "For decades, the United States has not been in complete control of its borders. As a result, many who want to work in our economy have been able to sneak across our border, and millions have stayed. We're a nation of laws, and we must enforce our laws. We're also a nation of immigrants, and we must uphold that tradition, which has strengthened our country in so many ways. These are not contradictory goals. America can be a lawful society and a welcoming society at the same time. We will fix the problems created by illegal immigration, and we will deliver a system that is secure, orderly, and fair. So I support comprehensive immigration reform that will accomplish five clear objectives".
Both presedents support the Immigration Reform, but one is doing more talking then action, and the other is doing more action then talking, but the actions been taken by him are not appropriate. What is your opinion on the Immigration Reform, and what actions do you think should be taken place at this time???
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Working Permits for Illegal Immigrants 1940's
According to WALL & MIRROS, the "bracero could be certified formploymentin the United States only if the secretaryof labor existed and made sure that the employmet of braceros would not adversely affect prevailing local wages and working conditions."
This would allow for the braceros that "Mexican contract workes wold be exempt from servicesw n theU.S. militaty, that ty would not be subjecto toracial discrimination wihil in the United States, and thta ntheyn wouold be provided cetain wage levels, working conditions, food, housing, basic living expenses, and travel back to Mexico upon the expiration of their contracts"
SO WHAT HAS CHANGED, FROM THIS TO WHAT IS BEEN WORKED ON NOW????
This would allow for the braceros that "Mexican contract workes wold be exempt from servicesw n theU.S. militaty, that ty would not be subjecto toracial discrimination wihil in the United States, and thta ntheyn wouold be provided cetain wage levels, working conditions, food, housing, basic living expenses, and travel back to Mexico upon the expiration of their contracts"
SO WHAT HAS CHANGED, FROM THIS TO WHAT IS BEEN WORKED ON NOW????
Immigration Amnesty What has Changed?
Undocumented Workers Currently in the United States:
They could come forward immediately and receive probationary legal status.
The Bill creates a four-year, renewable Z visa for those present within the U.S. unlawfully before January 1, 2007.
Undocumented immigrants may adjust status to lawful permanent residence once they pay $5,000 in fees and fines and their head of household returns to their home country.
People under age 30 who were brought to the U.S. as minors could receive their green cards after three years, rather than eight.
Undocumented farm workers who can demonstrate they have worked 150 hours or three years in agriculture can apply for green cards.
No green cards for Z visa holders can be processed until “triggers” for border security and workplace enforcement have been met, which is estimated to take 18 months.
Processing of green cards for holders of Z visas would begin after clearing an existing backlog, which is expected to take 8 to 13 years.
Border Security:
Hire 18,000 new border patrol agents.
Erect 200 miles of vehicle barriers and 370 miles of fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Erect 70 ground-based radar and camera towers along the southern border.
Deploy four unmanned aerial vehicles and supporting systems.
End the program in which illegal immigrants are released upon apprehension (commonly know as catch and release).
Provide for detaining up to 27,500 aliens per day on an annual basis.
Use secure and effective identification tools to prevent unauthorized work.
Employment Verification:
Require employers to electronically verify new employees to prove identity and work eligibility.
Increase penalties for unlawful hiring, employment and record keeping violations.
Guest Worker Program (requires border security measures to be in place first):
Create a new temporary guest worker program with two-year “Y visas,” initially capped at 400,000 per year with annual adjustments based on market fluctuations.
Workers could renew the Y visa up to three times, but would be required to return home for a year in between each time. Those bringing dependents could obtain only one, nonrenewable two-year visa.
Families could accompany guest workers only if they could show proof of medical insurance and demonstrate that their wages were 150 percent above the poverty level.
Permanent Residence (Green Card) through the Point System:
380,000 visas a year would be awarded based on a point system, with about 50 percent based on employment criteria, 25 percent based on education, 15 percent on English proficiency and 10 percent on family connections.
Other Changes to the Immigration System:
Spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens and permanent residents would be eligible for green cards based purely on their family connections, but other relatives such as adult children and siblings would not.
Apply new limits to U.S. citizens seeking to bring foreign-born parents into the country.
Visas for parents of U.S. citizens would be capped annually at 40,000 and those for spouses and children at 87,000.
They could come forward immediately and receive probationary legal status.
The Bill creates a four-year, renewable Z visa for those present within the U.S. unlawfully before January 1, 2007.
Undocumented immigrants may adjust status to lawful permanent residence once they pay $5,000 in fees and fines and their head of household returns to their home country.
People under age 30 who were brought to the U.S. as minors could receive their green cards after three years, rather than eight.
Undocumented farm workers who can demonstrate they have worked 150 hours or three years in agriculture can apply for green cards.
No green cards for Z visa holders can be processed until “triggers” for border security and workplace enforcement have been met, which is estimated to take 18 months.
Processing of green cards for holders of Z visas would begin after clearing an existing backlog, which is expected to take 8 to 13 years.
Border Security:
Hire 18,000 new border patrol agents.
Erect 200 miles of vehicle barriers and 370 miles of fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Erect 70 ground-based radar and camera towers along the southern border.
Deploy four unmanned aerial vehicles and supporting systems.
End the program in which illegal immigrants are released upon apprehension (commonly know as catch and release).
Provide for detaining up to 27,500 aliens per day on an annual basis.
Use secure and effective identification tools to prevent unauthorized work.
Employment Verification:
Require employers to electronically verify new employees to prove identity and work eligibility.
Increase penalties for unlawful hiring, employment and record keeping violations.
Guest Worker Program (requires border security measures to be in place first):
Create a new temporary guest worker program with two-year “Y visas,” initially capped at 400,000 per year with annual adjustments based on market fluctuations.
Workers could renew the Y visa up to three times, but would be required to return home for a year in between each time. Those bringing dependents could obtain only one, nonrenewable two-year visa.
Families could accompany guest workers only if they could show proof of medical insurance and demonstrate that their wages were 150 percent above the poverty level.
Permanent Residence (Green Card) through the Point System:
380,000 visas a year would be awarded based on a point system, with about 50 percent based on employment criteria, 25 percent based on education, 15 percent on English proficiency and 10 percent on family connections.
Other Changes to the Immigration System:
Spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens and permanent residents would be eligible for green cards based purely on their family connections, but other relatives such as adult children and siblings would not.
Apply new limits to U.S. citizens seeking to bring foreign-born parents into the country.
Visas for parents of U.S. citizens would be capped annually at 40,000 and those for spouses and children at 87,000.
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