R.I.
Hispanic advisers resign to protest R.I. governor
By Ray Henry
Associated Press Writer / August 14, 2008
PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Eight people serving on Gov. Don Carcieri's Commission on Hispanic Affairs have resigned to protest Carcieri's immigration crackdown in Rhode Island.

Commission secretary Elida Araujo-Picard said she hand-delivered the mass letter of resignation to Carcieri's office Thursday. The panel has 12 members.

Several of the commissioners strongly criticized Carcieri after he signed an executive order in March. It requires state police and prison officials to identify illegal immigrants for possible deportation.

The order also requires executive branch agencies to use a federal database to check the immigration status of new hires.

Commission vice chairman Jenny Rosario said Carcieri is making immigrants a scapegoat for the state's financial trouble.

A spokeswoman for Carcieri said the governor will find replacements and will not rescind his order.




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