Only DREAMers in deportation proceedings benefit

Less than an hour ago I received a text saying: "Homeland Security announced that dream act students will pretty much not be deported and work permits will be given out...."

Very exciting news these are. Now, lets get to what everything really means.

For one, it is true that DREAM act eligible students along with veterans, victims of crime, and immigrants who have ties to family and community (it was stated that this included lgbt family ties) will benefit form this announcement - these “prosecutorial discretion.” However, those students have to be in deportation proceedings. So, if the student was unfortunate or fortunate to have been arrested, the student will more likely benefit under this. Those students who are fortunate or unfortunate to not have been arrested will not benefit.

There are about 300,000 pending cases according to the announcement and the New York Times.

Now, this might seem like a very exciting idea so that we can create a mass-arrest movement so that many DREAMers can benefit. I would be cautious about it however.

One, this new development only highlights the weaknesses of "Secure Communities" program and the fact that the Obama administration was deporting DREAMers. We still need SC terminated or otherwise we are going to have many people in deportation proceedings and really not know who will be able to benefit or not. While Senators had asked Obama to defer DREAM-eligible students from deportation once in proceedings, this discretion does not give those fortunate to benefit a status that would allow them to stay were this discretion by ICE not followed at any point in the future. There is not real change of status unless it is put into law.

Two, if Obama is not reelected, what happens to the cases, not just DREAMers? Obviously this is a political act by the Obama administration to appease those opposing Secure Communities and federal inaction around comprehensive immigration reform. My gut feeling is that Obama will not reverse this discretionary type of action, but this certainly will anger anti-immigrants even more and give them another tool to attack. Obama could possibly not be there come 2013; it is a real concern today.

Three, the likelihood of the DREAM passing before the next elections are slim. If there is no law in place, without Obama in power, it is unclear what being on deportation proceedings under this administrative act would mean under another president, who could be Republican (and judging from the current candidates, we could get even someone very anti-immigrant). We need the law in place.

Over all, we need to think about what happens under this circumstances, without a DREAM and Obama. We need to think about what happens next year, two years, five years from now. Of course we all want DREAM, CIR, but the likelihood of either is frail. Obama has made a courageous political act here and many of us are grateful for that. As we continue to push forward with reform and DREAM, lets be cautious about how we talk about this fortunate/unfortunate administrative development. We don't want to see many being deported next year only because we believed this would work for most.

We need to keep pushing for sensible and responsible laws.

-----------------------------------

These are the categories of people who might benefit:

Immigration officials should consider such factors as:

• the person’s length of presence in the United States;
• the circumstances of the person’s arrival in the United States, particularly if the alien came to the United States as a young child;
• the person’s pursuit of education in the United States, with particular consideration given to those who have graduated from a U.S. high school or have successfully pursued or are pursuing a college or advanced degrees at a legitimate institution;
• whether the person, or the person’s immediate relative, has served in the U.S. military, reserves, or national guard;
• the person’s criminal history, including arrests, prior convictions, or outstanding arrest warrants;
• the person’s ties and contributions to the community, including family relationships;
• the person’s age, with particular consideration given to minors and the elderly;
• whether the person has a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse, child, or parent;
• whether the person is the primary caretaker of a person with a mental or physical disability, minor, or seriously ill relative;
• whether the person or the person’s spouse is pregnant or nursing.

T-C Pride Mission Statement in Conflict with Its Sponsors

I have been looking at what is happening for Pride in Minneapolis. I want something to do--aside of just going to bars, bars, bars.
First thing that comes up in the Twin Cities Pride website is the major sponsors. Come to find out that Target is one of them. Now, I have my pet-peeves about Pride (like it's mostly for whites, males, not much actions that could change lives of LGBT people, etc, etc.). Pride=party in many ways. That's fine.

BUT, I am highly surprised whoever organizes Twin Cities Pride decided to still collaborate with corporations like Target. If I'm not mistaken, Target supported GOP Gov. candidate Tom Emmer, who's platform was very anti-lgbt. Also remember that this last elections yielded many new MN Congress Members who promised anti-lgbt legislation. Hence constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in MN.

"The mission of Twin Cities Pride is to commemorate and celebrate our diverse heritage, inspire the achievement of equality and challenge discrimination and we welcome those organizations with missions that align with our message to participate in our events."

If organizers of T-C Pride had paid any little attention to those news last year, they would have noticed the reasoning corporations like Target were supporting candidates who embraced an anti-lgbt agenda. Target at some point said, "[we] seek to advance policies aligned with our business objectives." And therefore support anti-lgbt candidates because pro-lgbt candidates are anti-business of course. At least that's the conclusion Target gives.

However, it is obvious that Target's "business objectives" are not aligned at all with Twin Cities Pride's missions or messages and should not be participating in its events.

According to a report, "documents filed with the Federal Election Commission in October 2010, Target continued donating to anti-gay politicians even after Steinhafel reaffirmed the company’s long-standing support for gay rights and committed to reforming the review process for future political donations."

I was warned by someone who used to be part of Pride many years ago that Pride today is not what it used to be, that many organizers are more interested in corporatizing lgbt movements (i.e. having access to their resources). It might be true huh?

At least I know this time I won't be getting my Target tattoo on my arm this year. I know Lady Gaga would agree with me.

New Presentation by NAVIGATE and other stakeholders on undocumented students

NAVIGATE has partnered with MMEP and the Minnesota Immigrant Freedom Network to present:

“Access to Higher Education and Latino Undocumented Immigrant Youth in Minnesota: Removing Barriers to Develop Untapped Talent for Minnesota’s Economic Prosperity”

Tuesday, May 10, 2011
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC)
1501 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Science Building (Building S on campus map)
Room S2400

Registration at:
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/104/mtglistproc.asp?formid=calendar&caleventid=7315

Please join the Minnesota Minority Education Partnership, Inc. (MMEP) and partners, NAVIGATE and the Minnesota Immigrant Freedom Network (MIFN) as they present information and findings from the policy brief entitled, “Access to Higher Education and Latino Undocumented Immigrant Youth in Minnesota: Removing Barriers to Develop Untapped Talent for Minnesota’s Economic Prosperity.”

This presentation will be an overview of key statistics related to the immigrant youth population in Minnesota and the movement for greater access to higher education for undocumented immigrant youth in this state. The presenters have a collective knowledge base of education issues as they relate to immigrant youth, social movement building in immigrant communities, and the latest education policy solutions to accelerate increased college attendance rates for more immigrant youth in Minnesota.

Due to limited space, you are encouraged to register early for this event.

Parking is available in the ramp. Exit ramp on first floor, cross Hennepin Ave, then cross Spruce St.
Campus map:
http://www.minneapolis.edu/campusmaps/index.cfm
Driving directions:
http://www.minneapolis.edu/directions.cfm
Parking:
http://www.minneapolis.edu/parking.cfm

Day Student Government Spring 2011 Election Results

These are the unofficial results. They become official once students accept/decline position or, in the case of a position result being contested, until a contest is resolved. In case the President/VP results are contested, Shukry Diriye and I remain VP/President until it is resolved by the Judicial Council per the process outlined in the bylaws.

(Unofficial) Results:

Day Student Body President and Vice-President

Houa Lor and Alom Martinez

Sophomore President: Aklilu Dimore
Sophomore Senators (in order of votes): Imani Kabetha, Davin Johnson, vacancy

Junior President: Billy Mzenga
Junior Senators (in order of votes): Hien Nguyen, Ryan Bachman, vacancy

Senior President: Erik Grindal
Senior Senators (in order of votes): Kathy DeKrey, vacancy #1, vacancy #2

Constitution amendment referendum PASSED: 273 voted YES (92%) and 23 voted NO (8%), meeting the threshold of three-fourths (75%) of those voting

Murphy Square referendum failed: 106 voted to uphold decision of student government (37%) and 183 voted to overturn decision of student government (63%), not meeting the threshold of two-thirds ( (1303 people or 66.7%) of the entire day student body.

Surplus Referendum results: 1--Additional grant money to student organizations (103 votes); 2--Campus beautification (65 votes); 3--Environmental and greening projects on campus (59 votes); 4--Improving alternative means of transportation on campus (50 votes)

**NOTE** Elections were held during April 14^th to April 17^th 2011. Candidates may choose to decline or accept the position and to contest results until noon on Wednesday April 20, 2011.

Elections!

It is time again for elections.

Petitions are due in the Senate Office by Thursday, March 31^st at 5:00 pm. A 15 minute required campaign policy info session will be held at 5:10 pm March 31, 2011 in the Auggie’s Nest. Campaigning can commence only after petition has been turned in and it will begin Thursday, March 31 6pm. Elections will be held from Thursday, April 14^th 7am through the 17 at 11:59pm online--each student will receive an email. If you have any questions about elections, email hernan10@augsburg.edu or mezarodr@augsburg.edu.

Getting involved with Augsburg Day Student Government

I am always surprised when a student comes to tell me that they have no idea how to get involved with our student government. While we are always welcoming new people, there are many who only become engaged when something they don't like get involved. And we get accused of all kinds of things.

The truth remains the same: we are open and welcoming to everyone. You just need to approach us.

Here are a couple of things you can get involved in:

You are welcome to join every senate meeting of the school year. We meet every Wednesday at 7pm in the Century Room in Christensen Center.

Soapbox at the beginning of our senate meeting every Wednesday at 7pm. Email dirie@augsburg.edu to let her know when and the subject you will speak about. You get 7 mnts to do that.

Become a senator - email martinez1@augsburg.edu - we might have special elections in the next couple of weeks, so you might be able to run. You will need 30 signatures from students in your class (senior, sophomore, etc).

Concerns Committee - join this committee to help us solve things on campus. Email negron@augsburg.edu

Of course, all student organizations have something to do with student government. Join a student organization too!

One of the Greats Leaves Augsburg

Carrie Carroll is one of those people who make you feel comfortable to be you the first time you meet her. At least that's how I felt when I met Carrie at a college fair years ago.

Carrie first helped me navigate the system to enter Augsburg and excel once there. Carrie has also been my confident, a great friend. Carrie has been there whenever I needed someone to talk to and always with a smile (and often times with a pretty good joke).
Carrie has been at Augsburg probably since the College was founded in 1869 and has seen the many changes the school has gone through. I believe Augsburg is moving towards breaking ground because of its mission and its commitment to all students. Now, President Pribbenow has been key to making this place even better. However, like with every other big change (and how we purposefully and thoughtfully respond to it), a vision of a place like Augsburg cannot be moved forward with out the commitment of other key players.

While the President really is the one who envisions (and he has done it with the rest of the college), Carrie is one of those people whose work and commitment have moved the college to where it is today. The student body has changed because Carrie has been adamant in attracting a whole spectrum of students. Carrie has been challenging racist notions coming from staff and faculty (yes, faculty too) about our new student body. Carrie has greatly helped debunk stereotypes about all students and has been proactive in ensuring that the college is ready to serve well all of its students. Carrie has in many senses made Augsburg what it is today.

It is sad to know she is leaving Augsburg. I am sad she is leaving. I know that I am going to cry to see her leave. My last months of my undergrad are going to be different. But I so wish Carrie the best at her new job at Luther College in St. Paul. I know I have a friend in her and certainly see each other. And I don't think I can get rid of her if I wanted anyways (at least that's the b-day card message I got this year).

Carrie, there is nothing else I can say, but thank you from the bottom of my heart.