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Feds to Check Jails for Illegal Immigrants

Program would boost deportation, though at steep costs

By Gabriel Winant,  Newser User

Posted May 19, 2009 10:17 AM CDT

(Newser) – The US government is ramping up a program to identify illegal immigrants being held in local jails for non-immigration crimes, and flag them for deportation, reports the Washington Post. Currently operating in 48 counties, the program will be screening every local jail by 2012. The program was started under President Bush, and jibes with President Obama’s pledges to focus on law-breaking illegal immigrants over law-abiding ones.

“Secure Communities” has critics on both sides. “If the Obama administration abandons immigration enforcement in all but the most serious criminal cases, then they will create a de facto amnesty,” warns a Texas congressman. And the head of a nonprofit policy institute sees unintended consequences for innocent immigrants, being “pulled into this net even for minor violations that they’re booked for.”

Demonstrators pass City Hall during a march and rally for immigration law reform in Los Angeles, May 1, 2009.
Demonstrators pass City Hall during a march and rally for immigration law reform in Los Angeles, May 1, 2009.   (AP Photo)
The sun beats down on construction workers constructing the border wall in Granjeno, Texas, Feb. 4, 2009.
The sun beats down on construction workers constructing the border wall in Granjeno, Texas, Feb. 4, 2009.   (AP Photo)
A few of the nearly 200 convicted illegal immigrants handcuffed together are moved for incarceration until their sentences are served and they are deported, Feb. 4, 2009, in Phoenix.
A few of the nearly 200 convicted illegal immigrants handcuffed together are moved for incarceration until their sentences are served and they are deported, Feb. 4, 2009, in Phoenix.   (AP Photo)
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Many, many legal immigrants are going to be pulled into this net even for minor violations ... and after they've lived here 10 or 20 years, they're going to be deported. - Tom Barry, analyst at the Center for International Policy

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
TJ
May 20, 2009 8:12 AM CDT
Why, So we can pay for there food and shelter for years at a time. Let there home countries deal with that. As long as we don't let them slip back into the country, we should be okay.
justme
May 19, 2009 11:48 AM CDT
How about sending them home and tightening the borders so that they get caught if they try to return? Illegal is illegal. Starting with criminals is a good idea but we still have to control the borders or just decide that anyone can enter unrestricted.
SBS
May 19, 2009 4:47 AM CDT
If they are illegal immigrants and they commit a crime, deport them. End of story.

 
illegal immigrant • deportation • jail • illegal immigration • Immigration and Customs Enforcement • George W. Bush • President Obama

 
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