Thread: VA - Board Looks To Deny County Services To Illegals

Board Looks To Deny County Services To Illegals
By Dusty Smith

(Created: Tuesday, July 17, 2007 5:23 PM EDT)

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[Update] The Loudoun Board of Supervisors today unanimously approved a measure to direct County Administrator Kirby M. Bowers to determine what services the county can deny to illegal immigrants.

The measure does not bar any services immediately, but signals the county's intent to restrict illegal immigrants from using taxpayer-funded services provided for county residents.

Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio (R-Sterling) introduced the measure.

"We're at fault if we reward lawbreaking with free tax-funded services," he said, adding that all he seeks with the measure is to answer the question: "Are there ways to simply say no within the law, that's it."

He said this is the next step for Loudoun, which previously approved an ordinance that targeted illegal immigrants who are filling single-family homes in Sterling that have been converted to apartments, sometimes using backyards as restrooms.

"We are struggling. Help save Loudoun," Delgaudio said. "It's coming to your neighborhood soon. It's in Sterling Park."

Bowers also was directed to investigate whether the county can withhold business license or permits from employers found to be hiring undocumented workers.

The initiative is based on similar action taken by a unanimous Prince William County Board of Supervisors last week.

The resolution recognizes the benefits and significance of legal immigration in the building of the country, but states that the board has determined "that illegal immigration is causing economic hardship and lawlessness."

The resolution suggested that county agencies, by not aggressively verifying the immigration status of individuals in advance of providing services, is encouraging illegal immigration. That comment spurred objections from supervisors who questioned whether the statement was true.

Supervisor Jim Burton (I-Blue Ridge) and Sally R. Kurtz (D-Catoctin) said they preferred to delay action on the resolution, which was distributed to the full board this morning, until the board could meet with County Attorney John R. Roberts and better evaluate the ramifications of the action.

One action sought in the resolution-that the sheriff's office enter into a formal agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to permit deputies to enforce federal immigration laws-is already in process, County Chairman Scott K. York (I-At Large) said.

While Delgaudio is the loudest cheerleader for the action, Supervisors Mick Staton (R-Sugarland Run), Bruce Tulloch (R-Potomac), Steve Snow (R-Dulles), Jim Clem (R-Leesburg) and Lori Waters (R-Broad Run) signed on as co-sponsors.

Additionally, Republican candidate for sheriff Greg Alhemann spoke to the board this morning to urge passage. He said the lack of an aggressive approach to the community impact of illegal immigration played a key role in his upset victory over three-term incumbent Stephen O. Simpson during the GOP convention last month. Alhemann also said the county should avoid contracts with companies that employee illegal aliens, citing towing companies and carwashes as two areas of concern.

Another speaker this morning raised concerns that a focus on illegal immigration could deter crime victims or witnesses from coming forward to authorities.


http://www.leesburg2day.com/articles/20 ... 071707.txt

Is it just me or is anybody else getting tired of the "people will be afraid to report crimes or give witness information" if laws and ordinances are passed?

I'm sorry, but I live in an area surrounded by illegals. Let a crime happen and you have never seen such a high concentration of visual, hearing, and speech impaired people living in one place. Nobody knows a damned thing, and I've got news for all of their supporters.....it's not the police they're afraid of.

They are more afraid of the criminal element of their own kind.

As someone who lived in Northern Va. for 44 years all I can say is it is a bit too late. The area is over loaded with illegals and it is a bit like closing the barn door after the horse is out

I am afraid it is true here in Texas.

The incentive to come and stay - the jobs - need to be removed.

The 'knowingly' phrase needs to be taken out. That's a loophole as big as the Grand Canyon.

The laws the governments are passing are good - don't take anything away from them.

Is it not true that the verification system these employers are required to use only work for new hirings? It isn't to be used to verify present employees. Also, it doesn't seem to catch stolen ID. So it would seem these things are very limited - a start - but a start.