| Immigration counseling OK'd
Latino immigrants can now turn to an old friend for low-cost help in navigating the long and often confusing process of becoming a U.S. citizen. The Department of Homeland Security officially recognized the Latin American Coalition this week, certifying the agency to help immigrants with a wide array of immigration concerns. The nonprofit has served as a cultural hub for many Latinos since its inception in 1990, helping people network, learn English and find jobs. But if someone needed immigration help, they were usually pointed elsewhere. Now the coalition can steer those seeking citizenship through the process and can even represent them in certain immigration cases. "It's sort of like the Better Business Bureau seal of approval," Executive Director Angeles Ortega-Moore said of the recognition.
NORAD: From mountain to volcano? Sources say a risky situation is only ...
As Sen. Wayne Allard this week declared support for Cheyenne Mountain's transition to "warm standby," sources familiar with the surveillance bunker allege U.S. Northern Command is rushing the job, breaking contracting rules and risking homeland security. "They broke the law with the way they are contracting this," said one source. "And nobody cares?" NorthCom has been adamant that bringing North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, capabilities to the basement of a building on Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs will enhance national security. Yet sources knowledgeable about the mountain have reached out to several members of Congress, including Allard and Sen. Ken Salazar in Colorado, asserting that NorthCom commanders are glossing over important details to buy time as the transfer continues.
Charlotte Nonprofit Gets Federal OK To Help Immigrants Pursue ...
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- An organization in Charlotte that helps Latinos learn English and understand the U.S. legal system can now help immigrants pursue citizenship. The Latino American Coalition was certified this week by the Department of Homeland Security to help immigrants with a wide range of immigration issues. That means the group can now help immigrants navigate the long and often confusing path to U.S. citizenship. It is now one of about 14 organizations in North Carolina and South Carolina that have such a designation, and it's the only group in Charlotte. The nonprofit organization hopes to help immigrants avoid being taken advantage of or mislead. The coalition was founded in 1990 to help people learn English, find jobs and network.
Former N.J. gov. defends Asa!
Asa Hutchinson this afternoon held a press conference to release a letter from former New Jersey Gov. Thomas Kean defending Hutchinson's record as the undersecretary for border and transportation security at the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. Kean co-chaired the 9/11 Commission, which investigated the preparation preceding, and subsequent reaction to, the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. During the third gubernatorial debate on Tuesday, Mike Beebe responded to Hutchinson's comments about illegal immigration by saying, "All you got to do is look at the record. The press, the 9/11 commission, all these other folks have said he failed miserably. That was his No. 1 job, border security. And he didn’t do it. He didn’t do it when he was in Washington." In his letter, Kean didn't deny the criticism Beebe cited, but he tried to soften it. "The 9/11 Commission has, of course, been critical of the new Department of Homeland Security in some respects, noting areas where improvement is needed," Kean wrote.
11/09 06:07 PM
Jill Hazelbaker writes in to say: "The only person who broke the law is Rudy's good friend Bernie Kerik. And the only person who showed questionable judgment was the man pushed him to be Secretary of DHS, Rudy Giuliani."And notes this statement from Rick Davis today: "Rudy Giuliani’s history with Bernie Kerik is a story of poor judgment. After being briefed on Kerik’s ties to organized crime, Giuliani named him chief of the New York Police Department. Without any further vetting, Giuliani asked him to join his security consulting firm. Despite obvious ethical problems, Giuliani went so far as to personally recommend Kerik for the top job at the Department of Homeland Security. "A president’s judgment matters and Rudy Giuliani has repeatedly placed personal loyalty over regard for the facts." 11/09 06:07 PM .
Pitt and Jolie Federal Agent Impostor Arrested
A Californian man was arrested Thursday in Los Angeles on suspicion of impersonating a federal agent in a bid to land a job as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's security consultant. Nelson Mercado has been indicted for falsely claiming to be a special agent for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security when he submitted a job application to Sunset Protective Services and Investigations. The 46-year-old sought employment with Sunset with the sole intention of providing the "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" stars with security services, according to U.S. Attorney's spokesman Thom Mrozek. .
Reports: Homeland security spending lacked focus, oversight
Pennsylvania has done a poor job overseeing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal homeland security grants, making it hard to evaluate if the spending has improved the state's disaster-response capabilities, three reports found.
The reports said record-keeping has been so inadequate that state emergency officials, who must approve local requests for the money, cannot say whether equipment that has been purchased is still in use or where it is.
More than $400 million in federal money has been committed to Pennsylvania since Sept. 11, 2001. About half has been spent, the bulk of it on equipment.
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Marshall Fire Department receives grant to replace breathing apparatus ...
The Marshall Fire Department (MFD) is one of six fire departments across the state of Missouri to receive an Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. MFD received the largest grant out of the six cities. They received $103,716 to replace their old breathing apparatus units. The purpose of the grant is to enable first responders to ensure the safety of area residents by responding effectively and efficiently to fire-related hazards. "First responders work incredibly hard to protect the health and safety of Missourians," Senator Claire McCaskill said in a press release last week. "It is important, especially in rural areas, that they have the tools to do the job right. I'm so pleased this grant money will provide Missouri firefighters with the resources they need." Fire Chief John Rieves said, "Writing the grant and getting the award was the hard part.
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