Hispanics: Jones immigration idea 'cynical'
By Sheila McLaughlin • smclaughlin@enquirer.com • May 5, 2010

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Saying it was a "cynical and self-serving political ploy," the League of United Latin American Citizens of Ohio on Wednesday called for Butler County Sheriff Rick Jones to end his attempt to pass statewide anti-immigration legislation.

"You show blatant disregard for the health, well-being and long term economic stability of not only your community, but of the entire state of Ohio," the organization's state director, Jason Riveiro, wrote in a letter sent to Jones on Wednesday.

"These actions disgrace the integrity of the office and of the position you hold as a leader in your community."

Riveiro's strongly worded two-page letter was sent a week after Jones announced that he will spearhead an effort to have a statewide citizens initiative on the ballot in November.

Jones has said he wants a law that mirrors that of Arizona that makes it a violation of state law to be in the United States without proper documentation. It allows local police - not just federal immigration officers - to stop and verify the immigration status of anyone suspected of being illegal.

Jones and state Rep. Courtney Combs, R-Ross Township, also have collaborated in asking Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and other key Democratic leaders in Columbus to push pending immigration bills into law.

Strickland's staff has indicated he's not interested because immigration issues should be left to the federal government.

Jones and Strickland say the federal government hasn't done enough to control an influx of illegal immigrants.



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