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“If you’re here illegally, you shouldn’t be here illegally.”

Posted by Rick Honcho

April 2, 2008

The governor says the state is facing its worst financial crisis since a series of bank and credit union collapses in the early 90’s, so he has proposed cutting school funding, reducing welfare and health care benefits, letting prisoners out of jail early–plus he has signed an order that requires state agencies and companies that do business with the state to verify the legal status of employees. It directs the state police and prison and parole officials to more aggressively find and deport illegal immigrants.

No, I’m not talking about Governor Schwarzenegger of California. I’m talking about Rhode Island Governor Don Carcieri. He says he understands illegal immigrants face hardships, but he does not want them in Rhode Island. He says “If you’re here illegally, you shouldn’t be here illegally.”

According to USA Today, programs in New York and Arizona aimed at cutting the prison sentences of certain illegal immigrant inmates so they can be deported faster have federal officials urging other states to adopt similar policies. Officials in those two states say they have saved millions of dollars by turning over for early deportation some non-violent immigrant criminals who have served at least half of their sentences.

Here in California, we’re facing a severe budget deficit, too, but Governor Schwarzenegger calls it “a big mistake” to blame illegal immigrants. So, while the Rhode Island governor has signed an executive order which includes a series of steps to combat illegal immigration, he has proposed cutting school funding, reducing welfare and health care benefits as well.

Assembly Republicans here in California, have put forth nearly two dozen bills that would reduce the negative impact that illegal immigrants have on our state budget. But legislative Democrats have vowed to block the package of bills, and accuse Republicans of using illegal immigrants as scapegoats.

So, while other states, like Rhode Island, Arizona, New York, Oklahoma and so many others are tackling the problem of illegal immigration head on –and doing something about it –California’s Democrat lawmakers, and it’s Republican governor, are keeping the welcome mat out. “C’mon in, California’s taxpayers will take care of ya”….while we cut funding for our kids in school.”