Sorrell Asks For "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy With Undocumented Workers

Friday, 11/19/10 5:04pm

John Dillon - Montpelier, Vt.

.(Host) Attorney general Bill Sorrell is asking police to adopt a "don't ask, don't tell" policy when dealing with undocumented immigrants.

Sorrell says the proposal is designed to curb racial profiling and make it safer for victims of crime to seek help from law enforcement.

(Sorrell) "We don't want to see a situation where a victim or a witness to a crime is afraid to cooperate with law enforcement because of a fear of what might be federal immigration law implications."

(Host) The attorney general announced the new policy at a statehouse news conference. Sorrell said the Vermont approach stands in contrast to a law passed in Arizona, which requires police to ask about immigration status and turn over suspects to federal immigration authorities.

(Sorrell) The Arizona law is an example of shall ask, and shall tell. Our proposed policy is a Vermont variation of don't ask, don't tell.

(Host) Sorrell said the clear exception would be if the person is suspected of a crime, gang activity or are a threat to homeland security.

He said he can't impose the policy on local police agencies. But he's asking them to consider it.

http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/89342/