Police Chiefs say Arizona Law will cause a rise in crime

Yesterday, U.S. police chiefs said that Arizona's law will "intimidate crime victims and witnesses who are illegal immigrants and divert police from investigating more serious crimes". The statements against the measure came as chiefs of police from Los Angeles, Houston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Tucson, San Jose and Montgomery County met with Attorney General Eric Holder in D.C. to discuss the law.

"This is not a law that increases public safety. This is a bill that makes it much harder for us to do our jobs," Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said. "Crime will go up if this becomes law in Arizona or in any other state."

Read the full article by linking here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/26/AR2010052601200_pf.html

Read more »

Visas protect undocumented immigrants who are victims of crime

The Oregonian ran a story on "T" and "U" visas designed to help protect undocumented immigrants who are victims of crime.

The program, according to the article is not very well known. And, although there has been a law in place for 9 years to protect immigrants who are crime victims, the Government has only recently started approving the "T" and "U" visas.

The T visa provides legal status for victims of trafficking, including those who are recruited for labor or services through force, fraud or coercion. And the U visa is for victims of crimes such as murder, assault, rape and sexual exploitation.

The T and U visas allow applicants to secure legal status, a work permit good for four years, and a petition for family members.

For the complete story, please link here

Read more »