Ted Robbins

Tough Arizona Sheriff Gets Judicial Reprimand

Ted Robbins — Sat, 25 May 2013 09:55:00 +0000

In Arizona, a federal judge ruled against the Maricopa County Sheriff's Department, saying it used racial profiling to enforce the state's tough immigration laws. Host Scott Simon talks with NPR's Ted Robbins about the ruling.

Bill Would Put Immigration Verification System To The Test

Ted Robbins — Thu, 02 May 2013 20:35:00 +0000

Some employers around the nation have been using E-Verify to check the immigration status of employees for years. Operated by the Department of Homeland Security, the online system is designed to make it harder to hire unauthorized workers — and harder for those workers to find jobs.

While participation in the program has been voluntary since 1996, the immigration bill now in the Senate would make E-Verify mandatory.

In Arizona, the Tucson-based social services organization PPEP employs more than 500 workers.

U.S. Aims To Track Foreigners Who Arrive, But Never Leave

Ted Robbins — Wed, 01 May 2013 21:10:00 +0000

Nearly half the people now in the U.S. illegally didn't climb walls, wade across the Rio Grande or trek through the desert to get here. They arrived legally, with tourist or student visas. And when those visas expired, they just never left.

Like the rest of the 11 million undocumented people in the United States, they are part of the underground economy and the government doesn't know where they are.

Housing Recovery Offers Little Comfort To Family Whose Home Is Underwater

Ted Robbins — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 20:46:00 +0000

The steady stream of good news about the recovering housing market isn't without its limits. Thad Salter and his family live in the Phoenix suburb of Maricopa since moving from California in 2006. He's seen his home drop in value by more than half and has been underemployed as an human resources professional since 2008. NPR's Ted Robbins reports that, for the Salters, the housing news isn't as good as reports in the housing industry would suggest.

With Budget Cuts For Ports, Produce May Perish

Ted Robbins — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 08:02:00 +0000

Budget-cutting from the government sequester that began March 1 could affect U.S. exports and imports, including what we eat.

Customs and Border Protection officers regulate trade at the nation's 329 ports of entry, in harbors, airports and on land.

One by one, drivers approach booths with Customs and Border Protection officers at the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales, Ariz. More winter produce enters here than at any other place in the U.S.