Posted on 12/04/2006 12:46:30 PM PST by Kaslin
Massachusetts state troopers may soon be allowed to arrest immigrants who are in the state illegally.
Currently, troopers have no power to detain people for violations of their immigration status.
Troopers currently can call federal authorities for a check of their immigration status, and detain them if federal officials request it.
But Gov. Mitt Romney's office reportedly says the governor has worked out a deal with federal officials under which troopers will have the power to arrest.
About three dozen troopers will be given the authority after they complete a month-long training program.
The agreement, which is expected to be announced this week, is being criticized by immigrants rights groups.
Ali Noorani, executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, says it raises concerns about racial profiling.
Today is an opportunity for Massachusetts residents to think about what the Commonwealth would look like without immigrants.
Take a moment and think about who is serving you when you get your coffee, who is cleaning your office.
Think about their hopes and dreams.
I'm liking Romney more and more!
Since none of the political class has done anything about illegal immigration ever, any movement in the right direction must necessarily involve politicians who have done nothing previously start to do something. Those politicians in more competitive races will be those that posture in our direction. Nothing more competitive than a Presidential race.
So, kudos to Romney, I would welcome some other converts who want to do some anti-illegal posing, posturing and pandering.
About three dozen?
Whoa.
This better be a train the trainer situation or it is merely feel good press release.
If liberals get their way in many states, the illegals will be issued driver's licenses.
Are we talking legal immigrants?
No problem. I welcome them with open arms!
Are we talking illegal immigrants?
BIG problem. Get the HELL outta my country!
Problem is, this will be made into an across the board check of the immigration status of every person that the state troopers come into contact with. If a person does not have a valid passport, they will wind up subject to arrest until their "status" is determined. This program will be just like TSA screening. Everyone will have to carry documentation proving citizenship or a valid visa. It is all fun and games until your name winds up on a list. This is a federal problem, not a state problem. Another unfunded mandate to grow big government.
Good post.
wonder what the citizenship status of Al Noorani is?
Give troopers the power to do their duty? When did they lose their power to ENFORCE the law? Yes, I know, they have lost the power- but a thread like htis shouldn't even be necessary IF the law was able to UPHOLD the law as they were hired to do- but sadly PC dictatesa that they can't! http://sacredscoop.com
What....are you saying that conservatives might actually catch on to the fake-conservatism tricks now that Pres. Bush has become unveiled?
Ok, and it still means nothing, because the second it goes into effect, Patrick will end the program. Sorry, doesn't impress me.
Good idea.
"Romney has been negotiating with the federal government for over a year to get this through."
I'm not as up on this as you, do you have a link to an old story that describes the start of this too-late effort? First I have heard of it.
Ali Noorani, executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, says it raises concerns about racial profiling.
What does "race" have to do with enforcing our laws!!!!PLEASE Ali Noorani let me know the answer to that! D@MN
That oughta make em smile.
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