Immigration in RI Moves to Mimic Arizona

The Immigration debate lingers on with RI State Representatives attempting to push legislation through the system that would make detaining immigrants who cannot show proper identification legal.

The legislation pertains to those immigrants suspected of being in the country illegally, and gives law enforcement a broad spectrum of abilities with regard to legally detaining suspected illegals.

A recent article concerning one Representative's actions, with regard pushing this controversial legislation forward, follows below.

Palumbo plans to re-introduce controversial immigration bill

December 28, 2010

By Karen Lee Ziner
Journal Staff Writer

State Rep. Peter G. Palumbo said he plans to “keep the pressure on” by re-introducing copy-cat legislation in January of the controversial Arizona SB 1070 law, to curb illegal immigration in Rhode Island. Palumbo’s late-filed bill, cosponsored by Rep. Joseph A. Trillo, was killed before it could be heard in the House during the last session.

As written, the Arizona law makes failure to carry immigration documents a crime and gives police broad power, during lawful stops, to detain anyone suspected of being in the country illegally. A federal judge blocked key portions of that law a day before it went into effect.

Palumbo also said he will introduce another bill, or package of bills, when Governor-elect Lincoln D. Chafee goes forward with his announced plan to repeal Governor Carcieri’s executive order on illegal immigration. The bill, or bills, “will mimic the executive order to take its place legislatively,” Palumbo said.

Chafee has said he will make repealing the executive order one of his first acts as governor. Praised by opponents of illegal immigration, Carcieri’s 2008 executive order also drew widespread protest from immigrant advocates who argued that it exacerbates racial profiling.

As part of their research, Palumbo, D-Cranston, and Trillo, R-Warwick, in September toured the Arizona border with controversial Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. They also met with Governor Jan Brewer, who signed SB 1070 into law.

That month, the U. S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Arpaio for failing to cooperate with a federal investigation into whether his department has been systematically violating the rights of Hispanics. A federal class-action suit also charges Arpaio with racial profiling.

In a phone interview, Palumbo praised Arpaio, including his practice of forcing inmates to wear pink underwear.

“I have a pair of the pink boxer shorts that he autographed and signed for me that he puts the inmates in,” Palumbo said. “I’m aware of how controversial he is, but I think he’s a riot.”

Palumbo said he is also consulting with Minuteman Project leader Jim Gilchrist for guidance. The Minuteman Project defines itself as a “citizens’ watch group” that monitors illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexican border. The Minuteman Project and its chapters have been called an extreme nativist group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Several dozen people in clown suits interrupted Gilchrist’s appearance at an October rally at the State House. The rally was to support Palumbo’s pledge to reintroduce the Arizona-style legislation in January.

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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.