In the article, the AP interviewed one woman whose name appeared on the list – through a translator, the women describes her fear of being deported and plans to move back to Mexico. It is apparent, from the AP report that she is indeed here in the United States illegally, which, regardless of the way one “slices it”, is a crime – a Federal crime.
The concern from Utah State officials arises from the fact that “conservative Utah lawmakers” just might implement a law similar to Arizona’s, in January. The release of the list is characterized as a “witch-hunt”.
There is a reason why there is growing frustration among United States Citizens over illegal immigrants - this particular AP piece points out specific reasons why someone inside a State agency, any state agency might feel compelled to release such a list.
In the first place, the fact that Arizona felt compelled to sign into law, a statute that is not as stringent as the Federal Immigration laws it mirrors, is because the Federal Government has not enforced immigration laws – period. Further, should it not be a crime for the State of Utah to shield 1300 illegal immigrants from prosecution and deportment? All names on the list had Social Security numbers – a number that is offered to United States Citizens only - that indicates these Social Security numbers are falsified or stolen. Adding to the crime: illegal immigrants with a Social Security number are able to apply for and receive benefits from the Federal and State government, including welfare as well as disability, et al. The question: how many laws did the State of Utah break when knowingly aiding and abetting 1300 criminals break not one, but three Federal laws?
Yet, the focus of he AP artcile is on the fact that a crime may have been committed by a U.S. Citizen working for the State of Utah, should it be found that a state employee released a list of names of people who, for all intents and purposes, are criminals under the Federal Law? The punishment for releasing data of a personal nature?
(AP)
“Intentionally releasing a private record is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. If someone stole a protected record, it could be prosecuted as a felony with a penalty punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.”
The AP report concludes with this gem from the State’s Attorney General’s office: On wishing to discuss the release of sensitive documents by speaking to whomever released the list:
“If they are interested in making sure the law is followed — they should identify who they are and explain in detail how they obtained this information so we know whether or not they violated the law," said Paul Murphy, spokesman for Attorney General Mark Shurtleff.”
Only in the United States of America, as it currently stands, would it be a crime for someone to bring to light the fact that 1300 people are possibly committing several crimes, and that the State in which they reside, is complicit in the act.
What is a crime is the fact that the borders remain porous, and that the only way to actually begin a dialogue that would be constructive, would be to shut down the borders (north, south, and both coasts), offer those that are here illegally and contributing to the society, be it by working in those jobs U.S. Citizens don’t want to do (questionable in this economy), or residing here as a student, or even claiming political asylum (sorry Mexico), should be given the option for a limited time of either applying for citizenship, renouncing their country of origin and being fast tracked and given a legal social security card, or they could leave and come back with a visa in hand (this would require that they be granted immunity from being denied a visa for being here illegally in the first place.)
Criminals, those who inhabit our prisons, simply fly them back to their country of origin. (A deficit reduction) Border enforcement would be a job creator simply because to expedite the construction of a fence would require workers, to man the border would require agents. Those companies looking for cheap labor, could, under international agreements such as NAFTA, feel free to move to Mexico (many have), and those staying would hire from the pool of millions of unemployed citizens whose unemployment benefits cannot be extended indefinitely.
The aforementioned would take politicians who have the guts to agree to a form of “amnesty” which would allow for some compassion, and for those who are only enslaving the illegal immigrants in the hopes of getting a few more votes, an opportunity to redeem themselves with their constituents and actually be retain their jobs (this is regardless of political party). This is not something that is “too complicated to grasp” – it is simple in its design and simpler to implement – no need to form a commission to study it.
Therefore, whoever was responsible for pointing out the fact that the State of Utah is possibly involved in criminal activity – is, in a word, a patriot. To those who are crying foul, lawmakers for all intends and purposes (along side a few journalists), they should be looking at the agency closely and bringing charges against the individual or individuals who allowed this list to be developed in the first place, the use of which, by the State should also be questioned. Articles such as this and situations such as this is the reason there is so much angst and distrust over the handling of illegal immigration in the first place and the rise in Support for the State of Arizona.
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