Jun 26 2007

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released a June 19 letter from the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce expressing support for comprehensive immigration reform.

“The current system is clearly broken and we believe the status quo is unacceptable,” wrote Brad Dean, President and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.  “Municipalities and counties throughout South Carolina, as well as our state government, are reacting to a lack of action at the federal level with a patchwork of immigration laws and enforcement.  

“We fear that local mandates and piecemeal approaches will be unnecessarily costly and expose law-abiding employers to unfair liability,” said Dean.  “This would ultimately undermine our economic strength and negatively impact our station and our nation.”

The Chamber encouraged Senator Graham to continue working on immigration reform to ensure the final legislation contains stronger border security, a way to recruit future workers through the H2B visa program, a workable employment verification system that will be usable by small businesses, and a measure to ensure current undocumented, law-abiding workers whose skills and employability are necessary to be eligible for legal status.
 
“The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber and its members realize that many difficult issues remain; however it is critical that the process moves forward,” concluded Dean.  “We support your efforts and urge you to continue to work with the business community as legislation proceeds through the amendment process.”

“I appreciate the Myrtle Beach Chamber for taking a stand on this important issue for the future of our state and nation,” said Graham.  “I understand no two people or organizations will agree on every provision in a major piece of legislation such as this.  We cannot hope and wait for the perfect solution to suddenly come forward because with the passage of time this problem only gets worse, not better.
 
“Much is at stake for the Senate and the nation as we resume debate on immigration reform,” continued Graham.  “We have a chance to prove that we still have the ability to solve hard problems or we can choose to reinforce growing skepticism about our government and fall further in the eyes of the American people.”

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Jun 26 2007

TOUCHBACK’ Z-VISA APPLICANTS MUST LEAVE THE UNITED STATES TO BECOME A Z-VISA HOLDER

The legislation has been criticized for allowing z-visa applicants to stay in the United States indefinitely in z-visa status.  Others have claimed said z-visa holders will never have to leave the United States.  

  • The illegal alien head of household – currently residing in the United States -- will have to leave our country within 3 years and return to their home country.

  • Once in their home country, they can complete their z-visa application. 

  • After 3 years, if the illegal alien has not 1) left the United States, 2) returned to their home country, 3) submitted the appropriate paperwork from their home country, then their probationary status will be revoked.  They will be deported along with their spouse and any non-American citizen children.

 

VISA OVERSTAYS

Approximately 40 percent of the illegal aliens in the United States today did not come across our nation’s southern border.  They came to the United States legally on visas and simply refused to leave the when their visa expired.  The Graham-Kyl-Martinez amendment builds upon a provision already in the bill requiring mandatory jail time of at least 60 days to a maximum of 1 year in jail for aliens who illegally reenter the United States after being deported.

Graham-Kyl-Martinez would:

  • PERMANENTLY bar from the United States any alien who overstays their visa.

  • Aliens who overstay their visa by more than 60 days will be apprehended, detained, and deported.

  • Establishes and deploys a biometric tracking system that records the entry and exit of all temporary workers and visiting family members to ensure we have a record of who overstayed a visa.   

  • If the alien refuses to depart in a timely manner, DHS will – within 48 hours – enter the alien’s name in a database of overstays accessible for local, state, and immigration law enforcement officials.

  • Authorizes an increase of 6,250 Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel hired to carry out the removal of illegal aliens, to investigate immigration fraud, and to enforce illegal hiring at the workplace.

 

24 HOUR BACKGROUND CHECKS

The bill has been criticized for allowing probationary status to be granted to z-visa applicants 24 hours after they file an application, even if the alien has not yet passed all appropriate background checks.  The Graham-Kyl-Martinez amendment addresses those concerns.

  • Ensures probationary status will only be granted after passing all appropriate background checks regardless of how long it takes for DHS to complete them.

  • Z-visa applicants can pre-register online with DHS to speed their application and to make appointments for getting their fingerprints taken. 

 

GANG MEMBERS NEED NOT APPLY FOR A Z-VISA

Critics have said illegal alien gang members will be allowed to receive legal status under the legislation.

  • Graham-Kyl-Martinez makes it clear that gang members – even those who have renounced their gang ‘membership’ – are ineligible for the z-visa program.

 

CHILD MOLESTORS NEED NOT APPLY FOR A Z-VISA

Critics have said some child molesters will be allowed to receive legal status under the legislation.

  • Graham-Kyl-Martinez makes clear that illegal aliens convicted of sexual abuse on a minor are ineligible regardless of when the offense occurred.

 

ADDRESSES VISA OVERSTAYS USING THE ‘PARENT’ VISA

Critics of the legislation have criticized the new ‘parent’ visa which allows parents of American citizens and the spouses and children of temporary workers to visit a worker in the United States.

  • Graham-Kyl-Martinez raises the bond for visiting family members from $1,000 to $2,500 to help ensure they depart when their visa is up.

  • Overstay provisions described above apply to the ‘parent’ visa holders.

 

ILLEGAL ALIEN DRUNK DRIVERS FACE HARSHER STANDARDS

  • Illegal aliens who have 2 state or federal convictions or 1 felony conviction for drunk driving will not be allowed to gain legal status.

 

Jun 26 2007

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the South Carolina Department of Public Safety will receive a $5,350,000 grant to enhance crime victim services in the state.

The funds will be competitively awarded by the state to local community-based organizations that provide direct services to crime victims.

The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice.

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Jun 26 2007

WASHINGTON-  U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College and the Orangeburg-Calhoun Area Technical Education Commission will receive a $1.5 million grant for the construction of the Transportation Workforce Training Center.

“A well-educated, well-trained workforce is a key component to future economic development,” said Graham.  “South Carolina’s technical colleges are continuing to play a leading role in ensuring our state’s workforce is ready and capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st Century economy.  This grant is great news for the local community and an important investment in the future of Orangeburg and Calhoun counties.”

The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that the project will create 544 jobs and generate $420 million in private investment.

The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.

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Jun 26 2007

WASHINGTON-  U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced South Carolina’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will receive $14.7 million in grants for institutional aid.  The funds can be used to strengthen academic resources, financial management, endowments, and physical plants.

Award recipients include:

Allen University- $1,068,878

Benedict College- $2,604,848

Claflin University- $1,956,641

Clinton Junior College- $500,000

Denmark Technical College- $2,075,869

Morris College- $1,600,029

South Carolina State University- $3,297,873

Voorhees College- $1,694,171

The grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Education.

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Jun 25 2007

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released a June 20 letter from Charles H. Van Rysselberge, the President and CEO of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce expressing their support for the Senate’s comprehensive immigration reform bill.
 
“Immigration reform is a federal issue and we support efforts to achieve a national solution to this challenge to support a uniform approach,” wrote Van Rysselberge.  “We oppose any local approach to regulating immigration on the basis that regulation must be consistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

“We need immigration laws that are fair and balanced,” continued Van Rysselberge.  “These laws must meet the needs of our growing economy and the test of common sense.  Only through this kind of comprehensive approach can an effective solution be reached.  Securing the national borders is important, but it cannot be accomplished in isolation.”

“I appreciate the Charleston Metro Chamber for taking a stand on this important issue for the future of our state and nation,” said Graham.  “Much is at stake for the Senate and the nation as we resume debate on immigration reform.  We have a chance to prove that we still have the ability to solve hard problems or we can choose to reinforce growing skepticism about our government and fall further in the eyes of the American people.”

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Jun 22 2007

WASHINGTON-  U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Senate unanimously passed a resolution honoring the nine Charleston firefighters killed in the line of duty Monday evening.

 

Graham introduced the resolution along with Senator Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina) and others.

 

“All South Carolinians are indebted to these brave men who gave their lives to protect others,” said Graham.  “Today we honor the commitment and sacrifice of these men and all firefighters throughout the country.  I thank my colleagues for joining together to honor these American heroes and extend our deepest sympathies to their families.”   

 

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Jun 20 2007

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the current situation involving the office of South Carolina Treasurer.

“Governor Sanford chose wisely in picking Ken Wingate to serve as our state’s interim Treasurer.  Ken is a good man and I know he will do a fine job for the people of South Carolina.

“I have great respect and admiration for the Ravenel family.  I know this is a traumatic event.  Like any other citizen, Thomas Ravenel should be presumed to be innocent.  The government has the burden of proving the charges against him.  I have confidence the legal system will fairly deal with the accusations.”

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Jun 19 2007

WASHINGTON – South Carolina’s United States Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint submitted this statement today into the Congressional Record.

– South Carolina’s United States Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint submitted this statement today into the Congressional Record.

"On June 18, 2007, in the face of blazing fire, sacrifice and duty overcame fear and surrender. With great sadness and the utmost respect, we mourn the tremendous loss of nine of our finest firefighters, as well as the immeasurable loss experienced by their families and loved ones. As the flames engulfed the building, the brave men and women of the Charleston County Fire Department rushed into the collapsing building as others were running out, fleeing for their lives. May this extraordinary courage and sacrifice forever reflect the spirit of South Carolina, as well as that of our great Nation.

"We extend our sincerest condolences to their families, their colleagues, and their friends. You give your loved ones to us—to serve and protect our communities, putting public service above personal comfort. Our gratitude is boundless and our respect infinitely deep. We grieve beside you, and we take pride in and are humbled by this ultimate display of service and valor. In the midst of grief and devastation, may you find comfort in knowing that the memory of your loved ones will be forever etched in the minds of South Carolinians as the true embodiment of an American Hero.

"The United States has not experienced such a devastating loss of firefighters since the horrific events on September 11, 2001. May the Charleston County Fire Department, led by Chief Rusty Thomas, as well as emergency personnel around the country, forever fill this massive void with the legacy left behind by these brave fallen firefighters. Let their legacy not be engulfed by flames and reduced to rubble but rather let it embolden and encourage others to serve in their honor and continue their mission to public service. There is no higher call than to serve, and to the fallen, their families, and those that will fill their shoes, we are forever indebted to you for your noble sacrifices."

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Jun 15 2007

WASHINGTON-  U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on the agreement to bring the immigration reform bill back to the floor.  The Senate will resume debate on immigration possibly as soon as next week.

 

 

Graham said:

 

 

“After 9-11 immigration reform is not just a social and economic problem, but also a national security issue of the highest importance.  I am pleased that the Senate leadership is going to bring the immigration reform bill back to the floor for further debate and amendment.  This is a great opportunity for the Senate, in a bipartisan fashion, to reform a chaotic immigration system.

 

 

“The challenge is to bring to the table workable solutions instead of political rhetoric that embraces the unrealistic and caters to fear.  I hope the Senate can rise to the occasion because if we fail it will be years before this issue is dealt with again, and the current chaos will continue to grow.

 

 

“Much is at stake for the Senate and the country as we resume debate on immigration reform.  We have a chance to prove to the American people that we still have the ability to solve hard problems, or we can choose to reinforce growing skepticism about our government and fall further in the eyes of the American people.

 

 

“As elected leaders of the world’s greatest democracy I hope we will choose to make tough decisions and not pass this problem on to the next generation of political leaders.  I understand the public skepticism about any effort to reform immigration.  However, skepticism should never be used as an excuse for inaction.”

 

 

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