SoCo Magazine - May 2008 - (Page 17) o u r vo Ic e I t appears that while Rhode Island and Massachusetts share a border, the leaders of these two states are polarized when it comes to identifying and stemming the flow of illegal aliens. Please be aware that the term we use throughout this opinion piece, “illegal aliens,” is considered the proper terminology for those who come into this country without permission, cross our borders with the intention of remaining for a period of time undisclosed to customs or immigration officials, or violate visas by staying over a restricted time. Under each of these conditions, the individual is a law-breaking alien and has no rights nor shall be granted any benefits by the states or cities that make up the United States of America. This is according to information found on government websites. As far as the term “immigrant” is concerned, nearly every one of us is a direct descendant of those who passed our borders legally, remained accountable, and respected the laws of the land. As far as we know, legal immigration is alive and well. Thousands of people are being allowed access to U.S. benefits, whether they remain here for a limited time or wish to become full citizens, a.k.a. Americans. The question is, why are state and city governments ignoring federal law? According to the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, all state and local governments are required to cooperate with and assist the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE. Yet, many not only ignore this federal directive, they defy it and create what have become known as sanctuary states and cities. At last count, our researchers found over 100 cities that blatantly support illegal aliens, or at least take a “don’t ask, don’t tell” approach when individuals are discovered or perceived as not having legal status. Mayors, congressmen and women, senators, and governors ignore federal law and turn their backs on this country’s citizens and taxpayers to garner support from illegal immigration groups, ethnic groups that could result in large blocks of votes. Naturally, they are interested in filling their coffers with political donations during election season. It isn’t a secret that many businesses with a common practice of hiring illegal aliens are some of the biggest donors to political parties or splinter groups with agendas. These businesses support a political party’s control over a region. When former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney left office, one of his last efforts involved having state police officers trained in apprehending individuals found to be illegal after being caught for an offense or during traffic stops. Within weeks of being elected, Governor Patrick Deval rescinded that directive, leaving the current policy so obscure and uncertain that even our investigation (this month’s feature, “Whose Rights Are Being Protected?”) did not yield any satisfactory answers as to what police or state and local agencies do when an illegal alien is discovered. This certainly doesn’t sound like representation for one’s constituents. On March 27, 2008, a bold and brave action took place in Rhode Island. Governor Donald L. Carcieri enacted an executive order for the control of illegal immigration. He made national, if not international headlines simply because he stated that he would obey federal laws—an action that is part of his job description. His rationalization was simple: They don’t belong here; they use up and burden resources such as human services, law enforcement, and education. Their illegal status “diminishes opportunities for citizens and legal immigrants,” he said. His order includes: implementing the E-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of new hires; requiring all persons and businesses doing business with the State of Rhode Island to confirm compliance with state and federal laws; identifying those using stolen identities for the purpose of obtaining child care, healthcare, identification cards, driver’s licenses, welfare, or employment; and training the Rhode Island State Police to aid ICE in the enforcement of federal immigration laws. In addition, Carcieri has instructed the Department of Corrections and law enforcement to investigate and determine the status of a person’s citizenship if taken into custody, incarcerated, or under investigation for a crime. It’s obvious that many Massachusetts representatives are willing to turn the other way or simply lack motivation to instruct public servants to identify these lawbreakers and turn them over to federal authorities. Even though most polling regarding the issue indicates Americans are opposed to amnesty and support closing and securing our borders, one also gets the impression from public forums that citizens want active deportation to take place. This issue isn’t going to be solved anytime soon. We may soon see a significant population shift occur as a result of many illegal aliens crossing from Rhode Island into Massachusetts, especially into those cities and towns with the warped perception that these people have a right to all services and benefits granted to U.S. citizens. We’ll be watching to see for just how long and to what degree these sanctuary communities are willing to pay in terms of social and economic costs, while they continue to protect criminals who don’t have any right to be here and steal resources paid for by you. O M ay 2 0 0 8 | s o co m a g azi ne . i nfo | 17 http://socomagazine.info
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