Law Abiding? Citizens?

This morning I heard a conservative talk show host say that most illegal immigrants are "law abiding citizens." Now, I understand the need to pussy-foot around an issue because the host wanted to steer the discussion in a certain way. And, he probably wanted to avoid seeing himself in the Shepherd Express for weeks on end. But, I don't mind saying what occurred to me when he used the phrase. It's wrong on both counts.

Citizen? Illegal immigrants are not citizens. They must apply for citizenship and recite the Pledge of Allegiance a few times before they can become citizens.

Law Abiding? What part of ILLEGAL immigrant implies that? They're breaking a law every second of every minute of every day, voluntarily. They may be model individuals (not citizens), but they cannot be considered law abiding if they choose to ignore federal law. In fact, the hijackers were more law abiding than that, right up to about 7:00am on September 11, 2001. Some of them still had visas.

You needn't bother flaming me in the comments. I'm only pointing out the ridiculousness of trying to tip-toe around tender sensibilities. On the immigration issue itself, I don't see why I should care. If our government sees a threat, it should deal with it. When Washington gets serious, then perhaps I'll take the issue seriously. Right now, Connorsville is probably more proactive in enforcing its law against firing a gun during an orgasm.

So Much for Federalism

There was a time when a state or city could go above and beyond what the Federal Government does.

Heck liberals do it all the time in Dane County, all in the name of "progress." Do it in the name of cracking down on illegal immigrants, and it's suddenly unconstitutional.

A U.S. judge on Thursday struck down as unconstitutional a local law designed to crack down on illegal immigration, dealing a blow to similar laws passed by dozens of towns and cities across the country.

U.S. District Judge James Munley said the city of Hazleton, 100 miles north of Philadelphia, was not allowed to implement a law that would fine businesses that hire illegal immigrants and penalize landlords who rent rooms to them.

"Federal law prohibits Hazleton from enforcing any of the provisions of its ordinances," Munley wrote in a 206-page opinion following a federal trial in which Hazleton's law was challenged by civil rights groups.

The city of 30,000 blames a recent rise in illegal immigration for boosting crime and overburdening social services. The law was passed in July 2006 but was not implemented because of a court injunction won by opponents.

About a third of the city's residents are immigrants from Central America and around a quarter of the immigrant population is believed to be undocumented, according to civil rights campaigners.

Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta said the city would likely appeal the decision.

"I believe both sides realized this wasn't going to be the last day. This small city isn't ready to stop fighting yet," Barletta told CNN.

Dozens of towns and cities have modeled their own immigration laws on Hazleton in a bid to deal with an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants living in the United States.

One of them, was Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Oh, and those wanting to play "Who appointed him to the Federal Bench?" The answer's Clinton.

The only one to issue a statement so far of the '08 GOP candidates on this is the "non-candidate" Fred Thompson. But he's supposed to be in meltdown...how'd that happen?

Dealing with illegal immigration locally

Green Bay's City Council was the first in the state to take a local initiative in regards to illegal immigration. Any business in the area who knowingly hires illegal aliens "could have it's licenses, contracts and other grants from the city taken away." The measure was passed in a 9-2 vote on Tuesday night.

The Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council is up in arms over the decision and is actually "divorcing" itself from the mayor. Along with the ACLU, who will be keeping a close eye on how the ordinance is enforced, they find the measure to be discriminatory, "inhumane and mean-spirited."

In reality, the ordinance is simply enforcing the law. Illegal immigration has failed to be dealt with correctly federally. With the revival of shamnesty, it continues to be an uphill battle. We have seen the consequences, not only at a national but local level. Any steps to regulate and prevent such need to be taken.

Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt is a local leader who gets that.

Mayor Jim Schmitt said the city acted out of frustration with President Bush and Congress over their failure to deal with illegal immigration.

"Had the federal government done its job, we wouldn't have this issue and we wouldn't have to go have good people disagreeing," he said.

He also, accurately states...

"I don't think the ordinance is unwelcoming or discriminatory as others have said," Schmitt said. "To me, it says we want people who do business here to play by the rules."

More cities should follow Schmitt and Green Bay's lead.