Tuesday, August 02, 2011

When Is It Not The Law?

The debate rages over illegal immigration. That's what we call it, isn't it?

Aren't there existing federal laws regarding how a citizen of another nation enters this country? Don't we have a system of visas, short/long term visitations, naturalization processes, even an "Immigration Control & Enforcement" agency replete with black jackets, cool SWAT gear and heavy-duty door busting rams?

So, what then to make of this business in which the Department of Justice (which may be emerging as the #1 oxymoron of the 21st Century) sues yet another state:

Alabama Merits Federal Smack-down

It may seem a bit harsh, but it certainly is a reflection of state government dealing with a pressing state issue. The burden on state education, state services, state law enforcement, state security seems apparent.

What amazes me is this federal rationale:
The Justice Department, in its filing, says a state cannot set its own immigration policy and cannot pass laws that conflict with federal immigration laws.
"To put it in terms we relate to here in Alabama, you can only have one quarterback in a football game. In immigration, the federal government is the quarterback," said Joyce Vance, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama.

I simply cannot see how what Alabama wants to do is "in conflict" with federal laws. It seems that federal enforcement and policy is in conflict with federal laws. What Alabama wants to do is aid and assist the feds who apparently are either unaware of their laws or incapable of doing anything about them.

3 comments:

MagiK said...

You can't enforce the laws we make, you have to let US do that because we are the grand inquisitors.....

What a sham this thing we call a federal government is.

hitman said...

It's not the law when enforcing it, or letting the states enforce it(who bear the brunt of the financial burden) might cost your political party some votes.

nzgarry said...

I worked my time in the US on a
H-1B visa.
That stamp on my passport got me a social security number and card. From there I could get my driver license,insurances, open bank accounts ...and find out what the IRS did.

My point is that these people must be involved in multiple illegal 'deals' just to get by from day to day. I would hazard a guess that the police could make dramatic inroads into illegal activities of all type by having such people ejected whenever found.

Also, who pays the bill when (say) some citizen is hospitalised by one of these people?.
I would make sure my personal injury insurance was up to date, but nonetheless, someone is picking up a tab that they shouldnt have to.