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THOUSANDS OF CENTRAL AMERICAN MIGRANTS RISK LIFE AND LIMB ON 'DEATH TRAIN' TRAIN CARRYING FREIGHT TO US BORDER USED AS TRANSPORT FOR MIGRANT WORKERS CAUSE OF DEATHS, AMPUTATIONS 29 May 2007 In what are often desperate attempts to reach the northern Mexico border, where they can cross into the US and escape endemic poverty, thousands of central American workers risk life and limb to reach better life. Lack of adequate policy for arranging, organizing transport for guest workers leaves disturbing tragedy in place of road to prosperity. Many young men are now holed up in hospitals after suffering falls, now receiving life-saving treatment for amputated limbs, cranial injuries or severe internal injuries. Lives are lost or shattered, while some anticipate with reinforced determination, receiving prosthetics and continuing north to pursue their dream of working for a higher wage. Currently, US immigration law does not contemplate means of preventing or easing such migratory risks, nor does economic policy factor in the apparently useful role played by such migrants when they do reach US soil. Immigration reform legislation, where it aims to provide a path to "legality" for those who have made it, is only beginning to deal with this element of the overall picture. The shelter itself is full to capacity, working to restore the lives of the would-be migrant workers seeking a better life. Its funding is limited and its ability to handle the increasing numbers of injured is a problem for those who need treatment. Both the Mexican and US governments could square their immigration policies substantially by way of a careful study of this crisis center and the dangerous journey at the heart of the crisis. [s]
BACKGROUND/DE TRASFONDO: After more than a year of intense debate and heated opposition, a bipartisan group of senators have reportedly reached an agreement with the White House on language that would allow passage and signing for sweeping immigration reform legislation. The bill would give legal status to an estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants, and would create a new merit-based system for approving visa applications. [Full Story] BUSH SIGNS BORDER FENCE LAW, ESTABLISHING PERMANENT BARRIER ALONG 700 MILES OF MEXICO-US BORDER Before his party reached any agreement on proposed immigration policy reform legislation, Pres. George W. Bush yesterday signed a new law imposing harsh restrictions at US border crossings, establishing 700 miles of fencing to be patrolled by military, border guards, dogs, and drones. [Full Story] BUSH PRESENTA CINCO PUNTOS A FAVOR DE LA REFORMA MIGRATORIA Anoche, George W. Bush presentó desde su despacho en la Casa Blanca, un plan de cinco puntos claves para una "reforma comprensiva" de la política migratoria de Estados Unidos. El plan incluye despachar 6 mil soldados de la Guardia Nacional a la frontera con México y un carnet biométrico para los inmigrantes, pero también moderó su retórica, recordando que "todo ser humano tiene valor y dignidad, a pesar del estatus de sus papeles de ciudadanía." [Texto completo] NEW ROUND OF MASSIVE PRO-IMMIGRANT DEMONSTRATIONS Peaceful rallies in more than 60 US cities took place yesterday, to protest against House Republicans' plans to classify all undocumented immigrants as felons, to build fortified wall between US, Mexico. Tens of thousands gathered in major cities, carrying banners reading "We are America" and waving American flags and flags of their countries of origin. [Full Story] IMMIGRATION REFORM COULD EASE HARDSHIP FOR MILLIONS In recent weeks, the United States has seen the streets of major cities flooded with protesters, demanding more humane immigration reform than that offered by the House of Representatives. The bill currently before the Senate could offer such a solution, and would provide an opportunity for millions more people to become US citizens. [Full Story] |
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