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April 9, 2008

Carcieri, in chat, explains scope of immigration order

PROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri, in a live chat with projo.com readers today, explained in several instances the scope of his recent executive order aimed at dealing with illegal immigration.

Asked if he has authority to withhold state money from cities and towns "who do not enforce your executive order," Carcieri said he does not. The state legislature appropriates budget money, the governor added, saying "it is important to remember that my executive order only applies directly to state departments and agencies."

Another person, expressing support for the governor's order, asked how it can be enforced if officials including the Providence mayor and police chief have said they do not intend to comply.

The order "only applies directly to state officials. I've asked for local officials to do the same," Carcieri replied. "But I can only ask."

The governor was asked if he will "please also ensure that the children of illegal aliens do not become U.S. citizens." However, Carcieri explained that under law, if children are born in the country, they are automatically American citizens.

Asked by another participant what the governor plans to do "with all the children that have to be taken in by the state" if all illegal immigrants are arrested and sent home, Carcieri responded that nothing in his executive order "talks about or suggests an initiative designed to detain or arrest all illegal immigrants."

Rather, the governor added, the order defines procedures that state law enforcers will use "when they encounter illegal immigrants in the course of their normal business."

Could the governor's executive order be reversed by future governors? Yes, Carcieri said, adding, "That's why it is important that people support legislation that has been proposed by several senators and representatives" in the General Assembly that would put some of its provisions into law. He urged people to call their state lawmakers to do so.

Several bills are going before the House Judiciary Committee today.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Has the governor thought of the money the state could get by helping illegal immigrants, with licenses alone adding a "ton of money into the state, with permit fees, license fees, and car insurance?" another questioner said.

Carcieri replied he supports the idea of the federal government issuing more work permits, but state government can't issue them. He added that income from license fees "would be minimal, in my judgment, in comparison to the financial inpact in our schools, hospitals, prisons, and social service agencies."

For more of the questions answered by the governor, read the transcript of the the chat session.

Extra: The
full text of Carcieri's executive order on illegation immigration

Special report: Continuing coverage of the immigration debate

Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:24 PM | Permalink

April 9, 2008

Carcieri, in chat, explains scope of immigration order

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