Employment Eligibility Verification or E-Verify is an internet-based US government controlled system to help employers verify the employment eligibility of new hires. The E-Verification program works in conjunction with the current I-9 forms that must be completed for every new hire. YOUR OBLIGATIONS UNDER GEORGIA LAW Congress is considering legislation …
The Supreme Court and Immigration Arizona v. United States
The Supreme Court issued its decision in Arizona v. United States, in a resounding defeat for the anti-immigration movement, the Court affirmatively stated that three of the four provisions in question are PREEMPTED by Federal law, and most importantly that the show me your papers provision must be NARROWLY construed and enforced in order for it to remain constitutional, essentially …
How Do We Bring Up Immigration Centered Discussions in an Education Environment?
Earlier this week I had an opportunity to speak at an Immigration and Education Forum in Athens Georgia organized by the University of Georgia College of Education Faculty Senate and the Dean’s Council on Diversity. I was honored to be speaking with four other co-panelists who are each on the frontlines of immigration and education, teaching and working with students …
Georgia’s Anti-Education Legislature and SB 458 — What Are They Doing in The Name of Anti-Immigration Fervor?
The Georgia State Senate acted recently to pass an anti-immigration measure aimed at stopping 300 Georgia residents who happen to not have legal status from attending public colleges and universities in Georgia, despite the fact that they are paying out-of-state tuition. The Georgia House is moving to pass similar legislation at the behest of House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee Chair, Cobb …
Seven Reasons Why the Georgia Legislature Should Repeal HB-87
Recently the Alabama Attorney General called on the Alabama State Legislature to repeal parts of Alabama’s horrid anti-immigration law (HB 56), because of the “unintended” consequences of the bill (frankly, what happened was not unintended). Because of the similarity between the two laws, Georgia’s Speaker of the House, David Ralston was asked whether Georgia Legislature would repeal part or all …
The Georgia Immigration Enforcement Review Board
Section 20, of Georgia’s HB 87, created the “Immigration Enforcement Review Board” (IERB) The creation of the IERB was a surprise addition to HB 87 in its last substitution in the House, and never had a public hearing. There is no legislative history about the IERB’s purpose, although it is now clear from Rep. Matt Ramsey’s statements to the press …
Georgia’s Secure Document List–So What.
The Georgia Attorney General just issued his Secure and Verifiable Document List, as required under HB-87, Georgia’s Anti-Immigration Law. This list brings to mind the First Rule you need to know when a State passes an Anti-Immigration law. That rule is summarized in one word–“meaningless.” That’s right. The List, as written, is meaningless. The List changes NOTHING about Georgia law …
The Oral Argument on HB 87
The Plaintiffs’ litigation team, of which I am proud to be a part, just left oral argument in front of Judge Thrash. Omar Jadwat and Karen Tumlin both did a terrific job in their arguments on the constitutional issues and the severe harm that will befall immigrants, US citizens and permanent residents if HB 87 is allowed to go into …
Oral Argument on HB87
In the courtroom. Counsel table for plaintiffs is full with 6 attorneys all prepared to argue the various aspects of the motion. Three government counsel from The state attorney General’s office are also here to argue their case. Judge Thrash had said in an earlier status conference that he was “known to rule from the bench” so hopefully he will …
HB 87- The Preliminary Injunction Hearing
Today Federal District Court Judge Thrash will hear both OUR request for a Preliminary Injunction to temporarily stop HB 87 from going into effect (or at least parts of it), AND the State of Georgia’s Motion to Dismiss parts of the cas, and some of the Defendants. I plan on live blogging the oral arguments and decision of the Judge, …