Wash. groups forge compact for immigration reform
YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) — Leaders in Washington's agriculture, business and faith communities have joined together to announce a new compact in support of immigration reform.
The compact draws from similar efforts in other states, including Arizona, Colorado and Utah.
Former Congressman Sid Morrison says the compact does not focus on details, such as amnesty for illegal immigrants, but rather on values that are essential to resolving the issues associated with reform.
It urges Washington's congressional delegation and others to protect U.S borders, while developing a program that supports businesses, families and immigrant communities and creates a fair path to legal status for illegal immigrants.
The compact also calls for local law enforcement to focus on criminal activities instead of civil violations of federal code, such as immigration violations.
The compact draws from similar efforts in other states, including Arizona, Colorado and Utah.
Former Congressman Sid Morrison says the compact does not focus on details, such as amnesty for illegal immigrants, but rather on values that are essential to resolving the issues associated with reform.
It urges Washington's congressional delegation and others to protect U.S borders, while developing a program that supports businesses, families and immigrant communities and creates a fair path to legal status for illegal immigrants.
The compact also calls for local law enforcement to focus on criminal activities instead of civil violations of federal code, such as immigration violations.
Americans are now having to live with the sequester cuts. Cuts to military spending, medicare, education, etc. I would like to know the percent of our 11 million illegals getting welfare, medical benefits, educations benefits, medicare, medicaid and in our penal system. Illegal is illegal, are some crimes OK, without consequences.  There has to be a solution that prevents seniors, the military, police and firefighters to suffer loss of earned benefits.  If you want to live here..come here legally, .learn the language, support yourself and contribute in a positive way.