Illegal Immigrants Get a Stay in Rhode Island

Immigration and naturalization are the objective of every immigrant who comes to the United States. And the Americans who live here are only too pleased to see that become a reality because it means new citizens, contributing citizens, who are here for the long haul, not simply to make money and return to their native lands, or worse, to hide as criminals under the guise of innocence.

Although immigration reform needs to be addressed in this country, especially in terms of its unfairness to illegals and the related debates surrounding the issue, giving illegal immigrants carte blanc to reside in the state is definitely not being seen as a move in the right direction by those opposed to the new Governor's way of doing things on day one in office.

An article detailing the highlights of Governor Chafee's innauguration follows below.

Update: Chafee lifts executive order on illegal immigration

Jan 05, 2011
By Karen Lee Ziner
Journal Staff Writer

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Less than 24 hours after he was sworn in, Governor Chafee Wednesday rescinded a controversial executive order on illegal immigration that had been issued by his predecessor, former Governor Carcieri.

Chafee signed the rescission in a packed room of cheering supporters, at the International Institute of Rhode Island, a nonprofit agency that aids immigrants and resettles hundreds of refugees each year.

He had pledged to rescind the order -- which he called divisive and harmful to the immigrant community -- as one of his first acts as governor.

"Roger Williams would be very proud," Chafee said as he signed the order.

Among other things, Carcieri's order required state agencies and vendors to verify the legal status of all employees.

Chafee's rescission will also end the so-called 287(g) agreement between state police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that has led to four troopers being deputized with immigration enforcement powers.

Though a Chafee senior staff member, Stephen Erickson, had said Tuesday night that the rescission would not affect the partnership agreement, Chafee said otherwise at the International Institute.

"What about 287(g)? Will it be revoked?" a reporter asked.

"That's right, that's right," Chafee responded.

State Police Col. Brendan Doherty said he was contacted by members of the governor's staff Wednesday morning "and I was told that the governor will be calling me with an ear to rescinding 287(g)."

The rescission will end a requirement that the Department of Administration and state vendors use a federal E-Verify screening program to determine whether new hires or employees are legally eligible to work in the country.

Carcieri issued his six-point executive order on March 27, 2008. He said the federal government had dropped the ball on immigration reform and "as a result, the flow of illegal immigrants has become epidemic." He argued that taxpayers were footing the bill.

Praised by opponents of illegal immigration, the order drew widespread protests over concerns that it would exacerbate racial profiling in Rhode Island.
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If you have questions about this posting or are interested in Criminal Defense, Divorce, or Immigration Law in RI contact Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer John E. MacDonald at 401-421-1440.

To learn more about The Law Office of John MacDonald, please visit his website at AggressiveLegalServices.com.