Debate Over a New Measure Aimed at Deporting Illegal Aliens

 

As reported by the New York Times, debate is stirring over whether a new measure to attempt to deport illegal immigrants being held in jails is an effective one.

As reported by the New York Times, debate is stirring over whether a new measure to attempt to deport illegal immigrants being held in jails is an effective one. The initiative, known as Secure Communities, was formulated under the Bush administration and began under a pilot program eight months ago in Houston, Texas. Under this program, local officials check fingerprints of those who have been arrested against a database of those who have had a run-in with federal immigration authorities. If the person in question is discovered to be present unlawfully in the United States, the case is then turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and deportation proceedings may begin.

Both pro- and anti- immigration groups have found fault with the program. On one side, some feel as though focusing on illegal immigrants who have criminal records lets too many other illegal immigrants without a record off the hook. Others feel that these measures have “created a climate of fear and paranoia” among immigrants, specifically Hispanics.

www.nytimes.com/2009/07/26/us/26secure.html

 

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