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April 2, 2008

Governor disagrees with clergy's view on immigration order

Governor Carcieri responded today to remarks delivered by local religious leaders asking that he rescind the executive order he signed last week on illegal immigration in Rhode Island.

“First and foremost, I respect the opinions of Bishop Tobin, Rabbi Flam and Reverend Anderson,” Governor Carcieri said. “I know and admire their work in our community and I am happy to meet with them to discuss this issue.”

“Unfortunately, I must respectfully disagree with their position on illegal immigration in Rhode Island,” the governor said.

“While I sympathize with the plight of illegal immigrants in America, I also believe that a nation must have laws and controls on its borders. We cannot simply leave our borders open to all comers.”

This afternoon, more than 40 clergy members from various denominations gathered outside the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul and applauded as Rabbi Flam described the governor’s order as poor public policy that will have "unintended negative consequences’’ including more "discrimination against people of color and immigrants in Rhode Island.’’

Carcieri signed the six-point order last Thursday saying it will enable “a vast array of state government agencies” to address illegal immigration in Rhode Island.

-- Journal and projo.com staff

Posted by Andrea Panciera  at 4:37 PM | Permalink

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Bill M | April 2, 2008 4:54 PM link

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