Tancredo to Block Religious Groups from Harboring Illegal Aliens

Congressional Web Site ^ | April 11, '07 | Press Release

[T.L.Sink]

U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO), today criticized a loophole in U.S. immigration law that was quietly created by Sen. Robert Bennett (R-UT) in 2005. The "Bennett Loophole" created a broad exemption that allows religious organizations to knowingly transport, aid, abet and harbor illegal aliens. Tancredo said "Does it really make sense to allow Imams and mosques in this country a blank check to transport or harbor foreigners in this country illegally?" In fact, the "Bennett Loophole" has spurred Cardinal Roger Mahony of the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles to begin a sanctuary movement within religious organizations. First, by instructing his clergy and laypersons last year to ignore the House immigration bill (HR 4437)if passed into law, and then inspiring an L.A. church to harbor illegal aliens after facing deportation for violating federal immigration laws. Sen. Bennett's law was passed as part of the Agricultural Appropriations bill in 2005. The Senator claims he authorized the far-reaching provision to assist the Mormon church in utilizing illegal alien missionaries and volunteers. Tancredo concluded, "This law has set a dangerous precedent by giving terrorists a tool to attack the United States. No organization - religious or not - can be permitted to disregard our immigration laws and endanger public safety."

[T.L.Sink]

Perhaps it's time to eliminate the tax-exempt status of any religious body that encourages its members to aid or abet the violation of federal law. It's even gone beyond the economic, social, and cultural catastrophe of open borders. In this age of international terrorism it's clearly a national security danger as well.

[M203M4]

"Does it really make sense to allow Imams and mosques in this country a blank check to transport or harbor foreigners in this country illegally?"

BUMP.

[SmoothTalker]

” Sen. Robert Bennett (R-UT) in 2005. The “Bennett Loophole” created a broad exemption that allows religious organizations to knowingly transport, aid, abet and harbor illegal aliens. “

Sorry to see one of our “own” created the problem. Good that Tom is getting on it.

[nonliberal]

I agree. You harbor illegals then the county assessor will be there at 9. You are now on the tax rolls.

[elpinta]

Money talks, agreed!
Assisting to make it right is one thing, but assisting to violate the law: DONE!

[Arioch7]

I love Tancredo.

[HaveHadEnough]

Perhaps it's time to eliminate the tax-exempt status of any religious body that encourages its members to aid or abet the violation of federal law.

Does that include a religious body that might violate federal law by promoting the blocking of access to abortion clinics?

I don't think engaging in acts of civil disobedience, by itself, should be grounds for taking away tax-exempt status.

[rocksblues]

Sen. Bennett's law was passed as part of the Agricultural Appropriations bill in 2005

Is this what we elect people to govern and protect us are doing in our name?

The answer is yes!

The only way to correct this is term limits!

[EagleUSA]

The only way to correct this is term limits!

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Our founding fathers did a marvelous job of authoring and designing our country. They overlook one major horror, the professional politician. Term limits will never happen because of who has to vote on them to put them into law.

The Congress has checkmated the American public.

[rocksblues]

NYC has term limits and they are continuously trying to subvert the will of the people.

[hophead]

“Sorry to see one of our “own” created the problem”

One of our “own” is Bush! This is, to me, the only reason Bush has “violated his oath of office”. His policy on immigration and illegal immigration has not been different.He wants amnesty. I would not vote for him again.

[stompk]

“I love Tancredo.”

Hear. Hear.

[EagleUSA]

NYC has term limits and they are continuously trying to subvert the will of the people.

---

Of course, socialists are power-mad and the professional politician does not like term limits.

[lesser_satan]

In fact, the "Bennett Loophole" has spurred Cardinal Roger Mahony of the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles to begin a sanctuary movement within religious organizations.

Mahony is a filthy, degenerate Tartuffe who should be defrocked, excommunicated, and put in prison.

[Prokopton]

Mahony is a filthy, degenerate Tartuffe

Tartuffe? I had to look it up. Falsely pious...Thanks, I think I can use this name.

[lesser_satan]

It comes from (and was the title of) one of Moliere’s plays.

[T.L.Sink]

I completely agree on the need for term limits. The XXII Amendment (putting term limits on the presidency) was ratified in 1951. Our historical experience told us clearly (after FDR was more dead than alive in his fourth term) that the people must be protected from excessive tenure in public office.
By the way, this should also apply to Supreme Court members. As Mark Levin has documented in his book, many of them have been on the bench while clearly senile, deranged, or in other ways physically or mentally totally incapacitated.
Most of us have to function and be accountable for such failings. What gives these very important figures immunity from accountability in a democratic Republic where all our lives and values are so directly affected?

[wolfcreek]

One would think, as much legal trouble as the CC is having, they wouldn't&rsquo want to draw this attention to themselves. I’m all for *love thy neighbor* but, these people are criminal trespassers and their home countries are not good neighbors.

[snippy_about_it]

I just listened to Tancredo on Hannity. I liked him before and now I’m SURE I like him.

[Arioch7]

Yeah, I heard him on Howie Carr and he was his usual inimitable self.

Arioch7