Inside report regarding Commission on Immigration Meeting Thursday.

  After hearing the discussion in this meeting, I realize just how little the commission really agrees upon or really knows. I think most agree that they should report the actual laws they discovered regarding immigration to the Mayor. Would to God that they would suggest that these laws be broadcast daily for several months to the entire community by radio and television, in English and Spanish.

Also, I realized what a complete lack of actual statistical data they have regarding undocumented aliens. Little surprise there, the key word being "undocumented!"
The idea of this Commission making recommendation based on hearsay, contradictory testimony, and incomplete data and facts is just ridiculous. Most evidence presented by citizens was anecdotal, relating to their experience, which should not be dismissed by any means, but is only an indicator of the problem. If anything, I think the lack of valid statistical information is what is missing and unavailable especially for the local government.  Not that it can't be rooted out, but it is not readily available. Clearly, much of the statistical information they have is based on partial information. Perhaps a recommendation to gather statistical data in our jails, our schools, or medical centers, and from police regarding traffic and other records would be helpful (my idea).

The Commission had some slightly heated debates between Commonwealth Attorney Ray Larson and a couple other Commission members. Clearly Mr. Larson has a problem with folks breaking the law to enter this country and then breaking other laws. I think most of us have the same problem.

A few Commission members brought up other ideas not yet even discussed, which clearly hindered progress on the other ideas already on their agenda.

If I could say but one thing about the state of this Commission, I would have to say that they have had insufficient time and research to strongly recommend much of anything to the Mayor. Little consensus seemed likely at this point and a clear division of ideas regarding immigration was evident. One member, a U.K. Sociology professor passionately stated that the current immigration law was broken and bad in his opinion. Others  were appalled at the suggestion that the law was bad.

Good news was that an I.C.E. official was coming to talk with the Commission about 287g. Bad news, many on the council have made up their minds that 287g is not necessary before hearing all the facts.

I was shocked that the threat of terrorists among illegals was not even mentioned, especially since the 2010 World Equestrian Games is coming, even though one black member of the Commission related that public safety was his main concern. Clearly, many of these folks have not had time to hear or think of all the aspects of illegal immigration and its affects financially, morally, politically, and regarding public safety. The commission had heard from the police chief and deputy who seemed to leave them with mixed information, saying 287g was not needed in contradiction to testimony they heard from me at the last public session where I testified that a group of police officers, including Major Bossey, a Captain, Lieutenant, and others had indicated a desire to have this extra tool of 287g to deal with the problem. But they also told us it was up to us to persuade their leaders that it was needed. Chiefs and Indians didn't agree. I could go on, but sleep calls.

Anyway, just thought I'd share those thoughts.

Doug Roy