Ros-Lehtinen opposes immigration fees hike
BY LESLEY CLARK
lclark@MiamiHerald.com

WASHINGTON - Critics of the Bush administration's proposed fee hike for most immigration and naturalization services have gained an energetic ally: Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.
The Cuban-born Republican from Miami is urging people to protest the proposed fee increase in letters to the agency and has written a letter herself, saying certain increases will be an ''incredible burden'' to applicants.

''Undeniably, we all want a better and more productive client-oriented service, but we should also take into account the impact that these large increases will have on the members of our community who most need and use these services,'' Ros-Lehtinen said in the letter that asks U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to ''review and reconsider'' some of the proposed increases.

The agency is proposing to raise the fee for nearly every immigration or naturalization service, saying it's necessary to keep the fee-dependent agency afloat. Agency director Emilio Gonzalez said the new fees will allow the agency to hire new employees and speed up processing of paperwork.

But advocates for immigrants said many of the fees will pose a burden to immigrants. Ros-Lehtinen singled out the proposal to raise the fee for work permits from $180 to $340.

''This fee is almost doubled, yet this would affect the most needy members of our nation whose only interest is to work legally in the United States,'' she said.

She also noted that the application to become a permanent resident would rise from $325 to $905 per person -- plus $80 for fingerprints -- if the fee increase were implemented. Agency officials said the increase includes the fee for a work permit as well.

The proposal would also increase the application fee to become a U.S. citizen from $330 to $595 -- an amount Ros-Lehtinen said could be prohibitive for elderly on fixed incomes.

''Becoming a citizen of the United States is a priceless honor. However, this increase would make citizenship unattainable to many U.S. permanent residents,'' she said.

The proposed increases have been published in the Federal Register and the agency is accepting comments on them from interested parties.

Housing programs could face millions in cuts
BY MATTHEW I. PINZUR AND LESLEY CLARK
mpinzur@MiamiHerald.com
Housing agencies across South Florida could lose millions of dollars in aid for low-income renters as Congress scrambles to approve a 2007 budget, but it was not immediately clear how housing programs would be impacted.
The House on Wednesday approved a massive 2007 spending plan that would redistribute the $15.9 billion Section 8 rental program, which provides vouchers that needy families can use to rent private apartments. The budget resolution now goes to the Senate, which is expected to approve it by Feb. 15 to avoid a shutdown of the federal government.
In Miami-Dade, housing director Kris Warren said no housing vouchers would be revoked, regardless of whether cuts are approved. Instead, she said the cut would be absorbed through attrition of more than 800 vouchers -- when one family leaves the Section 8 program, their voucher would not be passed to the next family on the waiting list.
Officials in Hialeah and Fort Lauderdale said similar attrition could be required from their programs.
''At the end of the day, it's families that don't get housed,'' Warren said.
House Democrats, however, said such draw-downs should not be necessary. They said an ineffective HUD funding formula left many cities with far more money than they could legally spend. They said the cuts would only move that idle money to places where it could be used.
''It's money they're not using,'' said Steven Adamske, a spokesman for Rep. Barney Frank, D-Ma., chairman of the House Financial Services committee. ``We're giving them the money they need to meet their needs but not giving them money to just bank it.''
The old funding formula is based on a three-month data snapshot taken in 2004. The Bush administration has acknowledged the formula needs to be updated.
''This allows the Congress to fund vouchers where low-income people are now, not where they might have been three years ago,'' appropriations chairman Rep. David Obey, D-Wis., said in a letter.
House and Senate Republicans failed to approve a federal budget before being voted out of power last year. Democrats are now planning to largely repeat the GOP's 2006 budget for fiscal year 2007 -- a measure known as a continuing resolution -- while planning a full reboot for 2008.
The continuing resolution passed in a 286-140 vote. All three of Miami-Dade's Republican representatives voted against it.
''A severe cut such as this would add insult to injury for these hard working families,'' said Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen in a written statement. ``I could not vote for such a drastic cut, and I am determined to get these funds back in fiscal 2008.''

Soldier�s wife joins lawmakers� appeal The wife of a kidnapped Israeli soldier joined top Democrats and Republicans in Congress in appealing for the release of her husband and other captives.
U.S. Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.), Mike Pence (R-Ind.) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) held a news conference Tuesday with Karnit Goldwasser, whose husband, Ehud, is one of two Israeli soldiers being held captive in Lebanon.
A third is being held captive in Gaza.
The lawmakers introduced a resolution calling for the soldiers� release.
�I don�t want them to be forgotten,� Goldwasser said. �For us it means the world.�
Ackerman called on the public �to not let these men become objects of memory before they are gone. They are not gone.�
Goldwasser said she would be willing to talk with Lebanese women to try to win the soldiers� release.
�I think that women-to-women can help end this conflict,� she said.

U.S. Congressmen Demand Hezbollah Release Israeli CaptivesJanuary 31, 2007 12:32 p.m. EST
Ryan R. Jones - All Headline News Middle East Correspondent
Jerusalem, Israel (AHN) - Five senior U.S. congressmen on Tuesday introduced a bill demanding that Lebanon's Hezbollah immediately and unconditionally release two Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers it abducted last summer.
Representative Tom Lantos (D-Cal.), who currently chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told a press conference in Washington D.C. that the resolution also insists upon the release of an IDF soldier kidnapped by the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas, and places ultimate blame for all three abductions on Iran and Syria.
The bill's sponsor, Representative Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.), blasted the fact that none of the captives have been allowed professional medical treatment, nor has a positive sign of life been offered.
"To date, there has been no access to these men by medical personnel or the Red Cross or the Red Crescent," said Ackerman in remarks carried by Ynet. "We don't know if they are wounded. We don't know for certain they are still alive."
Democrat Rep. Alcee Hastings (Fla.) and Republicans Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Fla.) and Mike Pence (Ind.) were also present in a show of support for the bill.
IDF Corporal Gilad Shalit was nabbed outside the Gaza Strip by Hamas-affiliated terrorists on June 25 last year, sparking the first Israeli military action in Gaza since Israel unilaterally withdrew from the area a year earlier.
Two weeks later, on July 12, Hezbollah mounted a brazen cross-border raid and captured IDF reservists Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser, leading to a bloody 34-day war between the Lebanese militia and Israel.

Congressmen Demand Terrorists Free Israeli SoldiersBy Fred LucasCNSNews.com Staff WriterJanuary 31, 2007(CNSNews.com) - Karnit Goldwasser hasn't seen or heard from her husband in six months, since he was kidnapped by members of the terrorist group Hizballah last summer. "I go to sleep alone. I wake up alone," the Israeli said in Washington D.C., Tuesday, surrounded by a bi-partisan group of congressmen. "We need to do everything we can to make sure this subject stays on the agenda and that this subject is not forgotten," she said. "Please don't stop raising your voices."Goldwasser was in Washington to speak on behalf of the families of three Israeli soldiers - two kidnapped by the Lebanese Shi'ite group Hizballah and a third held by Palestinian Hamas terrorists for more than seven months.She voiced support for a strongly worded congressional resolution, announced by members Tuesday, demanding that the soldiers be freed."To date, there has been no access to these men by medical personnel or the Red Cross or the Red Crescent," said the resolution's sponsor Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.), chairman of the House subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia."They have not been permitted to send mail to their loved ones. We don't know if they are wounded. We don't know for certain they are still alive," he said.Ackerman was joined in a show of support by Rep. Tom Lantos (D-Cal.), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), ranking Republican on that committee, Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), top Republican on the Middle East subcommittee, and Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.).The resolution would have no practical effect other than to serve as a "sense of the House," Ackerman said, conceding that the U.S. government cannot compel the terror groups to free their captors. But, he said, "We can let the perpetrators of the barbarism know that we have not forgotten what they have done."The first kidnapping occurred on June 25, 2006, when Hamas terrorists crossed the border south of the Gaza Strip to attack an army facility. They seized Cpl. Gilad Shalit and the following day said they would provide information about him in return for the release of all Palestinian prisoners who were female and those under the age of 18. On July 1, 2006, the terrorist group demanded the release of an additional 100 prisoners, but the Israeli government said it does not negotiate with terrorists. On July 12, Hizballah attacked a military base in northern Israel and took Sgt. Udi Goldwasser and Sgt. Eldad Regev captive into Lebanon.The kidnapping sparked a 34-day war between Israel and Hizballah. Israel withdrew its forces after a ceasefire in mid-August, but Hizballah has refused to free the two or inform anyone about their condition."Their captors have sought to turn them into something they are not - bargaining chips," Ackerman said. "These men are not things. They are human beings. They have names, and they have families."Ros-Lehtinen believes that deals Israel made with Lebanon in 2000 and with the Palestinians in 2005 were not accepted by the governments as good faith but as a sign of weakness. "With the deaths on Monday of three Israelis at the hands of a suicide bomber in a resort city on the Red Sea, we are again reminded of the perils of trying to negotiate with terrorists," Ros-Lehtinen said. Though Israeli officials said they will not negotiate with Hizballah, the missing man's wife said she would be open to a prisoner exchange. "I will do whatever is necessary to get my husband back," Mrs. Goldwasser said. "If that means a prisoner exchange, that's worth it to me to do."

Congressional resolution calls for captives' returnKarnit Goldwasser, wife of kidnapped soldier Ehud, meets US House representatives who sponsored resolution demanding unconditional release of soldiers, condemning behavior by Hizbullah and its sponsorsYitzhak Benhorin
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WASHINGTON - "I have no doubt that your wonderful husband and the two other brave Israeli soldiers will return," US Congressman Tom Lantos told Karnit Goldwasser, giving her a fatherly hug as she stepped up to the podium to speak at Capitol Hill.

The wife of Ehud Goldwasser, in Washington on behalf of the captives' families, held a press conference with Lantos - chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee - and other US representatives regarding a bi-partisan congressional resolution, which demands that the soldiers be freed.
Karnit Goldwasser with UN Ambassador Dan Gillerman (Photo: Reuters)

The resolution, which will be brought before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and then before the House plenum and the Senate for a vote, calls for an unconditional release of the captives and expresses dismay that no sign of life has been heard from them in over half a year.
"To date, there has been no access to these men by medical personnel or the Red Cross or the Red Crescent," said the resolution's sponsor Rep. Gary Ackerman, chairman of the House subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia.
"They have not been permitted to send mail to their loved ones. We don't know if they are wounded. We don't know for certain they are still alive," he said.

Resolution 'sends a message'
Lantos said the resolution, which places responsibility for the kidnapping on Iran and Syria , as well as on terrorist groups Hamas and Hizbullah , sends a clear message that Congress is standing firm beside Israel in its fight against terror.

Recounting the Monday suicide bombing in Eilat that killed three Israelis, Lantos voiced his desire to crush terror and bring quiet and security to Israel.
Ackerman conceded that the US government has no way of compelling the terror groups to free their captors. But, "we can let the perpetrators of the barbarism know that we have not forgotten what they have done," he said.
Ackerman and Lantos were joined in a show of support by party member Rep. Alcee Hastings and Republicans Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Rep. Mike Pence.
Ros-Lehtinen, also addressing the Monday bombing in Eilat, expressed her opinion that deals Israel made with Lebanon in 2000 and with the Palestinians in 2005 were not accepted by these governments as good faith gestures but as a sign of weakness.
"With the deaths on Monday of three Israelis at the hands of a suicide bomber in a resort city on the Red Sea, we are again reminded of the perils of trying to negotiate with terrorists," Ros-Lehtinen said.

Keeping the struggle alive At a press conference attended by Israeli ambassador in Washington Sallai Meridor and Israel's UN envoy Danny Gillerman, Goldwasser voiced support for the resolution. She thanked the participants for all they are doing and asked them to continue.
"I go to sleep alone. I wake up alone," she said. "We need to do everything we can to make sure this subject stays on the agenda and that this subject is not forgotten. Please don't stop raising your voices."
Goldwasser, who is in the United States for her fifth time since the kidnapping, will also participate in the AIPAC annual dinner on Thursday, where Hillary Clinton and other US officials will be speaking.

"We must keep reminding the world that UN Security Council Resolution 1701 calls for the release of the soldiers has not been implemented," she told Ynet.

"It cannot be that European nations, who send soldiers to Lebanon, don't demand that this issue be resolved."

Neighborhood News / A Roundup of News From Around the Beaches
MIAMI BEACH / SURFSIDE
CONGRESSWOMAN OPENS
TWO SATELLITE OFFICES
U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen has opened satellite offices in Miami Beach and Surfside. Ros-Lehtinen's congressional aide for Miami Beach, Marilys Diaz, will be at the offices to serve constituents with federal issues and answer questions.
The Miami Beach office, located on the third floor of Miami Beach City Hall at 1700 Convention Center Dr., will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays.
The Surfside office will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays at Surfside City Hall, 9293 Harding Ave., in the city commissioners' office.
According to a news release from Ros-Lehtinen, issues that can be handled at these offices include Social Security, Medicare, healthcare, veterans' benefits, immigration, U.S. military service academies, education, labor and the environment.
For information, call 305-390-1350.
MIAMI BEACH
SENIORS GROUP TO
DISCUSS CARTER'S BOOK
Prime Time Seniors of Miami Beach will meet at 2 p.m. Wednesday at The Floridian, 650 West Ave.
Former President Jimmy Carter's new book will be reviewed, and a light lunch wil be served. The event is free and open to all.
For information, call Stanley Shapiro at 305-531-2557.
MIAMI BEACH
MODELING AGENCY LAUNCHES WEB SHOW
Irene Marie Management, the Miami Beach modeling agency featured in the MTV television show 8th & Ocean, has rolled out a new online webisode series, A Model Day with Irene Marie.
The online series will be hosted by Irene Marie, and will feature new and established models from her agency. ''No confessionals, no overly edited footage, no scripted dialogue,'' promises a news release. ``The variety show aims to address issues related to the modeling industry ranging from A Model Polaroid Day to A Model Dog Day.''
New webisodes will be uploaded each week and can be found on the agency's official MySpace profile at www.myspace.com/irenemariemanagement. Irene Marie Management is at 728 Ocean Dr. Call 305-672-2929, ext. 133 for details.
LINCOLN ROAD
RED CROSS GROUP TO
HOST EVENT AT SANTO
The Young Professionals of Red Cross will host their first event of the year, ''Thursday @ Santo,'' from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday at Santo Miami Beach, 430 Lincoln Rd.
Guests will enjoy complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres with a twist on Modern American cuisine. Admission for Young Professionals of Red Cross members is free, and it's $20 for nonmembers. For information about the event, call Erika Mayor at 305-728-2572.
For information on the Young Professionals of Red Cross or membership, visit www.miamiredcross.org or call Edson Pires at 305-644-1200, ext. 108.
BAY HARBOR ISLANDS
GIRL SCOUTS TO SEND
COOKIES TO U.S. TROOPS
Through their participation in the annual Girl Scout Cookie Sale, Cadette Troop 802, located in Bay Harbor Islands, is participating in The Gift Of Caring program.
Under the program the scouts, ages 11 and 12, are selling boxes of Girl Scout Cookies that will be sent to Miami-based military units deployed to Iraq. For this project, Troop 802, whose members reside in Miami Beach, Bay Harbor and Surfside, has partnered with the Robert A. Ballard Armory. All donated cookies will be sent to First Battalion I/124 INF BN and the 260TH MI.
For information or to buy cookies for the troops, contact Kathy Imberman at 305-785-3163 or imberman@bellsouth.net.
News and photos of interest to neighborhoods, including items from civic organizations and local homeowners associations upcoming meetings and events, are welcome. E-mail jmurphy@MiamiHerald.com.