In response to “Loud call for sanctuary city” (Auburn Reporter, Jan. 27), I feel compelled to share my views.
Whether you use the term “welcoming city” or “inclusive city” or “sanctuary city,” it concerns me that our mayor seems to condone the breaking of federal immigration laws. I am not a heartless individual. I interact regularly with young people, some whose parents are illegally in our country. The key word is, illegally. To use the term, “undocumented” is misleading.
The parents of the students from Auburn High School made a choice years ago to break U.S. law. Might they have come from an area of high poverty? Might they have come from an area of high crime from which they wanted to escape? Yes, those are possibilities.
It does not change the fact, though, they knowingly broke our laws and either brought their families here or started their families here. And, now, are we just supposed to ignore the law and the applicable consequences?
For decades, folks have followed procedures and requirements, adhered to our immigration laws and have made their homes here, assimilating into the American culture because they wanted to “be” Americans.
It saddens me I live in a city where I was not even aware that the term “welcoming city” was a guise for “sanctuary city.”
Do I think law enforcement should purpose to track down and round up all the illegals? No. However, if one’s illegal status shows up during an arrest, I feel this information should immediately be forwarded to ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and then followed up with the established protocol of ICE.
The services freely offered to illegals are overwhelming. Just because illegal aliens are not legally entitled to these benefits does not mean they do not apply for them. Yes. It is true that illegal aliens have received grants, professional accreditations, loans, WIC, disability, public housing, college educations, food stamps, unemployment benefits, and tax credits from state and federal agencies.” (From: Law Dictionary: “Why is it that Illegal Aliens Get Free Food Stamps, Health Insurance and Pay No Taxes?”).
My family has had to work hard for the benefits and services we enjoy, yet many illegals are taken care of, paid for, in part, by all of us who are here legally.
Something is wrong with this picture.
We are a nation of laws. If you do not agree with a law, speak to Congress to consider revising the law. But, as long a law is a law, it should be enforced. Or, can we all just pick and choose what laws we are going to adhere to?
– Lisa Roman
