GOP Congressman Says Some U.S. Cities Flaunting Immigration Laws
by Chad Groening
March 3, 2004
(AgapePress) - A Republican congressman wants Attorney General John Ashcroft to crack down on so-called "sanctuary cities" that forbid their local law enforcement officers from assisting in the apprehension of illegal aliens.Conservatives would likely argue that an attitude of anarchy is sweeping across America. Over the past few weeks, local authorities in California, New Mexico, New York, and Oregon have taken it upon themselves to desecrate the institution of marriage by performing -- or threatening to perform -- same-sex "wedding" ceremonies. In some cases, notably in San Francisco, the officials' actions have been in direct conflict with state law.
Now Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo is concerned that cities across America are also flaunting the nation's immigration laws.
"I would like to get [Ashcroft] to look into all of these cities that have declared themselves 'sanctuary cities' and all of these city council people who have essentially said that they will not allow their police force to help the [Immigration and Naturalization Service] in any way," Tancredo says. "If they find an illegal [immigrant], they won't report them to the INS."
And according to Tancredo, cities like College Park, Maryland, are allowing people to register to vote simply if they are a resident of the city -- no proof of U.S. citizenship is required.
"And that's not the only one. There are probably ten other cities in the nation that let you vote if are simply a resident," the congressman says. "You do not have to be a citizen of the United States, if you can imagine this going on -- but this is what's happening."
Tancredo says there are federal laws that prohibit aiding, assisting, and harboring illegal aliens -- and he wishes the Attorney General would enforce them.
