Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Who is this Person in Rumpled Clothing?

How does a police officer have a reasonable idea that person could be an undocumented immigrant? Are there any specific rules that will help him judge this?

Could it be?

1. A person with black straight hair.
2. A person less than 5'7" tall.
3. Someone wearing clothing that looks like its from Goodwill?
4. Someone that prefers to speak a language other than English?

Actually this sounds like it could be an American college professor. I would encourage PWC police to be very cautious about who they pick up. One day it might be the wrong person - and a legal avalanche could fall down upon them.


At two a.m. Thursday (Oct 17) morning, Prince William County passed strong anti-immigration law - as other communities have done around the country. A comment by PWC Supervisor Martin Nohe that he was concerned the law would encourage discrimination is surprising considering the law passed unanimously:

Nohe: "We don't want to be the kind of community that even allows the image that racial profiling is taking place."

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Va. County OKs Immigration Crackdown
Washington Post
The Associated Press
Wednesday, October 17, 2007; 11:57 AM


MANASSAS, Va. -- One of the nation's toughest local crackdowns on illegal immigration was unanimously approved by Prince William County lawmakers early Wednesday after a 12-hour hearing marked by emotional testimony and scuffles.

The measures would deny certain county services to illegal immigrants, including business licenses, drug counseling, housing assistance and some services for the elderly. The county Board of Supervisors also gave police some funding to help them check the immigration status of anyone accused of breaking a law if an officer suspects the person is an illegal immigrant.

A group of 22 plaintiffs has already filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to block the measures. They claim the measures violate equal protection laws and that immigration enforcement is a federal matter.

Nearly 400 residents and immigrants spoke for and against the measures during the 12-hour session that extended past 2 a.m. Wednesday...

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