12/20/2007
Craddick takes up immigration, calls for Congress, federal government to do more
Bob Campbell
Midland Reporter-Telegram

- City, county incentives envisioned to improve state-federal cooperation

Saying state and federal officials should work together to inhibit illegal immigration, Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick has asked the House Corrections Committee to investigate.



Committee Chairman Jerry Madden, R-Plano, announced plans to hold statewide hearings next year and report his findings to the 81st Legislature in January 2009.


Responding to questions from the Reporter-Telegram, Craddick was critical of President Bush, Congress and other federal authorities for mishandling the crisis.


Noting some city and county jails release undocumented workers without notifying federal agencies to have them deported, the Midland Republican said, "Congress and the various agencies maintain an acute awareness of the growing illegal population.


"But for the past 15 years, they have not provided a solution to deter or even slow the increase. Congress and the president need to fulfill their duties and address potential terrorist plots and negative social and economic effects of illegal immigration on families and communities."


Craddick said a reform bill unsuccessfully proffered last May by President Bush and U.S. Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts was questionable.


"Their proposal contained elements unacceptable to some communities that viewed it as citizenship amnesty," he said. "It addressed many economic and some social concerns. I hope Congress and the president will find a solution at an acceptable cost-benefit to taxpayers."


Craddick said he issued Corrections Interim Charge No. 7 at Madden's request because the lack of coordination "continues as one of the central issues of concern for state officials.


"The question centers on what duties the public wishes local and state officials to perform with available funds and personnel," he said. "Some prefer an aggressive approach while others want the federal government to take sole responsibility.


"Texas should secure the border with Mexico by supporting state and local law enforcement with funds and infrastructure to stop individuals from entering our state illegally. I hope during the next session to encourage and create incentives for cities and counties to help federal agencies enforce the laws already on the books.


"The most effective approach is for the federal government to provide reasonable means for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to secure the border."


Craddick noted the 80th Legislature last spring appropriated $110 million to bolster border enforcement and finance infrastructure.


Madden said he "will determine how we can improve coordination and remove convicted criminals in this country unlawfully. It's reprehensible to think we have custody of illegal immigrants and yet fail to identify them and coordinate with federal authorities," he said. "Those in state prisons are returned to their country of origin, but it's not known if local jails are doing the same."


Elected in 1992 from Representative District 67, Madden is eager because no state protocols exist for local agencies, including probation departments, to identify undocumented workers and coordinate with the Feds.


"We need to learn how so-called sanctuary cities process illegal immigrants convicted of crimes," he said.


Other committee members are Vice Chairman Scott Hochberg, D-Houston, Democrats Jim McReynolds of Lufkin, Jim Dunnam of Waco and Rene Oliveira of Brownsville, and Republicans Pat Haggerty of El Paso and Delwin Jones of Lubbock.


Craddick said the hearings are unrelated to House members having filed 50-plus immigration bills last January that were ruled unconstitutional by Attorney General Greg Abbott because they would have impinged on federal prerogatives.


"Chairman Madden requested this charge because it deals with state corrections system issues as related to his jurisdiction," said Craddick. "He views this problem as significant, as do I, and necessary for review in the interim.


"He has a well-earned reputation for digging deep into complex issues and I'm confident he will do the same here."


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