Sanctuaries for Illegals are Illegal

Every tax is a pay cut. Every tax cut is a pay raise.
Citizens for Limited Taxation

Sanctuaries for Illegal Aliens are Illegal December 15, 2003

Russell Gale Massachusetts Coalition for Immigration Reform

Mr. Lodge:
Regarding your story on Monday's meeting in Framingham; you indirectly quoted me as asking whether "Framingham would become a sanctuary for illegal immigrants." First, let me correct your terminology. If they are here illegally, they are not, by definition, immigrants. The legal term used by federal immigration law enforcement agencies is illegal alien. Whatever connotation some may erroneously believe that term to have, it is plain English and is part of the legal code. Your publication cannot sugar-coat the law, and attempting to do so is a disservice to your readers.
Secondly, Framingham cannot, of course, ever be a 'sanctuary' for those who violate any of our local, state, or federal laws. My question was: will Framingham declare itself to be a sanctuary for illegal aliens?
At last Thursday's meeting of the Framingham Human Relations Commission, I explained the serious liability issues that could arise for the Town and its officials if Framingham were to adopt such a policy, either officially or covertly. A sanctuary policy is clearly countermanded by legislation enacted by the US Congress in 1996. Those illegally present in the Town of Framingham will remain subject to arrest, detention, and removal by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Impeding such lawful actions or failure to cooperate are themselves serious violations of federal law. Are any Framingham officials and self-styled community leaders willing to engage in civil disobedience to test the constitutionality of federal immigration law? If so, I suggest they'd best be prepared to do some jail time.
Sincerely, Russell Gale ( Weymouth, MA )

Sanctuaries for Illegal Aliens are Illegal	December 15, 2003
Russell Gale	Massachusetts Coalition for Immigration Reform
Mr. Lodge: Regarding your story on Monday's meeting in Framingham; you indirectly quoted me as asking whether "Framingham would become a sanctuary for illegal immigrants." First, let me correct your terminology. If they are here illegally, they are not, by definition, immigrants. The legal term used by federal immigration law enforcement agencies is illegal alien. Whatever connotation some may erroneously believe that term to have, it is plain English and is part of the legal code. Your publication cannot sugar-coat the law, and attempting to do so is a disservice to your readers. Secondly, Framingham cannot, of course, ever be a 'sanctuary' for those who violate any of our local, state, or federal laws. My question was: will Framingham declare itself to be a sanctuary for illegal aliens? At last Thursday's meeting of the Framingham Human Relations Commission, I explained the serious liability issues that could arise for the Town and its officials if Framingham were to adopt such a policy, either officially or covertly. A sanctuary policy is clearly countermanded by legislation enacted by the US Congress in 1996. Those illegally present in the Town of Framingham will remain subject to arrest, detention, and removal by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Impeding such lawful actions or failure to cooperate are themselves serious violations of federal law. Are any Framingham officials and self-styled community leaders willing to engage in civil disobedience to test the constitutionality of federal immigration law? If so, I suggest they'd best be prepared to do some jail time. Sincerely, Russell Gale ( Weymouth, MA )

Send comments to: hjw2001@gmail.com