Tribes Offer Membership to Immigrants [selling tribal memberships to illegals to avoid deportation]

AP via Forbes ^ | August 17, 2007

[John Jorsett]

OMAHA, Neb. - For prices starting at $50, two nonfederally recognized Indian tribes are offering membership to thousands of illegal immigrants, claiming they can achieve legal status by joining the groups.

But immigration authorities insist becoming a tribe member gives no protection against being deported. And immigration advocates condemn the practice, saying it defrauds immigrants of money and gives them false hope.

"You can't just decide to become a member of a tribe and all of a sudden legalize your status," said Marilu Cabrera, a spokeswoman for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

In Nebraska, some people reported paying up to $1,200 to join the Kaweah Indian Nation, which became the target of a federal investigation after complaints about the tribe arose in at least five states.

Manuel Urbina, the tribe's high chief, acknowleged his group has sold at least 10,000 tribal memberships to illegal immigrants for about $50 each.

"We are not going against the law, we're with the law," he said, claiming membership papers can help illegal immigrants avoid being detained by authorities if they are asked for documents.

[Right Cal Gal]

Sounds like a scam to me.

[Pablo64]

Don’t know what they are putting in their “peace pipe” but it sounds like they’ve smoked a lot of it!

[nmh]

GEESH!

Aren’t they making enough through addicting gambling casino profits? Is this their sly idea of getting even with the “white man”?

[Pan_Yans Wife]

These tribes don’t have casinos. They are not federally recognized.

[longtermmemmory]

if I buy one can I buy a casino!

[nmh]

Oh ... then a scam.

[John Jorsett]

I want one so I can hunt on federal lands.

[madison10]

One way to make a buck.

[2ndDivisionVet]

Sounds like the Scottish scam where you buy a small plot of land and can call yourself a “Laird” (Lord).

http://www.laird-of-glenmore.com

https://www.lochaberestates.com/index.php/language/us?gclid=CL6-4JzR_Y0CFRcIYgodqVdJLA

[Jet Jaguar]

Does this offer include an acre parcel on the moon?

[Red Badger]

We’re the Fukawi.............

[ruination]

Easy money is the new fire water!

[tpaine]

Manuel Urbina, the Kaweah Indian Nation's high chief, acknowledged his group has sold at least 10,000 tribal memberships to illegal immigrants for about $50 each.
"We are not going against the law, we're with the law," he said, claiming membership papers can help illegal immigrants avoid being detained by authorities if they are asked for documents.

Hmmm, interesting ploy. Almost worth the 50 bucks to see the face of the next 'official' who asks for my 'documents'.

[fish hawk]

Ward Churchill is in line there to get his membership papers. Then he will almost be a real Indian.

[tpaine]

Is it true that Indian tribal members do not need state hunting licenses to hunt on fed lands?

[EggsAckley]

“We’re the Fukawi.............”

OMG. What a blast from the past.

Heheheh. Thanks for that.

[umgud]

What was it that P.T. Barnum said?

[gubamyster]

ping

[gotribe]

That’s not exactly a trade up.