Post by richardkelsey on Oct 3, 2007 8:56:05 GMT -5
From today's APP
We are all aware of how Freehold Borough has been victimized by the nationwide illegal immigration problem. Our small town has borne a disproportionate share of this burden for many years. We stand alone between immigrant rights groups advocating friendlier treatment for the immigrants and many of our residents who call for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and housing codes.
Our actions in increasing housing inspections and enforcing no-trespassing laws have been disparaged by immigrant advocates while our resident population has decried what they perceive as appeasements to illegal immigrants. Our calls for assistance and intercession from our state and federal legislative delegations continue to be unheeded.
The only sound public policy emanating from our state or federal governments, from a public safety vantage point, comes with the directive issued by Attorney General Anne Milgram. Milgram has ordered all police jurisdictions to question the citizenship and immigration status of people who are arrested for an indictable crime or driving while intoxicated and to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of those suspected of being in the country illegally.
It's a shame it took the tragic murder of college students in Newark to propel our leaders to action. Although this policy does not cover misdemeanors, it does provide a process whereby ICE is informed of alleged illegal immigrants who take advantage of our nation's good nature and benefits and commit serious crimes against our society.
Many more facets of the illegal immigration problem warrant immediate attention — education funding and reform, overcrowded housing stock and predatory rental practices by absentee landlords, among them. The attorney general's directive is a great start to addressing these issues.
I appeal to our federal and state leaders to build on Milgram's efforts. Now is not the time for a group study hall project. It is the time for bold action to protect our residents and communities.
Michael Wilson
FREEHOLD MAYOR
We are all aware of how Freehold Borough has been victimized by the nationwide illegal immigration problem. Our small town has borne a disproportionate share of this burden for many years. We stand alone between immigrant rights groups advocating friendlier treatment for the immigrants and many of our residents who call for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and housing codes.
Our actions in increasing housing inspections and enforcing no-trespassing laws have been disparaged by immigrant advocates while our resident population has decried what they perceive as appeasements to illegal immigrants. Our calls for assistance and intercession from our state and federal legislative delegations continue to be unheeded.
The only sound public policy emanating from our state or federal governments, from a public safety vantage point, comes with the directive issued by Attorney General Anne Milgram. Milgram has ordered all police jurisdictions to question the citizenship and immigration status of people who are arrested for an indictable crime or driving while intoxicated and to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of those suspected of being in the country illegally.
It's a shame it took the tragic murder of college students in Newark to propel our leaders to action. Although this policy does not cover misdemeanors, it does provide a process whereby ICE is informed of alleged illegal immigrants who take advantage of our nation's good nature and benefits and commit serious crimes against our society.
Many more facets of the illegal immigration problem warrant immediate attention — education funding and reform, overcrowded housing stock and predatory rental practices by absentee landlords, among them. The attorney general's directive is a great start to addressing these issues.
I appeal to our federal and state leaders to build on Milgram's efforts. Now is not the time for a group study hall project. It is the time for bold action to protect our residents and communities.
Michael Wilson
FREEHOLD MAYOR
