Immigration newsletter 18 Jan 2006

Protests organized against illegal immigration in the US last week drew small numbers, and in some cases attracted more immigration supporters than protestors. The "Stop the Invasion" protests Saturday were organized in 19 states, demanding the government to increase border security and penalize employers who hire illegal workers. "This is not a racist thing," said one protestor, a construction worker from Westchester, New York. "We pay taxes, they don't. I get paid what the union says. The contractor pays them cash. It's not fair to me." The protests came at the same time as diplomats from Mexico and Central America met to demand guest worker programs and the legalization of undocumented migrants in the United States, while criticizing a U.S. proposal for tougher border enforcement.

Are you considering New Zealand immigration? Please see the special feature of one British man's immigration story. Apprehensive at first, he fell in love with beautiful New Zealand and has recently become a resident. Last year, more than 25,000 Brits headed for New Zealand. Visit our New Zealand immigration guide for more information.