When Justice Isn’t Allowed to be Blind
When I saw the name “Tabaddor” in this article, it grabbed my attention. As soon as I read it, my jaw dropped. Judge Tabaddor, one of the most impartial and brilliant judges that I have encountered in my 18-year career as an immigration attorney, was actually ordered...
A Victory for the Arizona DACAmented
In Arizona, a high school student that has been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”) can create an award-winning underwater robot from Home Depot parts, but can’t legally drive to school (more about that below). Thanks to a mean-spirited August 15,...
Cities and Counties Stand Up for the Constitution
Cities across the country have been following a federal policy that law enforcement officials increasingly describe as harmful to public safety and that courts now call unconstitutional. I’m glad to know that Philadelphia is no longer one of them. My mayor, Michael...
What’s Happening to Florida?
Last week, the Florida legislature passed two bills that are heading to Governor Rick Scott, who has stated that he will sign them. One grants in-state tuition to undocumented “Dreamers.” Another will allow Jose Godinez-Samperio, a DACA recipient and law school...
The Agents of [Operation] S.H.I.E.L.D.
The Federal Protective Service has a heavy responsibility. Their mission is to keep federal properties safe and secure for employees, officials and visitors, alike. One such property is the newly renovated Byron G. Rodgers Federal Building in downtown Denver. Among...
Governor O’Malley Moves Baltimore City Away from Secure Communities
At a time when Federal stalemate and local hostility prevents us from giving practical help to the 11 million souls in our midst without a country, I am proud to live and practice law in a state led by a governor who practices what his faith preaches. Governor Martin...
California on Immigration—Great Steps Forward and New Requirements for Immigration Attorneys
Governor Jerry Brown signed several bills last week that will make a huge difference for many immigrants. "While Washington waffles on immigration, California's forging ahead," Governor Brown said. "I'm not waiting." The bills are mostly positive, but one creates...
Illinois Driver’s Licenses: A Small Step in the Right Direction
Kudos to Illinois for joining Washington and New Mexico as the only states to allow undocumented immigrant motorists to apply for driver’s licenses. Last week Governor Pat Quinn promised to sign a bipartisan bill that will allow approximately 250,000 undocumented...
An Open Letter to Gov. Jan Brewer
September 26, 2012 The Honorable Janice K. Brewer Arizona Governor Executive Tower 1700 West Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85007 Dear Governor Brewer: On August 15, 2012, you issued an Executive Order which barred those individuals eligible for Deferred Action (DACA)...
Arizona’s Exceptional and Extremely Unusual Hardship
On Monday, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer declared “victory” in the Supreme Court’s ruling on Arizona v. United States. This revelation came in spite of the fact that the Court held 5-3 to strike down three of the four key provisions in Arizona’s SB 1070 law. Brewer...
