Panel critical of R.I.’s immigration efforts

01:00 AM EDT on Sunday, October 12, 2008

By Steve Peoples

Journal State House Bureau


PROVIDENCE –– Governor Carcieri was not among the hundreds of Dominicans, Hispanic leaders and national immigration experts gathered downtown for the Dominican American National Roundtable’s annual conference this weekend.

But he was a constant topic of conversation.

In an event that drew an estimated 500 people from across the country, Rhode Island’s Republican governor — and more specifically his recent efforts to enforce federal immigration laws — played a central role.

“From a spiritual perspective, we feel like it’s a blessing to have the conference here. This state is going through a lot, especially with Governor Carcieri,â€