Obama Administration Delivers Knock-Out Punch to Arizona- Punishment for Obeying and following the Laws.

United States House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary

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Press Releases                         Smith: Administration Delivers Knock-Out Punch to Arizona For Immediate Release June 25, 2012 Contact: Jessica Baker, 202-225-3951 Smith: Administration Delivers Knock-Out Punch to Arizona Washington, D.C. – The Obama administration today announced that it will suspend the 287(g) program for all Arizona jurisdictions, a program that allows state and local governments to partner with the federal government to assist in the enforcement of immigration laws.  The 287(g) program has identified tens of thousands of illegal immigrants in jails and prisons nationwide.   The Administration also announced that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials in Arizona have been directed not to respond to the requests from state and local police officers for assistance in enforcing immigration laws unless the individual meets DHS so-called “enforcement priorities.” House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) issued the statement below criticizing the Obama administration’s decision. Chairman Smith:  “States took a hit in today’s Supreme Court decision when it comes to their ability to enforce immigration laws and keep their communities safe from illegal immigrants.  But to add insult to injury, the Obama administration followed up the case with a knockout punch that could send Arizona reeling backwards on immigration enforcement and border security. President Obama’s decision to suspend Arizona’s 287(g) agreement and ignore their calls for help shows that this Administration cares little about the enforcement of our immigration laws.  “This decision insults the majority of Americans who want to see our laws enforced and is dangerous to the citizens of Arizona.  But this move comes as no surprise since President Obama has a pattern of abusing his authority to allow illegal immigrants to remain in the U.S.  Under President Obama’s direction, the federal government will no longer deport potentially millions of illegal immigrants and instead will provide them with work permits.  And under this Administration, worksite enforcement has dropped 70%, allowing illegal immigrants to keep working in the U.S. while 13 million Americans are unemployed.  “President Obama’s record shows that he cannot be trusted to enforce our immigration laws and secure the border.  He continues to place illegal immigrants and pro-amnesty groups ahead of the interests of the American people.  And as a result, states and taxpayers are forced the bear the costs of President Obama’s partisan politics and failed policies.”