[S] Secure Communities

Dear Friends, As I have mentioned before, President Obama has deported more immigrants than his predecessor. Under a program called "Secure Communities", the Obama Administration has enlisted the help of local law enforcement agencies in its effort to deport illegal immigrants. The Obama Administration claims that the program is designed to deport illegal immigrants who have committed dangerous crimes and pose a safety risk to their communities. Initially a number of high profile local politicians supported the program. They agreed with the stated goals ane were assured that the program would not be used to deport illegal immigrants with minor violations such as traffic tickets. Unfortunately, the program has resulted in the deportation of many illegal immigrants who could not in any way be considered dangerous criminals. As a result, the Secure Communities program has lost most of its local support. The Mayor of Boston, Thomas Menino, who was an early supporter has now said that it is eroding public safety and trust between the police and the many immigrant communities in Boston. Mr. Menino wants to withdraw from the program but the Obama Administration is taking the position that they cannot. Unfortunately, we have another case of the Obama Administration being overzealous in an attempt to out Republican the Republicans. Of course, our immigration laws should be enforced but they should be enforced in a humane way and with great discretion. It seems incredibly unfair to deport a family because of a traffic stop and then defend Donald Rumsfeld who has committed war crimes. Why won't this President defend those that have no power instead of those with the power? Thanks for reading and please comment, The Unabashed Liberal