Migration Crisis in Libya
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Asks For Enforcement of Secure Communities Program
Here in the United States, border instability and immigration issues have caught world wide attention. However, we as Americans may not be paying enough attention to the rest of the world. Half way around the world a humanitarian crisis is brewing. Thousands and thousands of people are seeking refuge from war torn Libya and conflicts in other North African countries. With no where to go in the south, they’re making their way towards the European Union in the north.
A new development in the crisis has led EU officials to believe that “there are hundreds of thousands on the shores of North Africa”(1) waiting to set sail for the shores of Mediterranean countries. Also, Libyan leader Gaddafi may be using migrants as a ‘weapon’ against Europe, causing economic and political problems. What’s happening, amongst the other conflicts in Libya, is that the borders in Libya are open to all Africans and the government is doing nothing to stop them from leaving the country. Laura Boldrini, spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said: “Whoever is organizing these crossings has no interest in the fate of these people. They don’t care if the boats arrive or not.”(2) Proof of this came as a result of a sinking refugee boat, carrying 300 people; 56 are still unaccounted for.
Its certainly devastating to hear about such tragedies and the thought of using refugees as ‘weapons’ is even more shocking. Its even tougher for Europe to respond because the Union has an open border policy and to act requires cooperation from all 22 countries. So what kinds of actions and solutions can the European Union pursue? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain, they will have to decide as one and hope to not end the open border policy.
Sources:
1. http://www.presstv.ir/detail/179630.html
2. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/f9bc6cca-7beb-11e0-9b16-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1MC1ahNVs
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Asks For Enforcement of Secure Communities Program
In an appeal to the executive branch, members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus asked for a stay of enforcement of the Secure Communities Program on Thursday backing several local and state government attempts of rejection.
Previously voluntary, the Department of Homeland Security now mandates state and local government obedience in upholding the policy. Although the program was enacted in 2008 attempting to deport “convicted serious criminals”, Secure Communities has consequently imprisoned many undocumented immigrants without a criminal charge.
The FBI screens fingerprint data for criminal background information that is then forwarded to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE. Under Secure Communities, detainees are printed at local jails for immigration checking.
On Wednesday, the Illinois state government addressed its participation in the program, pushing for cessation of its contract. Similarly, California is proposing legislature for modification on its agreement concerning Secure Communities under the threat of permanent withdrawal. It is unclear whether the federal government will secede to the demands of both states. However, the state’s objection to the program will not cease scans of Illinois data, according to federal officials.
According to The Los Angeles Times, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn demanded that ICE officials recognize the limits of the state’s withdrawal. He said, “No new counties in Illinois can be activated, and those counties that were previously activated for their information to pass through ISP to ICE, must be deactivated and removed from the Secure Communities program."
Meanwhile, Congressional pressure for analysis into the programs constituents continues to rise. Last week, U.S. Rep Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) called the ICE and Homeland Security’s efforts purposefully beguiling to local and state governments and Congress petitioning for investigation.
Regardless, the Department of Homeland Security declared nationwide implementation of Secure Communities by 2013 despite the attempts of opposition. They claim the program is “information sharing between two federal agencies” and does not require local or state approval.
Previously, San Francisco and Santa Clara counties have been unsuccessful in their efforts to back out of the program.
