Rhode Island Governor Carcieri Re-Affirms Need For Control Of Illegal Immigration

April 1, 2008 -- Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri today reiterated his belief that elected officials have an obligation to enforce and support all federal, state and local laws -- including those barring illegal immigration.

"Last week, I issued an Executive Order that is designed solely to enforce the illegal immigration laws currently on the books," Governor Carcieri said.

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Anti-immigration sign on a garage in Chepachet, Rhode Island: (Photo CC Apollo-Jack)

"As the grandson of immigrants and as a former businessman, I am a strong supporter of legal immigration. I support allowing more legal immigrants and guest workers to enter the country. Legal immigration made America what it is today and legal immigration helps drive our nation's economy."

"Illegal immigration, however, is an entirely separate issue," the Governor continued. "America needs to reform its immigration laws. Unfortunately, the federal government has failed to enact the necessary reforms. As a result, elected officials across America must support and enforce the laws currently on the books. The Executive Order I signed last week does nothing more than help Rhode Island state officials enforce the law."

"As I said last week, illegal immigrants face many daunting challenges," Carcieri said. "In search of a better life, they are forced to live in the shadows and take risks that nobody else must bear. That people must live that way is terribly unfortunate. But it is also the direct result of decisions that people make to come to and live in America illegally."

"Congress must reform America's immigration laws to fix this problem -- a problem that hurts illegal immigrants attempting to improve their lives and also the many American citizens who are forced to pay the cost in areas such as hospitals and local schools," Governor Carcieri concluded. "Until Congress acts, I have no choice but to uphold the law as it currently exists."

Source: Rhode Island Governor