Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Immigration enforcement debate in Massachusetts rekindled by recent crimes

A series of recent crimes in Massachusetts allegedly committed by unauthorized immigrants has resulted in a rekindling of the immigration debate with respect to how immigration enforcement should be handled at the State level.  

Massachusetts is one of only seven states that never agreed to participate in the Secure Communities program.  Now supporters of Secure Communities argue that Governor Patrick should sign on to the program because they believe that non-participation makes Massachusetts a sanctuary for criminal immigrants evading deportation. Governor Patrick is sticking to his guns, however, and maintains that immigration enforcement should be handled at the federal level.

The most shocking incident involves a 41-year-old Brazilian immigrant who allegedly stabbed his girlfriend to death.

As we learned in law school: bad facts make bad law.

Kolken & Kolken

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