Immigration Reform And Law Enforcement

The news of President Obama’s executive orders regarding immigration reform has sparked attention from law enforcement agencies across the country. While law enforcement officials in some states have pursued aggressive policies toward undocumented immigrants, others view the President’s actions as an opportunity to create a dialogue between their offices and community groups. Immigration reform was a major point of discussion of a press call hosted by the National Immigration Forum, a non-profit group dedicated to studying the impact of immigration laws.

Immigration Reform And Crime Reporting

A leading law enforcement official went on record in support of the President’s immigration reform measures during the press call. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Chief James R. Lopez hailed the move as a means to open the lines of communication between undocumented immigrants and law enforcement agencies. Chief Lopez stated that the President’s actions toward immigration reform may allow undocumented immigrants the chance to assist officers in crime reporting and prevention, without fear of those same officers arresting them and passing their cases on to federal immigration authorities.

Immigration Reform And Communities

Chief Richard Biehl of the Dayton, Ohio, Police Department also welcomed the discussion on immigration reform. Chief Biehl stated the need for a “clarity of priorities” when it comes to immigration enforcement. He said that the current system creates an air of distrust between immigrants and law enforcement and “fragments” families torn between the two sides. Chief Biehl also noted that immigration reform would “promote public safety” by quelling the fears of “law abiding community members” while “removing persons (who pose) significant threats to the community.”

Immigration Reform And Religious Leaders

Religious leaders have also spoken out on the impact of immigration reform on their communities and congregations. Rev. Gabriel Salguero, president of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, called the executive orders on immigration reform a “welcome relief,” but said that they do not “(solve) the real challenges of a broken immigration system.” Pastor Zach Szmara of the Bridge Community Church in Logansport, Indiana, called the President’s actions a “positive first step” regarding current immigration practices in which “families are broken apart.”

Sources: Latin Post

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