A Response to Govenor Pawlenty's Proposal to Pass Anti-Immigration Legislation
I'd like to state my opinion regarding the negative effects of the Pawlenty's proposed anti-immigration legislation. There's also a close correlation between the impact of this proposed legislation with city policy and practice, particularly regarding the role of public safety officials.
It is clear that the enforcement of immigration policy is a federal issue and NOT a state or city responsibility. This has been wisely recognized by both the Minneapolis and St. Paul City Councils in the passage of ordinances that in no way limit the ability of officials to investigate suspected criminal activity. In fact, one could argue that adding immigration responsibilities to an already over-burdened police force will make it less likely that they will have time to identify and arrest criminals, regardless of where they were born. The January 4th, 2006 press release from the offices of both Mayors and Chiefs of Police in Minneapolis and St. Paul, clearly states opposition to "Govenor Pawlenty's attempt to intervene in our ability to protect and serve people in our cities with misguided, unfunded, and unworkable approaches that would not improve the safety of our citizens in any substantial fashion..."
Such policies will lead to an increased need for law enforcement to racial profile. If the proposed laws are passed, police will be asked to seek out undocumented individuals and to check visa status and place of birth. Such practices will likely reverse progress that has been made in preventing racial profiling. The Minnesota statute prohibiting racial profiling states that "the legislature finds that the reality or public perception of racial profiling alienates people from police, hinders community policing efforts, and causes law enforcement to lose credibility and trust among the people law enforcement is sworn to protect and serve." Surely this statute should serve as a precendent and a framework for Govenor Pawlenty's actions!
-Louisa Hext
It is clear that the enforcement of immigration policy is a federal issue and NOT a state or city responsibility. This has been wisely recognized by both the Minneapolis and St. Paul City Councils in the passage of ordinances that in no way limit the ability of officials to investigate suspected criminal activity. In fact, one could argue that adding immigration responsibilities to an already over-burdened police force will make it less likely that they will have time to identify and arrest criminals, regardless of where they were born. The January 4th, 2006 press release from the offices of both Mayors and Chiefs of Police in Minneapolis and St. Paul, clearly states opposition to "Govenor Pawlenty's attempt to intervene in our ability to protect and serve people in our cities with misguided, unfunded, and unworkable approaches that would not improve the safety of our citizens in any substantial fashion..."
Such policies will lead to an increased need for law enforcement to racial profile. If the proposed laws are passed, police will be asked to seek out undocumented individuals and to check visa status and place of birth. Such practices will likely reverse progress that has been made in preventing racial profiling. The Minnesota statute prohibiting racial profiling states that "the legislature finds that the reality or public perception of racial profiling alienates people from police, hinders community policing efforts, and causes law enforcement to lose credibility and trust among the people law enforcement is sworn to protect and serve." Surely this statute should serve as a precendent and a framework for Govenor Pawlenty's actions!
-Louisa Hext
posted by Jewish Community Action Staff at 9:00 AM
1 comments
