Abiding by the law

R.I. move against illegal immigration welcome

The resignation of eight of 12 members of Rhode Island’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs is an unnecessary distraction from the real issues at play in the debate over illegal immigration.

Members have accused Gov. Donald L. Carcieri of creating a climate of fear in Rhode Island with his recent executive order to identify and deport the estimated 20,000 to 40,000 illegal immigrants in the state. Carcieri wants to deport illegals who may be in the state’s prison population, and is insisting the executive branch screen potential employees to make certain they are legal.

Those moves didn’t sit well with some commissioners, who tried to portray the governor’s actions as an attack on Hispanics. Such politicization is wrongheaded and should only fuel the anger of law-abiding citizens of every ethnicity and background who are fed up with employers and government turning a blind eye to the breaking of the law.

Immigrant experts may disagree on whether the recent nationwide drop in illegal immigration is primarily due to stricter enforcement or the slowing economy. In either case, Gov. Carcieri deserves credit for doing his job.
http://www.telegram.com/article/2008081 ... 70372/1020