Thread: Improved database for a broken immigration system, S.D.U.T.

Union-Tribune Editorial

One step toward reform . . .

Improved database access for a broken immigration system

2:00 a.m. May 25, 2009

We often hear about how the U.S. immigration system is broken, and what comes to mind are the porous border, the difficulty of immigrating legally, and that millions of illegal immigrants live underground with no pathway to legalization.

But you cannot begin to understand just how broken the system really is until you take a look at how we typically deal with illegal immigrants who find their way into local jails after being incarcerated for other crimes.

In many counties around the country, officials have taken a hands-off approach that resembles “don't ask, don't tell.â€