Wednesday, August 6, 2008

• ICE Urging the Undocumented to Self-Deport
• The Christian Right and Anti-Immigrant Politics
• Gaza NGOs shut down by Hamas
• Bush's Visit to South Korea Marked by Protests
• Street Beat: Hard Times at the Unemployment Line

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ICE Urging the Undocumented to Self-Deport

The Department of Homeland Security has kicked off a test program
offering some undocumented immigrants an opportunity to turn themselves
in to be deported.  Immigration advocates question the purpose of the
program. Washington Editor Leigh Ann Caldwell reports.

The Christian Right and Anti-Immigrant Politics

A new report released by Public Research Associates analyzes the
conditions that have given rise to a battle that is pitting the
Christian Right against undocumented immigrants. Basing their crusade
on the principle that the United States was founded as a Christian
country, the new breed of Christian Right voters maintain that those
who stand in contrast to so-called established "American" beliefs pose
a threat to Christian ideology, and that the deportation of
undocumented immigrants is consistent with Christian doctrine. Tarso
Luis Ramos is the Research Director for Political Research Associates,
the Boston-based progressive think tank that released the report. Ramos
says that the Christian Right has only recently begun demonizing
undocumented immigrants.

Gaza NGOs shut down by Hamas

Israeli officials released five Lebanese teenaged-prisoners today, as
part of a prisoner swap that began last month with Hezbollah. The youth
were allegedly detained for throwing stones and other objects. Israeli
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert agreed to release some 150 more Palestinian
prisoners later this month, after meeting today with Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas. Israeli human rights groups estimate that
Israel holds some 8,500 Palestinians in jail in Israel, including an
estimated 300 minors. Abbas and Palestinian negotiators are requesting
the release of Marwan Barghouti, who Israel sentenced to jail for life,
and for the release of Ahmed Saadat, a leader of the group Popular
Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

Meanwhile, in the Gaza Stript, the Hamas-dominated government has
ordered the closure of dozens of community-based NGOs, sports clubs and
Fatah offices. The closures follow a recent car blast that claimed the
lives of three Hamas fighters. FSRN's Rami Almeghari in Gaza has more.

Bush's Visit to South Korea Marked by Protests

President Bush wrapped up a two-day visit to South Korea today. His
meeting with President Lee Myung Bak was originally scheduled for last
month, but pushed back because of massive protests against US beef
imports. Although demonstrations continue, the two leaders focused
their talks on passing a free trade agreement, and addressed North
Korea's nuclear program. FSRN's Jason Strother has the story from Seoul.

Street Beat: Hard Times at the Unemployment Line

The United States hit the highest unemployment rate in more than four
years this July, reaching 5.7 percent.  Since the beginning of the
year, there have been more than 400,000 job losses. These figures
translate to nearly 9 million unemployed people. And even these numbers
could rise as automakers, banks, airlines, and state and local
governments pursue layoffs and cut back on hiring. Also on the chopping
block: jobs for youth. For our new regular segment Street Beat, FSRN
reporter Emily Reddy gathered the stories of Florida  residents
Reginald Wesley, Cheryl O'Connell, Jamarquis Smith; Shawn Williams,
Tanya Hill; Jazz Travis; and Carlos Perez – all seeking job assistance
at Tampa Bay WorkForce Alliance.