Letters
Published: Monday, November 3, 2008

STATE MUST CRACK DOWN ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION


For too long our local representatives have played "ostrich" with their head in the sand when it comes to immigration enforcement.

New Hampshire is not immune from the effects of illegal immigration, as seen with the recent rapes in neighboring Rockingham County.

In Stratham, Nicholas Agengo, an illegal immigrant, faces rape charges of a 17-year-old girl. The case was scheduled to be presented to a grand jury in Rockingham County last month.

Mr. Agengo had been residing in Massachusetts at the time of the alleged crime. It is estimated that more than 250,000 illegal aliens live in our bordering state of Massachusetts.

In Portsmouth, Alfonso Mendoza, an illegal immigrant, has been charged with forcible rape and is being held on bail. Mr. Mendoza was employed by a restaurant in Newington.

At this time, it is unclear if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is involved and if the restaurant is being investigated for hiring an illegal immigrant.

These tragic events are a small fraction of a larger problem that's beginning to escalate throughout New Hampshire.

Our local officials are ignoring immigration enforcement laws, and constituents are not holding their elected officials accountable.

Heather MacDonald, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, testified before a subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee of the Judiciary that those who ignore enforcing the law place a higher priority on protecting illegal immigrants than protecting citizens from assault, rape, burglary and other heinous crimes.

By ignoring the law, we're allowing our state to become a sanctuary for illegal immigrants.

Illegal immigration is a critical issue, and we all need to take it seriously. Concerned citizens can get involved by joining a national and reputable immigration reform organization such as Numbersusa.com.

Another way to become involved is to contact your state representative and voice your opinion.

To find your representative, go to: www.gencourt.state.nh.us.

Beverly Hill
Nashua

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