Thread: Feds: Deport migrant prisoners Cutting prison sentences save

Published: 03.28.2008
Feds: Deport migrant prisoners
Cutting prison sentences saves money, officials say
USA TODAY

Programs in Arizona and New York aimed at cutting the prison sentences of certain immigrant inmates so they can be deported faster have federal officials urging other states to adopt similar policies.
Officials in the two states say they have saved millions by turning over for early deportation some nonviolent immigrant criminals who have served at least half of their sentences.
Eligible inmates include both legal immigrants who committed certain crimes and illegal immigrants.
Since December 2005, 1,300 Arizona inmates have been turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation under the policy, said Nolberto Machiche, spokesman for the state Department of Corrections. The state has saved more than $17 million as a result because it no longer has to house the criminals, he said.
New York's program began in 1995, says Erik Kriss, spokesman for New York State Department of Correctional Services. Through December, nearly 2,000 inmates had been deported under the program for a savings of $141 million.
ICE officials say the federal government also saves money when immigrant inmates get sent home early, and ICE hopes to expand the program in the next few months.
"This program does not apply to your rapists, your murderers, your serious criminals," said Julie Myers, homeland security assistant secretary for ICE.
Myers says it costs an average of $95 a day for the federal government to detain and house illegal immigrants before deportation. The accelerated deportation policy "reduces the amount of time aliens are in our custody," she said. "It reduces the amount of time our lawyers have to spend prosecuting cases in immigration court."
ICE has been targeting illegal immigrants with criminal convictions, and the related costs are growing. Last year, 164,000 immigrant criminals were placed into deportation proceedings, up from 64,000 in 2006, Myers said.
Under the accelerated deportation programs, only those inmates who are eligible for deportation and won't fight their removal from the country can participate. If the deportee returns to the United States and is caught, the immigrant will serve the remainder of the original sentence plus prison time for any new criminal offenses.
The illegal immigrant may also face a separate felony conviction for returning after being deported and up to 20 years in prison. It would be up to each state to iron out specific eligibility requirements, such as how much of the sentences must be served before inmates are eligible, Myers said.
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Under the accelerated deportation programs, only those inmates who are eligible for deportation and won't fight their removal from the country can participate. If the deportee returns to the United States and is caught, the immigrant will serve the remainder of the original sentence plus prison time for any new criminal offenses.
The illegal immigrant may also face a separate felony conviction for returning after being deported and up to 20 years in prison. It would be up to each state to iron out specific eligibility requirements, such as how much of the sentences must be served before inmates are eligible, Myers said.

I have no problems with this program so long as THEY STICK TO THE ABOVE RULES AND IMPLEMENT THEM WHEN NECESSARY.

Why not sign an agreement with the other countries and allow them to house the illegal immigrant prisoners in their home countries. For example, if we're paying $80.00 a day to house an illegal Mexican murderer for life, why can't we offer Mexico $40.00 a day to hold the prisoners? Heck, I'll bet they can house the murderer for less than $30.00 a day. Personally, I think it's complete BS to let any prisoner go before he or she has served the awarded time.

No, no no! Businesses are clamoring for cheap labor, give it to them! Put these nonviolent illegal aliens to work to pay their way! Their families should be deported, if they are illegal. These two steps will go a long way as deterrents to prevent them from sneaking back in.

If they know they will be put to work and earning zip, they will be less likely to sneak back in. We won't need a "guest worker" program if we did this. Less anchor babies, less freeloading. Works all around.

The illegal criminals get a break on their sentences, get deported and are back to work in the US in a week with a new stolen ID.

This program will only be effective if enforced. I have my doubts.