Gunpowder Chronicle posted on May 7, 2008 5:47 AM | Rating:
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Frederick County's new policy of inqiuring on the immigration status of people they arrest is drawing fire from CASA of Maryland, including some seriously trumped up figures of costs. The truth is always the first casualty in the immigration fight.
Let's be honest: the inquiry happens when a person is arrested. Not contacted. Not pulled over for speeding. Arrested. Frederick County Sheriff's deputies aren't going door to door in Ijamsville checking everyone's status. It isn't even clear that they are checking the status of arrestees based on race.
Let me ask a question: how is this any different than running an arrestee's criminal record, or fingerprints? Frederick County has a known issue with illegal aliens. Why shouldn't they -- directed by the legal citizens of Frederick County -- work to fix it in a professional and effective manner?
If CASA of Maryland, and other pro illegal immigration groups, really want to give opportunity to nationals of other countries, why don't they:
- work to lobby Congress to make legal immigration simpler and more effective for residents of countries with which we have strong economic and social ties?
- work to get illegal immigrants "legalized" by having them face up to their responsibilities
- work to promote economic growth, freedom, and liberty in the countries these immigrants are coming from?
No, instead CASA plays the tear duct card, talking about how hard it is on lawbreakers. And then they play the wallet card: it will cost too much to enforce.
How about the economic costs to lowest economic tiers of American citizens? Illegal immigrations depresses wages on these Americans. THAT costs taxpayers money. Illegal immigrants use vast amounts of local resources, including schools and hospitals. Many southern California hospitals are near bankruptcy from having to treat illegal immigrants.
Frederick County is doing the right thing to re-establish a little balance. CASA should step up and stop whining.