ArticleEnforcing our Immigration LawsBy Glen Colton, The Coloradoan, to be published September 30, 2005 The proponents of the so-called Human Rights Protection Ordinance (HRPO) have done this community a service by focusing a bright light on the issue of mass immigration in general and illegal immigration in particular. However, their "solution" to the problem of illegal immigration is the exact opposite of what is needed. The HRPO seeks to "respect the rights of, and provide equal services" to people who are here illegally (illegal aliens). It does so by preventing city employees from checking the immigration status of people who are seeking city services or have been picked up for infractions such as traffic violations. It would also require officials to recognize I.D.'s from other countries (including matricula consular cards issued by foreign embassies) as valid identification in place of a U.S. drivers license. The HRPO, if passed, would effectively make Fort Collins a "sanctuary city" for illegal aliens. Legitimatizing law breaking through the passage of the HRPO is bad public policy. It would create an atmosphere of disrespect for our nations' laws and reduce the safety of Fort Collins residents by unnecessarily handcuffing law enforcement officials. It appears that the only ones who might "feel" safer under the HRPO would be the illegal aliens. Numerous polls show that vast majorities of Americans are very concerned about illegal immigration. What Fort Collins citizens want and the nation's citizens are demanding is increased enforcement of our nation's immigration laws; not the lower levels of enforcement that sanctuary policies promote. Citizens want employers of illegal aliens punished, they are against drivers licenses for illegal aliens, they oppose sanctuary policies, are against amnesties and massive guest worker programs, and want our borders secured. The primary responsibility for enforcing U.S. immigration laws lies with the federal government, which has done a poor job due to lack of political will by our President and Congress. Interior enforcement is almost non-existent and our border is porous due to a lack of adequate resources. This situation is totally unacceptable to the vast majority of Americans! Given the current immigration situation in the United States, just what should the City of Fort Collins and the citizens of Fort Collins do? Listed below are concrete steps that should be taken: City of Fort Collins:
Citizens: Demand that the President and Congress enact meaningful immigration reform which includes the following elements:
It is clear that the "status quo" on immigration is no longer acceptable. The time to act is now. Get involved by weighing in on the HRPO and immigration legislation at the national level. For more information on local immigration reform efforts visit the Colorado Alliance for Immigration Reform (CAIR) website at www.cairco.org. Read the complete article.
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