Stephen Dinan
The Washington Times
2/7/2012
The Obama administration on Tuesday announced a new “public advocate” charged with listening to immigrants’ concerns about its law enforcement policies — but Republicans said the position amounts to an official mouthpiece for illegal immigrants being deported.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said the advocate will “serve as a point of contact for individuals, including those in immigration proceedings, NGOs and other community and advocacy groups, who have concerns, questions, recommendations or other issues they would like to raise.”
The agency — part of the Homeland Security Department — said Andrew Lorenz-Strait will be the first advocate.
But Rep. Lamar Smith, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said that meant elevating the concerns of illegal immigrants.
“It’s outrageous that the Obama administration has appointed a taxpayer-funded activist for illegal and criminal immigrants who are detained or ordered deported. The administration all too often acts more like a lobbying firm for illegal immigrants than as an advocate for the American people,” Mr. Smith, Texas Republican, said…
The article continues at The Washington Times.
Update: Obama Appoints Illegal Immigrant Czar
…This Administration may have a record number of deportations but they have issued a record number of “U” Visas to illegal immigrants. These visas provide illegals a path to legal and permanent residency. U Visa holders also receive all benefits and protections normally available to refugees (including Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance, Federally-Funded Public Benefits, and Individual Development Accounts).
