Lutherans/Interfaith group: Don’t break our rice bowls!

05/09/2013 ~ Ann Corcoran ~ Leave a comment

The Lutheran Center (LIRS headquarters) is a six-story structure constructed in 1999 on property owned by Baltimore’s historic Christ Lutheran Church. The building is located near Baltimore’s Inner Harbor in the historic Federal Hill neighborhood, a charming area rich with history and an eclectic array of eateries and shopping venues.

The first time I heard that phrase I laughed and laughed. If you don’t know it, it implies that someone wants to maintain their livelihood in a manner to which they are accustomed (and more and more these days that livelihood depends on the government).

Here we have the refugee resettlement contractors ginning up the media in advance of the Senate mark-up of S. 744.

According to the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (one of the top nine contractors that dominate resettlement) when the Senate begins mark-up (today?) on the massive Gang of Nine bill (Eight Senators and Grover Norquist) they imply here that somehow the refugee flow could be slowed and they might lose their federal dole.

In fact, the bill, as written with the help of groups like LIRS, will actually increase the number and variety of refugees and asylees the US taxpayer must support. And, provides a slush fund for the NGOs.

Since the “religious” groups listed below have federal grants and contracts, they depend on the steady flow of your money to their coffers! (Sheesh, They’ve turned me into such a cynic!)

Don’t believe me? Have a look at a recent Form 990 for Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, page 9. They had income in that year of $31,653,748 and, of that, you, the taxpayers of America, gave them $30,376,568. Their CEO* makes $204,186 in salary and benefits. Where is the ACLU? No separation of church and state here! The church is the state! Just wait until CAIR figures all this out and starts demanding the Muslim share of your tax dollars!

96% of this “religious” group’s income came from government grants! And, they are lobbying for more refugees and newly legalized immigrants to take care of at your expense in the Gang’s amnesty bill.

If you are a Lutheran, you should have a word with your pastor.

Here is a press release sent to me by a friend from Tennessee with a list of all the learned theologians with their hands out!

Diverse Group of Faith Leaders Urges Senators to Protect Refugee and Asylum Provisions in Immigration Bill

WASHINGTON, May 8, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — On the eve of the Senate’s first markup of the bipartisan immigration reform bill, S.744, a wide array of faith leaders is urging legislators to ensure that comprehensive immigration reform upholds the United States’ proud history and tradition of protecting and welcoming refugees, asylum-seekers, and those fleeing persecution.

The following is being released by Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service on behalf of an interfaith working group.

Rabbi Steve Gutow, President of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs in New York said: “The United States has a great tradition of welcoming and embracing those fleeing from oppression. Judaism demands that we treat all people as if they are made in God’s image, which means we must treat them well. How can we possibly ill treat those who are oppressed or living under the yoke of tyranny? Right now, as our national leaders reform our immigration policies, we should also improve our refugee and asylum laws to ensure that those escaping persecution are respected and given the opportunity to breathe free.”

Bishop James Mathes of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, California said: “In opening our communities to refugees from persecution in other lands, our nation shows forth our core values of respecting human rights and dignity. As bishop of a community who has welcomed as friend and neighbor refugees from places as diverse as Sudan, Iraq, and Myanmar, I know first hand the gift of life that we provide as well as the great gift we receive from those who come to live among us.”

Rev. John L. McCullough, President and CEO of Church World Service in New York said: “As members of the Senate Judiciary Committee begin considering amendments to the bipartisan immigration reform bill, Church World Service urges them to protect provisions that would improve the lives of refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless people. Throughout the CWS network of congregations and refugee resettlement offices, we know first-hand the importance of these provisions. It is our deep hope that immigration reform upholds the United States’ proud history of protecting and welcoming survivors of persecution.”

Rev. Peter Rogness, Bishop of Saint Paul Area Synod (Minnesota) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America said: “Lutherans and others in Minnesota have long been active in support of refugees and asylum seekers. Increasingly we find them now as leaders in our communities, members of our churches, and neighbors to us all. They contribute in numerous ways to the thriving and diverse culture of the Twin Cities. As we seek to reform our immigration laws, people of faith must ensure we enact laws that honor these contributions and uphold our biblical call to welcome the newcomer.”

Rev. Dr. Larry Stoterau, President of the Pacific Southwest District (Arizona, Southern California,Southern Nevada) of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod said: “As Congress considers comprehensive immigration reform, we must remember our commitment to serve the most vulnerable. Faith communities have a long history of welcoming those fleeing persecution and helping them adapt to life in a new land. In my service to Lutherans across southern California and Arizona, I am privileged to work with pastors and people who have come as refugees seeking safety and freedom and the joy of a new life. I have benefited personally from working with these wonderful people.”

Rev. Stephen S. Talmage, Bishop of Grand Canyon Synod (Arizona and Nevada) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America said: “The major religions of the world call for compassion, hospitality, and justice for the most vulnerable among us. Refugees and asylum seekers would fall in that category. Many find themselves displaced, living in fear, and desperate for assistance because of factors beyond their control, requiring people of faith along with legislative leaders, to work for ways to receive, integrate, and empower them for the common good.”

Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami, Florida said: “The United States has always been a safe haven for the world’s persecuted and the legislation reflects American values by offering protections to the world’s most vulnerable. I commend the bipartisan group of senators, including Senator Rubio, for recognizing the needs of refugees in their bill.”

Bishop John Wester of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, Utah said: “Refugees themselves are victims of terror. They understand on a daily basis the fear of being persecuted and threatened with the loss of their lives. The refugee provisions in the Senate bill recognize this reality and help protect these vulnerable persons.”

The Senate’s immigration bill, S.744, (The Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013) includes several provisions that would protect refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless people, while also increasing efficiency and supporting integration. The provisions would not reduce or circumvent the current numerous background checks for refugees and asylum seekers, or reduce the rigorous fraud detection mechanisms currently in place. [Problem is that the present security screening system is not working and is filled with fraud!—ed]

The Senate Judiciary Committee will begin considering amendments to S.744 on Thursday, May 9 th, with additional considerations on May 14 th, 16th, and 20th-24th. The committee will then send its version of the bill to the full Senate for debate and consideration.

CONTACT
Jon Pattee, 202.591.5778

SOURCE Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service

* Be sure to have a look at Linda Hartke’s post Boston statement about not jumping to conclusions or messing with our immigration system because of the Tsarnaev’s fraudulent grant of asylum. I guess she is not thrilled then with Lindsey Graham’s amendment to the Gang’s bill, here. I’ll tell you about another of Graham’s proposed amendments to tighten security in S.744 shortly.

About the photo: LIRS used to have their grand building’s photo prominently displayed on their webpage, but I’ll be darned if I could find it there. So it took me a few extra minutes with google images to locate the photo.

Update: Ann Coulter has a zinger yesterday related to this story—Beware of liberals who come in Evangelicals’ clothing.

Gang of Eight provides “slush fund” for refugee resettlement contractors

05/01/2013 ~ Ann Corcoran ~ Leave a comment

….or any number of other non-profit groups with experience in serving immigrants.

Your tax dollars!

We mentioned it here a few days ago, but the Center for Immigration Studies highlights the new grant program to benefit the bill’s lobbyists in a piece this morning, by Jon Feere.

The pro-amnesty lobbyists who helped craft the Schumer-Rubio immigration bill included within the bill two “slush funds” amounting to $150 million that may be supplemented with additional taxpayer dollars for years to come. Slush fund grantees are “public or private, non-profit organizations” described in the bill as including “a community, faith-based, or other immigrant-serving organization whose staff has demonstrated qualifications, experience, and expertise in providing quality services to immigrants, refugees, persons granted asylum, or persons applying for such statuses.” In other words, the grantees would include many of the groups involved in writing and promoting the amnesty.

Section 2537 of the Schumer-Rubio bill provides “Initial Entry, Adjustment, and Citizenship Assistance” grants to public and private, non-profit organizations that promise to help illegal immigrants apply for the amnesty (p. 384). For example, this includes help with “completing applications”, “gathering proof of identification”, and “applying for any waivers”. But the recipients of these funds are given a lot of discretion, as the funds can also be used for “any other assistance” that the grantee “considers useful” to aliens applying for amnesty. The bill appropriates $100 million in grant funding for a five-year period ending in 2018, plus any additional “sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2019 and subsequent fiscal years”. (p. 392). There are no limits to the amount of money that may be given out to pro-amnesty groups.

Read it all!

So who are those “faith-based” and “immigrant-serving organizations” we are familiar with here at RRW—the federal refugee contractors euphemistically called Volags (short for Voluntary Agencies) paid largely by the US taxpayer to resettle refugees.

I already know that most of these ‘non-profits’ are lobbying for the Gang of Eight bill (I just haven’t bothered to check each website). There are hundreds more smaller groups that will be squabbling over the new federal handout if the ‘Gang’ is successful.

I’ve wondered aloud why these contractors, charged with finding jobs for LEGAL refugees and asylees, are pushing for the legalization of millions of illegal alien job-competitors—this new pot of money is surely near the top of the list for reasons why!

I wonder does Bill O’Reilly know how deep the Catholic Bishops are in this refugee/asylum industry? (They are the largest of the nine, followed by the IRC and LIRS):

What a coincidence, top refugee resettlement states coincide with most top illegal alien states!

04/30/2013 ~ Ann Corcoran ~ Leave a comment

We reported recently that the following states are the Top Ten Refugee Resettlement States:

In 2012 Texas led the nation in the number of resettled refugees (not counting asylum seekers or those already granted asylum, and probably not the Cubans or Haitians otherwise Florida would be higher on the list); followed by California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida, Ohio, Arizona, Washington, and North Carolina.

We also heard that the Dems have a goal of turning Texas and Arizona from Red to Blue (maybe they have their eyes on Georgia too?).

Now check out this graphic of the top ten states for illegal aliens (hat tip: Cathy) and see that there is a fairly close overlap. Seven of ten “top states” coincide. But then again, maybe they are just the most “welcoming” states. (Nah!)

For new readers, if you type the name of a state into our search function, you will get a list of all the posts we’ve written on that state.

From Socialism is Not an Option:

Rubio gets pounded!

04/28/2013 ~ Ann Corcoran ~ Leave a comment

And, you landed some of the blows!

Update! April 30th: Word goes out to the pro-amnesty crowd to get their comments in too! (see report at VDARE)

Remember on last Wednesday we asked that you tell Senator Marco Rubio what you think of the “comprehensive immigration reform” bill otherwise known as the Gang of Eight Amnesty bill and ask him to strip out the refugee/asylum program changes the bill makes. (We need Congressional hearings specifically on the Refugee Program!).

Yesterday Byron York writing at the Washington Examiner sums up the bad news for Rubio—most respondents are furious! (emphasis mine)

Senator Marco Rubio, the leading Republican behind the Gang of Eight comprehensive immigration reform proposal, has often challenged those who criticize the bill to come up with ways to improve it. And not just his fellow lawmakers; Rubio has opened a new page on his Senate website asking for help from the public. “Visit our website and submit your ideas to ‘Help Us Improve the Bill,’” says an announcement from Rubio’s office Friday. “Since the immigration legislation was introduced, Rubio has received over 1,100 suggestions for how to improve the bill. Rubio encourages the public to continue reviewing the bill and sharing their ideas on ways to make the bill better when the time comes to amend the legislation.”

What is the hold-up? Why aren’t the other one thousand or so posted? York continues:

A visit to the “Help Us Improve the Bill” page shows the senator has posted just 147 out of the 1,100 suggestions he has so far received. Rubio’s staff is reviewing each one — a wise move, given the emotions that the immigration issue can involve and the tendency of some people to say nasty things on the Internet. But even after screening for foul language and general content, the suggestions Rubio has so far received are remarkably negative. Actually, they are overwhelmingly, crushingly negative, criticizing a wide spectrum of issues included in the Gang of Eight bill. The commenters Rubio has invited to speak really, really, really don’t like what he has done.

Read York’s whole juicy piece!

Check out the 100 plus comments posted so far and see that there is a good representation of ones telling Rubio to dump the Refugee/Asylum sections—thank you!

More comments on Rubio’s comments:

VDARE has more useful commentary on Rubio’s gambit. Patrick Cleburne says it’s a dumb move and proves Rubio is dumb. I had the same feeling about Rubio as I watched his dreadful pro-bill TV spot in which he looks like an earnest kid trying to suck up to the big bully boys—like Chuck Schumer and Dick Durbin, who are probably enjoying watching Rubio commit political suicide.

Then last evening VDARE reported from a reader who says his reasonable suggestion for changing the bill has not been posted. (My reasonable one has not been posted and I did it mid-week last week). The reader speculates that the Rubio team is selecting the ones that impugn Rubio’s character so that he might treat them dismissively. The readers ends with this:

One can only hope, evidence to the contrary notwithstanding, that the Senator is more intelligent than he may appear, and that these comments be a welcome pretext for him to withdraw his own support for the bill: he tried valiantly, he reached out to the opposition, but the people have spoken.

He/she has expressed my thoughts (hopes!) too, that Rubio will respond to the passion out there and gracefully back out. My blog partner, Judy, expressed misgivings about whether Rubio would make such a brave move. In an e-mail this morning she asked:

Once you’ve joined the ruling class, do you ever leave?

In fact, I would bet at this very moment, the Rubio staff (comrades of Grover) are running to the master and asking Norquist to please help gin-up comments in praise of the bill to balance out what has to be 90-plus percent of commenters who are furious with Marco Rubio.

If you haven’t yet commented, it appears that Rubio’s comment thread is still open even though they have posted nothing new in days!

Go here and tell him what you think! I know you probably hate the whole thing, but tell him specifically to strip-out, dump! the references to refugees and asylees (especially in light of the Boston horror!).

Are you on twitter? If so, please tweet this! And, follow me at Ann C @RefugeeWatcher!

Diversity is strength alert! Wisconsin immigrant found with severed head in car trunk

04/25/2013 ~ Ann Corcoran ~ Leave a comment

Just when I thought I could go outside and get some work done, along comes a story I just had to post right now!

Before I give you the latest ‘diversity is strength’ news, please visit Ann Coulter’s great article yesterday in which she lists about 15 major murder sprees by mostly LEGAL immigrants.

Alleged murderer, Kou Thao, held on $1 million bond.
Photo credit Marathon County Jail

Now from Wisconsin AP (hat tip: George). Severed head—Muslim killing? Nope, looks like Vietnamese or Hmong. The federal contractors brought a lot of Southeast Asians to Wisconsin. If anyone sees any news about his immigration status, send it my way, but the mainstream media almost never gives us that information.

WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) — Authorities found a Minnesota man’s severed head in the trunk of a car and other body parts in the basement of a Milwaukee home, according to a criminal complaint charging a central Wisconsin man with first-degree intentional homicide.

A judge ordered Kou Thao, 26, held on a $1 million cash bond during an initial appearance Monday. The Wausau man is scheduled for a preliminary hearing May 1.

The investigation began April17 when police were called to a Wausau home. The suspect’s brother-in-law, Yeh Lor, told officers Thao came to the house with Tong Pao Hang, a 58-year-old man from St. Paul, Minn. Hang was the boyfriend of Lor’s aunt.

Lor told detectives he was smoking outside while Thao and Hang went into the basement to drink. He said he heard what sounded like a single gunshot come from the basement. When he went downstairs to investigate, he saw the victim lying on the ground in a pool of blood.

The two men wrapped the body in a tarp and loaded it into a car, Lor told investigators. Lor told authorities he helped Thao with the body because he thought Thao might have a gun. [was it a legal gun?—ed]

Officers found Thao on Thursday at a Milwaukee home. When police knocked on the door of the home Thao ran out the back door but was quickly caught and arrested, the criminal complaint said.

Wausau police assisted with executing a search warrant on the car and home. They found a bucket in the trunk containing Hang’s severed head, with a gunshot wound between the eyes.