Immigration
Editor, Times-Union:
The Indiana General Assembly is considering anti-immigrant legislation, the most notable of which is Senate Bill 590. SB 590 is modeled after Arizona’s much-publicized immigration law, currently being challenged in Federal District Court on constitutional grounds.
According to Indiana immigration attorney, Angela D. Adams, Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution grants the power to regulate immigration exclusively to the federal government. States or municipalities who choose to set their own immigration policies violate the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution. Immigration laws and ordinances passed by states and municipalities have led to costly litigation battles. Is this the best use of taxpayer dollars when Indiana is already finding it difficult to fund important services dependent on tax dollars?
States are justifiably frustrated because the federal government has failed to fix the country’s broken immigration system. Most undocumented immigrants prefer to have lawful status. However, a system that requires a waiting period of anywhere from five to 20 years to obtain lawful status is outdated and does not reflect the current demand for labor.
Many Indiana citizens are concerned about the tone of the state’s position on immigration. Does SB 590 truly reflect Indiana’s values as they relate to specific policy issues that have become central to the immigration discussion?
Immigration is a federal policy issue between the U.S. government and other countries – not Indiana and other countries. Congress must lead the way in strengthening and reforming federal laws. Border security focusing on real threats to national security must be a key component of any comprehensive immigration policy.
Local law enforcement resources must focus on criminal activities and public safety rather detaining suspects because of their lack of English proficiency or the color of their skin.
Strong families are the foundation of any successful community. Legislation that separates families must be opposed. Policies are needed that support families and improve the health, education and well-being of all Hoosiers.
Indiana is best served by an economy that maximizes individual freedom and opportunity. Immigrants play an important role in Indiana’s economy as workers and taxpayers. Indiana’s immigration policies must reflect a global reputation as a welcoming and business-friendly state.
Immigrants are a vital part of many communities across the state. Indiana should always be a welcoming place with a humane approach toward others who come here seeking a better life.
Does SB 590 truly reflect Indiana’s values? We hope it does not. How our state treats immigrants says more about us than it does our immigrant neighbors.
If you believe immigration is a federal issue; that law enforcement should focus on crimes; that strong families are the foundation of successful communities; that Indiana should be a welcoming state; and that the way we treat immigrants says more about us than it does them, visit www.indianacompact.com and join many other Hoosiers in indicating your support of the principles of the Indiana Compact.
State anti-immigrant proposals like SB 590 will not solve the problems of the federal immigration system. They will, however, create litigation that will consume valuable tax dollars. Indiana, be careful what you ask for. You just might get it.
Akron Community Relations Task Force
Juan Baca, Dean Baker, Suzie Baker, Brett Boggs, Priscilla Burdge, Ross Burdge, Crescencio Hernandez, Mauricio Herrera, Rosy Jansma, Miriel McFarland, Genoveva Ramirez and Paul Shirley.
Akron, via e-mail
Editor, Times-Union:
The Indiana General Assembly is considering anti-immigrant legislation, the most notable of which is Senate Bill 590. SB 590 is modeled after Arizona’s much-publicized immigration law, currently being challenged in Federal District Court on constitutional grounds.
According to Indiana immigration attorney, Angela D. Adams, Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution grants the power to regulate immigration exclusively to the federal government. States or municipalities who choose to set their own immigration policies violate the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution. Immigration laws and ordinances passed by states and municipalities have led to costly litigation battles. Is this the best use of taxpayer dollars when Indiana is already finding it difficult to fund important services dependent on tax dollars?
States are justifiably frustrated because the federal government has failed to fix the country’s broken immigration system. Most undocumented immigrants prefer to have lawful status. However, a system that requires a waiting period of anywhere from five to 20 years to obtain lawful status is outdated and does not reflect the current demand for labor.
Many Indiana citizens are concerned about the tone of the state’s position on immigration. Does SB 590 truly reflect Indiana’s values as they relate to specific policy issues that have become central to the immigration discussion?
Immigration is a federal policy issue between the U.S. government and other countries – not Indiana and other countries. Congress must lead the way in strengthening and reforming federal laws. Border security focusing on real threats to national security must be a key component of any comprehensive immigration policy.
Local law enforcement resources must focus on criminal activities and public safety rather detaining suspects because of their lack of English proficiency or the color of their skin.
Strong families are the foundation of any successful community. Legislation that separates families must be opposed. Policies are needed that support families and improve the health, education and well-being of all Hoosiers.
Indiana is best served by an economy that maximizes individual freedom and opportunity. Immigrants play an important role in Indiana’s economy as workers and taxpayers. Indiana’s immigration policies must reflect a global reputation as a welcoming and business-friendly state.
Immigrants are a vital part of many communities across the state. Indiana should always be a welcoming place with a humane approach toward others who come here seeking a better life.
Does SB 590 truly reflect Indiana’s values? We hope it does not. How our state treats immigrants says more about us than it does our immigrant neighbors.
If you believe immigration is a federal issue; that law enforcement should focus on crimes; that strong families are the foundation of successful communities; that Indiana should be a welcoming state; and that the way we treat immigrants says more about us than it does them, visit www.indianacompact.com and join many other Hoosiers in indicating your support of the principles of the Indiana Compact.
State anti-immigrant proposals like SB 590 will not solve the problems of the federal immigration system. They will, however, create litigation that will consume valuable tax dollars. Indiana, be careful what you ask for. You just might get it.
Akron Community Relations Task Force
Juan Baca, Dean Baker, Suzie Baker, Brett Boggs, Priscilla Burdge, Ross Burdge, Crescencio Hernandez, Mauricio Herrera, Rosy Jansma, Miriel McFarland, Genoveva Ramirez and Paul Shirley.
Akron, via e-mail
