Thread: PA-Immigrant groups decry fingerprint sharing policy

Posted on Fri, Aug. 21, 2009


Immigrant groups decry fingerprint sharing policy



PHILADELPHIA - Some lawmakers in Philadelphia are joining immigrant advocacy groups in opposition of a new policy where city police turn over to federal authorities the fingerprints of immigrants who are arrested.

The "Secure Communities" program allows local authorities access to federal criminal and immigration records when they take suspects' fingerprints during the booking process.

Federal immigration officials say the goal is to identify criminals for deportation.

The Pennsylvania Immigration Citizenship Coalition say the program will make it more likely that immigrants who witness crimes will refuse to cooperate with police.

Several members of Philadelphia City Council says the program promotes fear of police in immigrant communities.

www.philly.com

This is one of the stupidest outcries I have heard of in my life. What, are cops only allowed to share info about Americans, but the true lawbreakers, the illegals, get a pass?

Illegals need to get the H out of our country and stop wasting our time and money.

Of course they would opposed that policy. It would identify them as criminals and illegals and could possibly result in deportation. I wish my town would do the same. I believe the City of Green Bay fingerprints anyone who cannot provide a valid driver's license when stopped for a traffic offense - love it.

Has EVERYONE called Mayor Michael Nutter at 215-686-2181 TODAY AND TELL THEM PHILADELPHIA NEEDS THE POLICE TO WORK WITH THE FED "SECURE COMMUNITIES" PROGRAM???

PLEASE FOLLOW UP WITH A LETTER FAX TO MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER AT: Fax 215-686-2180

THANKS EVERYONE!!!!

Some lawmakers in Philadelphia are joining immigrant advocacy groups in opposition of a new policy where city police turn over to federal authorities the fingerprints of immigrants who are arrested.

Why? So illegal immigrants can keep dodging the law. There could be serial rapists, murderers, perverts, burglers, etc living freely in our neighborhoods because no one knows their status after being arrested. They have been known to have multiple ID's so fingerprinting might be a great tool to identify them.

The Pennsylvania Immigration Citizenship Coalition say the program will make it more likely that immigrants who witness crimes will refuse to cooperate with police.

If they are getting arrested, they already don't cooperate with police.

Dixie