Anti-Immigrant Amendments By the US Senate

The US Senate approved 4 harmful amendments to the Homeland Security spending bill. One amendment would require that DHS build a physical barrier along 700 miles of the US-Mexico border, rather than using sensors and other "virtual fence" technology. Two other amendments would extend the highly questionable and believed to be flawed E-Verify program program that DHS encourages employers to use to to run background check to verify the immigration status of workers. The final amendment is intended to make DHS keep the Bush Administration's Social Security no-match regulations, which the Obama Administration announced it will work to abolish.

The spending bill, with all of these amendments, is not yet law. It's probable the final version of the bill won't include these amendments. The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights 14 July 2009 released announcement expressing deep concern over the Senate leadership allowing the said amendments go ahead and pass, especially concidering overwhelming public support for and expectations of comprehensive workable reforms that are so much needed by the nation.