After my numerous postings criticizing the police chief and his
policies, it is appropriate to express recognition and appreciation of
his principled and practical advocacy of drivers licenses for undocument
immigrants (commonly labelled by the government and media as "illegal
aliens").
State and local authorities should not concern themselves with enforcing
federal immigration laws. The problem is that the national immigration
polices are contradictory and a colossal injustice. At the same time
that the laws officially prohibit people from coming to this country,
business policies and practices strongly encourage immigrants to fill
jobs that are too low wage for local citizens but are high wage for
middle class families living in third world conditions. Undocumented
immigrants are filling probably tens of thousands of jobs in
Minneapolis, paying taxes, and starting small businesses. At the same
time as they make the equivalent contribution to the economy of a U.S.
citizen, they must greatly restrict their lives based on the constant
threat of deportation.
There is currently a political potential for some meaningful immigration
reform. The new Mexican government has been actively lobbying to lift
immigration restrictions. Within the past couple of months, the Bush
administration floated a proposal to grant temporary legal status for
immigrants to work in this country. The policy of local and state
agencies should be to facilitate as much normalization for undocument
immigrants as possible, while elected officials should pressure Congress
to provide for amnesty for undocumented immigrants.
I am interested in hearing the positions of are local candidates, and
local and state elected officials on this issue.
Jordan Kushner
Powderhorn, Ward 8
"Dooley, Bill" wrote:
>
> According to a story in today's Star Tribune, both Chief Olson and Chief
> Finney support the granting of drivers licenses to illegal immigrants while
> Department of Public Safety Commissioner Weaver opposes it.
> http://www.startribune.com/viewers/qview/cgi/qview.cgi?template=metro_a_cach
> e&slug=legl05
>
> One side says it allows their city to keep better tabs on its drivers and
> residents while the other side says drivers licenses are a significant
> entree which allows its holders to obtain other documents. Comments please.
>
> Bill Dooley
> Ward 13
> Kenny
>
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